five things i've been loving
object, clothing, idea, activity, and content
Hi friends!
Hope you all are well and enjoying the summer (or winter if you’re in the southern hemisphere!). Today I bring 5 recommendations for you to consider, ranging from something to do to something to buy, all of which have been my favorites this month.
I hope you enjoy!
-CS
1. Clothing: Cherry LA
Cherry is a clothing brand based in Los Angeles founded by Joseph Perez and David Levy (the latter was actually born in Montreal, a beautiful coincidence). I love Cherry for its All-American feel in the products they offer. Something about them just feels vintage and full of heritage, yet is youthful all at the same time.
2. Object: Bonsai Trees
Growing up, I was always familiar with bonsai trees as my grandpa was a plant enthusiast. However, I regrettably didn't have a deep appreciation for them then.
Now slightly older, I’ve developed a new found love for these beautiful plants, especially Juniper. It’s hard to describe in words how they make me feel - a mix of nostalgia and calmness. It’s pretty much the embodiment of the word “zen”.
3. Idea: Aesop Stores and Interior
From Berlin to New York, I feel like it’s inevitable to fall in love with the uniqueness of each Aesop store. Taking in the rich history and culture of a neighborhood and then incorporating them into each space allows for a distinctive visual, while maintaining the same feel anywhere and everywhere. In a world where everyone and everything is trying to stand out, Aesop blends and assimilates into its surroundings, letting its beauty shine from within.
Here are two of my favorite store interiors!
Aesop (Jing'an Kerry Center in Shanghai, China)
“For the most part, the store is designed around two key motifs: the circle and the lantern. The circle is one of the most significant symbols in Chinese culture, and represents harmony and the balance of yin and yang. Here, the main room is a circular, chamber-like space — a cocoon within the store where customers can interact with assistants and products. The shape recurs elsewhere in the space — in the rounded counters, the timber plinth — establishing a sense of rhythm and pacing.”
Read more about the Shanghai store here.
Aesop (Upper West Side, NYC)
“Work began by preserving the façade and iconic graphic signage of the previous tenant, Anel French Cleaners—a family-run dry cleaner and landmark in the neighbourhood. Having made the choice to retire, Anel’s owners hand-picked Aesop to reimagine their store.
Complementing the exterior conservation, the interior space speaks sensitively to its predecessor’s heritage through materiality, form and colour. The walls and counter surfaces, uniformly dressed in milled Pine plywood, pair with grey-toned tiling in a neutral palette. Shelving in the same timber assumes the form of upturned coat hangers in a subtle gesture to the building’s former life.”
Read more about the Upper West Side store here.
4. Activity: Coffee Shops
I love coffee shops not for the food and drinks (although that can sometimes be a factor), but rather for the space that they offer. I love doing work, reading, journaling, at cafes. It’s a nice change of environment from say, home or work. I like how I’m surrounded by people, but don’t really have to engage or socialize. It’s an important third place for me.
Check out my coffee shop recommendations in Montreal!
5. Consume: Chicken Date Shop on Youtube
Lately, I’ve been trying to consume more long-form content on Youtube, leaning towards watching videos that are informative or educational like documentaries. There is one exception though; that is the Chicken Shop Date channel hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, a show where she brings well-known guests such as SZA, Paul Mescal, and Jack Harlow on a “date” and asking them playful questions and exchanging sarcastic remarks. The wittiness of the show is appealing to me as it’s a nice way to wind down from a long day or just something lighthearted to watch that brings a smile to my face.
Watch my favorite episodes below!
…and that’s it! I hope you enjoyed and found something new to try out!
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Feel free to also check out my instagram, where i frequently post a catalog of photos that I feel inspired by.
Thank you for reading, I appreciate it very much. Until then, see you next time!
-CS