Why hello darlings. It’s a pleasure to share this space with you, to be invited by the magnanimous Mimi we all know and love, and to be featured in this very special Plus+ Plus+ Plus+ container of illustriousness. I am Cecilia Lona – a brand storyteller, aesthetic curator, and vintage enthusiast…one who is always one decision away from an impulsive excursion and believes that art is the only way to wear life.

On this iteration of “guest of tens”, I’m serving up that which nourishes my soul most from music to books to travel recs…and to the people that quite literally make my world go round. As a business owner in a creative industry, it is key to find those that inspire. As a woman living in a complicated world, it is necessary to find those that empower…but more about that later.

First, let’s dive in…

Shopping Cart Overload

Ya girl is every marketer’s fantasy. You would think working in the advertising industry that I would have some discernment to the targeted ads that follow me around daily. But the truth is, I fall right down the rabbit hole almost everytime…and what a fantastical plummet it always is. That being said, I have tested an insane amount of products making these my “tried and true”/”can’t live without you” faves…

• Henry Rose Perfume – this EWG-approved fragrance is the only organic and non-toxic perfume on the market…and let me tell you, the deliciousness is REAL. “Dark is Night” is my signature smell and I promise strangers will approach when you wear this beauty.
• Kosas Concealer – Because the nights are often late, and the mornings come quite early. Another clean option that keeps those eyes bright.
• Tom Ford Lipstick – While most of his shades make for a bold moment, there is not a more nourishing, sumptuous lipstick on the market.
• HRD//KLL Chocolate Protein Powder – When you want a Wendy’s milkshake, but you also want to be healthy, this protein powder does the trick. Add milk (or a non-dairy option) and a banana…and voilà. 
• Refy Brow Pencil – I was blessed with bushy eyebrows…a terrifying experience at 13…but a gift at 35 now that big eyebrows are all the rage. I cannot live without this pencil. 
• Anastasia Brow Gel – And while we’re on the subject of brow game, this brow “freeze” is the main player. 
• Anifsa Moisturizer – Dewy glow & powerful moisturizer all-in-one…this product is THE feature of my skincare routine.
• Lindsey Thornburg Sherling Cloaks – I have a coat problem. And a hat problem. And a boot problem. But back to coats…these inspired prints are chic socially acceptable blankets. 
• Boy Smells Candles – This line covers the gamut of rare scents while balancing masculine & feminine flavor. Whether you’re feeling amber, fruity or spicy, these smells will set the tone for whatever kind of evening you’re hoping to evoke.
• Isabel Marant Skano Bag – Lately, I’ve lost my interest in the traditional handbag and find myself reaching for functional (while also fashionable) elevated fanny packs. This one is on my Christmas list.

Eargasms

Life’s got to constantly be a cinematic vibe…hence the range of the musical palette before you. Since I’m expecting my first bambino in 4 weeks (insert panic), my hubby and I have been basking in anything that gets bébé boy moving. It’s been a lot of orchestral symphonies, gong baths, and singing bowl sessions (if you haven’t experienced a sound bath, the serenity is next level – Mimi and I had our first a few years ago and I swear we levitated). But when not trying to stir up a reaction from the science experiment happening within my body, I’m always looking for new tunes that compliment my environment and elevate my mood. So for my top 10 songs of the moment, we go to the depths of basement EDM, head Euro for a little Spanish guitar, make a pitstop in admiration of the safari landscapes, and round it all out with some heartbreaking Memphis blues.

1. “The Pace” by ford.
2. “Bird’s Lament” by Moondog
3. “adore u” by Fred again…
4. “Once Upon A Time” by Jay McShann
5. “Asibe Happy” by Trinix Remix,
6. “Thokoloshi” by Ehrling
7. “Beach Break – Sofi Tukker Remix” by Julietta & Sofi Tukker
8. “Sun Rays like Stilts” by Tommy Guerrero
9. “Three Drums” by Four Tet
10.  anything by Cyrena Wages (she has a new album coming out..follow her on Spotify for the love of all that is holy)

A Real Page Turner

Most read for enjoyment…I read for self-betterment. Give me a deep, painstaking self-evaluation and a method for softening the rough edges and I am all in. It’s the most gratifying (and productive I might add) process of understanding the world, getting closer to others and deepening relationship with oneself. In no particular order…

• Hero On A Mission by Donald Miller
• The Mountain Is You: How To Transform Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• How To Be The Love You Seek by Dr. Nicole LePera 
• Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo
• The Worthy Project by Meadow DeVor
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
• Heart Talk by Cleo Wade
• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

Baby’s Leavin’ On a Jet Plane…

Sharing travel recommendations is my love language. There’s nothing that gives me more of a thrill than hitting the pavement in a new city, discovering hidden gems, and soaking up a new, foreign sense of culture. While I could write 100 blogs on this topic with thousands of places still on my bucket list, I’ll share some of my star expeditions…

• Hvar, Croatia– Literally the most whimsical, lush, gorgeous place I’ve ever been. Put this country on your 2024 travel list stat.
• Leche, Austria– Whether you ski or not is irrelevant –  this little town in the winter months feels like the North Pole.
• Venice, Italy– While parts are certainly touristy, this may be my favorite city of all time. By far the most romantic trip of my life.
• Hamilton, Bermuda– I am biased since we were married in Bermuda, but it is the best kept secret of the east coast (with luminous pink sandy beaches and a convenient hour & a half from Boston or Charlotte).
• New York, NY– Need I say more? As former New Yorkers, Mimi and I are always reveling in our last trip or our upcoming one. Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker.
• Mexico City, Mexico– The art, the artisans, the streets…this place is a labyrinth of wonder, of color, and intrigue.
• Northeast Harbor, Maine– Beach picnics, distinguished lighthouses and afternoon sails make for the perfect summer retreat.
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming– A snowy wonderland in the winter & an outdoors haven in the summer with an abundance of wildlife sightings at its core…this town has been one of our favorites for many years and for many reasons.
• Toronto, Canada– She’s a more relaxed Manhattan with charming neighborhoods, Michelin-level fare and home of TIFF (the Toronto Film Festival) which we thoroughly enjoyed last September. If you haven’t done a true film festival, this one is a not-to-miss.
• Paris, France– I almost left this city off due to the overly commercialized implications of it. But truly, there’s no place more magical or more luminous than Paris.

For A Good Time, Call…

One of the greatest joys in my life is being a hype girl for the extraordinary beings that surround me. It also happens to be my superpower – connecting unsuspecting individuals with one another who on their own volition, create powerful partnerships together. I am grateful that my business is founded on that kind of networking and expansion of such striking individuals. I am a firm believer on building together rather than in isolation (because let’s face it…entrepreneurship can be lonely), catching one another in the face of failure, and always being there for your people…even if you don’t feel like you can fully show up as your whole self. Some of these darlings have been there for me while I was in the thick of it…and others, I fangirled my way into friendship. Now to the people headed towards total world domination…

• Frances Berry Moreno She was my neighbor who I tricked into being one of my dearest friends. This extraordinarily talented woman makes incredible art, loves her people ferociously and stands in her power like no other…serving everything up with a delicious side of sass. We showed at Art Basel together in 2019 and she’s been featured in everything from Vanity Fair to Vogue.
• Chloe Hakim Moore You know when you just meet someone and immediately click? This darling soul is a powerhouse like I’ve never seen before. As a Forbes 30 Under 30 having led over $2 billion in social impact, she is the ultimate badass inspiring others to live their most powerful lives. If you’re looking for an entrepreneur to guide you to unbounded levels of success while maintaining your health, she’s your supercharger.
• Ainsley Ayres Beasley As a world-renowned yogi & an infectiously mystical human being, Ainsley has a holistic coaching program focused on working with the body nutritionally and spiritually…in a way that takes the guesswork out of wellness. She’s the girl you become obsessed with the moment you meet her and has an absolute heart of gold (and the most beautiful family I might add).
• Nina Westervelt Aesthetic brilliance, bubbling personality, all around precious person! That’s the best way to describe Nina. As a Brooklyn-based photographer, you will find her flashing her camera on every red carpet from Met Galas to Vanity Fair parties. We were lucky enough to have her capture our recent Bébé Soiree (note the photo of Mimi and I) and I just wish she would fit in my pocket and we could go everywhere together.
• David Quarles One of the most delightful darlings out there…while I rarely see David, I’m constantly in the know of his vibrant life through social media. He is a talented interior designer who never shies away from big, bold COLOR and creates spaces that soothe and inspire. He was recently named one of the New American Voices to watch by Architectural Digest and is constantly reminding me to turn my day around if it hasn’t been a great one :).
• Amanda Watson Johnson This gorgeous gazelle started a new flower essences company called Forest of the Ferns which utilizes the earth’s powerful intelligence to unblock stagnant energy and unleash your greatest gifts. You can use them orally as an elixir or topically as a serum or mist. Amanda also has a thriving coaching program and a fascinating podcast called Chime In with Amanda Watson Johnson which focuses on returning to a simpler way of life.
• Lauren Kennedy Speaking of an eye for the bold and the beautiful, this love just opened up a gorgeous art gallery focused on artists based in and connected to the regional South. Her ability to source and curate is next level and Memphis is so lucky to have her refreshing perspective.
• Cyrena Wages This singing siren is about to have the year of her life with a new album coming out and the announcement of more performance dates in 2024. Her booming voice is soul shaking, her energy is electrifying, and she will transport you to other worlds and other decades keeping you in your deepest feels.
• Christian Warren Talk about someone who puts the unexpected together and creates masterpieces. I could write for days about the talents of Christian and her team at SCW Studio. But her work speaks for itself. As a Los Angeles-based interior designer, she has an eye of epic proportion reframing approach and elevating environments.
• Amelia Thompson And finally, what can I say about this beloved unicorn?! Her vivacity for life, perseverance towards healing, and unwillingness to settle make her an inspired beauty. While she’s always doing a thousand things in a thousand cities from New York to Nashville to being abroad, her authenticity beams through everything she does loving everyone around her as she does it. Her charisma, integrity, and love seep into every moment of her life and we’re all just lucky to be a witness to her greatness.

That’s all for now, lovers. Wishing you a beautiful & bountiful rest of the holiday season.

Stand in your beauty. Stand in your power. And embrace the miraculous creation that you are.

xo,
C