I came across this exceptional company when I was in New Hampshire and bought a few products as gifts.  Farm + Sea is a family-owned business based out of Massachusetts that specializes in bath-and-body care and home fragrance products.  Everything they do is handmade in small batches using quality ingredients and carefully chosen, seasonal scents.  Their mission very much aligns with my shopping ethos too: provide quality, thoughtful products that enhance your life.

Inspired by the utilitarian beauty of farms and the transformative power of the sea in her New England upbringing, founder/owner Mary Swenson uses the power of scent to evoke a memory or create a mood through her products.  All their products are nontoxic and contain only phthalate-free essential oils for a clean, subtle scent.

The bath and body care line includes body lotion, body oil, salt and sugar scrubs, roll-on perfume, liquid hand soap, and whipped soap.  I haven’t tried the whole line but can attest that the body lotion – which is really a cream – is absolutely wonderful.  Softly scented, it goes on like a dream, and is very nourishing.  The Lavender & Coconut Lotion is my favorite of the many they offer.  The body oils are perfect for the dry, colder months when you need to replenish more.

While I am typically not one for candles, Farm + Sea’s remove nearly all the reasons I don’t burn them.  They are made from a custom blend of coconut and soy waxes, premium oils that burn clean and slow, along with cotton wicks that are soot free when properly trimmed.  If you prefer a smokeless option, their home collection also includes diffusers and a linen + room spray.  

Supporting a small business that puts so much care into their good-for-you products is always a great idea!

Cardigans.  They’re comfortable, warm, less formal than a jacket, but can often be more distinguished on occasion (Google “Logan Roy + cardigan”), and are essential for advanced layering and styling.  V-neck cardigans are the most versatile of all styles because they don’t disturb the neckline of whatever you pair it with and can show off a necklace or scarf, should you wear.  In addition to their obvious use of saving freezing women everywhere, ladies can wear one buttoned alone as a top, tucked or belted.  For men, the shawl-collar cardigan above is a great example of relaxed elegance, while offering the perfect amount of airs.  Wear it with wool trousers, 5-pocket twills, or denim and enjoy the mystique.

WOMEN
Madewell Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan ($89.50)
Poppy is pictured, but black is the best color. This is lightweight and airy. It will not smash your blouse underneath because it kind of floats close to you.  Semi-sheer which is great for styling and very sexy.  The fabric is lovely and the price is fab.  Size UP!

Additional Option:
La Ligne Mini Toujours Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan ($325)
Workhorse.

MEN
Peregrine Wilkinson Shawl-Collar Wool Cardigan ($248)
This is a heavyweight champ of a knit. It will beat all your other cardigans up over the years and still be handsome.  The quality is superb and the buttons are everything.  Layer over tees, button downs, and/or under a vest or car coat.

Additional Option:
A.P.C. Samuel Slim-Fit Merino-Wool Cardigan ($350)
Finely knit and no pockets.  Clutch.  If you run hot, this is for you.

Find gifts for everyone on your list – from my latest newsletter!  Get this and more style delivered seasonally when you subscribe to Q’s Quarterly Newsletter.  Happy shopping!

/ 1 / Jenni Kayne Cashmere Beanie ($57)
If you saw my hat rant last year… this could be the ticket!

/ 2 / Karhu Gender-Inclusive Albatross 82 Sneaker ($73)
I love every shoe on this site for men and women. Never thought I would be able to say that.

/ 3 / Ted Baker Eason Wool Jacket ($285)
Tight.

/ 4 / Saturdays NYC Artifacts Timothy Swim Short ($93.75)
For all you snowbirds.

/ 5 / Norma Kamali Leopard Sleeping Bag Puffer Jacket ($505)
A shorter version of my leopard puffer that people shout “GREAT COAT!” at me from across the street.

/ 6 / Splendid London Rib Hoodie ($138) and London Rib Jogger ($128)
Cozy.

/ 7 / Mytagalongs Everleigh Neoprene Water Bottle Carrier ($30)
I have not met a kid in the last few years that does not have a water bottle and also does not know where it is.

/ 8 / To Boot New York Boyd Leather Ankle Boot ($575)
The boots you’ve been looking for.

/ 9 / Mee Audio Connect Air In-Flight Bluetooth Wireless Audio Adapter ($37.49)
Two people can earbud into and listen to the same device!

/ 10 / Dandelion Chocolate Signature House Hot Chocolate Mix ($30)
No soy, dairy, gluten, nuts, or lecithin!  Just shaved chocolate for your silky, sipping pleasure.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is a cult favorite for many reasons.  Among his best sellers is my newfound love, the FDA-cleared, LED light-therapy full-face mask: DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro ($455).  It’s three treatments in one, hands-free, and cordless – designed to combat aging and acne.  And it’s not just me – Allure Magazine awarded it a Best of Beauty Winner this year and Elle Magazine awarded it the Best Overall LED Face Mask for 2023.

Since our skin cells absorb light energy similar to the way plants do, the mask features 100 red (anti-aging) LED lights to smooth wrinkles, boost collagen, even skin tone and texture, and reduce sun spots.  Plus 60 blue LED lights that clear mild to moderate acne.  You choose your light setting – red, blue, or both – and after the programmed treatment time, the mask automatically shuts off. It is safe for daily use, even for sensitive skin. 

While I love all that, what I love the most is that for once I can be lazy about my skincare routine!  I’ve had a pretty involved nighttime skincare routine for years now, so the last thing I want to do is add something else to the mix.  But I use this in the morning before my eyes are even really open.  I keep it by my bed and just pop it on while I’m still waking up – and three minutes later, I’ve already accomplished something.  It’s so easy, I’ll run it twice or move it to my décolletage if I want a few more minutes in bed. I have even fallen back asleep while it is on. Like most things in life, consistency is key – but this device scores so high on simplicity, ease of use, and results that it gives new meaning to the term beauty sleep.

FOR WOMEN
(left to right)  Polo Ralph Lauren Herringbone Blazer  ($698) | Rag & Bone Tessa One-Button Blazer ($595) | A.L.C. Chelsea Plaid Double-Breasted Blazer ($695) | Marella Garden Single-Breasted Herringbone Blazer ($525)

FOR MEN
(left to right)  Reiss Lincoln Slim-Fit Wool Blazer ($515) | The Men’s Store at Bloomingdale’s Regular-Fit Tonal Plaid Sport Coat ($548) | BOSS Hanry Slim-Fit Sport Coat ($595) | Faherty Reserve Twill-Knit Blazer ($398)

This is the first time Wardrobe Builder has been a COLOR.  But color is the basis of how I build a wardrobe and this Fall’s merchandise offered much inspiration in this rich chocolate.  Plus, I think fashion overplays its hand with black quite a bit.  It is the default color and often the only option.

However in color theory, brown is actually flattering to all, not black.  So if you find yourself looking to expand your wardrobe with neutral items that will enhance your face and stand the test of time – consider adding some brown hues – natural tans, cocoa, latte, cinnamon, rose brown, to dark chocolates are wonderful additions that will easily pair with black, blues, creams, and whites.

WOMEN
(clockwise from top left)
Hobbs London Limited Collection Bromley Check Trench Coat ($795) | Bloomingdale’s 14K Yellow-Gold Huggie Earrings ($1,200) | Polo Ralph Lauren Relaxed Mulberry Silk Shirt ($348) | Staud Cantilever Merino-Wool Skirt ($325) | Neous Phoenix Leather Shoulder Bag ($935) | Loeffler Randall Deidre Over-The-Knee Leather Boot ($750)

MEN
(clockwise from top left)
J.Crew Cashmere Herringbone Jacquard Crewneck Sweater ($168) | Polo Ralph Lauren Suede Shirt Jacket ($698) | Bergdorf Goodman Men’s Pebbled Leather Belt ($150) | Hereu Alda Chelsea Boot ($540) | Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes 40mm Watch ($229) | Peter Millar Superior Soft Corduroy Five-Pocket Pant ($170)

PRODUCTS
(clockwise from top left)

Knock Knock Pack This Note Pad ($12.99)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set ($55)

Toiletry Bags:
I like when I can open my toiletries and see it all at once.
These are three great options:
1. Etoile Jet Setter Travel Case ($95)
2. Katadem Travel Bag ($23.99)
3. Lay-N-Go Cosmetic Bag ($29.95)

Not pictured: an additional option for those who like to hang their toiletry bag: State Benson Toiletry Kit ($68)

Away Large Flex 29″ Luggage ($425)
I have the Away Large and very much wish I had bought the Large Flex.  I did not buy the Flex because I feared I would constantly be overweight at check-in, but my love of chunky sweaters  n e e d s  space and they aren’t that heavy.  My mistake!  FYI – my Away bag did need to be repaired and they were awesome about it.

Arlo Skye 23″ Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket ($395)
Lightweight with a hard exterior.  Front pocket fits a 15” laptop, a pullover or scarf, and in-flight essentials.  Charges phone in 1-hr with USB-C and -A ports.

Beis 19″ Weekender Bag ($108)
For weekends or extended travel, with a bottom compartment for shoes and extra pockets for a laptop and other travel essentials.  Features a trolley-sleeve to fit over a rolling-luggage handle.

Written by contributing writer, and my client, Samantha (full name withheld out of respect)

I started working with Katie in 2014 and, like many of you, she changed my life.  I now have beautiful clothes that actually fit and I love wearing.  Since investing in myself like this was an investment of time and actual money, I wanted to take care of my new wardrobe properly.  Not just because of the price, but because clothing waste is terrible for the planet, and most items aren’t made again (a moment of silence please for the Paige Gracelynn Tee). 

So when Katie returned to my closet this past fall, she was surprised and delighted to see that many of the pieces she found for me (some dating back to 2014) were still in near-perfect shape, leading her to declare that I must have a “taxidermy” laundry system.  And I do!  Over the years, I’ve developed laundry practices (my husband calls it “a dark art”) that have kept my beloved clothes in pristine condition, and at Katie’s invitation, I’m honored to share them with you.

Before I begin, some basic information:

First, dry cleaning is not (always) your friend!
Not only is it expensive and (often) environmentally toxic, but the harsh chemicals can damage delicate fabrics over time.  While infrequent dry cleaning is fine for blazers, wool pants, silk, or to freshen up a white blouse (more on that later), it’s generally best for you to take laundry matters into your own hands for most things you wear regularly.  And no, this doesn’t mean time-consuming hand washing!

Second, the dryer is not always your friend either!
Though it’s super convenient to toss everything in the dryer, the heat will fade and degrade most fabrics over time.  Items approved for dryer: bed linens, towels, sweats, socks, and unders (but not bras!).

Finally, you do not need a massive, suburb-sized laundry room and fancy washing machines to keep your clothes in tip-top shape.  I live in New York City and use the machines in my apartment building, and this works great especially since it allows me to do multiple loads at once.

So, without further ado, below is what you’ll need to keep your clothes taxidermied for the ages!   

Your Shopping List:

/ 1 / Clothes Drying Rack: this one (ranges from $53-$79 based on size) offers a great configuration and holds multiple items. (Note: you may want something more like the Compact Accordion ($33), based on how much space you have.)

/ 2 / Flat Drying Rack: use this ($14) to prevent your knits drying with weird creases, which can occur when hanging over the bars on a traditional drying rack, like above. I like this one because it collapses, but it’s a bit unwieldy.  If you have more space, the OXO Good Grips Folding Sweater Drying Rack ($19) is recommended!

/ 3 / Delicate Detergent: an essential; this brand Molly’s Suds in Lavender and Unscented ($11-$12) is superb—minimal suds and no harsh chemicals!  

/ 4 / Natural Detergent Sheets: these eco-friendly, plant-powered, fragrance-free sheets from Lazy Coconuts ($15) are fantastic; really cuts down on plastic-bottle waste and perfect for travel. (Katie uses/loves Earth Breeze fragrance-free laundry sheets.)

/ 5 / Steamer: I personally use a heavy-duty one from Jiffy ($379), but the Salav DuoPress Handheld Steamer & Iron ($70) heats up fast, can be used upright or horizontally, and is Q-approved.

/ 6 / Fabric Shaver and/or Sweater Comb: knits will pill!  The nature of the fabric causes this and it does not mean the sweater should be tossed.  This cashmere/sweater comb ($12) does a wonderful job removing pills and it’s credit card size – ideal for travel.  Superlint ($28) is an electric fabric shaver that is great for bigger jobs.  Either of these will keep your knits looking brand new.

/ 7 / Mesh Laundry Bags: these keep your knits and delicates from stretching out and reduces wear/pilling during the wash cycle. ($13, 4-pack).

/ 8 / No-Rinse Detergent: this Soak Unscented Rinse-Free Hand Wash Laundry Soap ($20) is miraculous; makes washing wool sweaters a breeze. 

/ 9 / Cashmere-Wool Spray: products like this cashmere-wool mist from The Lab Co ($19) help to keep your cashmere, wool, mohair, and blend pieces smelling fresh, moth repellent and fabric preserving with plant-based essential oils like cedarwood.

The Summer 2023 edition of Q’s Quarterly newsletter will have Samantha back for The Laundry Room: Part II featuring washing and drying tips. Make sure you’ve signed up to subscribe!