October is when I really start romanticizing the everyday. As the days get cooler and routines shift, I find myself drawn to the little things that make this time of year feel special — from cozy comforts and thoughtful rituals to new discoveries that quickly become part of my daily rotation. This month’s Founder Fixations are a collection of things I’m loving, reaching for, and finding inspiration in lately.
Where I Ate: da Barbara
There’s nothing I love more than finding a restaurant that becomes an instant favorite, and da Barbara was just that. It's a charmingly cozy Italian gem with only 9 tables total between the upstairs and downstairs. I’m still thinking about the homemade lobster tortellini with a brown butter sauce, which was genuinely life-changing. Owner and head chef Barbara Pollastrini makes every single piece of scrumptious food herself each day (hence why they're only open 4 days a week), and you taste the love in every bite! It was the kind of meal that reminds me why I love food and trying new restaurants in the first place.
What I Did: Went to Carolyn Schiff’s Cookbook Tour Event
It’s not news that I’m 1. a foodie and 2. a cookbook collector, so when I learned about pastry chef Caroline Schiff’s Los Angeles stop for her “Daily Dessert: Treats on Repeat” tour, I had to go. It was a blast! The event was at this fab Italian restaurant in Melrose Hill called Ètra, she signed my cookbook as I fangirled, then we ordered din and devoured her desserts. We had her Pomegranate Olive Oil Counter Cake and Grape Frangipane Tart. Sometimes an outing like this is exactly what the soul needs.
What I Listened To: “Friends Keep Secrets” Podcast
Discovering and listening to cool podcasts (especially ones with a visual component) gives me such joy. Not only do I love to constantly learn, but the interviews fuel me with inspo. I recently watched The Julia Louis-Dreyfus Episode of “Friends Keep Secrets” on YouTube and was thoroughly entertained. It’s hosted by celeb-friends Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky, and Kristin Batalucco who have laidback chats with Hollywood stars. Granted, the hosts may not have the most mature sense of humor, but they have fascinating minds, so I was hooked.
What I Read: “Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe” by Laura Lynne Jackson
I’ve always believed in signs, but recently, one brought me to my knees. My maternal grandma and late momma’s favorite flower (and naturally, mine too) was a gardenia, but they don’t grow in my LA neighborhood. I can’t emphasize enough how rare these are to see in the “wild” — they’re not like, say, a bougainvillea tree you’d see anywhere here. Well, during a particularly hard week, after always asking my mom for signs that she’s with me, the universe placed one singular fresh gardenia flower upright in my path on the sidewalk where I was walking to take out the trash. I picked it up in disbelief, and it’s been on my bookshelf ever since, now withered but still so special; all this to say, I now keep this affirming book on my nightstand to reach for every night before bed.
How I Shopped: Regenerated Family Jewelry, Antique & Gifted Gold Rings
I’m not much of a jewelry person, but over the years, I’ve collected a gorgeous assortment of gold rings passed down through family or given to me as gifts. This month, I brought them to a longtime jeweler friend for a refresh, having some reset and others resized. I’m a minimalist at heart, so there’s something addictive about upcycling what I already own to give it new life. And now I have a collection of stunning gold rings that I can mix and match on different fingers whenever the mood strikes.
What I Watched: “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix
There aren’t many modern feel-good shows quite like “Nobody Wants This.” From the endearing storyline to Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s natural chemistry to the brilliant wit of the supporting characters, it’s escapism for me. So much so that I binged the entire new season in less than a day — probably 10 hours, almost straight through. The only regret I have in watching it so fast is that now I have to wait for season 4.
What I Wore: Black Leather Loafers & Anklet Socks
My October uniform is all about the little styling details, as you may have gleaned from my aforementioned gold ring resurgence. Lately, I’m also loving my black leather loafers (I splurged and bought mine from The Row) paired with thin, luxe ribbed anklet socks. It’s a simple, modern, and feminine way to make everyday outfits feel a bit more polished while still keeping things comfortable. It’s a yes for me!
Come back to The Smish on the last Sunday of every month for the latest in our new Founder Fixations series.
