Spring is a time for new beginnings. Bowls filled to the brim with fresh, sweet cherries. Rain boots left at the door. Crisp red radishes alongside a bowl of salt. And flowers. Of course, flowers. Spring brings to bloom the bluebells and the bougainvillea. It turns the drab winterscape into a playground of color and shapes and it is most definitely something we love to celebrate.
This week we perused Pinterest for perennials and discovered some new florists with a fresh take on bouquets and bunches.
Erba Floral Studio is based in Portland, Oregon and is headed by the stylish Riley Messina. Their arrangements are rustic with exquisite pops of color.
Yasmine Floral Design is a small floral company based in Los Angeles, California. Their bouquets emphasize the ethereal and the simple.
Honey of a Thousand Flowers is a charming florist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The flowers, which are arranged by owner Sarah Winward, are wild and fresh.
Emerson Merrick, owned by the delightful Amy Merrick, provides stylish arrangements to the East Coast. Based in Brooklyn, Emerson Merrick’s style is all natural, using a variety of textures as well as fruits and foliage!
Which flowers mean Spring to you?
Sarah Copeland is a food expert in every sense of the word: Food Director at Real Simple Magazine, cookbook author and curator of all good things. Her blog Edible Living is our go-to for recipes and stories of food and family. Sarah’s work has been published in Food & Wine Magazine, Saveur and Real Simple. She talked to us about personal style, her family and the importance of sharing stories.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from number of places—my sisters, being in the garden, trees and light, photography, faith, my marriage and from getting down on the floor to do a project or craft with my daughter. The delight in hearing her mirror back something she’s learning or excited about keeps pushing me forward to build and create a brighter, more beautiful world for her.
What is the best style advice you ever received?
Be yourself! There are so many influences in the world, and increasingly, places to judge and compare ourselves. I love peeking in on Pinterest and fashion and home magazines for ideas, but at the end of the day, the home you live in, the clothes you wear and the spirit of your style has to come from you. It’s the only way you’ll feel comfortable, confident and at home in this world.
How do you pass the energy that we love about you on to the next generation?
My energy and confidence came from my parents and their very loving, accepting parenting style—they challenged us to be our best, but always, always believed in and encouraged us. I hope I can pass that along to my daughter, and every young girl or woman I meet—we are all beautiful, and everyone one of us has something of value to contribute. I think by sharing different stories and tapping into true, everyday beauty, you’re already helping to share that energy with the next generation.
How will you spend Mother’s Day this year?
In the hammock cuddling with my husband and daughter—and eating breakfast, our version of breakfast in bed. With any luck it will be a warm sunny day, and we’ll spend it planting a plum tree, hiking, and cooking and eating together. And I wouldn’t mind sneaking in a nap—a nap and some peonies would be the ultimate treat.
Alina Roytberg is an inspiring mother, wife and business woman. She and husband Lev Glazman founded Fresh (one of our very favorite beauty lines) in 1991. Now, Alina mother of two and friend to women’s skin everywhere talks to us about culture, Italian wisdom and taking her mother’s advice!
Where does your inspiration come from?
I am deeply influenced by the cultural trends, film, contemporary music, travel - current design fads can only date the product, or the environment it is presented in. One needs to establish their image and their identity not through whimsy alone.
I think functionality and exploring the aesthetic elements of functionality are what excites me, personally. Early century, the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s interest me in terms of presentation of information: interesting vintage typography and especially old typefaces from the 1930s. The names of the products are simple and clear, so we like to project that on our packaging. Based on my background in fashion, I always look to textiles for inspiration. Other sources of inspiration include apothecary style bottles. But the product is what always will inspire the packaging for us. There is a renewed urgency for classicism, simplicity and elegance of presentation. After all, it is great to look at something that you have done 5-10 years ago and feel it is still current
What is the best style advice you ever received?
Create your own rules and either follow or break them. Mix things up! Don’t buy pieces that have no relation to the rest of your wardrobe. Don’t pay attention to sizes of clothing - there are too many standards these days. Look for the right fit. High/low is a fun way to shop, but only buy classic investment pieces: shoes, a great bag, fabulous cashmere, cotton cardigans (my weakness) and quality undergarments.
My mom always said when trying new things in the fitting room, always put on shoes, it allows you to have a better idea of the impression your outfit gives. She has always suggested to change your shoes EVERY day! It provides for longer life, and it is good for the health of your feet to alternate the height of the heel.
How do you pass the energy that we love about you on to the next generation?
Make every day count, be grateful for the opportunities you are given, and share the love. My favorite saying is in Italian: “Memento vivere” - ” Remember to live”. Don’t get focused on one aspect of life alone, allow your mind to introduce you to new things. Appreciate the friendship of women.
How will you spend Mother’s Day this year?
My oldest daughter is away at college, she will be so missed! Usually, the girls bring me coffee in bed! They know I love flowers, so I am sure there will be a beautiful bunch around. We will probably make a special breakfast: walnut raisin French toast, berry compote, juice smoothies. I enjoy the low key day spent with my family. I know I will think of my mother who passed away 8 years ago and who inspires me every day to be an amazing mother like she was to me!
This Mother’s Day we reached out to four moms that inspire us here at White + Warren. Our first mom is the rockin’ Yoga guru and SoulCycle instructor Halle Becker. Known to all in NYC as the most invigorating instructor around, Halle talked to us about her daughter Maya, the importance of kindness and the best kind of unconditional love.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from many people, places and things but the first and most important source for me is my 8-year-old daughter Maya! We adopted Maya from Russia when she was 10 months old and she amazes me at every turn. I learn so much from her about living truthfully and authentically! I am also inspired by the beautiful yoga and SoulCycle students that come to my classes in New York - we are truly a family learning and growing and sweating together. Lastly I am inspired by the four legged animals, especially my horses and my dog -unconditional love at its finest!
What is the best style advice you ever received?
Be yourself. I like nice fabrics and comfortable clothes with an edge - sort of hippie and hip!!!!!
How do you pass the energy that we love about you on to the next generation?
We pass the energy on by teaching the lessons of kindness and selflessness - we MUST be the change that we want to see in our children as they are the future. The Buddhists say the best way to enlightenment is to give.
How will you spend Mother’s Day this year?
I will spend Mother’s Day in the Duchess County, Upstate New York where we have a farmhouse. We will eat and drink and celebrate and hang with our animals and loved ones. Hopefully I will get a homemade card from my daughter and a sweet present and annual handwritten note from my boyfriend Terry. I usually get a card from my ex-husband and Maya’s dad as we are still really close.
