Is there anything better than getting into a flow state? I sat in my office last week with the window open, fall air gusting in to say hello every once and a while, locked in on sourcing inspiration for a project we’re working on at AOI–and it felt heavenly. Sometimes I think about the fact that I used to have a corporate job that I was not so happy at, and I feel so grateful that I get to be creative every day. It hits me in random moments, but it hits me all the same: when you do something you love, it truly does not feel like work. Listening to my favorite jazz playlist while sipping on some earl grey (I’m back on one caffeine a day, it was a nice three weeks while it lasted), it was an otherwise mundane moment–but in that small slice of a Friday afternoon, I felt really grateful to get to do what I do.
A handful of things that struck me last week:
I found the incredible YouTube account of Jon Hutman, the production designer for several Nancy Meyers films, via Ali LaBelle. What a gem – Ali, this is a gift to society. It sent me down a rabbit hole on Dean Tavoularis, who was the production designer on The Parent Trap (1998 Nancy version), as well as so many other iconic films (um, The Godfather…) and I found this incredible book, Conversations with Dean Tavoularis, on the *Academy Museum Store website* (who knew that was a thing?) Safe to say that was a quick purchase.
I am a huge fan of anything Soft Services, and they just launched a less intense version of their cult buffing bar (with less of the mico-crystals for exfoliating so you don’t exfoliate your skin raw) the scent is “fragranced to smell of freshly poured espresso, smooth vanilla-coconut cream, and a twist of Italian citrus.” Yes, please.
This divine pair of 1980’s murano sconces.
A chic take on the equestrian oil painting–perfect for a country house upstate. Horsey with a twist.
The cobalt upholstery on these reimagined 1940’s apartment sofas would be so striking against a palette of cream, nickel and bronze.
Anything my friend Louise Roe makes via her beautiful homeware brand Sharland England is an immediate yes. Love this shade of olive for her handwoven wicker trays.
Antique oval Swedish band box that would look positively charming layered into a bookshelf, hiding a candle snuffer or some other obscure accoutrement.
I love opaque glassware, and this teal set from the 1930’s is the perfect addition to any tablescape for a pop of saturated color in an unexpected hue.
For my Palm Beach entertaining ladies–one of you needs this.
As a bonus link: Mia Rigden has the best Substack and this post on Soup Season (the only season IMO) is the best thing I saw on the internet this week.
Also, I tried out Grove Collaborative this week for eco-conscious house goods (thank you, Grove!) and I am majorly hooked. Grove’s entire mission is to find vetted, sustainable alternatives that don’t compromise on performance–think plastic free storage containers, sturdy produce bags, eco-conscious hair ties, chemical-free cleaning products: the list goes on. A few of my favorites: these blue and white organic cotton striped kitchen towels (sturdy + great quality), these plastic-free stretch lids to use in place of cling-wrap, lavender hand sanitizing wipes (perfect purse size, have used one billion times since I got them because #kids), and my forever-favorite, IYKYK body lotion, the one and only skin food. (Old school Whole Foods beauty aisle stan forever.)
Well, that’s it friends. You can expect an “Everything I’d Buy For A…” coming to you this week–hint on the theme: cozy.
xxxx AO
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