Curated by Mel
MANIFESTING SPRING’S VERDANT HUES
Green grass is starting to show through the mud battered snow, a sign that spring is around the corner. Admittedly, March is my least favorite month with its all-over-the-place forecasts that swing like a pendulum between winter and spring. I find myself craving fresh asparagus and the smell of fresh cut grass. So, this month, I’m manifesting green in every imaginable shade—from St. Paddy’s Day cocktails to pistachio-hued Dutch ovens and the perfect travel sneaker for men—in a versatile moss color. In the meantime, keep your binoculars nearby. The birds that flew south are meandering back to help us usher in warmer weather.
FROM VERDANT CHARLEVOIX
I loved visiting Charlevoix region of Quebec, with its glacial fjords, boreal forests, and endless adventure. Sans Savon—a soap free brand inspired by and made in Charlevoix—channels the feeling of forest bathing, literally. Its delicate balsam fit and spruce scent paired with the skin benefits of soap-free cleansers makes it a great choice for sustainable skincare. Info: sanssavon.com
BIRDS KNOW BEST
As we eagerly await spring’s arrival, birds keep our spirits up. Even when the air still brisk, the spring-loving birds start to make their way back. Keep a pair of Nocs Provisions binoculars near a window, or better yet take them on a walk. The brand offers Standard, Field, and Pro issue models, ranging from 25-42mm in cool matte hues. The textured material provides excellent grip, even during spring showers. Info: www.nocsprovisions.com
LAWYER TURNED NOSE
At the heart of LAFCO New York’s origin story is lawyer turned founder and nose, Jon Bresler. He learned the art of perfumery with the help of Italian perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi and launched the NYC shop in 1992. As most brands downgrade to cheap plastics, LAFCO’s candles are poured into hand-blown glass vessels. The Star Jasmine Signature Candle is perfect for March, with uplifting notes of bergamot, jasmine, and rhubarb.
Info: www.lafco.com
BANISH WINTER DOLDRUMS
We’re in the final stretch of dirty snow and the winter blues, but if you need a little pick-me-up, the folks at Gallison do not disappoint. The brand’s Drawing from Memory Game is as simple as the name suggests. Players make drawings based on prompts like the tooth fairy or grumpy cat. There’s a secret, random judge who doles out bragging rights in categories including The Most Wildly Inaccurate. Info: brassmonkeygoods.com
CUE THE VANILLA MATCHA GREEN TEA
I keep a two-level lazy Susan in the kitchen—filled with embossed jars of loose tea and dried, medicinal plants. The World of Tea Gift Sampler from Vahdam Teas is a great way to dabble in next-level tea. It includes 20 loose leaf teas—from Himalayan Green to Blooming Rose Black, and Vanilla Matcha Green Tea. Behind every cup there’s 90 years in the Indian tea industry, and I’ll sip to that!
Info: www.vahdam.com
EPHEMERAL FLORENCE
Wild bergamot is closely related to good ol’ beebalm, and it’s scent channels a coziness, whether in tea form or, in this case, a magnificent hand cream. TOCCA’s Luxe Florence pairs bergamot with pear and gardenia in a coconut oil and shea enriched lotion that might as well be a potion the way it banishes dry, winter skin.
Info: www.tocca.com
THE TRAVELING MAN
Whether you’re escaping our end-of-winter forecasts abroad or heading across the town, TOMS TRVL LITE Retro Runner Sneaker is up to the challenge. This under $100 sneaker is offered in men’s sizes 7-14 in five colorways, including Canteen Green. I’ve had the women’s version for a few years, and it’s as comfortable as it is good looking. I love the green, black, and navy for travel scenarios. These colors hide any scuffs, so you can go from a light hike to dinner.
Info: www.toms.com
GO PISTACHIO
March always offers glimpses of both winter and spring, so dive headlong into that theme by making a hearty dish in one of these Staub Pistachio collection cookware staples. I’m envisioning short ribs with pesto gnocchi—a wink to heavier winter fare with a hopeful nod to fresh spring garden goodies. Grab a joyful pistachio green Dutch oven at Sur La Table, and sear and braise your way into spring. Info: www.surlatable.com
A PRE-SPRING FLING
This easy-to-fling over your shoulder handbag from Leatherology proves endlessly versatile—from dinner to games and the theater. The Greta Chain Small Pochette is small enough to tuck next to you while in a full theater, but large enough to carry all the essentials. Snag it in this limited-inventory Juniper Suede or choose from nine other colors like moss, black, camel, or even clementine.
Info: www.leatherology.com
PEACOCK ALLEY
The brand Peacock Alley started as a DIY hobby in 1973 when Mary Ella designed a quilt-style boudoir pillow, inspired by her Pennsylvania Dutch-country childhood. It caught the eye of a dinner party guest, a Neiman Marcus buyer, and the rest is history. The brand is about to launch a collaboration collection with interior designer, Caitlin Wilson, and the Highgrove Toile pattern will surely steal the show. Info: www.peacockalley.com
ST. PADDY’S SAIL BAG
I’ve known about the beloved Maine brand, Sea Bags, for years, but was still floored when I saw the brand for sale on an Antarctica expedition ship. Made from durable sail cloth, these bags have attracted a cult-like following over the past two decades. The large tote measures two feet across, and the shamrock is a deep Kelly-green color—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Info: seabags.com
GLENDALOUGH SHAMROCK
Sticking with the St. Patty’s Day theme, set aside time to make a Glendalough Shamrock this month. Shake up the following: 1⅓ parts Glendalough Double Barrel Whiskey, 10–15 sprigs fresh Irish mint & basil (muddled), ⅓ part French herbal liqueur, ½ part simple syrup, ⅔ part fresh lemon juice, and ⅓ part strong brewed verbena tea (cold). Finished in Spanish Oloroso, Glendalough Double Barrel Whiskey—with its deep forest green label—channels the luck o’ the Irish this March and beyond. Info: us.glendaloughdistillery.com