“I trust pretty much anything from Yowie, but this lamp collab might be founder Shannon Maldonado’s greatest invention yet. No exaggeration, it adds the most gentle glow to my space. While I have the best natural lighting in my apartment during the day, I can never seem to maintain that in the evening no matter how many lamps I acquire… (Don’t ask me how many I’ve adopted in the past year).” —Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor
“If you’re looking to make a good impression with a stellar housewarming gift, I’d go with any one of Estelle’s handblown colored glass sets, which are both elegant and whimsical. I have an all-red set of these stemless wineglasses, which I keep displayed on my countertop because they’re just so beautiful (especially around the time of day when they catch the sunlight)!” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Though I’m charmed by just about anything from Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney, the designer’s wool and cotton hook pillows are a frequent fixation of mine. And while there are plenty of playful designs to choose from, this pillow is my current favorite thanks to the fun color combination, plus the playful tassels adorning the bottom.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Food & Drinks
“Each truffle from Midunu Chocolates looks like a work of art and tastes even better. Founded by the culinary force Selassie Atadika and handcrafted in Ghana, Midunu’s unique flavor profiles are inspired by the region’s lively dining culture and include ingredients like West African spice blends, curry, chai, wild hibiscus, coffee, and cardamom.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“If you’re a fan of multi-hyphenate Issa Rae like I am, you’re probably already familiar with her business ventures—from her clean, textured hair care brand Sienna Naturals to her long line of movies and TV shows. For toasting to life’s special moments, you can’t go wrong with Viarae. Her spirit brand is complete with a classic prosecco and prosecco rosé that each offer crisp flavors and peach tasting notes that I love for any alfresco celebration.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“With an added sprinkle of sea salt on top, these gluten-free, not-too-sweet chocolate chip cookies from Bell’s Reines are the perfect sweet treat. Spring for traditional chocolate chip or try other fun flavors like matcha white chip, snickerdoodle, and lemon.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Golde makes you feel good inside and out. The superfoods brand, founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori, makes two products I’ve had in constant rotation the past few years: the Clean Greens face mask and the Turmeric Superfood Latte. Made with chlorella and spirulina, this mask is the ultimate detox. Golde calls it a smoothie for your face, and I could’t agree more–my very sensitive skin drinks it right up. As for literally drinking, the turmeric blend is delicious in hot drinks or sprinkled in yogurt, on oatmeal, or wherever you might want a golden boost of anti-inflammatory goodness.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“LaToya Tucciarone scours the globe for the best in sustainably and ethically made home decor and every day essentials. Her Atlanta-based boutique is a one-stop shop for curated glassware, ceramic goods, textiles, and more. I treated myself to a ceramic mug and a bag of delicious beans from Portrait Coffee (a Black-owned, Atlanta-based roaster which, yes, led me to sign up for a monthly subscription of their coffee after trying! Shopping may be a problem for me), but you can find something for any room of the home at this thoughtfully curated shop.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“Partake makes it easy for foodies with food allergies to safely enjoy delicious treats like pizza, pancakes, and cookies thanks to ingredients free of the top nine food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame). For someone like me who’s nut-free and tries to avoid gluten, the brand’s easy-to-make fudge-y brownie mix is a godsend that lets me get my dessert fix without feeling guilty.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Fragrance & Beauty
“Pat McGrath, who many refer to simply as “Mother,” is one of the most legendary makeup artists on the planet—having created some of the most iconic runway beauty looks of the last couple decades. She blessed us with an entire line of lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and beyond in 2015 that have since become mainstays of stars like Taylor Swift and humble editors like myself. I swear by her eye primer, and look to the brand’s shimmery eye shadows when McGrath influences me to try something bolder via her Instagram makeup tutorials. If you were off the app this past month, you may have also missed that she launched a mask based off her viral Maison Margiela glass skin look that’s already destined for infamy.” —Lori Keong, associate commerce director
“With fine hair that falls somewhere between wavy and curly, I went through a lot of trial and error before finding a product that enhanced my texture without weighing it down. Pattern Beauty’s curl gel has a flexible finish that holds my curls while still being light enough to feel soft, not crunchy. Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, the haircare brand has options for a range of curl types, from daily routine upgrades to masks and serums to pamper yourself with every once in a while.” —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
“Nothing brings me more joy and comfort than a pleasantly perfumed room—whether that’s using a diffuser, one of those fragrance plug-ins, or, as of late, a classic candle. Recently I’ve been burning a few wicks from Loam, a home fragrance company that creates scents inspired by plants and the outdoors. The brand’s Midnight Moon candle (currently OOS) brings a heady yet floral smell that fills me with the warm and fuzzies.” —Megan Wahn, former associate commerce editor
“Fenty makes the perfect cool tone brown contour shade (soft amber) to give you a little definition where you want it if you have a lighter complexion like me—plus, I’d ride for Rihanna any day.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Kari Herrera pays homage to Black literary figures one candle at a time through her brand, Litotes. As an avid reader of everyone from Langston Hughes to Zora Neal Hurston, Herrera’s custom candles made me an immediate fan. With creations like ‘Maya Tangelo,’ complete with notes of citrus and mint tea, each of her candles evoke scents that reflect the unique journeys of the icons she spotlights.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Dark spots and hyperpigmentation don’t stand a chance against Eadem’s brightening trio, which focuses on cleansing and restoring to make your skin tone appear more even and improve texture. Founders Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover met while working at Google, and since launching in 2021 have earned the Glossier Grant for Black-owned businesses, as well as other honors in the skin care space.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“I’m unashamedly scent obsessed and on a near constant search for the best ways to bring good smells into my home. I don’t know if the journey will ever really end, but if I were told I could never add a new perfume product to my home again, I think I’d be able to rest peacefully knowing I have Space fragrances. Created by Daniel Scott and Ronn Richardson—who are a lovely couple—these are easily some of the best smelling room sprays I’ve ever had the pleasure of spritzing. I think I like Bloom the best (it’s a warm, sweet saffron smell) but Due West and Saint are also heavenly, and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them.” —Kate McLaughlin, digital features editor
Fashion & Lifestyle
“You may recognize Grace Wales Bonner from her excellent collaborations with Adidas (which, tellingly, sell out with regularity), but the London-based designer has a lot more up her sleeve when it comes to laid-back luxury. I’m a big fan of her preppy spins on athleticwear—think track pants in jewel tones and graphic, colorblocked polos—but her poppy, retro ‘70s knits are always a good time, too.” —Lori Keong, associate commerce director
“Kindred souls who are eternally online and know wholly too much about film and tv, this one’s for you. I started reading Hunter Harris’ work across various publications around five years ago, and was quick to join her newsletter Hung Up for more. Her sharp views on pop culture happenings never fail to make me laugh and are something I look forward to reading each week. The great thing about Substack is that you can follow creators on a free subscription for weekly posts, or join in the paid list to get more frequent content. —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
“Created by Star Feliz, founder of Cimarrón Earth, this card deck intends to provide people with diasporic, contemporary guidance that’s rooted within the ancient wisdom of plants. By spreading this divine knowledge, Star believes people can come up with creative solutions that will transform their reality. According to the description, ‘Each card poetically portrays a sacred plant ally while the guidebook illuminates the corresponding ancestral archetype, astrological ruler, land of origin, place within the cosmic wheel, and ritual affirmation for cocreating with the living world.’ Consider this the perfect gift for the plant parents in your life!” —Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor
“There’s a good chance you’ve seen a pair of Brother Vellies shoes on one of your favorite people. You also likely know the brand because of its incredible creative director and founder, Aurora James (hello, Fifteen Percent Pledge!). But onto the socks—since I don’t get to see my bare feet from October through June, I’m always looking for the most cozy, delightful footwear, and these cloud socks are perfection. Plus, they come in so many amazing colors, so an ideal item to stock up on.” —Zoë Sessums, senior digital design editor
“I’ve been taking pottery classes on and off since 2019. It is a great creative outlet for someone who stares at a computer screen all day for work, and it is incredibly meditative and relaxing. It’s also extremely difficult. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I continue to be in awe of other artists whose work I see at the studio I go to or online. Some of the Black ceramicists I admire who are doing awesome things with clay include London James of Porcelain Sneakerhead, Virginia Felix of Keraclay, Whitney Simpkins of Personal Best Ceramics, and Tiana Tucker are all great, as is Sherród Faulks of Deep Black, who makes minimalist pieces in rich colors, like this decorative vase. I also highly recommend following @black_ceramicists on Instagram to find even more!” —Rachel Wallace, senior entertainment editor
“I love how Megan Dorsey reimagines Blackness in the Victorian era through her independent business Everthine Antiques & Stationery. In addition to the books, jewelry, clothing, ephemera, art, furniture, and miscellaneous home goods that she finds, Megan designs her own stationery and calling cards to honor and celebrate her ancestors.” —Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor
“Founded by writer and entrepreneur Amira Rasool, the Folklore Connect is a wholesale marketplace that discovers and scales diverse B2B, consumer, and media product businesses to new heights through streamlined sales technology. I love this jacket’s metallic finish and bold color story, which brings this structured, simple silhouette to life.” —Livia Caligor, U.S. content operations manager
“One of my favorite purchases of 2020 was an acrylic planter from DC-based Grounded. Not only do founders Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell stock gorgeous, healthy greenery for any experience level, they also curate plant accessories that are, dare I say, sexy, and have built a modern and visually distinct brand in a category that often looks more or less the same.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“To me, The Cyn is the perfect plant pot. I love the cylindrical shape (no unnecessary lips or tapering here) with its perfectly fitted saucer and matte finish. My Pilea peperomioides loves it too. In a sea of basic terra-cotta, my lavender pot really stands out—though the Brooklyn-based brand founded by Latrice Price carries a ton of other color options.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“When I finally had the opportunity to check out Reparations Club while visiting LA last summer I didn’t realize that I was walking into a design destination. Come for the books and stay for the corduroy couch corner! I can’t wait to eventually go back, but until then I will continue to proudly walk around the cold streets of New York City with my bright neon tote and remind everyone that this is a Black and woman owned business! (While you’re there, might as well lean into bookshelf wealth and stock up your shelves too!)” —Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor
“The anti-woke agenda will surely be seething at the suggestion of this cultural commentary, but there’s no harm in educating yourself—especially when critical thinking and media literacy are on the decline. While the process of unlearning everything you’ve ever been taught doesn’t happen overnight, resources like this new guidebook from Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, a design anthropologist, educator, and writer, are excellent tools for self-improvement. The book holds space for an important conversation around what it really means to decolonize design by outlining all the ways in which the institution at large should be working toward centering BIPOC communities. Warning: The language is very academic so brace yourself if it’s been a minute since you last cracked open a theory book! While you’re here, add The Black Experience in Design and Mid-Century Modernism and the American Body to your cart too.” —Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor
“If IRL hardware stores give you the willies, there’s never been a better time to spec your next wall finish from a distance. Clare, a brand founded in 2018, is shortlisted for my next home reno project. It’s zero-VOC, self-priming, and offers cheeky hues like Meet Cute (an updated millennial pink), Two Scoops (a sage variation), and the honestly named Greige. Clare also offers a Color Quiz and inexpensive sample packs—sweet mercies for tinkerers as indecisive as me.” —Lila Allen, AD PRO associate director
“If you’re shopping for any sort of gift (including for yourself!), I’d highly recommend Goodee, whose unique selection of homeware and decor items range from classic to totally unexpected at any price point. Personally, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with this classic hoodie from the brand or maybe this Acne Studios scarf-esque throw blanket for your space.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
