Stuff We’re Digging: Lena Braun
Stuff We’re Digging is a recurring Garden Collage feature where a member of our staff spotlights a collection of intriguing new products from the world of gardening, wellness, mindfulness, and/or beauty. Some of these items can be found in the GC Shop, while others are simply beautiful discoveries worth coveting. This week, GC Marketing Director Lena Braun spotlights her can’t-miss products for the perfect weekend. Shop the story, below.
When exploring the different neighborhoods of New York during the weekends, I love combining the outfits and treasures I’ve found all over the globe.
On recent trip to Los Angeles, I fell in love with a biker jacket by Sandy Liang. It looks like Axl Rose and Jackie O had a tea party. I’ve always felt a deep attraction to juxtaposed design combinations, so it was no surprise that this leather-flower gem was added to my list of must-haves. The delightful floral elements are hand-stitched and scattered all over the well-tailored leather– the perfect combination of romance and rebellion. (My friend was showing me around in L.A. and introduced me to American Rag. Together we spent hours perusing their curated collection of vintage and contemporary designs and that’s where I discovered my new designer crush Sandy Liang.)
“It looks like Axl Rose and Jackie O had a tea party. I’ve always felt a deep attraction to juxtaposed design combinations, so it was no surprise that this leather-flower gem was added to my list of must-haves.”
Now what to combine leather with? I’ve always appreciated the subtle combination of leather with soft silk. Currently, my favorite print is the firefly theme from Hermès, although their botanical and star constellation prints are usually my favorite. When choosing a Hermès scarf it’s best to take your time and have the friendly staff unfold each piece of wearable art. I just love the feeling of silk; it’s like touching the stream of a river.
If I am not out and about on the weekends, I’m probably trying out a new DIY or caring for my existing plants (yes, that includes talking to them). They also love music and seem to prefer it played on vinyl. Since I garden in my apartment, it’s great to use smaller tools and of course it’s a bonus when they are as beautiful as the trowel by Grafa.
Moss balls and hanging planters are my newest obsession as they add beautiful dimension and movement to any home. Another must for any design-conscious household are the gorgeous vases from Pulpo. Their design is very polished and modern; therefore it is beautiful to combine these vases with wild flowers, grasses, and large leaves from trees. I usually find mine on long jogs or strolls in the park. These bouquets have a different look and texture every time.
Once it’s time to relax in the evening, I use the Jasmin Garden Face Mist by May Lindstrom. May is an inspiring woman who creates outstanding beauty products. She perfectly describes this line as “aromatic kisses” – and yes, not only your face but also the entire apartment will smell like a walk in a blooming garden. I recommend lighting one of the beautiful Fornasetti candles and having a good read in the evening. Currently, I’m exploring the interviews by Stefan Klein. In [easyazon_link identifier=”1615190597″ locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]We Are All Stardust[/easyazon_link], Klein talks with 18 of the world’s leading scientists and discusses their inspiration. The concept of interviewing different industry professionals and the idea of exploring the source of true inspiration has been a great muse during the planning of GC’s upcoming Botany Salon.
There are many ways to create the perfect weekend, but for me it is a combination of connecting to the things that matter, like my family and friends (including plant friends) and the urge to constantly explore and discover something new.
