It’s Time To Get a Big Girl Bag

If you are in the market for elevated basics, creator and author of the Gut Feelings Substack Laura Jung has got you covered. From the perfect 100% cotton baby tee to the big girl bag that actually holds everything you need in a day, here are the wardrobe essentials she recommends, as well as the drugstore styling gel she swears by and luxurious moisturizer worth the splurge. — Maraya

SIGHT

The Taste of Things (2024): I recently saw a screening of The Taste of Things at IFC Center. My god, it was the most beautiful moving picture I've seen in a very long time, a true celebration of sensory delights. It is romantic, sensuous, languorous, tender, rich, and aching all in one, and I will be thinking about this film for a long, long time.

SOUND

Solfeggio Frequencies: My mom got me really into the Solfeggio frequencies and she swears by 432 Hz frequency for optimal sleep. I've been winding down to a frequency of 528 Hz to calm my nervous system, relieve anxiety, and just de-stress when I'm at home. They say that 528 Hz is the "miracle frequency" because of its ability to stimulate the production of a protein called nitric oxide, which is essential for repairing DNA. I don't know how much I believe this but listening to it is definitely transformative! Look up "Miracle Tones" on streaming apps and thank me later :)

TASTE

Wildair: My favorite restaurant in New York is Wildair. It's a classic and the blueprint for all the natural wine bars that are popping up all over the city. They're a tried and true favorite, with an incredible wine list, a cool crowd, and a menu full of creativity, ease, and flavor.

SMELL

Eidesis Eau de Perfume by Aēsop: I have been gravitating towards earthy, woodsy scents lately, and I am obsessed with the Eidesis Eau de Perfume by Aēsop. It's so unique and grounding, and I want my whole life to smell like this! In the same vein, but a bit of a sexier vibe is their Miraceti scent. These two are in my rotation the most right now.

FEEL

Khaite Snake Print Leather Pants: Recently, I've been loving these snake print leather pants I purchased from Khaite. It's an older style and sold out pretty much everywhere but I love how leather pants can make me feel so put together and sexy but because of the snake print I can dress it up or down, minimal or spunky.

LAURA’S ESSENTIALS

Flore Flore White Car T-Shirt: Finding the perfect baby tee is almost as hard as finding the perfect white t-shirt. I love this one from Flore Flore; it’s made from 100% cotton, is form-fitting, and has a high neckline that makes it perfect for layering! I'm all about fit and material when it comes to basics, and these fit the bill.

Levi’s 501® '90s Women's Jeans: Finding the perfect pair of vintage Levi's can oftentimes be a process. These 90s new Levi's are 100% cotton and have a vintage fit to them so they make for the perfect pair of jeans. I love the longer 32' inseam because I'm tall and can wear these with flats or heels and always look cool.

Studio Nicholson Off-White Holin Trench Coat: Trench season is upon us and it's overwhelming how many options we have when it comes to shopping for one these days. I love the lighter color on this one and its single-breasted, boxy silhouette that has a menswear feel to it. I have been wearing this every day this past week and I can't get enough!

Janessa Leoné Ronan Belt: A sturdy leather belt can break up any bland outfit and make it look more textured and nuanced. I love the worn silver hardware on this one—it has a vintage feel and is timeless.

Bottega Veneta Medium Andiamo: I'm so over mini bags. I just want a big bag that can carry everything I need throughout the day and not have to end up carrying things in smaller bags. This is the perfect wardrobe essential when I want to feel like a big girl. It's so chic, understated and elevated. 

“People who don't have hobbies scare me. To me, it's the biggest red flag. And no, going out to restaurants is not a hobby.”

Laura Jung

VANITY

Luxury/Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: This is my go-to face cream all year long! She's pricy but she's insanely luxurious and hydrating and never pills. I also love that it's unscented, which makes it even better as a base before you layer on sunscreen and makeup.

Drugstore Discovery: Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel: I'm not really good at styling my own hair, but I do know how to do the perfect slick back. This gel is so affordable, easy to work with, and has a strong hold without looking like you're wearing much product at all. One tube lasts for a very long time and I bring it with me everywhere!

Cult Classic: MAC Lip Pencil: Mac lipliners have been a cult favorite for so many of us for so many reasons. I like buffing it out when I need an easy lip color or lining my lips and using a lipstick or gloss over for a more dressy occasion.  This brick color is universally flattering and makes me feel so sexy!!

Indie Option: Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist: Ok, I don't know if this brand counts as indie but they're definitely under the radar and one of those if-you-know-you-know brands. This rosewater spray smells delicious and is the perfect pick-me-up whenever I'm hitting that midday slump. It's so hydrating and the spray diffuser is one of the best I've come across, which is important to me. It's the little things!

All Time Ole Reliable: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: Holy grail vitamin C serum for a radiant complexion and maybe the only serum I'll keep using over and over again, especially as I enter my late twenties and start to look into anti-aging products!

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