Issue No. 7
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!
I don’t know about you, but there are a lot of things I’m afraid of—and I’m not talking about snakes. I’m talking about everyday situations, opportunities, social and professional. How, at this stage of life, am I still struggling with fear? Or maybe I’m just more aware now because I'm better able to recognize and label anxieties.
Whether it’s fear of failure, worrying about what people might say, a client’s dissatisfaction, or the anxiety over financial startup costs tied to my company’s growth, I realize how much power fear can have if I let it. The ‘What Ifs’ can haunt me.
Public speaking is another one. While I feel a huge sense of satisfaction when I face it head-on—like the live TV appearances I’ve said yes to and successfully navigated—I still find myself, occasionally, avoiding these opportunities. Even after those wins, the fear hasn’t disappeared.
Now, we get to the good stuff....so, lean in. Recently, and somewhat accidentally (though, are there really ever any accidents?), I came across the actual definition of fear. Instead of a pithy quote like ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ or ‘Leap and the Net Will Appear’ (which, full confession, I love and tell people all the time as if I’m this fearless giant, yet often find myself hesitating at the edge), this simple definition has shifted my perspective.
Fear. Noun. An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Reading this definition was a lightbulb moment. "Dangerous and causing pain"? I mean, none of the things I listed above would actually do that. The pain is just worry or anxiety masked as fear.
Is a shaking voice during a public speaking opportunity, displeasing a client, or worrying about someone speaking negatively about you truly dangerous? No, of course not! It's completely irrational. When I give myself a reality check, I can walk my fear back into its box. Instead of focusing on the 'what ifs,' I shift my energy toward the benefits of trying something new, focusing instead on how GOOD I will feel afterward. Those fears don’t cause any real harm—they’re just barriers I’ve built in my mind.
Want to feel better about your fears? Here’s one of my most ridiculous: playing pickleball or golf in front of anyone—friend or stranger. Athletic prowess? Not exactly my strong suit. My ability to hit one thing with another is practically non-existent, unless it’s purely by accident, like when my shin finds the corner of a table that has always been in that same spot.
So, let’s get to the big takeaway. When I break it down—like reading the literal definition of fear—I realize how irrational it can be. We’re not out here slaying dinosaurs! Embracing the new and scary, even if we might fumble a bit, won't kill us. In fact, we might inspire others to take their own leaps!
So, what are you afraid of? Is it something seemingly silly or more serious? I’d love to hear!
Steph
Design Tip
Here's a simple yet effective design tip for creating the perfect gallery wall in your home. Start by laying the framed art on the floor in the desired pattern. This allows you to visualize the arrangement before committing to it. Use a level to ensure each piece is perfectly aligned as you hang them up. See how easy it is to transform any wall into a focal point!
Design Product of the Month
As the video above shows, you can easily transform your walls with a curated gallery of picture frames. Whether you're going for antique charm, sleek and modern, or a classic mix-and-match, the right frames will always elevate any room. I like to drop sketches I find at flea markets into vintage frames! Shop my top picks below to create the perfect gallery wall to help bring your vision to life.
Travel: Flair in the Air
Manhattan, NY
New York City never gets old no matter how often I travel there. Below you’ll find a curated list with insights from my personal trips to the Big Apple, plus input from my savvy flair scouts on the ground, Manhattan locals - Hailey Whipple, Jordan Butt, Riley Hunt, Sammie Anselmo and Caroline Davin. Let’s dive into some favorites that will have you exploring the city like a true New Yorker.
Where to Stay
Photo courtesy of The One Hotel, Central Park
Nine Orchard - Originally built in 1912, this hotel was once the former Jarmulowsky Bank building. It’s been restored with fabulous flair for travelers and locals, located on the Lower East Side.
The One Hotel Central Park - Elevated and sustainable, this hotel is the perfect green sanctuary, located in the heart of Manhattan..
Mandarin Oriental - Looking for a 5-start luxury experience? This ideal location next to Central Park, close to iconic shopping, and dining makes this a hotel to visit, even if it’s just for a drink. The lobby sits on the 35th floor with panoramic views of the city.
Where to Eat
Photo courtesy of Cecchi’s, NYC
With such a diverse culinary offering, NYC's food scene could easily have its own dedicated newsletter! I may just do that one day, but for now, here are a few dining options to make your mouth start watering.
The Milling Room - A must-visit restaurant for modern American cuisine, with an awesome vibe. The interior has a glass roof, and the seating has plenty of space between tables - rare for NYC! The food is delicious and features a seasonal menu focusing on farm-to-table ingredients.
PJ Clarke's - Old-school restaurant, and hands-down one of the best burgers in NYC. You’ll find vintage decor; dark wood paneling, a long bar, and great energy.
Tempura Matsui - This Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in traditional Edomae-style tempura, is perfect for an intimate dining experience. And, it has impressively received one Michelin star every year since 2016.
Tessa - A neighborhood favorite, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an interior and architecture that is flair-worthy. You’ll find an extensive menu inspired by American, Italian, French, and Spanish dishes.
Le Veau d’Or - A taste of old-world Paris in the heart of NYC. This iconic spot serves classic French dishes and is loved by Gwyneth, as well as many serious chefs and foodies.
Cecchi’s - My flair scouts call this one of the best-kept secrets in lower Manhattan. This modern bar and grill is owned by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, author of the book Your Table Is Ready.
Where to Cocktail
The Swan Room at Nine Orchard - An opulent, old-world setting to enjoy cocktails and small plates. Dress for a night out!
The Wallace Lounge - Sleek and sophisticated, the Wallace Lounge has imaginative cocktails and small plates for sharing.
Time Again Bar - An international neighborhood watering hole serving classic drinks at refreshing prices.
Where to Shop
Photo courtesy of Sunfish, NY
It’s no secret that New York City is a shopping mecca, whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques, hidden vintage gems, or home decor. Here are a few favorite stops to add to your list. Grab your tote bag and let’s go find some flair!
Big Night - The coolest home store in the West Village, set up to usher you from the dining room to the pantry to the kitchen, bar, and even the bathroom, while discovering all the best things for your own home. Hosting a dinner party? You can go there and get everything you need!
Lara Koleji - Not the biggest vintage store in NYC, but it has many eclectic collections and designer pieces. Lots of unique and authentic finds. It’s a flair-filled treasure trove!
Maryam Nassir Zadeh - A fashion-forward boutique located on the Lower East Side with a mix of women's clothing, accessories, and footwear. It showcases emerging designers alongside established brands and vintage pieces.
Desert Vintage - Originally founded in Tucson, AZ in 1974, you can also find this shop in NYC’s Lower East Side, housing an eclectic mix of vintage.
Sunfish - Creating sculpture, cool furniture, and special objects, a trip to this design studio never disappoints.
Erik Lindstrom Rugs - Specializing in hand-crafted rugs, the showroom is so incredibly beautiful you’ll want to host a party there!
What to Do
Photo courtesy of Conservatory Garden, NYC
When someone thinks of Manhattan, one of the first things that comes to mind is seeing a Broadway musical, but New York City is also filled with unexpected and off-the-beaten-path things to add to your list…
Jones Street Wine - With a shop in the West Village and a wine bar in the East Village, there is no pretense or number ranking here. They source wine from family producers who practice organic and biodynamic winemaking. A great spot for a tasting or picking up a bottle to enjoy back in your room!
Beacon Theater - Catch a show at this New York City landmark known for its full-of-flair Art Deco design and rich history. Opened in 1929, it originally functioned as a movie palace but has since become one of the city's premier concert and event venues.
Cookie Crawl - In the mood for a cookie crawl? Head out with a sweet tooth and get ready to taste some of the best cookies in the city with stops at Magnolia Bakery, Levain, Chip City, and Maman (apparently an Oprah favorite!).
Conservatory Garden - A destination for residents and visitors, this is six acres of botanical beauty! It's the perfect place to stroll on a beautiful day. They also host small weddings.
The Met Cloisters Museum - This enchanting museum isn't located at the Met Fifth Avenue. It's a bit further north in Washington Heights. It's dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. Nestled in Fort Tryon Park, the museum’s peaceful courtyards and lush gardens make it a perfect blend of history, art, and nature.
Coffee Break
Abraco- Located in the East Village this neighborhood café is known for fabulous coffee and a warm atmosphere. It may be small, but it makes a big impression. Make sure to grab a slice of their famous olive oil cake with your espresso!
Solid State Coffee - Located on 71st and Columbus, this local coffee spot has fantastic coffee and a sustainable ethos, which I love. Oh, and they even sell the local Park City chocolate brand, Ritual!
Wear Your Flair
Looking for the perfect game-day outfit? Whether heading to the stadium or chilling at a friend’s house for a viewing party, this fit has you covered head-to-toe. Sporty-flair comfort so you can cheer on your team in style! Need a clear-bag option for your venue? We share one of those, too, in the links below.
Spotlight on Flair
Spotlight on Flair is a feature where we shine a light on inspiring innovators, change-makers, and creators from diverse backgrounds. Each month, we offer a personal glimpse into the minds of those who embody that undeniable, flair factor and individuality with a few fun Q&As.
This month’s spotlight is on Raili Clasen founder of design firm, RailiCA Design. RailiCA Design stems from former fashion executive Raili Clasen’s love for eclectic California interior design. Following a lengthy career with Quiksilver and Paul Frank, Clasen co-founded hip housewares brand, Alice Supply Co. The move into the interior design business came naturally after several of her home projects were featured in magazines and design blogs, and her own homes showcased on the popular Newport Harbor Home tour.
What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration for your work?
Bathrooms of NYC - well not all, but I have gotten so many ideas from cool boutique hotels and restaurant baths. Even if I don't have to use the restroom, I’m always stalking the loos.
If your work had a theme song, what would it be?
“I’m So Excited” by Tina Turner. I love what I do, and discovering new ideas makes me so excited!
What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Trust your gut. Even though people told me that all the time, I didn’t put it into practice until my late 40s.
What’s the boldest risk you’ve taken in your career?
Becoming an interior designer was scary! Zero education, training, or classes. After I did our own home and it was published a few times, I trusted my GUT (see the previous question- haha!) and I dove right in. I started getting small jobs (thank you, Stephanie!) that led to larger ones. Ten years later we have a team of 7 and many projects we love under our belt!
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
Rosa Parks, Chip Conley, Billy Graham.
What’s one item you always have with you, no matter where you go?
Sadly, my phone.
What’s a habit or routine that helps you stay grounded?
I start my day reading the daily script from 'Jesus Calling'. It’s my calm before the storm.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would your dream job be?
I would like to do a speaking tour about staying cool in middle age to convince people that this is an awesome chapter where you can reinvent yourself, start a new career, or discover some hidden talent you didn’t know you had.
Flair for Wellness
What I’m loving this month…shower mist.
ShowerSpa Mist - This shower mist by European Spa Source is a favorite for turning my bathroom into a relaxing retreat. I love the classic eucalyptus scent- it instantly seems to clear my mind, so it’s perfect to use whether I shower in the morning or at night. I just spritz a few sprays into the running shower head and inhale!
Culture & Media
I absolutely love Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast Wiser Than Me. She brings her classic wit and charm, conversing with remarkable women from various fields who share their wisdom and insights. It's refreshing, funny and relatable. If you’re looking for inspo, with a dollop of laughter, this is a must-listen!
My Flair Mix
Hit pause on the workday with this Midday Office Dance Party playlist! Packed with beats to get you out of your chair and into a groove, it's perfect for a little midday energy boost.
The Cult of Flair Podcast
Tune in to my latest episode featuring Brian Anderson, co-founder of the Park City Song Summit, an annual event he created with his wife, Paige, to celebrate music, songwriting, wellness, creativity, and connection.
We dive into meaningful conversations about addressing mental health, what fuels his creativity, and how spirituality can be found in unexpected places.
You’ll love this episode and the heartfelt conversation about what it means to have flair, and the power of music to inspire.
Five O’Clock Flair
You know we're all about individuality here at The Flairhunter Edit, so here’s a unique Bloody Mary recipe fit for a tailgate party. Whether at the stadium parking lot or in a family room on game day, this cocktail offers the boldness of a traditional Bloody Mary, with seasonal fall elements like apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon (for a warm, fall vibe)
4 oz tomato juice
1 tbsp maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (adds tang and autumn flavor)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp ground mustard
2 dashes of hot sauce
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash smoked paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper
Garnishes:
Crispy bacon strip
Apple wedge
Sprig of thyme
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine bourbon, tomato juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot sauce, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Shake vigorously to blend the flavors.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with crispy bacon or a mini sausage, apple slices, and a sprig of thyme for a savory-sweet fall touch.
Cheers!