Hi friends, For those of you who’ve been following me for a while, you know that deep down, I’m an OG blogger. Back in the day—way before Substack was a thing, we’re talking Tumblr times—I had a series called Rachelle’s Reading List, where I shared what I was doing, reading, seeing, buying… you get it. I’ve done it here before, but it’s been a minute. And today? I’m bringing it back. If this isn’t your thing, carry on. But if you need a quick escape, let’s go! But first, some housekeeping. You’ve been asking, and we finally got our act together—our next embroidery workshop at our West Village townhouse is happening. April 2nd is the date. You’ll learn all of our techniques (no experience necessary), and we’ll be there to hold your hand the entire way. Tickets go fast—grab yours below. It’s a good old-fashioned stitch n’ bitch, and I can’t wait to join you: |
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Ok, now let’s get started. It’s starting to feel like spring in NYC, and you can feel the energy in the streets, y’all! It has been a long winter, and we deserve these warm vibes more than ever this year. Guess what? It’s officially blazer season for me, and, perhaps the only thing I agree on with this Oval Office? A blazer is an appropriate choice when you need to look put together. I love how much you all love ours. Check out my pal Ann Dexter Jones rocking hers at Balthazar, and shop all of our styles here. Also, I’ve been loving seeing you all wearing your LF pieces on IG. Some standouts? Christy Turlington in her Every Mother Counts sweater, Kristen Chenoweth in our Wicked sweater and Abigail Spencer in our stand out Minelli dress. And I have to say, I especially love seeing men in our sweaters. Exhibit A, and B. My team was in Paris all week showing our Fall '25 Collection at market. I had plans to join them, but decided I was reaching my travel limit. I only got slightly jealous scrolling through their shared photo album. Here's your reminder that sometimes slowing down and saying no is the best thing you can do for yourself. Even if it is Paris! While in NYC, I kept busy! Last week, I got into two things that haven’t really been my things. First, new people to befriend, and second, lunches with ladies. I’ve sort of sworn off both post-pandemic. Turns out? They’re both kind of genius. Goes to show that getting out of your comfort zone can actually pay off. A new friend who already feels like a keeper: Alexi Wasser. She was introduced to me by an old pal who’s back in my orbit (thank god!), Aminatou Sow. Both women were cast to walk in our runway show, and as it turns out, my husband Sean had met Alexi decades ago in LA with her father, photographer Julian Wasser. His iconic photo of Eve Babitz playing chess with Marcel Duchamp is a key piece in our kitchen. I mean! I love how the world works. Also, this feels like as good a time as any to remind you about this book. If you haven’t read it yet, now’s your chance. |
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Eve Babitz playing chess with Marcel Duchamp shot by Julian Wassar |
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As for lunching… The infinitely chic Anna Carter of Electragram hosted me for a cozy lunch at home, where I was introduced to the mega-fab Daisy Knatchbull, who founded Knatchbull, Savile Row’s first (and only!) shopfront for women, I can't wait to visit her when in London!. A few things I learned: The Laundress founder Gwen Whiting has a new company called The Fill Club, and it’s somehow even more incredible than her first. These bars should be in everyone’s carts today. Also, did you know about this incredible tailoring service? Hello Tailor, started by former stylist Charmaine Burden, is basically the Uber of alterations and is SUCH a brilliant idea. And, in case you needed a little faith restored, I was reminded myself there is no shortage of smart, talented women out there making important documentaries, raising kids, and generally being engaged in the world. Maybe I need to make these lunches a weekly thing! Oh, and Graydon happened to pop in. I happen to be midway through his memoir, When the Going was Good, so that was a treat. Spy magazine was my north star when I started Guest of a Guest, and reading about all of it now has been a real hoot. I told him so. He told me he thought the sweater I was wearing (our two-toned quilt knot cardi from a couple of seasons ago) was “smart.” Welp, gotta bring this one back again and again! In NYC happenings, I finally got around to a preview dinner at the San Vicente Club, opening imminently in the old Jane Hotel—just one block from our LF townhouse at 95 Jane Street. Editor’s note: the hotel was previously owned and designed by my husband, Sean. I worked in the basement of that hotel for over a decade, and LF got its start there! Our friend Jeff Klein (of Sunset Tower fame) was the purchaser, and our other dear friend Rose Uniacke was the designer. It was a trip, to say the least. I’m beyond impressed by the transformation and excited to start hosting my aforementioned new lunch dates there. Also on my radar: the People’s After Dinner Club, which just opened in Greenwich Village. My dance card is full this week, so I can’t make it to their second artist opening tomorrow but being the baby of Margo Hauer-King says something. She just so happens to be the daughter of London restaurant maven Jeremy King (of The Wolseley fame). Not a private club, but a very good scene: Raf’s. I know this place has been in the mix for a while, but I finally got the chance to visit. Everything was perfection, down to the virgin oil/soft butter mix starter (you can do that!?) and the best bread I’ve had in NYC. Bonus, it’s owned by the cool-as-hell sisters who now also helm the hip new bar/restaurant at The Twenty Two—the new hotel slash public restaurant slash private club on 16th Street. Hey, I'm a woman of many hyphens too! |
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Cafe Zaffri at The Twenty Two. |
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My husband, Sean MacPherson, is opening two new restaurants this spring, and I’m so excited I don’t know what to do with myself. The first—just scooped by Eater—is called Teruko, and the artist it’s named after has such a cool story. This was a restaurant we were forced to travel to Japan for “research” on diligently—hey, I do what I must for the cause, ha! It’s a new Japanese restaurant in the basement of the Chelsea Hotel, and for those of a certain age (me), you may remember this space as the old Sirena nightclub. It’s been used as a storage warehouse for over a decade, and I can’t wait to start hanging out there again soon. The second? Still on the hush-hush, but I promise you it will be the place to be in NYC for years to come. More on that in my next Reading List newsletter (which, let’s hope, isn’t years to come from now). It’s birthday season for my fellow Pisces. I celebrated mine last Friday with a facial at the Chelsea Hotel’s spa. To say this place is a true oasis in the middle of the city feels insufficient—it was next-level. Highly recommend you check it out. I toasted my friend Batsheva on her big day with a bouquet of felt flowers I purchased in bulk from this artist collab. I just knew they’d make the perfect easy pick-me-up gifts. The collab is over, but you can find similar ones here. |
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Spa Life at the Hotel Chelsea |
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To buy: Last night, I popped by Gemma at the Bowery Hotel to toast Julianne Moore’s collaboration with Frank & Eileen. There are five thoughtful pieces she helped design, and I truly want them all. While there, I ran into my pal Monica Zwirner, whose new fun-printed ski collection for MZ Wallace bags I saw everywhere in Europe last month. Also spotted: Erin Pollard, who is now a full-time, chic AF basket weaver. Her bag was too big for me to walk out with unnoticed, which is good, because I was tempted. You can grab your own at her Underwater Weaving shop. To read: Besides Graydon’s memoir, I received Amy Griffin’s The Tell last night and read it in one sitting. I’m honestly still processing it, but I’m in awe of her bravery, honesty, and courage. I know it will move and help so many other women—it did for me. Next up, Ione Skye’s Say Everything.
Ok, I think I’ll stop now while I (hopefully) still have you. This was fun, and I should maybe do it again soon? We all need a break from the world. Things are not normal, and I think it’s important to remember that there are still good people out there doing incredible things, don't you?
xo, Rachelle
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