July's Menu
Welcome to this month’s Menu (f.k.a the monthly Consumer Digest), a list of everything I consumed this month that has had a lasting impression.
Mic check, one two one two…
Yes, I took a brief hiatus from monthly favorites— hence the missing “June’s Menu.” But it wasn’t for nothing. I’ve been deep in the kitchen, cooking up the creative direction for Consumer Digest (more on that soon!) and a whole lot more behind the scenes.
Hands down, this is the best skincare product I’ve tried in 2025. It feels like wrapping your face in a silky cocoon. Calming, nourishing, and instantly hydrating. But it doesn’t just soothe! It gives an insane lit-from-within glow that makes your skin look healthier, bouncier, and visibly more radiant. If you're chasing glass skin, this is your secret weapon.
Off the Secret Menu:
The Rhode Glazing Milk is not dissimilar, it’s a bit thicker so if you prefer something just as effective but light weight for for the Haru Haru Wonder!
The Row Slippers
Not those infamous $700 rubber ones…don’t worry. These are a leather pair that were too big for my mom and, lucky me, found their way into my wardrobe. They’re the perfect shade of brown—“Gold,” if you’re speaking Hermès.
They go with absolutely everything. The toe is a rounded square, which gives structure without feeling clunky, and the white threaded trim adds just enough dimension to elevate the simplicity.
Off The Secret Menu:
Here’s the black version and white version, wait I also found a fully white version and I am lovestruck.
Here’s a similar black one! by Tony Bianco
Song Of The Month: Just Like Heaven by The Cure
The Real Deal on The RealReal
It’s no secret that The RealReal and I have a thing. Is it toxic? No. But let’s just say… boundaries are important. I love a little too hard, a little too often. Case in point: this Etro dress I scored at the end of June. I’ve worn it at least once a week since, and every time feels like the first. This relationship is giving fully committed. And I am certainly getting my ROI. Though I might need an intervention.No.47 Queen’s Guard Tea
OK! Ready for some piping hot tea—literally.On July 1st, I stopped by Sagaponack General Store to pick up some birthday gifts for my dad. While browsing, I spotted tea from one of his favorite brands and, naturally, started judging each blend by its name. Queen’s Guard immediately caught my eye. I flipped the bag over: a floral black tea with cornflowers, rose, and lavender. Say less.
The loose-leaf blend is just as pretty as it sounds—shades of blue, pink, and purple scattered like confetti. It’s giving royal garden party in a cup. And yes, I kept one for myself. Obviously.
New Sunscreens!
I finally made it to Asia this July and naturally, I spent hours in beauty stores, mostly at Poyo. Think of it as Taiwan’s answer to Ulta or Olive Young: beauty lover heaven. I’m talking aisles upon aisles of sunscreen—sticks, sprays, gels, milks, body, face... you name it, they have it.The best part? They have testers. No more gambling with mystery textures or risking a Casper-coded white cast. You get to feel it, see it, and know it before you commit.
Out of the endless options, Biore and Skin Aqua stood out to me the most. I ended up picking up three versions—and honestly, I’m already wondering if I should’ve grabbed more.
Biore UV Aqua Rich, Skin Aqua Super Moisture Barrier UV Gel, Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV gel
To know me is to know I love food—but weirdly, I’m not much of a snacker. I’m more of a “plate, fork, and knife” kind of girl.
Lately though, I’ve slowly been dipping a toe into the snack world and these INSANE chocolate-covered ginger candies are what pulled me in. I first had them as a post-facial treat at a Biologique Recherche spa in New Orleans, and the second I bit into one, I was hooked.
Naturally, I asked the staff for the source immediately. I will be order some for my desk at work!
8. Pastel Rumors
Perfume shopping is non-negotiable when I travel. Scent is time travel in a bottle—and there’s no better way to commemorate a trip than with a fragrance souvenir.
In Taipei, I intentionally stumbled upon Taigrance a perfectly curated perfume boutique showcasing global brands alongside indie Asian gems. Think Arielle Shoshanna, One Day (yes, they had Taipei in stock, of course), and others you won’t find anywhere else. I spent nearly two hours there, smelling everything, discovering new loves, and asking way too many questions.
The standout? Pastel Rumors by Sarah Baker. The brand is known for its trio of peach perfumes—Peach’s Revenge, Rococo Pie, and now, Pastel Rumors. This one? It's peachy with a twist. Think sorbet rather than syrup: sweet but never cloying, bright with a creamy, almost guava-like depth. It’s got a lactonic smoothness that makes it feel both fresh and comforting.
It reminds me a bit of House of Oud’s Keep Glazed, but softer, more wearable in brutal heat. I’ve worn it every day since I got back. With New York just as humid as Taipei, this scent has stretched the memory of my trip into the everyday—making Manhattan feel, if only for a second, like a sweltering street in Taiwan.
9. Favorite Moment!
I want to say Taiwan—because, obviously—but I fear I’ve already talked your ear off about Taipei in this newsletter. (Don’t worry, a dedicated love letter is coming soon.) So instead, my favorite moment has to be launching The Menu series here on Substack! It’s been such a joy to share, reflect, and connect through this new format—and I’m just getting started.
10. Vin. Fishy Bag —Summer Bag Alert!
As a bag lover, I’m often asked: What’s your go-to summer bag? The truth? I usually don’t have one. I rotate through my bags year-round—season be damned. But that changed when I discovered Vin. by Claudia Li Johnson on TikTok.
The moment I saw their Fishy Bag, I placed an order. It’s a brass, fish-shaped sculpture of a bag made in India—and it’s summer incarnate. Most of my bags are a little more daytime, not exactly cocktail-ready. But this one? It does it all. I’ve worn it to dinners, parties, errands… basically any excuse I could find. It’s whimsical, sculptural, and strangely functional—a total conversation starter. I Highly recommend if you want to carry a little art on your arm.
Off the Secret Menu:
J.Crew has its rod in the water too! And ahhhhhh! This Staud fish bag !
okkkk bye!
Thanks for consuming!
Phia
“Each Day Gets Better”
Having testers for sunscreen is a genius idea! 💡