If you’ve been following our Editors’ Essentials series you know that it’s a fun peek into the lives/minds of some of our favorite people, and this installment is one that I’ve been especially looking forward to. Style blogger Cristina Cleveland of Fuji Files contributes my very favorite column on the blog, Bring it Home. With an impeccable eye for interiors and the styling chops to achieve just about any look on a budget, Cristina always leaves an impression. (She’s also the only person we know who’s gone from waist-long curls to daring short ‘do inside of one day!) We couldn’t wait to see what our favorite risk-taker turned in for her Editors’ Essentials — and just like her column, her list is thoughtfully curated and totally inspired.
*headshot photo by Jenny Sathngam
Marble accents. My dad and brother are both geologists, so as a child I learned my colors as ruby, sapphire and emerald. As a result, I have a keen eye for mineral identification and love to decorate with marble, agate, and geodes. If you’ve been reading my Bring It Home posts for a while you may have picked up on this! image source. (original source unknown)
Tiny jewelry. While I can appreciate the impact of a good statement necklace, I am inexplicably drawn to teeny tiny jewelry. You’ll never find me without my mini knot rings or a couple minuscule pendants around my neck. The smaller the better. image source.
Mrs. Meyer’s Basil Scent. The first time I smelled this in a friend’s home I thought it must be an expensive luxury fragrance. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it’s both affordable and totally accessible. Now my laundry detergent, hand soap, and room freshener are all basil. You might even call it my signature scent.
Brunch. My favorite meal of the day. There is nothing more pleasurable than a smoked salmon bagel, English Breakfast tea and great conversation on the weekend. image source.
Stockholm. Is it possible to have a soul city? If I see a street style snap, a meal (see my last essential), or an interior that causes me to audibly gasp, chances are it’s in Stockholm. It tops my list of places to travel to next. image source.
NPR. This is well and truly one of my essentials. Ira Glass gets me through my workday, Terry Gross makes rush hour enjoyable, and I want to be Anna Sussman when I grow up. NPR 2014 calendar.
Lip Stains. I prefer to look and feel as if I’m not wearing any makeup at all. Lipsticks are too heavy, glosses are too sticky, but a lip stain is just right for me. OCC Lip Tars have incredible staying power and color payoff, and I recommend Revlon’s Kissable Balm Stains to all my friends.
Blue velvet. I’m madly in love with my blue velvet sofa (his name is Henri). My only qualm is that I’ve probably maxed out on the amount of blue velvet one can have in a small apartment, as I suspect blue velvet curtains would overwhelm the space. image source.
Aboriginal art. The graphic impact of modern abstract art, enriched with 30,000 years of storytelling history. I developed a serious addiction to Australian Indigenous Art while living there, and the evidence can be found all over my apartment. My favorite artists are Gloria Petyarre, Minne Pwerle and Betty Mbitjana. image source.
Classic movies. I grew up watching more Turner Classic Movies than Cartoon Network. It is still my go-to way to cheer myself up when I’m feeling blue, and an invaluable source for fashion inspiration. I adore anything designed by Edith Head. image source.
