Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
*CALLING ALL NEW YORKERS! As I’m folding this newsletter into my new biz, I need submissions for things YOU need in NYC! I will go out IRL and find it for you! Find the submission form here.*
Here we are, at the very end! Thank you for sticking around and for trusting me this past year with your most difficult shopping tasks. I have absolutely loved diving deep on the internet on your behalf and sincerely hope that you’ve found this work both useful and entertaining. For this final post, I’m tackling as many recent submissions as I can, all for extremely specific things for which I have a singular recommendation. Buckle up, because we’re in for a long one:
Krystal in Los Angeles: “I’m looking for a butter or pale canary yellow silk dress with sleeves (bishop, kimono, butterfly sleeves preferred) and no high slits, low back, or plunging neckline.”
Dear Krystal,
This might be the most specific item I’ve ever hunted for! Fortunately, butter yellow is a trendy color right now, so there are lots of options. The one piece of information I don’t have is your preferred length, so I’m kept it safe and picked this gorgeous mid-length option from Goelia for $169:
If you happen to wear a size 16, this on-sale Rodarte dress is simply stunning. Also on sale, and only available in narrow sizing is this TOTEME Knot-detail Cape Dress, which is what I’d choose for myself.
While searching, I also came across an Etsy shop for NoireBrand, who sell made-to-order dresses in a wide range of modern silhouettes and a whole bunch of colors. Brides: this would be a great option for actually cute, re-wearable bridesmaid dresses that your friends won’t hate!
Beverly in Fallbrook, CA: “I am looking for stacking desk trays that will hold file folders lying flat. I find that if the folder tab is on the far right or left and the folder is full, the tab hits the edge piece that wraps slightly to the front. I want something sturdy, that won’t sag when multiple folders are placed in the top stacked trays. Thank you for your help! Fun colors would be a bonus.”
I can’t believe how difficult this was to find! File trays are either ugly, or not wide enough to accommodate folders with tabs. The truth is that there just isn’t much of a market anymore for a lot of hyper-specific desk supplies, like this. My conclusion is that vintage is the way to go. This Etsy seller buys old steel desk organizers and refurbishes and powder coats them with fun colors, so maybe send them a message to see if they have something with the number of trays you’re seeking. Find other vintage steel options, here and here , but if prefer something stackable and new that you can continuously add to, Jam Paper has a great option for $15 that is just wide enough:
Annalee in Southwest Harbor, ME: “We're looking for a new coffeemaker, with seemingly impossible characteristics. For years, my husband and I have been using the Wirecutter recommendation for coffeemakers (Bonavita Conossiuer) and we like the coffee it makes fine. However, we find it unattractive and my husband is frustrated that there's no clear place for its extra bits - eg while you're brewing coffee, the lid of the carafe just sits out on the counter; once the coffee is brewed, the brew basket is just lying around. Can you help us find something that still makes great coffee, but looks a bit sleeker and more modern (or even just... cooler), and preferably has some kind of plan (hooks? shelves?) for all of it's extra bits. We're open to spending a good bit, as this is something we use daily and also have to look at on our counter.”
Annalee, I think I’ve found just the one! There are less extra bits to sort out, it’s gorgeous, and it makes great coffee. Meet the Ratio Eight Coffee Maker! It’s essentially a sleeker, simpler version of your Bonavita, but more thoughtfully designed. Made in the US with borosilicate glass, hardwood and stainless steel, it also comes with a 5-year warranty, which indicates a lot of confidence from the manufacturer. The only real complaint I could find in the reviews is that they’re always backordered, but you can find it in stock (and a little cheaper) from Dillards for $565. For a couple hundred dollars less, the Ratio Six is also a solid option.
Lisa in NYC: “I’m looking for breath mints (or something similar) that freshens breath. Bonus points for portability and cute packaging!”
Does anyone else remember those tiny tiny striped tins of lip-shaped cinnamon mints they used to sell at Victoria’s Secret 15+ years ago? They were adorable and so pleasantly spicy, and felt like a more luxurious version of Altoids. I thought of them when a friend recently told me about Flintts, which come in compact flat tins and a variety of fruity and minty flavors, with a few oddballs like Snowy Pine. So, maybe their primary purpose is to relieve the dry mouth associated with smoking weed, but I don’t think it matters. After all, the friend who recommended them doesn’t even smoke.
Kathy in Sacramento: “I’m looking for some cute stylish low top sneakers (like Converse All-Star, Adidas or something in that vein) that are actually comfortable, e.g., with cushion, arch support and ventilation. Does such a thing exist? Going to Spain for a few weeks this summer and plan on a doing a LOT of walking.”
Oh, to be able to wear All-Stars without foot pain! You’re not alone — they’re too flat and not supportive enough for most people. My pick for you is a pair of Keds Court Sneakers, which have the same vibe as the ever popular Adidas Stan Smiths but with a little less weight, and more arch support. As a person with chronic foot problems, I’ve tried these on and can assure that they’re worthy of a trek around Europe! Cool girl brand Staud currently has a cute collab in two colorways, but you also can’t go wrong with the classic.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
A few weeks ago I went to the Noguchi Museum and was hit by a deep, musky, floral scent when I walked in the door. I asked the person at reception what I was smelling and they told me it was Kungyokudo Phoenix Wisteria incense. As it turns out, Kungyokudo is the oldest incense maker in Japan, based in Kyoto for the past 400+ years. The only place to buy them in the US is at the Noguchi Museum (which is well worth the trek to Queens anyway!), but you can find them online in many other places, like Sway Gallery in London. The scent is clean, potent and intoxicating, and the sticks are smaller and significantly less smoky than most, which I prefer because I worry about burning incense around my cats. I’ve never found a home fragrance that strikes the right balance between elegant flower-filled entryway and hippie love shack quite so well.
And with that, I bid you adieu. These posts will live forever here on Substack, and I’ll be sending one last email to all of you in the coming weeks to announce my new venture, so stay tuned. Until then, see you in other corners of the internet :)
Fondly,
Caroline
@ladygraphite on instagram
Thanks so much! I’ve really enjoyed this, best of luck in your new venture/adventure!!