What makes me feel CHIC

Written By : Hannah Corbett

Earlier last year, I started seeing videos about things people find chic. And honestly, I think a lot of things are chic. But I started wondering: what do I have that’s chic? And not just chic in theory, but things that actually elevate my day-to-day life.

Whenever you see day-in-the-life videos or weekly recaps, there’s always the same things. A silver chrome gua sha and eye patches. A hot matcha. Probably a metal silver bowl filled with ice and water. Wood floors, perfectly blown-out hair. A Miu Miu fleece jacket and a pair of mules. It all looks so good. So intentional.

And it made me think: what actually makes me feel good? Not what’s chic in general, but what makes me feel CHIC.

After probably six months of just observing my day-to-day life — noticing when I feel extra good and when I feel lazy or off — this is what I came up with.

Maybe it has something to do with moving back to New York, but my number one is living in an environment that feels true to you. I loved living by the beach. I really did. But moving back to New York, where I’m from, elevated my entire mood. I have a real sense of routine and accomplishment. I have more access to work. I’m close to my family, and if family is important to you, you know how much being away from them for a long time actually weighs on you. Being home just feels right.

Second: eye patches. They actually do make me feel better — and not just in an aesthetic way. I ran out of my Summer Fridays ones and the difference was something I never wanted to experience. Turns out I’m very puffy in the morning.

So instead of ordering more or going to the store, I grabbed a metal silver bowl (the one I usually bake cookies in), washed it really well, filled it with ice and water, and dunked my face. Actually freezing. But the freshness afterward? Unmatched. I was instantly awake.

I have an ice roller and it used to work for me, but I don’t really need it anymore. I sculpt my face every day with my knuckles after I use my milky toner, morning and night. It works better than a gua sha, 110%. A gua sha just can’t get into your jawline and cheekbones like your knuckles can.

Which brings me to number three: simple, consistent skincare. I take off my makeup with micellar water and cotton pads. I use CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash, Laneige Milky Toner, and then Rhode Glazing Milk. If I have a blemish — which I usually do around my period — I spot treat with Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I’ve been doing this for years. It’s my tried and true. I don’t switch it up because I used to have actual nightmares about my skin. This routine makes me feel clean and fresh no matter what.

Number four: blowing out my hair. This is non-negotiable for me. My hair is the healthiest and longest it’s ever been, not because of anything fancy, but because I stopped dyeing it. My natural color is taking over and I love it. I use drugstore OGX coconut shampoo and conditioner, and Moroccan oil spray on the ends.

If I don’t blow out my hair, it’s naturally pretty wavy and curly, and if I let it go too long — especially in the winter — I start to feel like Hagrid from Harry Potter. A blowout just makes me feel put together. It’s necessary.

Fifth is gloves. It’s freezing in New York and I have three pairs. One white knit pair with finger holes from Brandy Melville for when it’s not too cold, and two black patent leather pairs — one I keep in my purse and one in my car. They make me feel undeniably adult and chic. And since I’m 26, I think I can officially say: I love wearing gloves.

Sixth is my coffee order. I used to always get a peppermint mocha cold brew with cold foam. Always. Until one day it felt like I ordered a Frappuccino — bubble lid and all — and I was over it. It was cold out, my hands were freezing (this was pre-gloves), and I overheard a girl who was clearly a cool girl wearing a mock-neck leather jacket order a half-caf, single-shot cappuccino.

I trusted her immediately.

That tiny white coffee cup changed my life. It genuinely altered the chemistry in my brain. Hot coffee, no insane amount of sugar, the perfect size. It was something I needed biblically. Now I order a single-shot cappuccino most days. Sometimes I still get peppermint or vanilla because I am who I am, but it’s perfect for me. I actually finish it, and I don’t feel tired afterward.

And my last chic thing (for now) is white. I’ve been wearing white on white on white with denim. Mixing whites is even better. Stark white with cream. Right now I’m wearing a fitted white long-sleeve with a white tank layered over it, and it just feels and looks so good.

Those are my chic things for now. I have a few others, but they need more time to really earn their place in my life.

More chic thoughts soon.