With a keen eye for aesthetics and a mind wired for curiosity, Rachel Soo Thow has carved a distinct space at the intersection of literature, culture, and style.
As the creator of The Lit List – a literary and lifestyle platform engaging over 180,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Substack – Rachel has become known for her thoughtful, unhurried approach to digital storytelling.
By day, she brings her expertise to her role as Retail and Brand Experience Manager for Jasmin Sparrow; by night, she curates essays and reflections on everything from overlooked literary gems to pop culture’s latest fascinations. Her growing Substack has quickly become a hub for readers who crave depth and design in equal measure. Here, the ever-stylish multi-hyphenate shares the pieces and products currently lighting her up.
Traveler’s Company Leather Notebook
Everyday Needs
I purchased this notebook from Everyday Needs for its ease of use – you can add more notebooks and compartments inside and fully customize how you want to use it / a must save when I just want to jot down anything and everything.
Harris Tapper Balmoral Parka (Black)
Harris Tapper
The satin fabric and structure of this a stunning silhouette and really the perfect transeasonal piece of outerwear I own. The perfect throw on over everything from tailored pieces to outerwear.
Tronque Exfoliating Refining Serum
Tronque
I’ve been using this for my little bumps on my arms (Kelatosis Pilaris) and its been a gamechanger. I use this in conjunction with their Ionic Dry Body Brush and Firming Butter and it’s a combo that I can no longer gatekeep. It’s worth the hype if you’re someone like me that’s had KP her entire life.
Fluff Cloud Compact
Fluff
If you’ve seen cloud compacts around, this is its origins. Founder Erika Geraerts created this line of products that’s super simple, plastic-free, refillable and is equally an amazing writer and podcaster. These compacts are like little works of art in their own right, its weight offering a sort of grounding to life’s busy moments, designed to last.
Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0
Elizabeth Arden
This is the one serum I never skip out on and its not just because the texture is stunning but the glow that I get from using this is enough to make me leave the house with no-makeup at all.
The Virtue ‘Holy Smoke’ Eau de Parfum
The Virtue
Still hands down the one fragrance that sends compliments my way every time I wear this. If you love woody, smokey, sexy undertones then this is the fragrance for you. What I love most is that this brand hails all the way from New Plymouth and the aesthetics are perfection.
Justine Clenquet Drew Sunglasses (Black)
Justine Clenquet
The piercing details at the bridge and the sides of the glasses is what sold me- its literally me if I was a pair of sunglasses.
Woodchuck Sato Mary-Jane Tabi Ankle Heels (Matte Black)
Woodchuck Sato
The most comfy pair of heels I own yet – I purchased this for my birthday this year and I’m considering buying more, perfect for the office and those 9-5 work days. Tried and tested.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 Camera
Instax
My partner and I have started a ‘Henry’ wall for our pug, a polaroid wall of sorts filled with anyone that pops round to our place or just anyone we catch up with- he’s an old dog and its something special we love including him in.
Jasmin Sparrow Oro Necklace
Jasmin Sparrow
The must have necklace of summer. It’s the most versatile necklace I own and it instantly elevates any outfit – the adjustable tie means I can also have the option of styling this long or short or as a belt and I always get so many compliments every time I wear this!
Follow Rachel on Instagram and Substack at @thelitlist_ for more of her curated picks, thoughtful essays, and a peek inside her world of literature and design.
