Issue No. 9

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 officially the holiday season! And I love it all. The twinkling lights, the carolers, the stockings by the fire. Is it just me, or are people actually nicer in December?

I love remembering my childhood Christmases and the magic of that perfect gift - the one that stopped you in your tracks. A gift from Santa, your parents, or grandparents that felt exactly right. It’s not necessarily even about the material gift itself but rather the feeling of being truly seen and understood - the sense that the giver really got you and knew what it would mean.

My husband and I were chatting about our perfect-present memories from childhood. His was his first baseball mitt. He remembered and described it vividly, even though it was over 45 years ago. Mine was a satin bomber jacket, circa 1978, and I was 12. All the cool kids were wearing them; it was a thing. Think roller skating, Olivia Newton-John in Grease, or Donna Summer from the disco era. My next-door neighbor was one of those cool kids and, remember, I was that awkward girl in a full-body back brace for scoliosis at the time. I just wanted, needed, desperately to fit in and to feel like I looked normal - like my next-door neighbor...(who is still that IT-girl and may even be reading this right now!).

That jacket was at the top of my wish list, but my parents kept saying it was silly, too expensive, and I wouldn't like it in six months. Little did I know my mom had already bought it - likely with help from my cool older sister - and tucked it away. When I unwrapped it, I was speechless. It was perfect: pale baby blue satin with pastel stripes on soft cream elastic at the wrists, collar, and waist. More than the gift itself, it was the feeling - that they truly listened and that what I wanted mattered. That one perfect present represented that anything was possible.

It’s no secret that I often say, "More is more, less is a bore," but during the holidays, I’m reminded that in a world full of excess, the power of one truly meaningful gift stands out. One thoughtful, really wanted item can mean so much more than a long list of mediocre things. I’ll take quality over quantity any day.

No matter your beliefs or the gift-giving holiday you celebrate, this month's newsletter is packed with flair-filled gift ideas for everyone on your list. Who knows? You might just find that perfect present to make someone feel seen and understood! Do you have a childhood memory of a favorite gift you received?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, friends! May your December be magical, filled with the wonder of childhood, celebrated with special people, and spent making meaningful memories.

Steph

Design Tip

Holiday entertaining isn’t just about designing the perfect centerpiece—it’s also about adding festive flair to every detail, including the food. This month’s December design tip is all about styling an appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive on the table.

Ingredients:

1 package of Pillsbury Poppin’ fresh dinner rolls

1 round of Brie cheese

2 tablespoons of raspberry jam (used in the video) or cranberry sauce

1 egg yolk

Sesame seeds

Tree-shaped cookie cutter

Slice the Brie wheel in half horizontally, then use a cookie cutter to cut a tree shape from the top half. Spread your chosen filling on the bottom half of the cheese, then carefully place the tree-cut top back on. Arrange the dinner rolls around the Brie, brush with egg yolk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake as directed on the roll packaging, and enjoy your festive creation!

Home With Flair

If you’re looking for the perfect hostess gift or a stylish touch of flair to elevate someone’s home this holiday season, here are some favorites I’ll be gifting. And, I’m not going to lie, I may be snagging a few for myself, too. Click the links below the collage to shop!

1. ninja creami // 2. monogrammed towels // 3. candle set // 4. wonder oven // 5. chef flavor-set // 6. cocktail napkins // 7. apron // 8. coaster set // 9. bolster pillow // 10. candle holders // 11. tray // 12. tea jar

Travel: Flair in the Air

This month, instead of sharing a travel destination, we are dedicating this section to holiday gifts for the travelers in your life. Here are some of my favorite must-have essentials and stylish accessories to make every journey better.

1. kindle // 2. delta gift card // 3. cross-body bag // 4. cashmere socks // 5. hair scrunchies // 6. snacks // 7. carry-on // 8. packing cubes // 9. luggage tags // 10. ear buds // 11. neck pillow // 12. moisturizer // 13. scarf

Wear Your Flair

Whether you're staying cozy hanging with friends, your bestie, or that special someone, or stepping out for a night on the town, these two looks have you covered. From comfortable to chic, these styles are perfect to help welcome the new year with confidence and flair. I’ve also included a couple of festive liquid accessories in case you don’t want to show up empty-handed. 

1. blanket // 2. belt // 3. sweater (similar style) // 4. crackers // 5. martini glasses // 6. empress gin // 7. beanie // 8. pin // 9. denim sweatpant jeans // 10. game // 11. slippers (similar styles)

1. lipstick // 2. nail polish // 3. top // 4. pants // 5. coat // 6. earrings // 7. cuff // 8. gloves // 9. clutch // 10. perfume // 11. shoes // 12. champagne

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, the spotlight is focused on Lucy Wrubel, a DJ with a deep-rooted passion for music. Growing up in a home where the turntable spun more than the TV was on, her love for all genres of music was ignited early. From her start as a comedian in Los Angeles to her transformative years in Rome, Lucy discovered the universal language of music—DJing her way from dinner parties to bustling piazzas. With hundreds of events under her belt, she’s mastered the art of creating joy on the dance floor, blending performance with an uncanny ability to read the crowd. For Lucy, every beat is an invitation to let loose and get happy. Follow her on Instagram @lucywruble.

What’s the ultimate song that gets every party started?

Don't laugh….but September, by Earth Wind and Fire, will never fail. It’s THE multi-generational, contagious, joy-making, go-to track!

Is there one gig that stands out as particularly memorable?

I have been a DJ for 24 years, and almost every job has a moment of magic. Some nights it lasts the whole set. I always feel waves of gratitude, but it’s not because of me, it’s the people who always make the party. I feel it out to see what they need, and then I try to give it to them.

One of my favorite memories was playing election night in El Paso for Beto's Senate bid. He lost, so I needed to pivot from victory tracks to comforting songs. After his speech, I waited for a beat and played Imagine by John Lennon. Beto beamed, and the entire stadium sang along—it was unforgettable.

I have DJ'd in divey discos in Rome, fabulous soirées from Positano to Cabo. I love a down-and-dirty, late-night after-party, where people dance on the furniture, as much as a sexy cocktail dinner.

I played Gwen and Blake’s wedding, and the hit of the night…..was Hollaback Girl. You never know how it’s going to go!

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch or podcast to listen to?

I watch almost zero TV, except for CNN in hotel rooms every weekend. I tend to fall asleep to re-runs of Friends, and I also like to catch Seth Meyers when I can.

My favorite podcast is Kelly Corrigan Wonders. I would faint if I met her. She is so fucking smart.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Be bolder. Don't worry too much. Just fake it until you make it, and also, look for a partner who is more like your dad.

Who has been the biggest influence in your musical career?

Oh gosh, the thing is, I think I get a lot of work because I'm in love with so many genres of music. I grew up in a house with no TV downstairs, just a turn-table. I love anything from Beaty to the Stones to Jamiroquai. Talking Heads, Fleetwood Mac...I love house and electronic dance, Bossa Nova, Reggae and the Beatles. Oh, and I'm a bonafide Swifty!

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?

I just spent a week with my folks and my one and only child, Stella, in Italy. Every meal was a dream because they are my three favorite people. But, in the realm of fantasy, it would be Meryl Streep, John Mulaney, and Paul McCartney.

What’s one item you always have with you, no matter where you go?

Glasses (the seeing and the shielding kind), and lipstick(s!).

What’s the first album you ever bought?

I’d have to ask my dad, but I'm fairly certain it was musical theater. It's probably the soundtrack from Annie - the OG cast with Andrea McCardle.

Walk us through your morning routine.

Every morning follows the same routine. I’m up by 7:30 or 8:00, brush my teeth, and take 21 vitamins (yes, my friends tease me about it). I head downstairs, smile at my house—because it makes me happy—and start the coffee ritual.

I don’t speak to anyone yet. I let my beloved bestie, Dolly, out in the backyard, then return to doctor my coffee, feed her, and turn on the Today Show. I rewind to catch the local weather and the first 20 minutes, hit pause to head back outside with my coffee and Dolly for her to finish doing her thing. Then, it’s back inside for treats and the rest of the Today show. I check my calendar and confirm my schedule, and if it’s a perfect day, I’m off to Pilates.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Chumbawumba’s song Tubthumping! I mean, it kind of is, except for all the drinking references. I drink, but not whiskey, shots, and stuff. So, maybe let’s go with Under Pressure, by Queen, which also happens to be one of my fave songs.

Flair for Wellness

Give the gift of self-care this holiday season and choose from a collection of wellness must-haves. These thoughtful picks are perfect for nurturing mind, body, and sleep!

1. yoga mat // 2. weights // 3. mouth tape // 4. electrolyte powder // 5. meal delivery // 6. weighted blanket // 7. oura ring sleep tracker // 8. running shoes // 9. body scrub // 10. pickleball paddles // 11. therabody depuffing wand

Culture & Media

Here’s a hand-picked collection of favorite books, some that I’ve read repeatedly and others that are on my must-read list. From inspiring novels and memoirs to mind-expanding nonfiction, these page-turners are perfect for the bookworm in your life. 

1. design // 2. longevity // 3. cooking // 4. fiction // 5. travel // 6. entertaining // 7. memoir // 8. spirituality // 9. fiction // 10. manifestation // 11. self-growth // 12. health and wellness

My Flair Mix

Get into the holiday spirit with a very Flairy Christmas playlist! It’s an eclectic mix featuring recognizable classics with modern twists; setting the perfect vibe for trimming the tree, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a cup of cocoa by the fire.

The Cult of Flair Podcast

Join the conversation as Newport Beach interior designer Raili Clasen, my guest host Jonathan Brewer-Sweet, and I dish all about imposter syndrome and the business of design.

Watch on YouTube, or listen on Apple and Spotify. Follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Five O’Clock Flair

Cinnamon Maple Hot Toddy

Warm up this December with the ultimate cozy cocktail—a classic hot toddy! Perfect for chilly nights and ideal for relaxing by the fire or sharing with friends. Want to make it a mocktail? Use unsweetened cacao and ditch the whiskey and the apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz bourbon or whiskey

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 small splash of vanilla extract or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 6 oz hot water

Optional Garnish:

• Dash of nutmeg or ground cinnamon

• A sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (or apple cider vinegar) in a heatproof mug.

2. Pour in hot water and stir gently with a cinnamon stick until mixed.

3. Garnish with nutmeg, cinnamon, or a rosemary sprig, and enjoy the festive warmth.

Cheers!

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