Welcome to MIDDI
Meet the new classics for your beauty routine, wardrobe and home.
We all know money takes a while to earn. It also takes a while to learn how to spend it. When you first start shopping for yourself, you buy what you want right now, not thinking about what you might want, need or even like later on.
As you get older, you get a better idea of your own personal taste and style. “Is this cool?” becomes “Is this me?” From there, you start to decide what’s really worth the money. It doesn’t have to be the one thing everyone wants, just the one thing you want to see hanging in your closet, sitting on a shelf in your bathroom or decorating your home months or years from now.
Each week, you can expect three product recommendations that fit this philosophy. So let’s kick things off with updated spins on three essentials: a day serum, a black trouser and a sleek vase to complete a tablescape. These are all classics you’ll turn to time and time again.
And—for what it’s worth—they’re pretty cool, too.
1. Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum ($36)
A vitamin C serum helps with the first signs of aging, brightens the skin and enhances the performance of SPF. If you’re going to add anything “extra” to your daytime skincare routine, let it be a vitamin C serum. Founded in 2019 by Desiree Verdejo, Hyper Skin’s signature multitasking product combines ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with additional actives like kojic acid, turmeric root extract, fruit enzymes and salicylic acid to create an effective but gentle formula. I first tried this lightweight gel last year and it’s glowing results make it perfect for embracing 2021’s “skinimalism” trend.
2. Saint + Sofia Chelsea Pant (£68, promotion)
After a year+ at home, the idea of putting on a stiff pair of jeans or trousers for work or travel may feel like a bridge too far, but then there’s Saint + Sofia. Launched last year by Malcolm and Dessi Bell, they make comfortable, sustainable wardrobe staples that sell out fast, like the black trousers you’ve probably had some version of since landing your first job. The Chelsea Pant (seen here in a culotte and also available in full length) is made from Ponte Di Roma jersey to keep them soft and wrinkle free, finished with buttons for a more polished look.
3. OYOY Toppu Vase (£68)
Everyone needs a nice vase, and not just the free one that came with that arrangement you received on your last birthday. Choose one with a bit of personality, meaning it looks good empty or full, especially if storage space in your home is limited. OYOY was founded in 2012 by Lotte Fynboe and is a celebration of classic Danish design, combining beauty with functionality. I purchased the black and white version of the striped Toppu Vase (seen here in caramel). It reminded me a bit of Jonathan Adler’s pottery, but also suits the minimalist Japandi style.
Something to think about …
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. If you’re not familiar, I highly suggest listening to this episode of the NPR podcast Code Switch.