Elle's Menu!

The Menu invites Chic, Conscious Consumers to share their go to products & passions because what’s more curated than a menu? From skincare to soundtracks, here’s what’s on their plate…

Napkin Notes from your Home Chef, Phia

Allow me to introduce you to our latest Guest Chef Eliana Smith …..

Elle is an avid reader and writer, and she runs a book club called Dwelle Literature that hosts virtual and in-person events in NYC!

Elle is one of my favorite travel companions—we’ve been to France, Finland, Morocco, and Italy together. Many of these places share one unfortunate flaw: they lack something we both love—Iced Coffee. So naturally, she reminds me of that perfect iced coffee you finally get right after multiple orders, countless café visits, and plenty of trial and error. Elle is like your favorite glass of iced coffee: sweet and energizing, without the jitters.

I would typically say “Let’s Digest” but considering Elle is todays Guest Chef I’ll say this instead…

Let’s Dwelle!

What is your favorite restaurant?

Mezzaluna on the Upper East Side is one of my favorite Italian restaurants. The seafood pasta is divine, and the whole atmosphere in the restaurant is so warm. I'm also obsessed with 5H in London. The decor, the food, the vibes —all of it is spectacular—one day, I WILL host my birthday party there

Describe yourself in 3 words: Inquisitive, Intuitive, Imaginative

Describe yourself or what you do using references from movies,characters, TV shows, or songs.

Right now, I’m in my Rory Gilmore from season 7 of Gilmore Girls era—AKA navigating life after grad school and starting my first big-girl job. By the end of the show, Rory is excited to begin her career, but she’s also nervous about what it means to enter a new chapter far away from home. I deeply relate to that feeling of in-betweenness: knowing something needs to change, but not being totally sure which step to take.

But since my first job is in the art world, I also feel like I’m entering my Charlotte York era. Call me an Upper East Side princess!

Describe your “digital diet”

I am constantly reading, but 9 times out of 10 it's a physical book. My Master's degree trained me to appreciate and consume physical media. My favorite genre is literary fiction, but I also branch out sometimes to romance, thriller, and fantasy.

If we're talking strictly digital, I wake up every morning eager for the Substack, Pinterest, Spotify trifecta. On Substack, I enjoy reading writers Jordan Risa and Jack Edwards. On Spotify, I'm usually listening to classical music. Right now, I have Jon Batiste's Beethoven Blues album on repeat. I love scrolling through my Pinterest homepage; it gives me so much inspiration in a format that doesn't overwhelm me like Instagram.

If you had to choose your “big three” based on your favorite media, brands or products what would your Sun,Moon and Rising be?

Sun = Danielle McKinney’s ‘Sandman’ painting.

At my core, I love the slow moments. I love interiority, introspection, and independence. A perfect afternoon for me is lying on the couch, with a book, surrounded by beautiful art and fresh flowers. I love how in this painting, the figure feels comfortable enough in her space to be naked, by herself, and utterly unbothered. It feels just like me, aside from the cigarette.

Moon = Daniel Ceasar’s Freudian Album
I’m technically a Leo moon, but my Pisces sun and rising really dominate my life. I am quite emotional, sensitive, and imaginative. The Freudian album immediately makes me feel calm, creative, and dreamy. From the piano ballad in Blessed, the ethereal harmonies in Best Part, and the sharp guitar in Hold Me Down, the album sums up my heart.

Rising = My coffee-bean jellycat
I try my best to come off as bubbly and kind. My coffee-bean jellycat instantly brings me joy; I love his little smile, his wide eyes, his softness, and that he’s brown. I’d like to think that we’re both approachable and eager to share positive energy.

Let’s start with Aperitivo:

What makes you feel chic?

Diamond stud earrings, a kitten heel, and a perfect curly hair wash & go.

What are your 2 favorite perfumes?

Mexican Tuberose by Officine Universelle Buly & Acne Studios for Frederic Malle

What’s your drink of choice?

Daytime: Iced Americano with a splash of almond milk. Nightime: Whiskey Sour

See… I told you, Iced Coffee*

What is a free beauty tip you live by?

Sanitize your phone, and anything else you touch a lot, every night when you get home.

Moving on to Starters:

What are your favorite shower products? face, cleansers, body wash, scrubs etc.

1. The Elemis Cleansing Balm to take off my makeup. It's pricey, but so worth it. I went through 5 or 6 tubs in 2025.
2. Dr. Bronner's unscented body wash is my holy grail because I have extremely sensitive skin and try to stay away from heavily fragranced body products.
3. Cerave Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser; it's clean, reliable, and safe for acne-prone girlies.
4. The Nudist Body Scrub by Mutha is perfection, and the definition of self-care.

*P.S. The Nudist is clearly C.C.C Approved, use code PHIA15 for 15% off!

What’s your favorite appetizer?

Goat cheese-stuffed fried zucchini flowers

What’s your favorite piece of content you’ve recently consumed?

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson absolutely blew my mind. It's a stunning love story set in London, more like poetry than prose. I can't stop thinking about it!

I'm enjoying Emma Grede's podcast Aspire. Her episode with Reese Witherspoon was very well done and motivated me in a way I didn't see coming.

What’s your favorite song? or song lyrics?

We Find Love by Daniel Caesar. Freudian is my all-time favorite album, seriously, no skips. If I had to pick one song from that album, it'd be We Find Love because it takes me back to one of the best months/years of my young adult life.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

A couple of months ago, my boyfriend's friend (now my friend) told me I looked like someone who would be reading Oscar Wilde at a midnight library. We had never met before, and he said it in such a genuine, "you look like you don't belong at the club" manner. It was the absolute highlight of my month!

Now for The Main Course

What are your favorite serums, body lotions etc.?

Slather Exfoliating Body Serum by Topicals. This formula has done wonders for my textured skin. - Josie Maran Vanilla Vibes Body Butter: the scent is perfectly subtle and sweet, and the thickness is to die for. I caved and bought the 13.5oz refill size, and it’s been a great investment.

One product you’ll repurchase over and over again?

Hourglass lip liner in shade Candid 5

What’s your most worn fashion piece?

My Cartier Tank Watch. My dad gave it to me for my high school graduation. It's engraved on the back, and it's one of my most beloved items.

We’re getting a bit dark. Imagine it’s your last meal, what are you eating?

Spaghetti Alla Vongole, salty chips with fresh guacamole, a Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice donut, and a coke zero over ice with a glass straw.

What’s in your bag?

Give us a fashion tip that helps you be a more chic conscious consumer.

Go to the tagged photo section on your favorite clothing brand’s Instagram page. You’d be surprised by how many fashion icons have the same top/dress/skirt as you and have styled it in a completely different way. I always get inspired by how others pair an item I have.

What’s a perspective you’ve had that has completely changed overtime?

I used to see things as black or white, good or bad, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that much of life lies in the grey areas, in between the good and bad, and that is ok!

What was your favorite item of clothing as a child?

A tiara... duh #princesselle. And my mermaid tail #thebrownmermaid

What is our favorite quote?

“It is written” from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It signifies fate, destiny, and that we are all part of something bigger. I find it comforting to consider that some things are just meant to be.

And a final bite for Dessert

What are your favorite lip care products, candles - the things that act as the icing on the cake in your self care and beauty routine.

The Summer Fridays lip butter balm is gonna do it for me every time. My favorite flavor is Vanilla. My favorite candle is No.05 Kandilli from Maison Louie Marie, I burn through it so quickly.

What is your favorite dessert or midnight snack?

Trader Joe's gluten-free double chocolate muffins-- INSANE. My go-to midnight snack is the Caulipower crust pizza: it's gluten-free and hits the spot.

What’s your favorite thing on your nightstand?

My Hatch alarm clock!!! I named her "Bunny".

If you had to curate the guest list for the ultimate “Chic,Conscious Consumer” gathering, who are your three must-invites?

1. Queen Charlotte from the Bridgerton series. I am obsessed with her maximalist mindset, and I'll never forget her iconic tiara in the afro moment.
2. Laura Harrier, because she makes minimalism look SO chic. Plus, people tell me she's my celebrity look-alike.
3. John Dutton from Yellowstone. He's obviously not known for his wardrobe, but if you've watched the show, then you know EXACTLY what he'd wear. I want to channel that kind of legacy with my clothes. I'm also planning to build a Western wardrobe in 2026.

4. BONUS-- the Dennis sisters. Sophia and Rechelle are my favorite sister duo whose closets (notably their handbag collection) and minds constantly inspire me.

Hehe ; )

What is a topic you wish someone would ask you about – a quirky interest or something you’re well versed in that you don’t get to talk about enough.

The Vampire Diaries. It’s my all-time favorite TV show, and I LIVE for the Stefan vs Damon debate.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.” People are so quick to critique and give out “advice” these days, but you should really only listen to critiques from those you truly admire.

And there you have it Elle’s Menu, plated and served.

If you’re still hungry for more, don’t just consume—connect. Dwell with Elle on her Substack, read her book reviews, words, and let her menu sharpen your palate. Because in the“Chic, Conscious Consumer” kitchen, the best meals are shared.

Bon appétit, babes. 🍽️

“Everyday Is All There Is”

Phia