LIFE & STYLE

Mother Nature’s Inspiration To The Season

By Melanie Carden

September’s mild days and cool evenings always manage to make me fall in love with the Northeast. Savor the dwindling garden-fresh goodies, sleep with the windows open, and enjoy the quietude of the beach as the crowds thin for the season. At the heart of it, you’ll find Mother Nature’s influence, of course. So, let’s make the most of it, with these nature-inspired delights.

DAZZLING FOLIAGE
Inspired by the artistry of Mother Nature’s delicate flowers and petals, The Violet Ring from Taylor Custom Rings promises to keep dazzling mine-free, bezel-set diamond foliage close at hand as we usher in the new season. Info: taylorcustomrings.com

OYSTERS &
AMBIANCE

The beach crowds are thinning for the season, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to host an end-of-season soiree. The Nantucket shirt from Kenny Flowers features a whimsical oyster pattern—perfect enjoying the last days of warm sand and al fresco vibes.
Info: kennyflowers.com

GARDEN INSPIRATION
The elegant paper goods from Smythson of Bond Street are handcrafted in England with an obsessive eye for detail. The Garden Collection features fully tissue-lined envelopes, motif engravings, and sumptuous texture. The brand is also Butterfly Mark certified for its dedication to sustainability.
Info: smythson.com 

MORE MAPLE,PLEASE
The annual deluge of pumpkin spices is just around the corner, but first, let’s let maple have its time in the spotlight. Peter Gregg’s The Sugar Rush, set in the Northeast, is the wild, hilarious memoir of an empty nester who sets out to be a maple syrup tycoon, of sorts. Info: pegasusbooks.com

SUNNY DAYS &
CHILLY NIGHTS

September typically brings warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. So, lean into the shoulder season with this burst of sunshine from Boden. The perfect layering piece over sundresses or a cute wide-leg pant, the Exeter Cord Jacket is an absolute stunner.
Info: bodenusa.com

RAINFOREST REFRESHER
Just shy of magic wand status, the VOESH Vitamin C shower filter morphs your shower into a rainforest-scented spa. Vitamin C helps diminish chlorine and residual impurities in the water, while pampering your skin. Plus, it lasts for up to one hundred showers. Yes, please.
Info: voesh.com

LAVENDER
SIPPING CHOCOLATE

Culinary lavender—one of nature’s most delicate delights—delivers the herb’s signature relaxation with a bit of flare. At the end of a long day, curl up with a book and a mug of Delysia Chocolatier’s Lavender Drinking Chocolate. Indian summer? Just blend it with ice.
Info: delysia.com

SWOON-WORTHY SERPENT
Sometimes you need a statement piece—that accessory that elevates a minimalist look to iconic status. The Embroidered Serpentine Scarf from Olive & Cocoa proves versatile with its generous 30” x 72” measurements, perfect as a wrap or scarf. Treat yourself or a loved one to Olive & Cocoa’s gorgeous wooden box
presentation.
Info: oliveandcocoa.com

POSH PEACOCK
Dixon Rye has found its way into my favorites list, especially the many hand cast brass animal motif bottle openers. Such a handsome housewarming or hostess gift, and perfect touch of quirkiness for a bar. Choose from this stately peacock or hippos, goats, and more. Info: dixonrye.com

APOTHECARY GOODNESS
Explore the benefits of medicinal plants with Costa Rican herbalist Adriana Ayales’ Anima Mundi Apothecary. Start with the anti-inflammation and uplifting Rose Magic Kit, which includes collagen face oil, Rose Body Oil, Rose Face Powder, Rose Face Mask, and Rose Quartz Gua Sha tool. The rose powder makes delicious drinks and desserts.
Info: animamundiherbals.com

ENDLESS SUMMER
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life, and, for me, that includes that flower science has moved beyond “forever roses” to now include full, magnificent bouquets. Venus et Fleur’s recent Aire Collection includes breathtaking summer blooms that last up to a year. Info: venusetfleur.com

FINERY
IN FEATHERS

A far cry from the feathery arts and crafts of our youth, Brackish accessories are low-key glamorous and crafted with expertise and care. From bowties and pocket squares to earrings and beyond, this is quiet luxury with a wink of bohemian playfulness.
Info: brackish.com