Darren Graham is inspiring. Period. Yes, his impeccable taste is inspiring. One look at his Instagram feed will solidify that along with his fashion-forward way to dressing. But his lifestyles as a unmarried homosexual dad of his son (who he calls Ducky) and the circle of relatives he has created is lovely and past inspiring.
There’s extra to return from Graham on Who What Wear as he stocks his parenting adventure. But first, he is sharing the seven staples he lately will depend on in his day by day lifestyles to stick grounded and in a position to tackle no matter comes his approach. “These [are my] seven essentials for staying grounded, groomed, and glammed out while juggling a toddler, content shoots, and trying to remember if I’ve had breakfast,” Graham mentioned.
Keep scrolling for extra.
Hydration Spray
“No topic what number of issues I juggle in an afternoon—books, toys, baggage, snack requests, outfit adjustments—there’s one consistent in my regimen: Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. It’s my not-so-secret weapon. A handy guide a rough spritz sooner than we head out the door, mid-playdate, or proper sooner than filming content material, and all at once, I glance rather less ‘been up since 5 a.m.’ and a bit of extra ‘pulled in combination on goal.’
“This mist lives in my bag rotation, through the door, and sure—an emergency backup in my stroller. It hydrates, revives, and offers me that dewy glow that claims I nonetheless were given it, even if Ducky’s dressed in part my lunch and I’ve reheated my espresso 3 times.
“Because being a dad is full-time, but looking good doesn’t have to be. And in this chapter of playground hopping and sidewalk strolls, that extra glow? It goes a long way.”
A Good Book
“If you ever catch me reading a book, just know: The stars have aligned, Ducky is either napping or completely distracted by Elmo, and I’m holding on to that moment like it’s gold. Because truthfully? Life is loud. My days are full—of love, yes—but also snack negotiations, outfit changes (for both of us), and a never-ending hunt for whatever toy Ducky must bring on today’s adventure. Somewhere in there, I carve out just enough space to crack open a book. Even if it’s only five pages. Even if I read the same paragraph three times.
“But the ones 5 mins? It’s mine. It’s no longer a scroll. It’s no longer background noise. It’s no longer multitasking. It’s simply me, a just right tale, and an opportunity to be reminded that I exist outdoor the to-do listing.
“The books that are carrying me lately aren’t always profound. Sometimes I want something deep, sometimes I want drama, and sometimes I want to feel like I’m on vacation in someone else’s messy life. But no matter what it is, it’s a reset. A pause. A playful nudge back to myself.
“So yeah, between juice field spills and seeking to glance midway first rate for the day, a just right guide is saving me—one gradual, stolen web page at a time.”
An Overnight Mask
“Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask—this Kiehl’s masks is my go-to for the ones uncommon nights after I after all in finding some peace and quiet. (And let’s be fair, that hardly ever occurs.) After Ducky is going down, I practice it and get up with pores and skin that appears like I’ve had a complete 8 hours of sleep. It’s hydrating, soothing, and appears like a bit of self-care reset—as a result of occasionally, that’s precisely what you wish to have after an extended day of parenting and hustling.”
Water (THE Unsung Hero)
“Let’s be honest—I’m not always running on sleep. Some days I’m running on vibes, coffee, and the five crackers Ducky didn’t finish. But what’s quietly holding it all together? Water.
“I do know. It’s no longer flashy. No trending hashtag. No best flat lay. But it’s the only factor that helps to keep me upright when the times blur in combination and the time table doesn’t give up.
“There’s a bottle in the stroller, one on the nightstand, and a backup in the tote I carry everywhere. Because somewhere between getting us dressed, chasing the train, and showing up halfway polished, I need to refill me, too.
“It’s the sip after a meltdown (his or mine). The deep breath sooner than the following errand. The small act of care that asks for not anything in go back. Drinking water sounds fundamental, however on this season of complete plates and whole hearts, I’ve realized that the fundamentals are what raise you. And if staying hydrated is helping me keep provide—for Ducky, for paintings, for myself—I’m going to stay the bottle shut. Minimal effort, most have an effect on. (Six bottles an afternoon is going some distance.)”
A Good Candle
“Candles would possibly appear small, however they actually do make a distinction in surroundings the vibe at house. PF Candle Co.’s Teakwood & Tobacco is my absolute favourite—it’s heat, woody, and by some means immediately stress-free. Lighting it after an afternoon stuffed with dad tasks and content material developing is helping me unwind and create a comfortable surroundings for each me and Ducky. It’s turn out to be a bit of ritual that alerts time to decompress, and truthfully, it’s the type of temper spice up all of us want.”
My Calendar
“Some people have assistants, while I rely on a calendar. It may not be glamorous, but it keeps me afloat. Between playdates, content deadlines, grocery runs, and ‘Ducky needs more wipes,’ I find myself relying on that little grid more than I’d like to admit. I no longer pretend to remember everything; I simply plug it in. Nap schedules, Zoom calls, outfit shoots, solo moments, and bath time—all are included. My calendar gives my days some structure and breathing room, helping me show up for my son, work, and myself without feeling constantly behind. Sometimes, I use color-coding, but I don’t miss things anyway. However, it’s the one tool that helps me stay organized while I try to accomplish everything with intention and a touch of style. In this season of life, structure isn’t boring; it’s essential.”
Everyday Oil
“Last but definitely not least, the Everyday Oil from Mainstay is a total game changer in my routine. It’s an all-in-one oil that keeps my skin hydrated, my beard soft, and honestly, my whole vibe aligned. It’s subtle, clean, and grounding—kind of like a deep breath in a bottle when life feels a little hectic. Whether I’m starting my day or winding down, it’s the product I rely on to keep me feeling fresh and centered.”