Issue No. 3

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!

Wabi Sabi is my design focus this month. So, here's my newsletter confession. Sometimes I find myself peeking into other people’s homes or scrolling through Instagram, only to compare what I see to my own seemingly imperfect, real-life dwelling, and then I feel a pang of inadequacy. But, I've decided to embark on a new mindset - channeling the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi into my home. Finding beauty in imperfection. 

The pursuit of perfection in design, or any aspect of life, often leads to feelings of anxiety. Have you ever stepped into a room that's meticulously too perfect and uniform and felt the urge to escape rather than linger? 

Think of the slight patina of age in a tea-dyed fabric, a beautiful limestone counter in France, hand-hewn asymmetry of a ceramic vessel from a potter’s wheel. There's an inherent charm in these irregularities, a beauty that goes beyond flawless uniformity. I see beauty and individuality in a vase full of white wildflowers, more so than in a collection of all same-height, same-exact-color red roses.  

Originating in 15th century Japan, Wabi Sabi draws from ancient tea ceremonies and is attributed to the wisdom of Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu. The concept finds joy in the natural cycle of growth, decay, and the passage of time. It emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and an appreciation for the rustic and imperfect. 

In the world of Wabi Sabi, cracks, nicks, and weathering aren't flaws they're badges of character, reminders of the passage of time, and stories lived. Imagine if we could apply this same perspective to our own reflections, embracing the beauty of our aging selves rather than fixating on imperfections. 

Instead of fixating on your imperfections, where can you find moments to embrace the essence of Wabi Sabi when looking at your reflection in the mirror?

Steph 

Design Tip of the Month

Want to add floating shelves in your kitchen or bar but don’t know what to put on them?

Here’s a way to make them decorative and functional! Don’t just load them with liquor bottles or stemware. This is an opportunity to add some flair! Mix interesting artwork, ceramic containers, and cocktail recipe books to create an eclectic and stylish display. Vary the heights of your items and group them to form a cohesive collection, and consider adding personal touches such as unique bar tools or vintage glassware. Don’t overcrowd your shelves. Leave some space to let items breathe and stand out. Finally, use accent lighting to highlight your arrangement and make your floating shelves become a standout feature in your kitchen or bar area.

Design Product of the Month

I love candles but I’m super picky. Below are my favorites that will fill your spaces with a fabulous scent but won’t leave you with a headache!

Elevate your room with a cleaner candle. Made of coconut and soy-based wax, this home fragrance burns for up to 55 hours, filling any space. Formulated with vegan-friendly ingredients.

I love that this scent was inspired by afternoons spent horseback riding in Topanga Canyon. It includes notes of green leaves, vanilla, eucalyptus, moss wood, and grapefruit. Vessel and scent are developed and hand-poured in Los Angeles.

Burn Time: 50-70 hours.

Developed with high-dose fragrance oils, a custom blend of waxes, and wicks constructed with natural fibers, Le Labo candles are the perfect sensory experience, and I am hooked! This scent is so delicious; it’s true what they say, you’ll want to eat the wax! But they advise not to…

Travel: Flair in the Air

Photo by Olivia Hutcherson on Unsplash

Park City, Utah

I love my mountain town this time of year, so this month we’re featuring my backyard playground of Park City, UT, as our destination.

People typically associate Park City and Deer Valley with winter sports and fabulous skiing, but it’s the summer months here that really do it for me - with vibrant Aspens, songbirds, wildflowers, and hiking galore. We also have so many great little cafes, bars, hotels, and things to do that it’s nearly impossible for me to narrow it down. I’ll give it a try… 

Stay

Washington School House Hotel - Hands down, my top pick. I would literally move in and live here if they would have me! This was the original schoolhouse in town for the miners’ kids until it was turned into a hotel. And, about 12ish years ago, the hotel was purchased and reimagined in the most beautiful way. Modern art, Gustavian and Louis XVI furnishings, charm galore. Walking distance to Main Street and its own quiet oasis. 

Eat

Yuki Yama - Located in the heart of Old Town on Main Street, you can find the freshest seasonal fish flown in from around the world. The menu consists of traditional Japanese sushi and noodle dishes, as well as more creative, modern sashimi plates and hot dishes. I call this flair on a plate.

Firewood - Locally sourced ingredients, a fourteen-foot-long wood stove, an extensive wine list, and abundant ambiance deliver an extraordinary experience. Truly a culinary adventure.

Tupelo - Globally inspired food, artisanally sourced and flairfully prepared. Each dish combines ingredients in unexpected ways using locally sourced fare and small-batch producers.

Five5eeds - Two words - (1) Breakfast. (2) Shakshouka. Trust me on this. And, oh, two more words. Their Flat Whites!

The No Name Saloon - Make sure to weave in a stop here for a drink, with a side of history and nostalgia.

Protein Foundry - Perfect stop for snacks or lunch on the go. Think acai bowls, protein shakes, and gourmet toast. Healthy and flavorful!

Hill’s Kitchen - The perfect spot to grab a fabulous pastry, juice, smoothie, or coffee before your hike. Also, serving breakfast and lunch.

Do

The Collective Park City - A true Park City mountain lifestyle store.

Indigo Highway - An elevated general store for the modern journey. Everyday luxuries by over 100+ Indi brands.

Cake Boutique - Contemporary clothing that’s modern and wearable without being overly trendy. No watered down selections here!

Align Spa - Located just a few minutes from Old Town, this is Park City’s oldest day spa. Regularly voted either the Best Massage, Best Facial, or Best Spa by the locals. Doesn’t get better than that!

PC Yoga Collective - Hands down, they have the best teachers and the best heat.

H2 Blow - You need good hair on vacation. The perfect pit-stop after hikes and yoga to freshen up before dinner.

Olympic Park - Olympic Park has so many great things to do and learn. Visit the Olympic museum, and hop on a simulator for Nordic ski jumping or a bobsled run. 

Hiking or Mountain Biking - There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore. The organization, Mountain Trails, publishes trail maps you can pick up anywhere in town or find online.

Currently Wearing

Get ready for all the outdoor summer vibes in this head-to-toe hiking fit that ensures you’re comfortable and chic, ready to tackle any trail. Effortlessly stylish while staying prepared for any adventure! Click the links below to shop.

Hiking Shorts

Vintage Graphic Tee

Socks

Hiking shoes

Sports Bra

Bucket Hat

Sunglasses

Backpack

Fanny Pack

Water Bottle

Flair for Wellness

What I’m loving this month…

Supergoop Sunscreen - I’m obsessed with this! It feels so weightless you have zero excuses not to wear an SPF. It never leaves a white layer on my face. And, if tinted sunscreen is your jam, they also make that.

Culture & Media

What I’m Listening To

The Cult of Flair Podcast

I’m dipping my toes into the pool of podcasting! Join me for insightful conversations with creators as we explore the diverse paths to fearless individuality, the meaning of personal style, and finding your flair at any age. Along with my in-depth interview series, you’ll also find snackable, short episodes. I call these my Flair On The Fly, where I’ll be serving up tips, musings, or insightful nuggets designed to expand your knowledge and share the flair! Click below to check out the video version on YouTube, or find me on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for a purely audio experience. Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

My Flair Mix

This month, I'm bringing a touch of country flair with the perfect soundtrack to celebrate those long summer days spent outdoors.

Five O’Clock Flair

Indulge in a refreshing Summer Nectarine Sangria, perfect for hot days and cool evenings. This versatile drink can easily be transformed into a mocktail by substituting non-alcoholic wine or by using sparkling water with the muddled fruit. Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or relaxing by the pool, this sangria offers a burst of summer flavor in every sip!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe nectarines, sliced

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 lime, sliced

• 1/4 cup sugar (optional, or adjust to taste- can also substitute with monk fruit or stevia)

• 1 bottle of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

• 1/2 cup brandy

• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda

• Ice cubes

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and strawberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, add the sliced nectarines, orange, lemon, lime, and sugar. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to gently muddle the fruit and sugar together to release their juices and flavors.

2. Pour the white wine and brandy into the pitcher, stirring gently to combine with the muddled fruit. 

3. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. When ready to serve, add ice cubes to individual glasses and pour the sangria over the ice, including some muddled fruit in each glass.

6. Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a little flair...aka fizz.

7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.

Cheers!

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