September is here, bringing crisp mornings and warm afternoons, the smell of ripe blackberries and grilled peaches still rich in the air.

After a bit of a summer Substack hiatus, I’m recommitting myself to sharing daily bits of life here. Our second summer in Europe has been hot and heady, and I find myself craving the cool ease of early fall.

How are you? Is life busy over there? It is here, with Salvē taking up any spare moment of my time. I suppose a new business is a bit like a new baby: long hours, sleepless nights, thrilling breakthroughs, and plenty of panic that you’re doing it right.

Next week I’m off to California to visit family. A trip home to the Bay Area is always welcome, especially this time of year. Later this month we’re shooting our fall collection in Austria, and then I have trips to Paris and the Cotswolds coming up in the months to follow.

As such, I’m committing hard to my morning and evening routines to allow for maximum day-time productivity. At the moment, most days go something like this:

6am: My Hatch Alarm goes off. I sleep walk downstairs for my whole milk latte.

6:15am: Coffee & email catch up on the couch (yes, I get right on my devices, don’t @ me)

7am: Long walk in the park or pilates class

8am: Shower, smoothie, get dressed

8:30am: Client catch up & work

12pm: Lunch break

12:15pm: General work

4pm: Dog walk

6pm: Dinner

6:30pm: Salvē work

8pm: Read in bed

10pm: Lights out

It’s not perfect, but it works for me at the moment.

Here are some rapid fire favorites for September, plus some I stockpiled over the summer:

• I recently finished There are Rivers in the Sky which was slow and beautiful. Now I’m reading Calamity Club which I can’t put down. Love both.

• My smoothie recipe of late is a “Cherry Garcia”: frozen banana, frozen black cherries, ice, oat milk, vanilla protein powder, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Thank me later!!

• I’m sourcing some clogs for my Austria photoshoot and came across these beauties on Etsy. They come in a million different colors and look so unique and delicious to me. Other clogs on my mind are these, these, and these.

• I’ve been loving the look of a flannel tied around the waist or thrown on over jeans. This BR one caught my eye, but I’m also loving this bright one from Madewell. It’s giving 2010s Abercrombie in the best way.

• I recently discovered Dear Cecelia makes the most gorgeous totes, especially perfect for all my horse girls.

• I listen to NPR/The Daily/Democracy Now every afternoon to get caught up on US news, but I’ve recently added V from “Under The Desk News” to my morning rotation and am really impressed. If you’re someone who gets their news from Instagram (as I know many people do), check out V.

• Last spring I got my travel outfit down to a science (Goop Jackie pants, Salomons, white t-shirt, trench coat), but as it cools off, I’m looking for a different layering top. This one from Frank & Eileen looks perfect.

• I just finished Ransom Canyon and loved it. I can only take in one scary form of media a day (the news), so my programs have to be lighthearted and upbeat, and RC does it for me. I’m now watching Sullivan’s Crossing, but if you have any other recs for me, do tell.

• Fall hosting is around the corner (don’t worry, I’ll do a round up), but if you’re in need of something quickly, Autumn Sonata has the best tablecloths. They’re fall without being too cottagecore. I love Madre Linen for that same reason.

That’s it! More soon, promise.

Xx,

Serena

PS: In case you missed it, I recently launched my home textile brand, Salvē. Take a look and if you love it, feel free to share it around. You can reach me with questions or feedback at serena@salveofficial.com. Your support means the world.

ShopMy | Salvē Instagram | My Instagram

While some internet (and real-life) trolls still think a love for homemaking equates to ‘tradwife’ and outdated gender norms, I’d argue that finding beauty in a world this fraught is a small act of resistance, and that boxing women in like that is exceedingly unproductive.

I’ve often wished more brands ventured into these murky waters, and while Salvē remains a lifestyle brand at heart, I see room to explore that intersection through women already walking the line. Room to Think is an ongoing interview series with women in design and culture who navigate that space with confidence.

I’m thrilled to introduce Katie Bowes, co-founder of The Post Supply as our first subject.

Tell me about yourself! Where you grew up, your career, family, and passions.

I grew up in Connecticut, the only girl with two brothers. I spent most of my childhood in the woods behind our house getting lost in my imagination. I went to college in New Hampshire where I studied English and Art. Studying abroad in London during my junior year only solidified my love and appreciation for art, writing and travel.

I moved to New York City after graduating and started my career in publishing. After several years I moved on to work as a freelance prop stylist for about a year before finding my way to merchandising. I worked for two different companies growing my buying and merchandising experience in NYC before moving to Maine and working in LL. Bean’s corporate office. After I had my first child, I spent several years working freelance as a consultant for small businesses looking to start or grow a retail component before being ready to embark on my own business. We launched The Post Supply online in 2021 and opened our brick & mortar in Portland, ME in 2022.

Who or what shaped your taste? Was there a specific person, place, or moment?

I feel really inspired by my mom. She filled our home with special items — pieces she'd made herself, things us kids created in art class, and treasures she'd found on trips or in shops she loved. She's the one who taught me my love and understanding of quality. Our home felt lived-in and welcoming, never precious, but you could always tell how much she cared about how it felt for all of us. The windowsills were lined with bud vases and fresh-cut flowers, photos, ceramic pieces, and all kinds of little discoveries.

What’s a passion you have that has nothing to do with design?

I love to garden. There is nothing as satisfying as a good weeding or as harvesting food and flowers you have tended to since their planting. I love to get my hands in the dirt.

I know you love design and beautiful things and experiences just as much as I do... does that ever feel at odds with other sides of yourself? How do you balance both?

The friction I feel most is between growing my business and being present for my kids. Trying to scale within the constraints of school schedules can feel like running through mud. I feel guilty taking weekends away for trade shows, and guilty when I'm not at the store because I'm home with my children — it cuts both ways. But I know I'll never get these years back, so I try to hold onto the fact that flexibility is the greatest gift I can give them. This is a marathon, not a race. There will be a season when my kids are grown and I have all the time in the world for every show, meeting, and event.

These house dresses are all about feeling comfortable and confident lounging around at home. When you get home from work, what’re some things you do to make yourself feel good?

When I get home from work, the first thing I do is switch out of work mode and into mom mode — I immediately shed anything that isn't soft or comfortable. I also love coming home to a clean space — any mom knows there's no truly relaxing in a mess. Taking a few minutes to tidy up before I leave in the morning is a gift I give my future self. Returning home also means reconnecting with my kids after a day apart — them at school, me at work. Lately that's meant walks around our field together, phone left behind, just present.

What does your home look like right now? Describe a corner or nook you particularly love.

A window seat was one of the things I wanted most in our new home, so it was one of the first things I set up — piled with sheepskins and pillows until it felt properly cozy. Now it's my happy place in the kitchen, looking out onto our field covered in wildflowers. The house is still new to us since we just moved in, but this little corner felt like home right away.

How are you styling your Salvē house dress?

It is peak summer in Maine right now so I am tossing this over my bathing suit and slipping on flip flops and heading to the beach!

Let’s hear your favorites: Book, recipe, song, home item, fashion, and beauty item.

You can follow Katie on Instagram here | You can read Katie’s Substack here | You can shop The Post Supply here

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

You can shop Salvē here.

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In March, Erik and I flew to Ireland for a long weekend. It’s only about an hour flight from Munich—the perfect Easter escape. On this shorter trip, we opted to skip Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, instead heading south from Dublin to County Wicklow, the pastoral countryside.

We were shooting a campaign for my brand, so naturally I wanted our accommodation to be perfect (let’s be real, I always want our accommodation to be perfect). I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Cara’s gorgeous cottages on AirBnb.

We pulled up late afternoon after a hair-raising drive down on the wrong side of the road (a test to my less-than-one-year-old marriage). Frazzled, sweaty, and carsick, we were greeted by our lovely host Cara.

One thing about me is I love people, but I hate feeling like I’m imposing on people. I’m a contactless check-in kinda gal, so I always get a bit queasy when the host insists on meeting you at your AirBnb.

But Cara was all boots and windswept hair and smiles, the kind of person who is so casually inspiring it leaves you dizzy (although now that I think about it, that might’ve been the carsickness).

She showed us around the property, a meandering lot tucked between sheep fields and dotted with stone cottages, a chicken coop, a trampoline, and an honesty shop. She’d prepared fresh organic scones with homemade jam and grass-fed butter for us, and, waving casually towards the honesty shop, mentioned that we’d be able to find anything else we wanted in there.

Here’s another thing about me: There are few words that tickle my brain quite like “honesty” and “shop.” Alone, they’re fine, but coupled together they represent all the things I love: community, trust, respect, art, creativity, and inspiration.

My first experience with an honesty shop was at Kitoki Inn on Bowen Island, a magical Japanese-inspired hotel and—without a doubt—the most peaceful place I’ve ever stayed.

Living in Germany, we’ve come to rely on honesty farm shops on Sundays, when all the grocery stores are closed and we’re heading back from the mountains sunburnt and hungry, needing something nourishing for dinner.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen an honesty shop in the US (seems telling, no?), but I’m sure there are many tucked into little corners of our vast country.

Cara’s honesty shop took the cake: It was small, maybe only 10x10ft, a little wooden hut with overflowing shelves. The fridge was stocked with local milk, butter, homemade jam, yogurt, granola, and natural wine. Wax paper parcels of Irish cheddar and herby goat cheese, along with piles of fresh eggs lined the bottom shelf.

The pantry held tinned fish, crackers, organic baby wipes, goat’s milk soap and shampoo. Artisanal jewelry, ceramics, and art filled the rest. In the corner a small sign read “we accept revolut or cash, please text me if you need change” with a QR code and a glorified piggy bank.

Needless to say, I spent the best €60 of my life in that shop.

Here’s the magic of an honesty shop: it’s an exercise in community trust. In an age when third places are scarce, neighborliness is hard to come by, and grocery stores are tragically commercial, the humble honesty shop represents resistance. Even though there’s no certainty that you’ll get paid, your goods won’t be stolen, and your shop won’t be vandalized, people all over the world are choosing to give their community the gift of accessibility without any of the gratification. It’s an intimate and generous gesture, and on principle alone, I love them.

One of my many life goals is to have an honesty shop of my own, but because I’m not there quite yet, I’ll settle for imagining one, sharing all the goodies with you.

One last thing about me, in case you couldn’t tell: I’m artisanal bougie. Not the kind of bougie that needs (or even wants) a stay at The Ritz, the kind that wants small-batch coffee, thick, handwoven towels, $50 hand soap made on a tiny island, and a 100% wool sweater. Is this entirely realistic for an honesty shop? No. But a girl can dream:

The Pantry

The Wash Room

The Closet

The Kitchenette

What would be in your honesty shop?

Xx,

Serena

PS: In case you missed it, I recently launched my home textile brand, Salvē. Take a look and if you love it, feel free to share it around. You can reach me with questions or feedback at serena@salveofficial.com. Your support means the world.

ShopMy | Salvē Instagram | My Instagram

Happy summer my queens!!

If you feel like I’ve been noticeably absent from Substack, you’d be right. Between launching Salvē, a work trip to Copenhagen, a three week tour of North America, trying to keep up with work, and having a bit of a Euro summer…I’ve been underwater. But I’m finally back in Munich and in a bit of a rhythm, so I’m excited to share everything that I’ve been up to and all the things I’m loving.

The highlight of my trip home was the week we spent in the San Juan Islands. We have a little home right in Roche Harbor, and while the house itself is nothing special, the surrounding area is total magic. If you’ve never been, picture the west coast version of Nantucket… shingled houses, crabs instead of lobsters, Patagonia instead of Vineyard Vines, but the rest is pretty much the same. It’s pure magic to wake up by the water every day, walk to the harbor for freshly baked donuts and coffee, drink rosé in the lavender fields, and zip around in our boat eating more oysters than we can count.

Full disclosure, I lived in my Salvē dresses (pictured above). They’re made for this kind of lifestyle, and it was so fun to watch my mom and sister fall in love with them, too. Other staples on the trip were my A. Emery sandals, Comme Si boxers (I’m eyeing this colorway), the Dôen Henri top, and these Leset Kyoto dupe pants.

While I love European style, it is nice to be able to live in athleisure a bit more. This is the PNW’s area of expertise, so I took notes from the stylish ladies there and made a little collection of favorites. I threw in some of my top international-outdoorsy brands, too, like Peak Performance and Goldwin.

But we’re back in Europe now where athleisure as a concept doesn’t exist, so it’s back to street clothes for me. I’m dropping some favorites below, plus a few things I’m eyeing for our trip to Croatia next month.

• This jacket was a Zara score. I try to limit Zara purchases to t-shirts and the odd “trendy” accessory I don’t want to spend loads on. This linen jacket caught my eye and I’ve now worn it three days in a row. Pictured above with Goop pants, Jil Sander bag (40% off?!), and these sandals.

• My coffee recipe of summer is an iced cinnamon maple latte with whole milk. It’s as good as it sounds, trust.

• I desperately need a new swimsuit as the one I’ve been wearing the last FOUR summers is Abercrombie (I’m cringing too). This one from You Swim looks great.

• Bink bottles forever and ever amen because I know none of us are properly hydrated this summer.

• If you’ve also been struck by Carolina Bucci’s $800 bracelets that look like a child made them, but can’t stomach the cost, how about these?

• I’ve been eyeing these shirts from The Anteros and may need to pull the trigger soon, the detailing is divine, and who among us doesn’t need another button down?

• Books of note: Strangers (shocking but good), Moon Garden: A Guide to Creating an Evening Oasis (influenced by my client, Allison), and Nordic Summer Cook Book.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: In case you missed it, I recently launched my home textile brand, Salvē. Take a look and if you love it, feel free to share it around. You can reach me with questions or feedback at serena@salveofficial.com. Your support means the world.

ShopMy | Salvē Instagram | My Instagram

I’m just back from 3Days of Design in Copenhagen, which was fruitful, inspiring, and totally exhausting all at once.

There’s something so quietly indulgent about that city, as if someone has conveyed my deepest wishes to it, and just like that they’re granted. Natural wine at every bar, plates piled high with whipped butter, minimalist design, farm-to-table dining, and utilitarian fashion…it’s all there.

The only thing missing is The Great Outdoors (in the way I’m used to), but alas, nowhere is perfect, and Copenhagen comes pretty close.

As midsommar approaches, I’m channeling my own version of a Scandinavian summer—one filled with early mornings wrapped in my duvet outside, an afternoon fika, elderflower everything, and plenty of time spent lounging by a body of water.

Before I jump into recent favorites, here are some outtakes from last week in Denmark:

I was in town partly for my client’s (Devon Liedtke) incredible activation and exhibition at Openhouse Magazine (above), and partly to source lots of inspiration for my brand Salvē. As I contemplate Collection II, I find being right at the heart of design gives me a good basis from which to create.

I dragged Erik to a zillion showrooms and bakeries, stopped by my favorite 7115 by Szeki, and spent lots of wonderful time with some dear friends that live there.

Now for this month’s Rapid-Fire-Favorites:

• The Copenhagen ladies are wearing black balloon pants in poplin or gauze with flip flops and a cropped jacket, hair tucked in. I’m into it.

• I recently made strawberry-rhubarb-elderflower preserves (chop and simmer with coconut sugar or maple syrup until jammy) which is fantastic with whipped butter on sourdough for breakfast or on room-temp manchego for an aperitivo.

• My MVP of the summer is the market basket pictured above, but I do need a better work bag for travel, and I’m thinking something like this hobo bag from Etsy. The maker’s work is fantastic.

• For my home decor people, Aarticles is an unbelievable curation of new and found objects designed to bring life and personality to your space. I have half their pieces in my cart.

• In case you missed it, The Lydia is now live on our site, a house dress that feels like your favorite vintage sweatshirt. Just look how cozy I am!

• As for culture & politics, most of the time I have my nose in Neptune Papers and my ears plugged into Democracy Now, Vox, or Herbal Radio (exactly what it sounds like). I won’t mention my latest fun read because it wasn’t great, but I’ve started Strangers, and that IS great. Send me all your podcast/book/show recs as I have a few long transatlantic flights ahead of me.

• If I were going to a wedding this summer (I am), I’d wear this dress from Massimo Dutti with this Lie Studio bag and this Chan Luu necklace.

• I think it’s finally time to bite the bullet on some Gardenheir clogs, and naturally this colorway is top of my list.

• I’m in a deep obsession with herbalism (I’m hoping to take a proper course in the fall), so I can’t gatekeep my favorite Instagram herbalist @annasebelova any longer. So often I feel like “design-forward” is at direct odds with “earthy” but Anna blends both so beautifully, she is such an inspiration to me.

• Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Sangre de Fruta’s summer solstice sale is ON. As their marketing director, I am proudly biased towards this incredible botanical skincare brand.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: In case you missed it, I recently launched my home textile brand, Salvē. Take a look and if you love it, feel free to share it around. You can reach me with questions or feedback at serena@salveofficial.com. Your support means the world.

ShopMy | Salvē Instagram | My Instagram

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My mornings hold incense, a steaming cappuccino, and Witold Rybczynski’s Home: A Short History of an Idea (1986). The TLDR version is this: “home” as we know it is a relatively modern idea (as of the last 3ish centuries). For a long time, your “home” wouldn’t have been for your immediate family alone (oftentimes friends, extended family, apprentices, and staff also lived there). And rooms didn’t hold individual purposes; barring the kitchen, furniture was sometimes moved around daily to accommodate different people and purposes. So interior design in the way we think of it—something semi-permanent that gives ambiance and warmth to a room—wasn’t that common for everyday folk.

By Rybczynski’s account, it wasn’t until 17th century Dutch families started owning and utilizing modest single family homes as such that the idea of the “home” as we know it began to take hold. Rooms that took root, furniture that stayed in one place, a home that was for your family (and maybe some staff) alone.

Furthermore, as many Dutch women ran their own households (even if they did have staff), they started to take a more discerning interest in the set-up of their kitchens. Rybczynski writes, “for the first time, the person who was in intimate contact with housework was also in a position to influence the arrangement and disposition of the home.”

It's worth noting that Rybczynski's account is largely Western in scope, so other cultures and traditions likely developed their own distinct concepts of “home” along very different paths.

That said, it got me thinking about my own kitchen. How it functions, my favorite parts of it, and how it feels distinctly different from my American kitchen.

My current kitchen is beautiful, although not always entirely practical. We live in a renovated carriage house (read: a tiny 19th century shoebox), and it seems like function wasn’t a huge priority when it was renovated, lol. The kitchen spans an entire wall, so I get my steps in running back and forth from our tiny fridge to our tiny electric stove.

That said, I do love the counter space and dish drying rack above the sink (why don’t these exist in the US?!), the big window and tall ceilings that frame the space.

Kitchen and tabletop have always been my favorite objects to invest in, so I’m well sorted there. I’m sharing some of my favorites below, but my biggest piece of advice for making your spring kitchen feel alive is by bringing the outdoors in. Windows open, herbs, tomatoes, and fruit out on display. Natural cleaning products and scents that reflect what’s in season.

My favorite incense, candle, and cleaning spray

The kitchen is so often where I feel most connected to the earth, short of actually being outside. My senses are their most alert here. Beautiful things in this space go such a long way toward making it feel like the sanctuary it is to me.

I hope you find peace and sanctuary in your kitchen this spring as well.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: I’m off to Copenhagen next week for 3Days of Design. If you’ll be there as well, please be in touch!

PPS: I recently launched my home textile brand, Salvē. Take a look and if you love it, feel free to share it around. You can reach me with questions or feedback at serena@salveofficial.com. Your support means the world.

ShopMy | Salvē Instagram | My Instagram

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I’m writing this from my couch, Thursday night. A glass of wine sits beside me as well as the remnants from tonight’s dinner—pasta limone.

My brand, Salvē, is officially live, which is both incredibly relieving and exceptionally nerve-wracking. It’s been such a haul to get here, and I’ve only just begun. Mostly it’s a joy.

Salvē is a home and lifestyle brand inspired by the rhythm of European life. At its core, it’s for those who love design, but love art and intellect and connecting with others even more.

It’s not lost on me that starting a home decor brand with a piece of apparel—a house dress—is counterintuitive. But it’s my firm belief that you are the foundation of your home, and everything else follows.

These house dresses were inspired by my grandma—Thelma Lydia—who loved throwing one on whenever she was between things or hanging at home, especially in the heat.

Last summer—my first time living that no-AC European life—I remember being so hot I longed for something beautiful that didn’t touch my body.

When I lived in Italy and then later in South Africa, women in both cultures had their own version of a house dress. Not in a trad-wife, oppressed sort of way, but in a “I want to feel cute and comfortable for myself” sort of way. As athleisure/ loungewear (as we Americans know it) is not really an acceptable outfit here in Europe, a house dress seemed like the missing gap in my wardrobe. So I made some!

The styles are inspired by the minimalism of Scandinavia and the romanticism of the Mediterranean. Something you can wear with no jewelry and makeup and still look put together, or dress up a bit for hosting or a night out.

They’re made of beautiful, delicate cotton, and sewn here in Europe in small batches.

The Thelma

On the left: She’s perfect for a beach vacation worn buttoned up or open as a swimsuit coverup (she’ll take you right from the beach to oysters at lunch, no changing room necessary). A. Emery sandals, Hunting Season bag, Nili Lotan bathing suit, Lie Studio Earrings, Miu Miu sunnies.

On the right: From soccer to errands to the office, the Thelma will take you where you need to go! Dries sneaks, Kallmayer tote, Lesse sunscreen, vintage Gucci watch, Moscot sunnies.

The Lydia

On the left: OOO done exactly right. Le Monde Beryl micro wedges, Bambien clutch, Lore scent, Chan Luu necklace, and Krew sunnies.

On the right: She’s a Brooklyn / Bay Area baddie. A. Emery Leon sandals (on my feet with this dress as I type), Underwater Weaving tote, Westman Atelier for lips, Kinn rings, Ray-ban sunnies.

Beyond Salvē, work and life have been full! Erik and I went camping outside of Salzburg last weekend which was so glorious. We took our favorite orange wine, fresh strawberries and cherries to the lake and sunbathed for hours. We got some good biking and hiking in as well.

Work-wise, I’m preparing for 3Days of Design in Copenhagen. I’m helping the incredible put on an event with Openhouse for her brand Portraits of Self, which should be amazing, and am hoping to stop by a few favorite galleries and exhibits as well (Ruby Atelier, Frama, Noura Residency). If you’ll be in town for the show, please write me a note! I’d love to connect.

Design content coming SOON!

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.

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I’m back from Italy with heaps of laundry and thousands of photos—evidence of a truly successful first brand shoot.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m launching my home and lifestyle brand, Salvē, in about 10 days with Collection I: House Dresses for Daily Wear.

Sign Up for First Access Here

It’s been a true labor of love to bring this vision to life, so when I was thinking about where I wanted to photograph our initial launch, Tuscany seemed like the obvious choice.

For starters, it’s only a quick flight from where we live in Munich, and spring in Italy is truly unmatched (closely followed by summer and fall). The rolling green hills are lush, asparagus shoots up everywhere you look, and the Pecorino is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Beyond that, so much inspiration for Salvē—including the name—came from Italy. I spent part of my childhood in a town called Cortona (you might know it from Under the Tuscan Sun), so it only felt natural that Collection I come to life just like that. Under the Tuscan Sun (and rain, as it so happened).

Instead of hiring a professional photographer, I made the very bold choice to shoot the launch myself, and dragged my parents along for the ride. I’ve shot for brands before, but never at this scale, or with this weight behind it.

We rented an old Etruscan farmhouse outside of Siena for three days, and holed up there nearly the entire time, cooking, foraging for flowers, and shooting.

I lived in these Comme Si boxers, Dôen top, and & Other Stories trench.

Controversial, but arguably the best decision I made, was to not hire models. As much as I love the idea of seeing these dresses on a wider range of people, it felt more important to see them worn by my own community: the people I love and admire, in the worlds they actually inhabit.

Which leads me to Stefania, our incredible friend and cheese lady of nearly 30 years.

I’m aware of the stereotype the phrase “house dress” carries—oppressed, trad-wife, and conservative—are all words that come to mind.

But the women I’ve known who wore house dresses were anything but. They were hard-working, driven, and stylish—they needed something to throw on that could keep up with them, and look just as chic doing it.

I wanted to photograph someone who embodied that message, and lucky for me, Stefania was happy to oblige.

We met her at the local market in Sinalunga with her husband Claudio, and let me tell you, this woman was born to model. She made my job very easy, and I left with a whole sim card of shots and my stomach (and suitcase) heavy with cheese.

We then made our way to Porto Santo Stefano, a town on the little peninsula of Monte Argentario (home of Il Pelicano, iykyk). We wanted some photos by the sea and selfishly I wanted a bit of coastal time now that I’m a landlocked girly (sigh). Luckily we got both and I ate my weight in seafood pasta and tiramisu.

Black Dôen dress, Shells by Cheyenne necklace, navy blazer

I’m back home now, busy catching up on work and sorting through photos when I have time.

As I write this Monday night, more on all-things-Salvē are brewing, but I’ll say ciao for now. My bed and book are calling.

Xx,

Serena

PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.

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Yesterday marked 365 days since my husband and I touched down in Munich, dogs, bikes, and a million suitcases in tow.

Since then, our life has been full: new friends, lots of travel, plenty of growth, and so much delicious food. Our neighborhood has provided boundless charm, and the English Garden mere blocks away has been an unexpected—but much needed—dose of nature. We miss our family and friends all the time, but we’ve been lucky with a near constant stream of visitors, and quite a few trips home.

All of that’s to say: we love it here!! If you have any inkling to move abroad and are able to swing it—do it. If you’re considering it, but have questions, please write me a note! I’m always happy to chat about it.

Now, some current life updates and favorites:

• Spring is busy, but I’ve been finding pockets of time to read and rest, mostly while lying on a blanket by the river. I just finished Demon Copperhead (fantastic) and Hamnet (about Shakespeare’s wife, also fantastic). Now I’m making my way through Home: A Short History of an Idea which is exactly what it sounds like—the thoughtful unpacking of the concept of home. Highly recommend all three.

• My brand, Salvē, is coming right along and getting to introduce it to you all over the past few weeks has been the biggest treat. I’ve finalized samples and production has begun, so it shouldn’t be long now! I’m leaving next week for a photoshoot in Tuscany and will be sharing all the BTS of that over on Instagram. Pre-orders will open at the end of this month. Subscribe to the email list if you don’t want to miss it.

• Lié Studio recently released these rings which have been living rent-free in my mind.

• Another great find are these sunglasses I first saw on Sarah of Boheme Goods. So fun!!

• I tried on this top from Massimo Dutti the other day which felt apropos of a Mediterranean summer—something I’m manifesting for myself and all of you. I also love this one. Don’t forget about these Mango flats!!

• As you know, each week I batch a few things to make salads, dinners, and drinks all the more delicious. Basil oil, pickled red onions, and—a recent addition—fresh pesto. It’s nothing revolutionary but with a dash of mint or lemon zest it becomes the perfect spring/summer topping for weeknight meals (with plenty of ricotta salata shaved on top!).

• I was at Aesop topping up my favorite incense the other day when lo-and-behold this eau caught my eye. A single spritz later, I was hooked. I texted Erik “the perfect spring present for your wife.” Divinnnnne for this time of year. Another great one is Perfumer H’s Rhubarb. Trust.

• A. Emery forever and ever amen.

• This Hunting Season bag is perfect for bella Italia, no? I popped some more favorites below in case you have a trip planned:

• An interesting Substack read was What It Means to be Cultured Today by historian Steven Mintz. Questions of culture can feel trivial in light of the current state of affairs, but I found Mintz’s argument compelling. Soft power is still power, and thus never wasted breath in my book.

That’s it! More soon.

Xx,

Serena

PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.

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I hope you’re all well. Things are good here—busy (starting a brand and working full-time is no joke)—but the air has warmed considerably and there’s light in the sky until well after 8pm, so no complaints.

Most evenings are late, but I’ve been trying to switch off early a few times a week. I pour a glass of natural wine, turn on this (very aptly named) playlist, or this one, light a candle, and let the springtime breeze do the rest.

My home is feeling good these days. Still tiny, but very me (with sprinkles of Erik throughout, lol).

It certainly hasn’t always been this way. For so long, I felt like the decor within my space didn’t reflect who I was becoming as a person: someone who loves travel and thoughtful design, natural textiles and clean lines.

I kept telling myself it was budget: if I only had enough to afford the “nice” brands, my home would reflect me better. And while that’s true to an extent, we all know money can’t buy taste.

Over the last few years, we’ve moved a lot, which means I’ve had to pare down my “keep” pile considerably. But, through that process, plus lots of inspo since moving to Europe and plenty of taste development, I’ve come up with a formula for turning my clutter into something that feels a bit more collected, and more reflective of the life I’m living.

A few notes before I dive further:

I naturally lean minimalist, I don’t gravitate towards tchotchkes or objects without a function, which probably makes this task slightly less daunting. If you tend to lean maximalist, this exercise might fall short of helpful.

A “collected home” design style might not be for you! There’s plenty of others out there that can reflect who you are as a person without having all your personal effects on display.

Step 1: Decide what you do want on display in your home. Just because something is meaningful, doesn’t mean you want it exhibited. Get rid of what you don’t care about and neatly store what you do. The rest can go on display.

Step 2: Lay out the things you want to show (pillows, blankets, art, ceramics) and group them by vibe (visual below).

To me, a collected home works best when there’s plenty of white space between objects. Again, if you’re more of a maximalist, this exercise won’t cut it for you. But if you like color in small doses, do this:

Say these are the things you have:

Feels chaotic, no?

Step 3: Try grouping them by vibe and room. Let patterns, textures, and general vibes lead the way:

It won’t be perfect; you won’t know where to put some things and others just won’t fit (notice I lost of few from the original image). That’s ok. Onward! The goal is to work with what you have for the most part. I repeat: it won’t be perfect.

Step 4: Try creating a vignette with the groupings, adding in some white space to make the chaos feel curated:

Better, isn’t it?

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.

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Last November I found myself in a coffee shop in Berkeley with my dear friend and mentor Guy (if you don’t already subscribe to his Substack and you’re interested in design, please do). We were reminiscing on my wedding and swapping stories from our lives abroad (me in Munich, Guy split between Marrakech and Arles). Guy’s legacy in the world of design is far-reaching (former employees include the founder of Be Home and director of Maison Empereur), and he’s taught me almost everything I know about design and artisanal sourcing.

Anyway, he was telling me, as he often does, that it was time for me to finally start my own thing. In classic Guy fashion, he wouldn’t tell me what that “thing” was, just that I’d been putting off this dream for too long, and it was time to take action.

See, I’ve had this feeling for a while that there isn’t a brand that speaks directly to people like me: those equally moved by design as they are by ideas.

So much of what I see online these days feels surface level and out of touch: influencer Hermès hauls, AI advertising, grossly overpriced cotton-poly blends. They don’t touch on the crux of the moment, the intersection of politics and sourcing, the social capital that’s so absent from our day-to-day.

I wanted to create a brand for those who have lived a little. For the curious minds and sharp eyes who crave something with substance. Something that’s carefully sourced and thoughtfully made so it reflects who you are, and the rich life that you’ve built.

And that’s how Salvē was born.

It’s scary—starting something new (in this economy?!) feels reckless and risky and also completely right. Creation is resistance, and that’s what I’m holding on to as I press ahead.

Anyway, I can’t wait to share more about Collection I soon, but for now, thank you so much for being here.

If you’re interested in being the first to know about our launch, you can sign up for our newsletter here. If you’d like more of the sourcing process and behind the scenes, you can follow along on Instagram or TikTok.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

PS: You may have noticed a little re-brand here on Substack. It felt natural to merge this world with Salvē, but let me know what you think. Drop me a line if you’d like: serena@salveofficial.com.

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Dear readers,

I’m just back from an unbelievable trip to Ireland, and I have to share. My husband, Erik, had a few days off work, so we jetted to Dublin, then down to County Wicklow at the recommendation of a friend.

This place is magic: green rolling hills, kind people, charming cottages, creamy milk, flaky scones, and more Guinnesses than you can count (although we did and have decided not to share that alarming number).

We stayed here, which I can’t recommend enough. The honesty shop stocked with local wine and fresh eggs was a favorite, and the location and host, Ciara, were divine as well. If you’d like any further recommendations for this area, please send me a message; I’d be happy to share more.

We were lucky enough to experience all of Ireland’s gorgeous weather—rain, sleet, sun, and wind—which made packing a challenge. Luckily, my trusty uniform (trench coat/wellies/sweater) put my fashion skeptics (Erik) at bay, and I was relatively warm and dry most of the weekend.

After a few days in the countryside (more on what we were doing there soon), we headed up to Dublin for our final night before jumping on a plane back to Munich this morning.

And now we’re home for a few weeks to really settle into the season. Daylight saving finally kicked in here in Europe (it arrives later than in the US) and temps are on the rise, which means it properly feels like spring now.

SO, a few rapid-fire favorites from recent travels and beyond to kick off your April:

• My favorite find this month are these 100% leather flats from Mango. If you like the concept of Tabis but aren’t hoof inclined, these are a very good alternative.

• Homemade basil oil is my latest culinary obsession. It’s easy: blanch 1 bunch of organic basil then pop in ice water. Squeeze out water and place into 1-2 cups organic EVOO. Blend, strain, voila! Perfect on salads, mocktails, and more.

• This trench coat is my favorite, and this Toteme one looks like a level up. I also have this one from & Other Stories and the silhouette is quite good.

• I love Comme Si boxers and these navy blue ones look great. Would be perfect paired with this With Nothing Underneath sweater and these Barbour wellies which I wore nonstop this weekend.

• My basket is from a farmers’ market here, but this Lié Studio one looks great, too.

• I know I’m exceptionally late to the game, but Demon Copperhead is as good as people said it would be.

• Some friends led a blind wine tasting night last week and it was so fun and such a great way to learn about new wines and try your hand (nose) at oenology. Highly recommend.

More spring travel outfits can be found here.

That’s it! Hope you had a lovely long weekend and (as always), thank you so much for being here. More soon!

Xx,

Serena

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Sorry for the radio silence over here; I’ve had family in town for the past 10 days, which was simultaneously delightful and all-consuming, as entertaining so often is. I tend to get a mild bout of creative paralysis during these times, but I’m back with lots of fun things to share.

Also, a very warm welcome to all the new names and faces here—I’m totally tickled that you’re as interested in design and culture as I am.

Last week we visited the Alte Pinakothek here in Munich which houses (among other things) lots of Degas, Monet, and van Gogh. The inspiration for this article came from VG himself, via these two minty monstrosities:

Mint green is such a nostalgic color to me; in my mind, it’s a very particular summer afternoon. Violin music drifting from an open window, sunlight at a slant, pistachio ice cream dripping down your fingers. It’s the color of a cool bathroom where you splash your face with water and the nightgown you slip on after the beach.

I don’t see a lot of mint green while I’m out and about in the States, but there’s a fair amount of it here in Europe—especially in Italy on worn frescoes and church walls.

Like many of the world’s great wonders, mint green was first used in design by the Egyptians nearly 5,000 years ago as an ode to nature and their god, Osiris.1 It gained popularity again during the Middle Ages and into the Rococo era, but was really popularized in the late 18th century thanks to the creation of Scheele’s Green in 1775.2

Sadly, it contained high levels of arsenic and lead, which ultimately made it a less-than-ideal choice for interior design.

It did take a victory lap in the early 20th century thanks to the emergence of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements:

Bringing Mint Green Home

Where does that leave us now? Despite my affinity for it, it’s hard to imagine painting a room in my home mint green. I stumbled across a few good examples of usage that feel plausible while I was researching, which I’ll share below.

If I were doing it myself, I’d probably go the bathtub or window pane route. It’s noncommittal enough for me while still feeling like an active design choice (just how I like it, lol).

Practically, here are some magically minty items to bring into your home/closet rotation:

• This Six Penny chair in Hello Aloe would look so gorgeous in a creamy-white living room

• I love this lamp for a pop of color

• I’m not much of a Ginori girl myself, but this cup would be exceptionally cute for your morning coffee

• This blazer seems like the most practical way to bring mint into your wardrobe

• Otherwise, I’m loving this poplin shirt or these poplin pants

• An early spring jacket, anyone?

• Minty flats like these or these.

• A sweet Sunday sweater like this or this.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

Hello darlings,

I feel as though I’ve been holding my breath for the past two months and boy, does it feel good to exhale. The sun has finally returned to Munich and rolling green grass abounds, which has me in considerably higher spirits.

The news is the one dark cloud I can’t seem to shake, but given the safety and security of my life, I feel it’s my duty to stay informed and donate when I can. More on that below.

My family is coming for a visit next week, which means I’m busy getting my home all ready for company. New plates and glasses arrived this week, and I have a floor lamp on its way as we speak (I’m linking US versions for easy browsing). I’ll stock up on my favorite tea and some bergamots from the market, as well as lots of fresh flowers. Reservations are booked, and the countdown begins.

I’m now the proud participant of two book clubs—one culinary and one normal—which is keeping me busy, but still provides plenty of time for extra reading and my favorite TV shows (cataloged below). I’ll report back on any fabulous recipes from our first cookbook meeting next week (Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem).

The reality is, most of my free time has been spent working on something exceedingly special, my proudest accomplishment to date. I’ll share all about it later this month or next once I have something concrete to show for it. For now, stay tuned!

With that:

• Salomon just released new Sportstyle colors. I love these and got these.

• When I make it big (or have a momentary lapse of consciousness), I’ll be purchasing this work tote. I think about it every day.

• I’m on the hunt for a good trench coat. This one is not really a trench but would look great with leggings and the Salomons above. Others on my list include this one and this one (pictured below)

Left is Mango, right is Zara. Pants, flats, hat, bag.

• Other recent outfits as I battle unpredictable spring weather:

Glasses, coat (similar), hat (similar), shirt (similar), pants

• Enough about fashion, how about this incredible ceramics brand?! Erik, don’t be surprised if you see these cups by our espresso machine in 3-5 business days.

• Good cutlery lives here.

• I just finished On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous (sad and beautiful) and now I’m onto The Homemade God. So far so good.

• I light to keep my television light and as far from reality as possible, which means I spent a lot of time on PBS’ passport channel watching Masterpiece. You just need to donate to PBS to watch, so it feels like I’m doing a public service every time I turn on “Grantchester.”

• Speaking of public service, if you’re feeling confused or conflicted about Trump bombing Iran, take a look at Ariana Jasmine on Instagram. Sadly, mainstream media is not doing a great job speaking to the nuances of this conflict, so I’d recommend finding an independent journalist or news outlet to be your guide.

• Also, the state of Kansas is stripping trans people of their drivers licenses if they don’t reflect the gender they were assigned at birth. If you don’t think this affects you, think again. I donated here.

• On a very different note, the Rōz scalp scrub IS as good as we thought it might be. I like to layer it with my Sangre de Fruta Garden of Earthly Delights shampoo for maximum spring garden vibes.

• Speaking of a spring garden, we just put together a lovely playlist in honor of Ostara (the upcoming Equinox). I hope you in enjoy it with a cup of tea in the mornings or a glass of wine at night.

For now, that’s it!

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

In case you’re unfamiliar, The Bauhaus was a German design school founded by architect Walter Gropius in 1919 on the principle that form follows function. It didn’t last long (only until 1933 when it closed due to increasing pressure from the Nazi regime), but its impact on the world of design was profound.1

Today, the word ‘Bauhaus’ has become synonymous with geometric patterns, ergonomic metal chairs, and bright, primary colors. It’s a style that feels both elementary and revolutionary—a Wassily chair or Marianne Brant metal tea pot.

To me—as a chronically well-rounded person—the most interesting people are specialists. Artisans or experts—anyone dedicated to a single topic. It feels exhausting and liberating at the same time, which is perhaps why I’m so drawn to Bauhaus pedagogy.

The first part of the curriculum was Vorkurs, a preliminary course that aimed to unify students on design fundamentals: materials, color theory, geometry, etc. Following that, students were encouraged to specialize: metal-work, cabinet-making, textiles, graphic design, or architecture.

While a primary goal of Gropius’ curriculum was the unification of arts through craft (an impossible task, if you ask me), he soon realized another goal: craft for the purpose of mass production.

Democratization of design is something we’ve talked about before, but there’s nothing IKEA about Bauhaus, is there? In fact, finding a Wassily chair on FB marketplace for under $1,500 is a near-impossible task.

Just like The Row, the beauty of Bauhaus in lies in its basics: simple structures, good materials, and thoughtful design.

But what do you think? Is basic over-hyped? Or is there sophistication in simplicity?

You tell me.

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

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She’s a walking paradox, and she knows it. Her home is, too.

Niche? I know.

But aren’t we all? A walking paradox, I mean.

The more time I’ve spent in the world of decor, the less convinced I am by the concept of interior design. Or, to put a finer point on it, the concept of a stranger blanket buying furniture and decor for your home.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for someone to hire me as an interior designer, I’m just not entirely sure it makes sense.

Shouldn’t our homes be a collection of things we’ve gathered over time, things we love, things that reflect a certain phase of life?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the most interesting people I know have a collected home. Not because they’ve set out to do it, but because their lives are interesting, filled with books, and travel, and art, and their home is where it all gathers. Oftentimes, these people have a decent sense of style and so it all fits together.

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Granted, there are plenty of people who don’t have an interest in design, who are well-read and traveled but would rather have someone else make the big design decisions for them. If budget allows, I think an interior designer makes a lot of sense here; they can help maximize what these folks already own instead of starting from scratch.

But for those of us who do—take an interest in design that is—I think there’s something self-affirming about the process of creating a collected home. Watching your home take shape around you, especially for someone in their 20s or 30s, can be healing. It encourages, nay forces, you to come face to face with the places you’ve been and the decisions you’ve made. Choosing to put it all together in a way that works, is, by proxy, a way of choosing yourself. Messy parts included.

Now, you know I can’t tell you what to buy to create a collected home, because that’s not how it works. I did lay out some tips for making it look good here, in case you need a little assistance in pulling it all together.

That said, there are a few specific design items that seem to be consistent across my favorite collected homes that I’ll share here, just in case.

• Alessi Michael Graves 9093 Stainless-Steel Tea Kettle (HERE)

• Ingo Maurer table lamp (HERE, slightly more affordable HERE)

• Vitra Butterfly stool (HERE, slightly more affordable HERE)

• Valerie Objects hanging light (HERE, similar vibe HERE)

• Akari Paper Pendant light (HERE)

• Heath Ceramics (HERE)

• Good bath towels (HERE or HERE)

• A good robe (HERE or HERE)

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

Recently, a friend texted me for bedding advice. She said “I know you don’t normally do a ton of color, but you do love bedding, and I’m looking to brighten things up.”

My affinity for good bedding comes from a childhood spent partly in Italy, where even the dingiest pensione had perfectly pressed linens. Even from a young age, I knew there was something romantic about sleeping in a 13th century church with crisp white sheets.

I currently sleep in a loft (tragic, I know), so there’s little opportunity for me to express my creative freedom in the bedding department. Full transparency, I’ve tried them all—Parachute, Brooklinen, BedThreads—and have landed on Tekla as a simple yet chic option if you don’t have a lot of room to work with.

That said, if you do have more space than me, I encourage you to embrace something a little more exciting. Bedding sets the stage for a great night of sleep and a productive day ahead. It can be sexy, calming, and refreshing all at once, so I encourage you to shoot for the stars on this one.

First, some bedding rules:

1. Erik will laugh at this, but you don’t need more than 3 throw pillows on your bed. Anything beyond that is superfluous.

2. Linen is winter bedding, percale is summer bedding. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but trust me on it.

3. Nothing synthetic against your skin! No jersey knit sheets for the love of god. Cotton or linen only.

Magic Eight:

That’s it! Happy snoozing.

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

I posed this question to you all a few weeks ago and the responses were striking:

“Yes but as accent pieces for a pop”

“love to look at, but living in it would be too stimulating for me :(”

“Yes, especially if I one day own an apartment in Paris.”

“Yes!!I don’t want to live in it but I want to visit it and dream of it.”

The subtext: This style isn’t practical, relevant, or even aspirational for most of us in our current lives, but it sure is pretty to look at.

Which got me thinking about the parameters we each use to decide what design styles are worthy of our genuine consideration. I’ve written a lot about design movements that are back in after so many years of existing on the fringes—Art Nouveau, Mid-Century Mediterranean, Art Deco— and why this particular moment stands to benefit from whatever edge they have to offer.

But what about the ones that are an immediate “no”? An obvious “wrong time, wrong place”?

Discernment is something everyone on the internet claims to have, but finding your own can be hard when there are so many voices telling you what to think and feel.

Back in December I wrote:

As someone relatively susceptible to influencing, I’ve realized what a detriment algorithm based social media is to my sense of style and preference. Platforms like Pinterest and TikTok are designed to feed the viewer what they already know and like, reinforcing a narrow narrative and impeding the sense of agency that seeking out inspiration in the wild normally provides.

Taste, as I define it, is the sum of countless ‘yes’ and ‘no’ moments—instances when you trust your gut reaction to something (art, furniture, clothing).

Over time, the pause that lingers between “yes” and “no” shortens, thereby building confidence in your ability to distinguish what you like from what you don’t.

But, when you can’t even gauge your own gut reaction without an influencer (likely paid) telling you how to feel, that confidence—and true sense of style—is stripped away.

So, how come so many of you were able to identify that Rococo was worth admiring, but not worth reviving?

As an exercise in finding your own sense of design style, let’s break this question down like an equation: Yes or No to Rococo?

It’s a simple equation: If you have more nos than yeses, it’s not for you. If you have more yeses than nos, you’re on the right track.

Now, I’m guessing most of us make this calculation subconsciously, and in a matter of seconds, but it’s useful to know where our hold ups are so we can adjust and pinpoint as we go.

For example, if you think Rococo is pretty to look at but not realistic in everyday life, maybe you want to invest in some beautiful 18th century books or art. And if you think the Frankfurt Kitchen is exceptionally practical, but ugly af, maybe what you’re looking for is visual intrigue.

What design styles are you running through the equation?

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

I always struggle with February—the excitement of the new year is behind us, Spring is still weeks away, and motivation feels elusive. Not to mention the sense of impending doom that accompanies every phone notification.

However, now that I’m privy to the concept of Imbolc, the halfway point between winter and spring when everything under the surface quietly begins to sprout, I find myself more inclined to embrace the slow, nurturing beat of this month. Good things are brewing, I remind myself, they just take time.

As such, I’m investing in nothing beyond incubation accessories—cozy socks, invigorating teas, and good stationary. I’m cooking spiced Moroccan chicken and squeezing gingery juices, both designed to wake things up inside.

I’m spending most of my weekends on the couch; reading, writing, (binging Bridgerton), and reminding myself that hibernation is natural, and in fact, good. Having spent most of my childhood in California, where the seasons don’t really change, this pill has been a hard one to swallow.

But alas, March is around the corner and nothing lasts for long. Here are my rapid fire favorites designed to celebrate the slower pace of February:

• I discovered this German basics brand on a peruse of my favorite store in Munich today. These socks are on my feet as I type, and are even better than they look.

• These from COS are also great, and lucky for you, they’re on sale.

• The Dutch influencer Anouk Yve recently launched this tea brand, which I have yet to get my hands on, but looks delicious. I’m partial to cardamom, so I’d vote for this one.

• Speaking of tea, I’ve been making ginger-honey-mint tea multiple times a day in this Kinto flask, and I believe it’s the reason I haven’t gotten sick recently (famous last words). Just muddle some fresh ginger at the bottom of your flask, add a heaping tablespoon of good honey and a bag of mint tea. Sip and enjoy!

• Good stationary is a must if you’re teaching yourself German or simply into taking notes. WMS&Co. is the best for all things paper, and I especially am loving this notebook and these pastels.

• The aforementioned Moroccan chicken is this recipe, an adaptation of a few favorites. It’s very good:

• If you’re blessed with a warm climate this time of year, Ozma just launched their denim collection and it’s gorgeous. These jeans and this jacket are on their way to me as we speak.

• If you’re into woo-woo pagan rituals like I am, a few recs: , ,

• This bag from a Ukrainian designer lives rent-free in my mind, and I will be purchasing it as my new work bag shortly. Mark my words!!

• If you stare at a screen for most of your waking hours, like I do (ugh), you probably need some blue light glasses. These are on my wishlist (these are my back-up option).

• Finally, a case for bare nails and big rings. How about this or this?

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

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Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy

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In case you missed it, Art Deco is having a moment. From Lily Sisto and Athena Calderone to Parisian hotels like the Chateau de L’Eau, there’s a revival in the works.

We explored the what and why of it here, but in case that’s TL;DR, Art Deco was a design movement that celebrated the rise of industrialization in the years following World War I, defined by brass and chrome finishes, animal prints, wood paneling, and luxe textures.

It’s decidedly not Art Nouveau, which emerged before the war as a rebuttal against industrialization, and championed curling botanical motifs over the sharp shiny lines of Art Deco.

The two do overlap in some instances, occasionally striking the perfect balance between whimsy and edge. is a wiz at this particular game:

For better or worse, bringing Art Deco into your home is significantly easier than Art Nouveau, which really relies on traditional architecture, tall ceilings, and natural light to pull the vision together. Art Deco, on the other hand, can work in a wider variety of spaces, especially those that lean modern, mid-century, or brutalist.

So, before you invest in new furniture or upholstery, take an honest look at your space and see what can work. Below, I’ll break down which style (or combo) would work best for different layouts and where I sourced everything. Without further ado…

Here’s where to start:

If you have a modern or brutalist build, opt for Art Deco.

If you have a cottage or traditional build, go for touches of Art Nouveau with plenty of light and airy colors and textures. I’ve flushed out more options here.

If you have a mid-century modern build, go for Art Deco.

Make sense?

As always, I think fully leaning into a design style can be risky. It’s expensive and time-consuming, so start small first.

After you’ve identified which style might work best for your space—and remember, these are only two of many—start by sourcing a few accent pieces to try. I think a great chair or statement lamp is a good way to start.

If you love it, great, you’re well on your way. And if you don’t, then thankfully there’s still time to back track.

Ok, a few accent pieces of note:

*I’ve linked primarily new things here, but please scour FB marketplace, Chairish, and 1stDibs first.

• Rugs: I love this Nordic Nots one (comes in a million colors), this one, and this one

• Chairs: If you’re down to spend these or these. If you’re not, these or these.

• Lighting: This is fantastic. So is this.

• Tables: Burled wood is an obvious choice.

Everything else is linked here. Glassware, pillows, and more to play with. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!!

That’s it!

Xx,

Serena

Just want the visuals? Head to my Instagram.

Just want the links? Head to my ShopMy