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In the age of PR gifting and paid influencer partnerships smattered all over social media, it's hard to know whether a recommendation is wholehearted or winking. Is this product actually a must-have? Or did you get it in a gift bag and, yeah, it's not too shabby. Or worse (but understandably)—did your friend found a company and you’re giving her free press?
We want to know: What do people spend real dollar dollar bills on? We're dying to hear what you buy and re-buy, what you recommend with every fiber of your being, what your hard won earnings go toward. With brands sending free stuff to the microest of influencers, we decided it's high time for a roundup series that includes exclusively products that have been purchased and loved outright. Think of Receipts as a fun-things-only money diaries.
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Camilla Marcus is a chef, entrepreneur, activist, and mom of three dedicated to rethinking what it means to be a steward for our planet and future through the lens of food. Camilla’s pioneering hospitality business – west~bourne – was inspired by her California upbringing and began as the first mission-driven, zero-waste neighborhood restaurant in NYC. Since closing its doors in SoHo, west~bourne has expanded its mission of eating well and doing better into a collection of plant-based, zero~waste provisions for the home.
Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative People in Business and one of Inc.’s Female Founder 500, Camilla is committed to innovating across fields, from environmental activism to structural reform within the hospitality industry. She is a co-founder of ROAR (Restaurants Organizing Advocating Rebuilding), a founding member of the IRC (Independent Restaurant Coalition), and is committed to building a more equitable childcare system for working mothers.
Through her partnerships with companies and organizations like Oishii, Ron Finley, and MAD Agriculture, Camilla has expanded west~bourne's impact beyond the restaurant world. Her cooking events with high-profile brands such as goop, Vogue, and Revolve showcase her ability to blend culinary innovation with purposeful, sustainability-driven collaborations.
At the heart of Camilla's work is a deep commitment to inspiring a communal, thoughtful approach to food and the environment. By focusing on sustainability and conscious eating, she hopes to ignite a movement that nurtures both the planet and future generations. We were curious to know which products are staples in her home that help her maintain this intentional lifestyle. Here’s what she said…
“Our hero product at west~bourne is my personal pantry staple and always in use from my tabletop to stovetop. If I’m coming over to your home, you know I’m bringing you a set. Saving the planet begins in our kitchens, and the regenerative avocado oil we craft captures more carbon than anything else and is the ultimate utility for cooking. With the highest smoke point, rich neutral flavor and chef tested all with complete superfood nutrients and of course no plastic, ever. Because what’s better for our earth is always better for our health.”
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“Everything Jenni and the team at Comme Si makes is thoughtful down to the last detail. Even their tags are chic. I long ago fell for their socks (especially the bright red!) and recently just splurged for their new silk pants that are as gorgeous as they are comfortable. I saw them on Jenni at the LA Frieze Art Fair and ordered them on the spot. I got the taupe and love the long, lean cut quickly folding into my staple wardrobe.”
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“I am very particular when it comes to my hair and struggled for years to find the right products as my hair is thin, wavy, and can get unruly and oily quite easily. When I found these products, I DMed the company and founder (and professional celebrity hair stylist) to gush about how they transformed my hair - I am a hooked devotee for life. You can tell they’ve been road tested for years and the unique performance of a clean formulation - unmatched in the industry with mindful packaging as well. Through my fan girl moment, I’ve come to equally fall in love with Mara who is as unbelievably talented as she is lovely and gracious. I bought myself two of these mini essentials sets to keep in my toiletries ‘go bag’ that’s always packed and refreshed since I travel quite often usually for short stints at a moment’s notice.”
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“As a professional chef, I am extremely particular about my knives with a penchant for Japanese and vintage pieces. Bernal is often my go to for one of a kind options, many of which are not too expensive to integrate into my everyday cooking while maintaining precision and long term endurance. Plus, it makes a standout special gift for chefs and home cooks alike.”
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“I wish I was sponsored by Leica. I get stopped every time I use my Leica Q which pretty much accompanies me everywhere. I bought mine off of the NYC store manager over ten years ago (my old restaurant was around the corner so I spent a lot of my time browsing and obsessing), pre loved and old school, and I just think it captures moments with a distinct light and perspective. It’s absolutely an investment piece but one I use so often that I tell myself it balances out - and something I intend to pass on to my children as a family heirloom that will hopefully increase in value through time. Plus, there’s a real camaraderie and village around those of us who absolutely love Leica cameras. Everyone I know who I’ve recommended it to has raved about it and now is as addicted to adding to their collection as I am.”
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“I actually received this in a gift bag long ago and became so hooked that I buy it regularly. I care deeply about clean, natural products for inside and outside of my body, and I love that this is one pure ingredient - much like our avocado oil - simply saffron that has deep roots in ayurvedic medicine. A few drops in the morning as a little goes a long way does wonders for an all day glow (especially as a mom and entrepreneur I need a boost!), and I see such a visible difference on days I forget to put it on.”
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“I turn to evolvetogether for many beauty products as I love their commitment to transparency and sustainability through every piece of the product, including packaging. Like my hair, I struggle to find the right cleanser for my combination and intensely sensitive skin (I’m allergic to a lot, topically). I finally found the answer in this compact powder product, perfect for travel for someone who never checks a bag. It’s effective clearing off the day’s grit, essential for a professional chef who’s often leaning over hot pans and ovens, yet gentle and moisturizing.”
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