Whether you're perpetually online or not, you've most likely heard of Leah Kateb [1]. Yes, she's gained renown for her stint on "Love Island USA [2]" season six as part of the fan-favorite girl group "Powerpuff Gang," but she's far from just another reality TV star. In just a little over a year since finishing as runner-up with partner Miguel Harichi [3], Kateb has established herself as one of the newest It girls, beyond virality surrounding the show. She's not only collaborated with major brands like Uber, Google, and Amazon, but she recently became the refounder and chief creative officer of clean fragrance brand Skylar. Another power move Kateb just added to her résumé? A partnership with Pinterest.
The social media platform recently launched its Thrift Shop [4] initiative that allows users to shop pre-owned pieces straight from the closets of industry tastemakers weekly. The initiative is inspired by studies that show Gen Z accounts for more than 50 percent of Pinterest users, most of whom are searching for vintage and thrifted finds, exhibiting the growing demand for secondhand fashion. Kateb has her own closet drop, and for good reason. She's also a budding style star, often spotted in some of the most iconic, timeless luxury pieces — from vintage Roberto Cavalli corsets to Alaïa LBDs — a collection fitting for "the Vintage Queen," as she calls herself.
"Whenever people ask me for outfit inspo, I will literally tell them to go on Pinterest," Kateb tells Popsugar. "I've had Pinterest since I was very young and I love to make mood boards, which it has the easiest function to do, along with its suggestion feature that will clip a piece and show you where it's from or populate similar options. Not everything I wear is going to be designer, and it's so cool to get introduced to other brands."
The 26-year-old's authentic appreciation for shopping is also part of what makes this collaboration natural. Kateb prides herself on having a solid bag collection — her favorite Dior Saddle bag in particular. "I love a vintage Saddle bag; I just got a mini one that's waiting for me in LA," she says excitedly.
Ahead, Kateb opens up more about her must haves, including her beloved Saddle bag and Apple AirPods that she can't board a flight without. And while you're scrolling, take a peek at her Pinterest shop [5] to purchase some of her favorite archive pieces, like Chanel sunglasses.
Leah Kateb's Affordable Must Have
While she loves a good fashion piece, Kateb keeps nipple pasties on hand, like these Gewimo Nipple Covers [6] ($5). "Those are always good to have in your bag," she says.
Pro Tip: These pasties are made from silicone, making them reusable and waterproof. Simply clean them with mild, neutral soapy water and let them air-dry. You can reuse them 30 times or more.
Leah Kateb's Investment Must Have
If there's one thing to learn from Kateb, it's that you can never have too many vintage Dior Saddle bags. This Christian Dior Silk Paisley Saddle Bag [7] ($3,210, originally $4,280) is crafted with sleek leather and the brand's signature initial link that makes it the perfect splurge-worthy purchase.
Pro Tip: Snagging Saddle bags on sites like Fashionphile will help you find that one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has, and allow you to build a solid bag collection — one of Kateb's top shopping tips.
Leah Kateb's Morning Must Have
The Skylar founder thinks sunscreen should be in everyone's skin-care routine [8], and while she's not married to any specific one, she cites the Revision Control Corrective Oil-Free Sunscreen [9] ($48) as one of her favorites.
Pro Tip: This sunscreen also works as a facial moisturizer, allowing you to achieve two steps of your skin-care routine at once. With ingredients like aloe vera, your skin is bound to look and feel its most balanced and nourished.
Leah Kateb's Nighttime Must Have
Another nonnegotiable in her skin-care routine? The Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream [10] ($18, originally $26). "I have eczema and have been using it for years — it's the holy grail for my skin," Kateb says.
Pro Tip: This cream provides up to 45 uses for the skin, including soothing sensitive skin prone to dryness, treating minor cuts and scrapes, and helping to heal cracked skin. You can even use it on your little one(s), as it's been accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Leah Kateb's Travel Must Have
On the travel front, Kateb can't go on a trip without her Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds [11] ($199). "If I forgot my headphones, I probably would have to miss my flight," she says.
Pro Tip: You have more control of playback functions with these earbuds, by simply swiping, pressing, and holding the stem. They also have Siri capabilities that enable you to nod your head yes or no when asked if you'd like to hear a message or answer a call.
Naomi Parris [12] is an assistant shopping editor at Popsugar, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.