Issue No. 2
Welcome to The Flairhunter Edit, where I share all the flair on my radar each month. If you love what you see, forward the flair to a friend!
It's hard to believe that May is here! With Spring springing and the Mother's Day holiday approaching, it's a beautiful time of year, but it can be bittersweet for many. It is for me if I'm honest.
Having lost my mother close to 30 years ago, I’m used to this feeling, but this year, for whatever reason, it's more pronounced. Anticipating this day always makes me whistful, grateful, introspective - a whole cocktail of emotions. I find myself thinking about how my mom helped shape my mothering style and how I’ve used those maternal traits not just with my kids but in many of my relationships. It’s interesting to reflect on the people in our lives who aren’t necessarily mothers but they evoke a need to provide or illicit that nurturing, mentoring, mothering-like relationship.
I've also been thinking about how embarking on a new design project has parallels drawn to motherhood and family. For example, the birth of a new project, complete with anticipation of all the beautiful experiences and possibilities for what’s yet to be created. Growing and nurturing that relationship - building trust and a bond. No different than a mother's experience raising her child, complete with fear, occasional disappointment, mistakes made, and even heartbreak at times. But always with an opportunity to learn, change, and grow. And, of course, celebrating the wins, and the extreme pride in what's been created from the lessons learned along the way.
I have many lessons learned and memories treasured from my mom, but the most impactful would be the beauty of watching her evolve as a person. The gift of seeing someone stumble but get back up and achieve growth, seeing beauty in that vulnerability, expressing warmth and kindness even during challenging times, the gift of apologizing and admitting when you've made a mistake, and striving to do better in the future.
This month let's celebrate the many facets and faces of a mother, literally and figuratively, because one size doesn't fit all. What lessons and values have you learned from comparisons drawn through life experiences, work situations, or from maternal influences like your biological mother or someone who plays that role in your life?
Happy Mother's Day!
Steph
Design Tip of the Month
There are so many ways to take a basic tile shape and create some flair by playing with the pattern, mixing and matching colors, or adding contrasting grout to make the pattern pop!
Design Product of the Month
Looking for an easy way to update a tired patio for the sunshine season ahead; add an outdoor rug! Below are a few at different price points to inspire your outside makeover and create an intimate space to enjoy the longer days ahead.
RH Eisha Outdoor Rug
Hand-loomed from premium high-performance yarns, this solution-dyed acrylic resists fading, weather, and wear.
Annie Selke- Safety Net Green Indoor/Outdoor Rug
A bold, unique pattern that will elevate your patio. Washable, sustainable, and feels as soft as cotton but will stand up to whatever summer brings.
Rejuvination - Heathered Stripe Flatweave Rug
This rug is handwoven from 100% recycled materials using a traditional flatweave technique—the perfect grounding element for your patio, at a perfect price-point.
Travel: Flair in the Air
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a favorite city of mine. I expected to go once and check it off the list, but I fell in love. I’ve been back, and honestly, I want to keep returning. There is something incredibly exotic, intoxicating, interesting, friendly, and color-saturated about this destination. You know, I'm about ALL of that! It’s as if the city and country are now permanently under my skin. Some people are concerned about safety and security, but I have never felt unsafe. We had a lovely tour guide and driver recommended to me by a friend of mine, and now we consider him a friend, too!
Where I stayed
Here are a few of my favorite hotels you must add to your list, whether you stay there or just visit for a meal or a cocktail.
El Fenn - a combination of luxury and authenticity, the decor even has a sense of humor - with a collection of traditional Moroccan moccasins as art, and one perfect pink Chuck Taylor Converse high-top right in the middle! The colors are insane and the rooftop restaurant is one you’ll never forget. This is a must for both the decor and food offerings.
La Momounia - a century old, and known for hosting royals and celebrities. The bar scene is everything, and so is their cocktail by the same name. From the moment you arrive, you're captivated by the harmony, opulence, and details.
Villa des Orangers - this hotel is charming, quiet, and luxurious, with oh so interesting decor and 5-star service. The Villa des Orangers is a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard. It was built in the 1930s for a prominent person who lived there until 1998, then remodeled into this luxury property.
Where I Ate
It’s literally impossible to only recommend a few places to eat, but I’ll try (you can always DM me for more!). The hotels I mentioned also all have exceptional restaurants, food, decor, and people-watching.
Nomad - the rooftop is casual and modern with a great straw hat embroidered with the name. You overlook the tiled roofs of the mosques and hear the call from the minarets in the distance.
Le Jardin - described as a magical oasis located within a beautifully renovated 16th-century building. You enter through an unassuming door into a lush garden. The design is a combination of Moroccan and European chic with a 1960s 70s vibe.
L'mida - this restaurant is located in an old Marrakech house and spread out over two floors. It’s modern with an elegant mix of traditional and industrial styles. The rooftop bar is not to be missed!
What I Did
Marrakech is known for its bustling souks and traditional marketplaces. Think, of a maze of narrow alleys filled with shops selling spices, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods. You can get a henna tattoo in the Medina or purchase a caftan. You can also have a custom caftan made.
Chateaux des Souks - rug shopping is a must, and bartering is half the fun. I promise it’s expected; they won't be insulted! Even if you aren’t planning to haul rugs back to the States, the experience is not to be missed. I'm heading back on a rug-sourcing trip later in the summer, and I can’t wait to “negotiate”.
La Porte D’Oriente & Palais de la Menara - both of these are great places to shop for furniture and antiques. They don’t have a website, but you can plug in the name and have Google map you there.
Sign up for a cooking class and learn the art of the Moroccan Tagine.
YSL Museum - I’m absolutely speechless over this place. A little trivia…Yves Saint Laurent lived there for years with his partner, Pierre Bergé. An incredible collector of Moroccan jewelry, and art, the space is so much more than a museum, it’s become a true cultural center. In addition to showcasing the fashion work of Yves Saint Laurent, there are also temporary exhibitions and an auditorium for concerts, performances, and film screenings.
Jardin Majorelle - Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden in 1980 to save it from destruction. Today, it’s one of the most fabulous gardens in Morocco. Enclosed by outer walls with crisscrossing alleyways and bold-colored buildings, it blends Art Deco and Moorish influences. Two words to describe this. Mad. Flair.
Kasbah Tamadot - if time allows, consider a trip outside of Marrakech to this resort, owned by Richard Branson, nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The ride from Marrakech is less than an hour. This magical walled complex has peaceful courtyards, beautiful gardens and gorgeous views.
Currently Wearing
In the spring and summer, I'm all about outdoor weekend hangouts, especially when it comes to brunch. Whether it's a cozy Mother’s Day gathering or just a chilled-out weekend catch-up at a cafe, I've got the perfect outfit inspo that’s easy to dress up or down.
I would wear the scarf as a head wrap to complete this chic look, but it could also look great as an accent tied around a low ponytail. And, don’t forget a statement bangle for a pop of color. Click the links below to shop the look!
Flair for Wellness
What I’m loving this month…
Goop Lift + Depuff Eye Masks - these wake up my eyes and refresh my whole look. And best of all, they’re easy to apply and don’t slip. You’re welcome!
Culture & Media
What I’m Reading
This book is an epic tome. Yes, it’s long, but don’t be daunted! The story is about love, loss, and perseverance, that spans generations and continents. The author was a doctor before he was an author, and his ability to explain medical conditions or settings in an ordinary people way is balanced by his absolutely beautiful prose. It’s a bit hypnotic for me. Especially the Audible version - the narrator’s Indian accent, while shifting into an occasional Scottish brogue, is equal parts mesmerizing and impressive.
My Flair Mix
A perfect mix for a mellow May. Listen to this while doing yoga, hiking, beach walking, or even playing in the background while doing work.
Five O’Clock Flair
Get ready for an iconic sip that screams, "Spring has sprung and the horses are racing!" The Mint Julep, the quintessential cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first weekend of May, is a classic, best stirred not shaken. It features the smooth richness of Kentucky bourbon, paired with a few simple ingredients.
Craving a non-alcoholic version? No problem! Transforming it into a mocktail is a breeze; just swap out the bourbon for a refreshing splash of ginger ale or club soda.
5 fresh mint leaves - the more the better! Keep some aside for garnishing the glass, too.
sugar cubes, or simple syrup to taste (I use around 1/2 ounce of syrup or 2 sugar cubes. I’ve also used liquid stevia or monk fruit.)
2.5 ounces bourbon whiskey
Place the mint leaves and sweetener in a traditional silver julep cup or a rocks glass. Muddle together well.
Add the whiskey. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig.
To bring some extra flavor flair you can add maraschino cherries, fresh basil, or an orange slice
Cheers!