Between Us, vol. 5

A face mask I've been loving, makeup must-haves for a glowy skin, a Rome mini-guide, holy grail home organization items, Oscars red-carpet thoughts, great weekend sales, motherhood thoughts, and more!

Hello friends 🤍 Coming to you live from our new house … although the photo above was taken in the old house. But, I’m writing this from our new house, our new room, in our old bed, and I’m very happy. It feels so nice to have this big move behind us along with what felt like a big hurdle, owning a home. It feels like we’re finally pushing off from the starting line and I can’t tell you how lovely that feels after feeling like we were simply treading water, and getting nowhere, since arriving back in the U.S.

We haven’t quite gotten everything unpacked, which tracks, honestly. I am the slowest unpacker there is. There are definitely a few spaces that feel close to done, like the boys’ rooms, and others that we haven’t quite cracked yet … but I’m reminding myself that creating a home [that makes you feel something] takes time to create so, I know it’ll get there. Today, I’ll share a few things we’ve snagged this week to help make organizing some of our spaces a little easier.

Okay, let’s move on from the move, ha … here’s a little recap of the week —

Did anyone else die over Oscars fashion on Sunday?? There were so many incredible looks. It felt like a return to true glamour — polished, intentional, and unapologetically elegant. There was a clear thread of old Hollywood refinement with modern restraint: liquid metallics that skim the body, soft feathered textures that add movement without excess, and sculptural silhouettes that feel both romantic and architectural. I do wish Emma and Nicole had chosen different colors but, the dresses they wore in and of themselves were just stunning.

What stood out most is how nothing felt overdone. Even the more dramatic looks, like the voluminous blush gown or the feather-trimmed column, are balanced, refined, and incredibly considered. Demi Moore’s look was on the cusp of being ‘too much’ but, again, structurally, it was a masterclass and quite unique which gets points from me. And on the menswear side, the shift toward softer tailoring and statement detailing (that floral accent is a moment) adds personality without sacrificing sophistication. Although, I do wish the floral accent Pedro wore wasn’t all white and somehow had pops of black to tie it all together but, alas, I still loved it.

Who was best dressed in your opinion? For me, it was Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton, Gwyneth Paltrow in Armani Privé, and Kate Hudson in Armani Privé but … the way I gasped when I saw Rose Bryne in Dior. Stunning.

I’m still wearing this lip balm like crazy. I love the metal applicator. It’s so cooling. I’m going to try out the primer by YSE this week. I’ve really liked their products so far. Well done, Molly Sims.

I ordered this collagen milk toning mask with niacinamide [which helps boost your skins’ hydration level] this week and tried it out last night. It made my skin feel so soft and I like that it starts to peel off when your skin has taken in all of the goodness. I used this to apply it to my skin as it’s quite thick and sticky at first.

Excuse the mess and this weird photo but one of the joys of this week was that I found one of my favorite EBY bra’s in my pre-pregnancy BRA SIZE! I am obsessed with their Relief Bra but I couldn’t find mine in XS for the life of me but, thanks to the move, it has resurfaced and .. let’s just say .. the gals are feeling a lot more supported, ha! This bra is so great because it’s seamless and supported and super comfortable. They gave me a code last year which is always available — HALEY15 gets you 15% off. Personally, I think buying the bundled bras makes the most sense because they’re already discounted and then you can stack my code on top. HERE’s the relief bra bundle I go for!

And then, we also have Louie’s FIFTH birthday that we’ve been prepping for. He got to go to the LEGO store last night and pick out his birthday present from his Nana, John’s mum, and omg … he has been so happy putting what he got together. He is such a little builder. He loves it and is really good at it. We have his party tomorrow and it’s the first birthday party that he’s ever had since he’s gotten to an age where he has true buddies so, he’s really excited!

Meanwhile … my mind can’t help but flashback to literally every moment and everyday of his life so far …

Motherhood is quite an experience with so many emotions tied up in the experience. We can fall for this idea that life is supposed to be easy and comfortable. Or, maybe that’s what we chase. Of course, it does feel nice when you have a day where stress felt far away. But, nothing changes for the better unless you’ve gone up against something that’s taken you out of your comfort zone. And, becoming a mother in another country without a mother whilst losing the professional structure that afforded her joy and, thus, her center and foundation … well, it certainly challenged me. I truly feel like I lost my mind a bit [😅] but, weirdly, not when I was face to face with Louie. I feel like I stumbled in every other area of my life but, I never struggled to be a good mother to him. I was always able to muster up the best of me when I was with him, miraculously. Navigating the fullness of the last five years has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done but, it’s also [weirdly] been my greatest accomplishment. I say weirdly because we often attribute a success to something that everyone can see, myself included. I felt like so much more of a success before moving to the UK because other people could see my achievements and how much I could offer and be helpful to others. I’m sure there are mothers who are able to maintain their professional accolades whilst also killing it at home, that’s something I’ve struggled with but, I know I’ve done a good job as a mother, wife, and matriarch of our family — and, while that’s not something other people can widely see, I have learned that knowing it for myself has to be enough, that it doesn’t make me less successful. I don’t know if any of this makes sense but I’d love to know if it resonates for any other mothers out there who also love working and are navigating how to continue to go after your professional goals and aspirations while balancing what you also want to do and be present for at home.

let me know in the comments, would love to chat!

Anyway … all that to say … Louie has been my greatest source of joy over the last five years. He has such a sweet soul, a kind heart, and a fun, silly sense of humor. I can’t wait to see him relish in how much he is loved tomorrow as we celebrate him with all of our people.

Okay! That’s what has been new and on my mind this week …

Here’s what’s in store for today’s newsletter:

+ Nordstrom Spring Event Picks
+ Favorite Spring Beauty Switch-Up’s
+ Home Organization Items That Have Made Unpacking Easy
+ Spring Travel Destination Spotlight: R O M E
+ Current Discount Codes

And, here’s what I have planned to share this week here on Substack:

+ Substack: Ask Alyson Haley where I’ll cover everything from the move to everyday life, along with a few fun, more candid questions.

Nordstrom Spring Event Picks

tie shoulder dress | wide leg jeans | cotton sweater | high waist jeans | wide leg jumpsuit | oversize t-shirt | lace trim top | cropped trench | chambray jumpsuit

The Nordstrom Spring Event started this week, so I took a little time to look through what’s included and pulled together a few pieces that immediately caught my eye.

I found myself drawn to items that feel easy to wear but still a bit elevated and can reach for on a regular day to feel put together. This maxi dress feels like one of those effortless pieces you could throw on and be done, especially as the weather warms up, and I liked how simple and versatile this lace-trim top is for pairing back to denim. I also included a great pair of high-waisted wide leg jeans — I’ve been on a bit of a quiet quest to find denim that feels current without leaning too far into trends, and this pair strikes that balance really well without going overly low-rise or exaggerated. The jumpsuit is another one that feels incredibly versatile and could easily be dressed up or down depending on the day. I always appreciate having a good oversized tee on hand, it’s one of those staples that ends up working harder than you expect, especially this time of year.

So many of you jumped on these jeans this week, so I wanted to make sure to re-link them here in case you missed them —

you can shop them » HERE

I pulled some menswear pieces you may find useful if your hubs’ wardrobe needs refreshing. I know John’s does! He never shops for himself.

More pieces that stood out to me in the Sale along with some menswear pieces I’m eyeing for John!

Other Sales To Note This Weekend

Wayfair » Up to 80% off plus free shipping

Our bed, living room entertainment console & floor lamp, and rounded pedestal table are all included. The living room entertainment console is over 40% off, which is wild!

BEIS » My favorite luggage is currently up to 50% off.

My beige set is 30% off, which is wild!

Monica Vinader: Get 20% off everything, or 25% off when you spend $300+

H&M: Up to 50% off site-wide

J.Crew: 30% off dresses, suiting and accessories [adore this dress]

Favorite Spring Beauty Switch-Up’s

sheer tint hydrating stick | express self tanning mousse | exfoliating pads | tanning face drops | hydrating self tanning lotion | tanning application mit | tinted sunscreen primer | Charlotte Tilbury highlighter | body shimmer lotion

As we start moving into warmer weather, I’ve been making a few small adjustments to my beauty routine. I placed an order at Sephora last week and focused mostly on self-tanning products and products that could bring out a bit of a glow. Ha, I actually despise the process of self-tanning but warm weather motivates me to do it.

I went with a few products I know and love and am excited about a few others that are new to me.

» I’m still keeping my longtime favorite tanning lotion and drops in rotation because they’ve never let me down

» I’m trying a new tanning mousse that I’ve heard wonderful things about

» I tend to lean on exfoliators quite a bit this time of year to help smooth out dry winter skin and remove any leftover self-tanner before reapplying so I’m trying out these exfoliating pads as I love Summer Fridays

» I also reach for my Charlotte Tilbury powder highlighter constantly during the warmer months as I love a subtle glow on the cheeks. Also, I don’t know about you but I prefer a powder formula to the cream highlights that seem to be everywhere right now.

» And after years of meaning to try it, I finally ordered the Erborian CC cream you’ve probably heard me mention before, so I’m excited to test it out properly and will report back once I’ve had a little more time with it.

» And while it isn’t pictured here, I’ve also been using the OSEA body oil quite a bit lately to keep my skin feeling hydrated.

If there’s a beauty product you swear by once the weather starts warming up, please share it below — I’m always looking for new things to try!

Home Organization Items That Have Made Unpacking Easy

Unpacking a house is a much bigger undertaking than I ever remember it being, but a few simple organizational tools have made the process far more manageable [insert Mitch’s baskets solution]. If you saw my Instagram stories the other day, I made a Target run to grab a few pieces specifically to help bring a little structure to the chaos of moving baskets. If you’re in a similar season of reorganizing or settling into a new space, these have genuinely been helpful.

» Over-the-door pantry organizer: This has been one of the easiest ways to create a bit of order to the kitchen. As a former chef, John has a very clear way that he wants things organized. Since we’re operating out of a smaller kitchen, we knew we’d have to get creative and this pantry organizer has been great in making space that isn’t there so-to-speak.

» Drawer dividers: I ordered these on a bit of a whim, but they’ve ended up being incredibly helpful. When you’re unpacking, it’s tempting to just put everything away quickly, but these have made it easier to keep things somewhat organized from the start instead of having to redo it all later.

» Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer: This was one of the first things I wanted to get in place in the kitchen. It adjusts to fit the drawer, which makes it feel much more custom, and it’s been nice having at least one space that feels fully set up and functional while everything else is still coming together. I also got one to use for my nightstand.

Spring Travel Destination Spotlight: Rome

If there’s one thing I miss more than anything, and maybe even London specifically … it’s travel. I think about it all the time.

So, I thought it might be fun to occasionally highlight destinations that feel inspiring, beautiful, and well worth adding to a future travel list or that I know a lot of you are heading to soon. Some will be destinations I’ve been to and loved, and others will be places I’ve been thinking about for quite some time. As I continue building out the travel side of my work, I’m really looking forward to sharing more of this kind of content in a deeper, more detailed way here as well.

This week I’m highlighting ROME, a place I’ve been thinking about a lot lately and many of you said you were heading to in the next few months. Here’s a mini guide and some of my takeaways from The Eternal City.

My Mini Guide to Rome 🇮🇹

My first trip to Rome was in August of 2016. I have traveled back quite a few times since that initial trip and, I must say, it’s one of those destinations that truly gets better the more you go. Feeling the heat and congestion of the city in August, I honestly left less than impressed — not necessarily by it’s jaw-dropping, magnificent landmarks but, moreso, by the seasonal experience. Personally, I’d go between February and May or September and October. Here are a few other things worth noting:

Where to Stay

» Hotel de Russie: iconic + central
» J.K. Place Roma: intimate luxury
» Hotel Hassler: timeless elegance, incredible location
» Palazzo Manfredi: Experiential with Colosseum views
» Hotel Eden: polished, grand hotel glamour

What’s Not To Miss

» Trevi Fountain: go early or late — sadly, now timed entry / fee may apply
» Spanish Steps at sunset: I personally love going to the very top
» The Vatican: book for an early tour and book ahead
» Colosseum + Forum: guided is the only way to go
» Pantheon: now ticketed, quick but worth it

Cultural Tips

• Dinner starts late between 8 and 9 PM. Enjoying aperitivo beforehand is a social ritual meant to ease into the evening and stimulate your appetite. Note: It is not meant for getting drunk before dinner.

• Coffee rules: Latte means milk in Italian so don’t ask for one unless you want a glass of warm or cold milk. You can order a cappuccino in the morning, but not after 11am or you’ll be marked as a tourist. If you’d like espresso, order un caffe and that can be ordered at any time. If you’d like a little milk in it, you can request a caffé macchiato.

• Dress modestly for churches. Your shoulders and knees must be covered.

• Be aware of your belongings. I always recommend cross-body purses with a top zip closure.

• Tipping isn’t customary or expected. Simply round up the bill by 5-10% and always pay any tip in cash. It’s rare that you can add it to a bill.

Pro Tip

Rome is best enjoyed slowly so, plan one main sight per day and leave room to wander. And, if you need help with planning, get in touch!

Discount Codes Available Now

Pochette making an appearance in London circa 2023, it’s she pretty?

» Vivrelle

If you’ve ever been curious to try Vivrelle, this is a wonderful time to do it. Their membership allows you to rotate through designer handbags without committing to a full purchase, which I personally love for experimenting with pieces I might not otherwise buy outright. For example: The Pochette Metis has been in my rotation for YEARS and is currently available to borrow. HERE is the bag I just decided to borrow this month & I can’t wait for it to come in.

They’re giving you the first month free with code ALYSONHALEY.

» Osea

Osea is one of those skincare brands I return to over and over, especially as the weather warms up. Their formulas are beautifully hydrating without feeling heavy, and the body oil remains one of my all-time favorite projects.

10% off with code ALYSONHALEY10.

» Elemis

You know the years long love affair I’ve had with Elemis and their cleansing balm. They remain one of my favorites for their luxurious feeling, but approachable, skincare.

Enjoy 20% off with code ALYSON20.

Seamless, supportive, and no underwire… say less.

» EBY

EBY has some really lovely bra and underwear sets if you’re looking to refresh your everyday basics. Their Relief Bra is one I come back to often because it’s incredibly supportive without needing an underwire [which, honestly, I’m always happy to avoid], and I love that their pieces are seamless especially under lighter spring fabrics.

They also do really nice bundles, which I think is such a practical way to update your drawer all at once. I pulled a few options that stood out, including this bra bundle, this tank set - think putting this on as is and you’re out the door, and this Relief Bra set if you already know you love that style.

You can receive 15% off with code HALEY15 and shop more of my favorites in my ShopMy.

» BeautyBio

Makes some fantastic skincare tools and treatments that are designed to deliver visible results at home. Their products often feel like bringing a little bit of facial experience into your regular routine.

15% off with code HALEY15

Enjoy 20% off my necklace with code HALEYMV | More of my Monica Vinader favorites here

» Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader has become one of my favorite places to find jewelry that feels timeless and easy to wear with just about everything. Their pieces layer beautifully and make wonderful everyday staples. They have a 25% off sale going on right now.

They’re offering you 20% off with code HALEYMV

In case you missed it …

Here are a few recent posts that went up this week!

Answering Your Questions About Our 7th Move in 6 Years

On My Radar: Spring Shoes Worth Buying

If you tried anything from this week’s links or have a destination you think I should feature in a future travel spotlight, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Have a lovely weekend ahead!

xx H