Lauren Servideo

Comedian Lauren Servideo on Air Fryers, Passerbuys, Sofia Cappola's "Hi-Octane", and more

December 29, 2020

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Lauren Servideo is without a doubt one of the funniest (and coolest) comedians around. Her hilarious and witty Instagram videos feature original characters and situations that draw from a wide array of influences. Some of my favorites include; Chick Clint Eastwood, Brandy Melville Manager, Reenacting Alien, Moshing to Phil Collins, and of course all her amazing characters such as Ethan’s Mom, Victoria, Anubis, and Stoner Roommate. She also has a super cool & distinct vintage style that I really admire— Mordechai Rubinstein even featured her on his popular Instagram account. Lauren has incredible taste and lucky for us, she’s here to talk about what she’s been into.

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️ Passerbuys

I feel bad promoting a competing entity but c’est la vie! I just spoke in French because the woman who runs Passerbuys, Clémence Polès, is French and is in France right now. Clémence visits women in their homes, takes pictures, and asks their recommendations on what to read, what to cook, where to eat, and just general insider tips. Here is mine, for the curious. I am extremely nosy and I am regularly asking “where did you get that?” I am obsessed with other people’s apartments and their drinkware and why they chose rye over bourbon. I think I have read each post all about 2x over, even my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend’s! On the site, the entries can be sorted by occupation or city/neighborhood; it’s immediately clear that she hasn’t just interviewed 12 creative directors and 9 brand ambassadors. My only rule is that you can’t visit the site until you’re done reading this newsletter because that would be rude.

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Hi-Octane

This Comedy Central series from Sofia Coppola and Zoe Cassavetes feels light years ahead of everything in its class. It created the mould for stuff like Delusional Downtown Divas (the Lena Dunham sartorial sketch show). I don’t really remember when I found it, but I’ll watch it on repeat. I’m hoping one day they’ll bring it back, but I’m not holding my breath. I dreamed of being a Gen Xer when I was a teenager and this series is why.

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Knitting

I started knitting in 2012 when a friend started a girls’ craft group that met every Wednesday, but I waited until this year to try and improve. I like challenging myself to figure out new patterns and new things to knit. I’ve advanced from scarves to beanies… Maybe I’ll do a sweater next. My favorite places to get yarn are Purl in SoHo, Annie & Company Needlepoint & Knitting on the Upper East Side, and CeCe's Wool Yarns and More if I’m in Albany. If I can do it, anyone can.

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The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack

I love gospel music and getting to hear Whitney Houston sing with the Georgia Mass Choir….? COME ONNNNNN. I just looked it up and it’s the best-selling gospel album of all time. Makes sense honestly. Separately: It would have been so amazing to see where Whitney would have gone as a producer. She produced Cinderella and the Princess Diaries. Look at this photo of Whitney and Anne Hathaway: The Preacher’s Wife was directed by Penny Marshall, and The Princess Diaries was directed by Gary Marshall, Penny’s brother. And Bobby Brown is also all over TPW soundtrack. Amazing family affair! Whitney Houston is my fucking favorite.

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️ Air Fryer

If your only hesitation about buying an air fryer is that it’s just going to be another redundant kitchen appliance (see: crockpot, ice cream maker, you know, of that ilk), YOU’RE WRONG!!! I have cooked fish in this thing, cookies, potatoes, dough. Crispy in such a short amount of time. Ovens take too long. Plus these things are relatively inexpensive -- I think ours was $30? Have fun eating the best brussels sprouts of your life. Plus you don’t use oil and that makes it healthier which means you can eat more.

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Lauren Servideo

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