Priyanka's Menu

Priyanka Aribindi on bare nails, homemade Matcha and her Substack "Shit I Bought and Liked".

Napkin Notes from your Home Chef, Phia

Allow me to introduce you to our latest Priyanka Aribindi …..

Priyanka writes a newsletter called Shit I Bought and Liked! She loves sharing things that she loves or is excited about or found interesting/funny/etc. She spent many years writing a political newsletter and hosting a news podcast, and she has a new podcast “Future Back Drinking” where she interviews executives and industry leaders about the innovations pushing their industries forward and their outlook on the future.

What is your favorite restaurant?

For someone who loves food and restaurants, this is an agonizingly difficult question!!! Right now I’m hyperfixating on brunch at Commerce Inn. It’s such a cozy spot, and they do all of my favorite brunch foods (eggs, potatoes, and pancakes) so well! As far as dinner, I always come back to Cervo’s. Great food, great vibe—it’s always my first pick for a group.

Describe yourself in 3 words: Thoughtful, Discerning, Open

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

I’ve thought a lot about the Elle Woods study montage from Legally Blonde recently (a truly iconic scene—I would’ve done anything for that orange Mac back in the day!). I feel like I’m in that phase of my life right now. Career-wise, this past year has been a big pivot for me—I went from a media company where I had spent almost all of my professional life, to working freelance, spending more time on my newsletter, and exploring new industries. At times it’s been really challenging and lonely. But it’s also exciting—my world is getting bigger, and I’m doing so many things I’m really excited about. I don’t know if I have haters to prove wrong like Elle, but I feel like I’m proving myself to the world in a lot of ways, and I’m proud of that.

I also think often of the idea that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Whether you believe that or not, with the number of times I’ve rewatched Gossip Girl, there’s no way my scheme queen Blair Waldorf hasn’t imprinted deeply on my brain.

Describe your “digital diet”

I read a million and one newsletters. Always have. I originally used them to keep up with news, and as more have sprung up, I have plenty more for culture/ shopping/ for fun. There’s definitely a healthy dose of social too—I love seeing what other people are wearing/ doing/ eating/ going to/ talking about. I think I consume a lot. At times it veers into overconsumption and that doesn’t feel good, but when it’s at a healthy level, it makes me feel more informed. I think people are quick to dismiss “internet things,” but it’s such a big part of our culture. I value knowing what people are talking about and what they’re saying about it.

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= I want to say Shit I Bought and Liked, but aside from that, my TikTok FYP. It’s a mix of great outfits, recipes and restaurant reviews, political memes, beautiful interiors, woo-woo tarot readers, cultural commentary, beauty reviews, unhinged internet humor... all the facets of me in one place! My newsletter is technically about my shopping finds, but a lot of those things find their way in there too!

Moon= Doen. I’m a Cancer moon, which means the romantic, nostalgic, sweet Doen vibe is VERY aligned.

It’s not always how I dress/present myself—sometimes it feels a little too delicate for the world that I’m in (tbh that’s how I feel too sometimes)—but I have pieces that I love, and have incorporated more of them over time, which I think aligns with my increasing level of comfort with expressing that side of myself.

Rising= Violet Grey. I LOVE VG. It’s thoughtfully curated with a mix of accessible favorites and high end stuff that’s really worth it, plus a few niche recs you’ll only find there, which is exactly how I hope people see my taste and my letter. I too love beauty and luxury, but I don’t gatekeep—I share all my good intel! I hope I present like your most in-the-know friend, and the first person you think of when you need a rec or want an opinion on something.

Let’s start with Aperitivo:

What makes you feel chic?

A shiny buff manicure (bare nails forever!) and a good hair day

What are your favorite perfumes?

Right now I only have one, Maison d’Etto Noisette

What’s your drink of choice?

My homemade matcha lattes. It’s such a gamble buying them out, but mine never disappoint!

What is a free beauty tip you live by?

Never go to bed without washing your face!

Moving on to Starters:

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

Youth to the People cleanser is my ride or die, Roz shampoo and conditioner, Goop salt scrub, Maude No. 3 body wash

What’s your favorite appetizer?

I’ll never say no to freshly baked bread. I dream of the homemade bread and burrata at All Time in particular

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

Wine Simple by Aldo Sohm. Perhaps not your typical book rec, but I read this cover to cover over the summer and loved it (so much so that I wrote a whole newsletter about it!). I had some basic wine knowledge prior, but I wanted something to help me build a stronger foundation, and this was exactly what I was looking for. It was really approachable and I learned so much—I’ve been recommending it to everyone!

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

When people say they love my newsletter. That thing is ME!

Now for The Main Course

What are your favorite serums, body lotions etc.?

Kate McLeod’s Daily Stone. I love a solid body moisturizer so much! When it comes to serums, I’m always trying something new! Retruové’s Nutrient Face Serum is one of my favorite indulgences though

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One product you’ll repurchase over and over again?

Rhode’s moisturizer! It’s simple, affordable, and really agrees with my skin, plus it’s the perfect size for travel.

What’s your most worn fashion piece?

The Row Portfolio Tote. It’s the perfect shape and size for everyday, and one of if not my best TRR find to date!

What’s your death row meal?

Semma’s Gunpowder Dosa and Sticky Toffee Pudding from The Snail

What’s in your bag?

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

This might sound harsh, but I try to remind myself that just because something looks amazing on someone else doesn’t always mean it will be right for me. I try to think about my style, my body, my skin type, the colors that look best on me, etc. before I go out and buy something that someone else recommends

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

I’m sure there are many, but the first to come to mind is that I used to hate olives?? Was I ok????

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.

I have such a weakness for a good lip product. My current favorite is the m.ph Lip Ciggy in Overdrive. I also love anything that elevates the everyday things we do, like a fancy hand soap/lotion. Right now I’m using Sangre De Fruta’s Garden of Earthly Delights—I love the scent and that it still feels a little under the radar.

What is your favorite dessert or midnight snack?

I honestly LOVE a slice of cake—criminally underrated as far as dessert goes

What’s your favorite thing on your nightstand?

My water bottle.

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

I have to abandon this question, I’m getting way too in my head about who would vibe with each other!!!!!

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 Twitter glory days. It was mostly a hellsite but there were so many distinct/bizarre cultural moments that were SO fun to be on it for—I’m loling just thinking about it

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Long no, short yes.” It’s not advice I was given personally, but I read it recently. The gist is that if you’re struggling with a decision and going back and forth about it constantly, then it’s a no. If it’s something you can commit to quickly and definitively, then it’s a yes.

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

If you’re still hungry for more, don’t just consume—connect. Follow Shit I Bought and Liked, read her words, listen to her podcast and let her palate sharpen yours. Because in the “Chic, Conscious Consumer” kitchen, the best menus are shared.

Bon appétit, babes. 🍽️

AND Thanks for Consuming!

Phia

“Each Day Gets Better”