Where New York’s Young Creatives Shop

From Fiorucci in the early ‘80s to Opening Ceremony in the 2000s, throughout New York history, various boutiques have become more than just places to shop—they have become arbiters of style and centers of artistic community, outfitting the city’s cool kids and helping to define the aesthetics we associate with iconic fashion eras. For today’s downtown creative class, Café Forgot is that store. With a hand-selected curation of oftentimes handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces from emerging designers by the store’s co-founders, Lucy Weisner and Vita Haas, Café Forgot has become an important marker in the New York fashion landscape. 

As one of the forces helping to shape the look of the downtown scene, we asked both Weisner and Haas to provide a few of their personal wardrobe essentials and current obsessions. Yesterday, we sent out Weisner’s (which included the perfect pair of lowrise slacks, so check that out here) and today Haas shares her favorite Upper East Side eatery, the bedsheets worth a splurge, and the book she nearly destroyed while reading. — Maraya

LATELY ON COVETEUR

5 X 5

5 Things Vita Haas Is Currently Into Based on the 5 Senses

👁️ Sight 👀

In a Lonely Place: The last book I read and loved was In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes. My friend, Johnny, lent it to me, and I accidentally destroyed it because I brought it to so many locations and read it so passionately. Writing this is a good reminder that I need to buy him a new copy. Anyway, it's a 1950s thriller. Super captivating and cinematic. Plus, it feels better than watching a true crime documentary on TV: Less dirty.

🎧 Sound 👂

LST: LST is my favorite artist. Her music has been described as “bedroom pop” but I just love how it is folkie, poppy, and also minimal. We always play her songs at Café Forgot.

👅 Taste 😋

Persepolis: I'm obsessed with this restaurant Persepolis on the Upper East Side. I'd never had Persian food until I met my boyfriend a year ago. He's part Iranian, and he grew up eating at Persepolis. We started going there a lot, and now I crave one dish in particular. No matter what time of day it is or how full I am, I always have room in my stomach for the ghormeh sabzi over tahdig.

👃 Smell 😶‍🌫️

Everyday Oil: Mainstay Blend: I love the Everyday Oil I got from the Salter House location in the east village. I use it in my hair, but I know other people like to put it everywhere: face, body, etc. When I use it, people literally stop me and ask what fragrance I'm wearing because it smells so good. It also makes my hair much softer, which I really need because my hair gets super knotty and hard to manage in the winter.

🤌 Feel 🤏 

Bliss and Mischief Flat Sheet in Baby Rose Gardenia: I got a floral bed set from Bliss And Mischief last year. It was more than I would think to spend on bedsheets, but it's 100% organic cotton sateen, and it’s only gotten softer and more luxurious over time. I have a small studio apartment, so when I open the door I immediately see the bed, and it makes such a difference to see those cute floral bed sheets.

VITA’S WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

In general, I like to wear clothes that are unique, and I always want to support small designers. 

Gabe Gordon Space Dyed Hoodie: I'm in love with the Gabe Gordon Spaced Dyed Hoodie because it's so incredibly warm. It has a gorgeous blend of colors and a nice cinched waist. 

Raimundo Langlois Dark Bootcut Jean: The Raimundo Jeans I just can't get enough of. The super low rise is really popular right now. It's refreshing after wearing high-waisted pants for so many years. 

Pretties The Horoscope Heart Reissue: I always return to my Pretties Horoscope Heart Top because it's flattering and soft enough to sleep in. 

Giu Giu Nonna Pants: Giu Giu clothing is super high quality, and the pants come in the most beautiful colors. I find myself wearing their green Nonna Pants three days in a row in the winter. 

Hoka Bondi 8: I wear my Hokas every day because they go with everything (simple black sneakers) and they are beyond comfortable.

VANITY

Vita Haas’s Beauty Go-To’s

I don’t wear much makeup, but I do try to accentuate my eyes. I feel confident and attractive when my eyelashes are curled, and when I go out, I like to dress it up with sparkles. Beverly’s opened up by Café Forgot, and she has the loveliest pieces for home (i.e. the soft towel). I can’t resist stopping in there sometimes!

Luxury/Splurge: Beverly's Towel

Drugstore Discovery: Tweezerman Deluxe Eyelash Curler

Cult Classic: Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, Royal Blue

Indie Option: Boyish Locked Eyebrow Gel

All Time Ole Reliable: Kaja Moon Crystal Weightless, Jelly Sparkling Eye Pigment

HOT TAKE

“Helena Bonham Carter has been wearing pants underneath skirts and dresses for years, and I believe now is the time for us all to do that!” – Vita Haas

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