REPORT #1: I projectile vomited in Cabo
+ my favorite things that I'd repurchase in a heartbeat
If you’re an OG from my pre-Substack newsletter, you’ll remember I fan-girled over Marianna Hewitt’s (
) weekly “Instagram Report” (and just generally love her). Here’s a report of what I’m obsessed with lately - from what I’m reading and streaming, to products that were so good, I’d buy them again!Quick PSA: If this post was sent to you by a friend, today is the last day to subscribe to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a gift bag from this year’s HBD SFK LFG. It includes a full size jar of Sol De Janeiro, a prayer candle, custom HBD SFK RIP matches, and sooo much more!
READING: If you follow me, you know I am a huge fan of vision boarding. My friend Dianna Cohen, the founder of my favorite hair care company, Crown Affair, wrote a whole post in her Substack,
on how mood-boarding helped her come up with the branding for Crown Affair Brand System. Believe it or not, I’m starting a brand new project (!!!) so this weekend I will be going to the Whitney Biennial and then down a Pinterest rabbit hole to get my inspiration flowing. It’s remarkable how whenever I have been able to visualize something, I can make it into a reality.
EATING: I typically go to Little Ruby’s Cafe West Village for brunch, but it has also become my neighborhood spot for dinner. My recommendations include the chicken avocado salad, the burger (which could possibly rival my favorite burger at Pastis) and the spicy vodka pasta. On days where I’m not eating out, I’ve been really enjoying Factor meals – but *actually* Felix is obsessed with them. They are healthy, delicious and come already prepared, so you can just heat them up and go. Use my code SERENAKERRIGAN50 for 50% off your first box (6 meals) and 20% off the following month. (I want to disclose that I am partnering with them – but I am not being paid to include in this in my Substack, so trust me when I say, they fucking fuck.)
PROUD OF: Plan B One Step gave me the opportunity to write and direct (and star and produce) my own mini series, which no brand has ever done before. They approached me with this idea 10 months ago (this just goes to show you how long branded content can take from conception to completion). We went intro production in January and then I posted an episode each week, with the season finale airing on Tuesday.
While Plan B One-Step initially shared a creative brief, they really let me do my own thing creatively, given that making elevated branded content is my bread and butter. When thinking of the story I wanted to tell, I drew inspiration from my therapy sessions, working through the situationship I was in right before dating Felix. (Yes, he actually told me he wanted to sit on my face on the first date.)
Each episode kicked off with “Serena” sharing all the juicy details with her therapist “Gloria” about her roller coaster with “Timmy” - unsure where they stand, yet unable to let go. Things got real in Episode 3 when they took a risky step, leading her to take Plan B One-Step. With her therapist cheering her on in Episode 4, Serena starts to see the light, realizing she deserves a 'Plan A' guy. This series was filled with relatable drama, hilarious mishaps, and a journey of self-discovery as Serena finally shows Timmy the exit door. Click to watch the trailer, episode one, two, three, & four.
Brands have been starting to treat TikTok and Reels like TV, with character development and an intriguing plot over several videos. This new content strategy has been a major driver for views and engagements. Examples of the strategy in action include Adam Faze’s Boy Room and Alexis Bittar’s recurring “Margaux” character (love the Kelly Cutrone cameo in this one).
One thing I noticed is that the spacing out of the Plan B One-Step episodes might have been difficult for viewer retention – perhaps it makes more sense to post them closer together instead of once a week! Still, such an amazing project that took a village (thank you Katie for being my incredible co-captain!)
OBSESSING: Who here used Rent The Runway back in the day? When I used to work as a video producer/on camera host at Refinery29 pre-pandemic, I had a Rent The Runway subscription because I needed a variety of outfits for my on camera interviews. I found the concept brilliant, but the selection was subpar, so I ended up deleting my subscription. This year, I was introduced to Pickle, where you can rent from other people’s closets with convenient door-to-door delivery. I have so many amazing pieces collecting dust in my closet, so I figured… why not let people rent my clothes?! It’s brilliant and has come in handy when I’m in a *pickle.* Sign up + rent from me here.
TRAVELING: I just attended my first bachelorette party of 2024, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I haven’t done a girls trip like this in so long, and I really needed it. Our Cabo Airbnb was fucking insane and came with a chef + bartender who prepared meals and margaritas for us every night. The itinerary was planned to perfection. When we weren’t dining in our Mexican mansion, we ate out at Flora Farms, and blacked out at Mandala afterwards. The next day, we did a yacht day and literally everyone got sea sick except for the bride (thank god) and then we had lunch at Mango Deck, which was a circus.
Then we rounded out the trip with a Y2K themed party… and before you ask, we were allowed to wear white. No joke, the whole trip was the Lady Gaga quote, “No sleep, bus, club. Another club. Another club. Plane, next place. No sleep” personified.
STREAMING: I joined the party very late, but we finished the season finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm and I miss it already. This week, we are starting Three Body Problem, per Lily’s recommendation. I always trust my mom when it comes to her streaming recs. She also recommended Ripley.
HERE ARE THINGS I WOULD (WITHOUT QUESTION) BUY AGAIN IF I LOST THEM:
In this era of fast fashion and TikTok shop, it’s so easy to tap your finger and shop for shit you don’t need. I made a promise to myself to buy less and invest more (and have failed, but still.) Over the past year, I’ve found incredible pieces that I genuinely can’t live without. Here are my top picks in every category:
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