The Marni Effect, A Cold-Plunge Cult & More
Lots going on in this week's For Your Consideration, Vo. 5
Hello, lovely B Listers!
Welcome to what I believe is the first-ever Friday B List — I know we ride or die for our Thursday newsletter, but I chose to postpone this week because I knew I’d be attending something special on Thursday night that I wanted to include it in today’s roundup. Long story short, I visited a new social sauna that felt more like a cult than a wellness class — but, in a great way? More on that below.
The rest of today’s For Your Consideration curation is largely fashion-focused, with a smattering of trend watch, brand appreciation, and even a sample sale haul (RIP MH </3).
I hope you brought your appetite — read on for a marvelous five-course meal of musings and market picks.
The Marni Effect
Nothing profound to say here, other than that I’m in a really Marni mood as of late. If you haven’t had the chance to properly fangirl for the brand beyond their popular Tropicalia market totes, allow me to highlight some high summer standouts, including netted knits, citrus hues, and if-you-know-you-know accessories.
Pictured above: the stunning Green Leather Small Tunnel Hobo Bag ($1,950); the bottom bit of an Orange and Green Printed Organic Poplin Shirt ($1050) paired with the Green Organic Cotton Net Midi Skirt ($995); Paloma looking sun-kissed in a knit bralette; the signature Tropicalia Small Bag in White Leather and Raffia-Effect Fabric ($1295); a stripey set from the SS24 show; my dream shoes, the Light Blue Satin Petal Espadrillas ($417, originally $695); and the getaway-worthy Orange Kea Island Sunglasses ($385).
Dot O’Clock
Plain and simple, polka dots aren’t my thing. They’ve always given me Minnie Mouse vibes, and I’ve never been able to successfully style them without feeling cheesy. But the fashion world begs to differ, and has been doing so since Spring 2023, when Valentino, Thom Brown, and Proenza Schouler all incorporated dots into their collections. Cue Saint Laurent’s Spring and Summer 2024 campaign imagery, and polka dots are capital-B Back.
I can’t say for sure I’ll be leaning in, but I do have my eye on the Marc Jacobs spotted Sack Bag, and my sister just nabbed a great dress from Abercrombie. Below, some polka picks for those who dare to dot.
From Reformation, the Niri Silk Top ($168)
Abercrombie’s One-Shoulder Chiffon Mini Dress ($59.99, originally $80)
By Marc Jacobs, The Spots XL Sack Bag ($795)
AFRM’s Nina Top ($38)
From Larroudé Miso Polka Dot Patent Leather Platform Mules ($315)
The Reiss Remie Polka Dot Ruched Strapless Top ($240)
I Accidentally Joined A Cold Plunge Cult
…And I’m surprisingly OK with it? I got invited to attend a pre-launch class at Othership, a unique social sauna experience that started in Toronto and has a massive facility in Flatiron opening later this month. It boasts not only the largest group sauna in New York City — it can fit 90 people! — but also the coldest ice baths in North America. [And before you ask, no, it’s not really a cult. To my knowledge, anyway.]
Othership was established as an space to socialize and connect in a sober setting, reap the benefits of hot + cold therapy, and maybe even achieve enlightenment, if you’re lucky. I survived a 20-minute sauna sesh that included mindfulness preachings, towel waving, breathwork practices, gua sha techniques and aromatic snowballs, followed by a two-minute cold plunge in baths kept between 33-39°F.
I’m a cold plunge fanatic, and even I couldn’t last more than 30 seconds — but the experience was a wonderful opportunity for tech-free reflection and relaxation. Decidedly woo-woo in all the right ways, Othership won’t be for everyone, but those who like, will love.
Before and after the guided sauna/plunge sesh, attendees had the opportunity to relax and connect in a moody tea room (no phones allowed!). After our plunge, we sat for a group share, and someone even cried (props to her for the vulnerability).
I don’t consider myself someone that’s highly susceptible to joining a cult, but it’s safe to say Othership could rope me in if they really wanted to. I’ll be back!
The Last Mara Hoffman Sample Sale — Like, Ever
Mara Hoffman recently announced that she is shuttering her namesake label of 24 years. As a major fan of the brand (see a recent look from Jamaica, and a Barbiecore set I wore to NYFW in 2022) and Hoffman’s dedication to sustainability in a wildly unsustainable industry, the announcement broke my heart. I’ll be waiting patiently to see Hoffman’s next move, but for now, the brand’s site is still active, although all purchases are final sale.
Here in New York, 260SampleSale is hosting the final MH sale now through Sunday (information is here), and I stopped by yesterday to pay my respects, a.k.a. shop. The items were far more discounted at the sale (I paid $600 total for four stunning pieces!) but all of my picks are still available online, so I thought I’d include them here for anyone who might want to invest in a final piece of Mara magic.
My buys: Lisha Dress ($795); Muriel Top ($395); Raquel Dress ($415, originally $595); Roxana Top ($425)
Stuff You Should See (SYSS)
This ridiculously chic COS Asymmetric Brooch-Detail Blouse ($99). Brooches and metal accents are basically built-in jewelry for minimalist dressers.
The Melissa + Marc Jacobs collab dropped this week, and the Becky Platforms in Gold ($195) boast just the right amount of logomania for a fun summer sandal.
I went to an event to learn more about the new Haus Labs Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick ($34), and the formula exceeded expectations. Sarah Tan, Lady Gaga’s MUA, looked amazing in this shade, “Rosette”.
A lot of you wanted the link to the sadly-sold-out blue dress I wore last weekend. Luckily, & Other Stories just dropped a similar style in the same dreamy shade of blue — the Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress ($139).
One last thing: Should I treat myself to these Marni clogs? Just something I’m thinking about. Might have to review my Anatomy of a Splurge checklist to decide. Quite a few of you have told me you now check in with the list before a Big Buy, which I really love to hear.
x BG
i’m gonna vote ‘yes’ on the clogs