Autumn always feels like the start of the year to me in many respects: back to school (even if I’m not going), back to sweaters and back to a slower pace of life after cramming so much into summer. I’ve gone from dreading the end of summer to fully embracing the change, refresh and reset that fall provides. Here are a few things that are inspiring me this season.
There is truly never time for anything as a mom, and I’ve learned that having a rotating uniform of beautiful yet simple pieces gives me time back to be with my daughter. I’m loving Scandinavian indie brand Totême’s timeless, elegant staples that give a pulled-together look no matter what life throws at me. Think head-to-toe denim, cozy wrap sweaters and cashmere scarves in rich neutrals, like their fall collection that I’m eyeing for the season. A change in weather also calls for self-care that meets the moment. Soft Services was created by Glossier alums Annie Kreighbaum and Rebecca Zhou, who have zeroed in on body care with powerful formulas previously reserved for facial products. I’m entrusting this thoughtful line to exfoliate away my summer skin and nurture it into the dry season. I don’t claim to be a wine expert, but I’m calling it like I taste it. Big Salt is a delicious dry, crisp, minerally organic white that I discovered while dining with old friends. It’s absolutely worth picking up and sharing with your old friends, too. I love hearing how 2020 led people to veer away from what didn’t serve them anymore in the name of creating something beautiful. Ceramicah is a gorgeous example of this. Husband-and-wife duo and former architects Micah Blyckert and Alexandra Cadiz are now creating handmade ceramic lamps and one-of-a-kind vessels that are quickly becoming collectors’ items, like their Raku collection. Local artist and curator Suyao Tian’s work caught my eye immediately, particularly watching her unique use of watercolor during her calming process videos. She just opened her own gallery, Viewpoint, in St. Paul. Tian is absolutely an artist to follow as she continues to share her profound gift with the world.
My very best,
Emma Cutler Velez, Publisher
