Maria Del Mar Sacasa, Food Stylist & Recipe Developer
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Food stylist MARÍA DEL MAR SACASA spends a lot of time making heaping servings of dinner look good (and arguably taste good, too, since she multitasks as a recipe developer), but that doesn't mean that she doesn't also carve out time to make herself look pretty great along the way. After all, before she turned to the kitchen, the Nigaragua-born Sacasa worked in fashion, which might be why her taste is flat-out exquisite across the board. We inquired about the things she's inclined to buy—and then buy again.
Here, the 13 things Maria Del Mar Sacasa is inclined to buy in bulk
- 1
J.Crew Men's Long-Sleeved Button-Downs
The extra-smalls—often only available online—fit me just right, and are longer than women's. Translation: I can wear leggings-that-aren't-pants and keep all my special parts prudently concealed.
- 2
Santa Maria Novella Vintage Cologne
I vacillate between extremely feminine perfume and decidedly masculine scents. I just discovered this: Its smell of leather and tobacco lingers beautifully.
- 3
Post-It Notes
If I don't write it down, I forget. Electronic gadgets aren't my friends; I much prefer an old-fashioned hand-written note.
- 4
Ron Flor de Caña Rum
Dirty martini? Yes, please. Bourbon and ginger ale? Definitely. Dark rum with club soda and a spritz of lime juice? Always. But only if it's made in Nicaragua. Like me.
- 5
Narrow Measuring Spoons
I write two dessert columns, which translates into baking three to four times a week. I always follow the "clean-as-you-go" rule, but washing and drying these little things is a nuisance. It would be absolutely luxurious to have, oh, a dozen sets?
- 6
American Apparel Chain-Link Thigh-High Socks
It might be residual trauma from those super-thick, itchy, Pepto-pink ballet tights I wore as a kid, but I loathe hose. Thigh-highs are so much more practical (think ladies' room), and just a tad sexier.
- 7
La Lechera Sweetened Condensed Milk
Thick, sweet, and decadent. I go through a few cans a month! Also available in tiny tins so you can slurp it up through a straw, if you're so inclined.
- 8
Caspari Matches
I light lots of candles, especially when I'm cooking. I used to swipe matches from restaurants and bars, but they were ugly and wound up scattered all over the place. A pretty matchbox is more presentable, plus these longer matches equal less finger burning.
- 9
MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick
Usually I wear lip balm, but I can't resist super-saturated red lips. This is the reddest red I own, and it's so vibrant and chic. Sometimes, even if I have nowhere to go except the supermarket, I spend a few minutes applying it: Instant mood lifter.
- 10
West Elm Hand Towels
My mom always put linen hand towels in the guest bathroom and they were so pristine that people were reluctant to use them. A friend has a two-foot stack of assorted ones. Genius! The surplus makes it OK to dry your hands with abandon.
- 11
Handmade Linen Aprons
I wear an apron from sunup to sundown. I've gotten used to a piece of fabric wrapped around my waist corset-tight and feel naked and vulnerable when I'm not wearing one.
- 12
Christian Louboutin Fifi Paillettes
I'm easily dazzled by anything that has sparkle and bling. Especially if it's meant to go on my feet. Like these guys from Christian Louboutin: Yes, I might wear them only once, but I still have to have them.
- 13
The New Domestic Bon Journey Bag
It doesn't really matter what size, shape, or material, as long as it's big & sturdy enough to lug my food styling equipment, I long to own it. Crazy bag lady? Yup.
