Totes & cases
My friend Val Campbell makes the coolest lil leather goods in town, as far as I’m concerned. Her brand is called Cosmic Leather and she’s got everything from handbags and (super chic) fanny packs to wallets and beer koozies. She made me a custom laptop case a while back and I always get compliments on it—or, I did when we all used to go places back in the Before Times. Anyway, they’re great if you need a little something something for yourself or an original gift.
NAP DRESSES FOR DAYS
I’ve moved into a new quarantine style phase where I’m over my athleisure and fully embracing the inner hippie who has lived in me since I was going to Dead shows at Deer Creek in the ’90s. Thankfully the flowy dresses of my youth are available in abundance all over again at stores like 8Fifteen and they are all I want to wear from now until winter while working from home and listening to Taylor Swift’s folklore.
MAKING A STATEMENT
As a diehard sports fan, it’s been a real treat to have basketball back in my life as of late—cheering on the Fever and the Pacers as they play from the WNBA and NBA bubbles respectively. But I’ve also loved seeing all of these amazing athletes use their platforms to speak out about racial justice and equality. The players of the WNBA, in particular, have not always been given the credit they are due for being out in front of these issues for years, so I’m glad to see the national media attention they’ve received this season. Kudos to all of these athletes for speaking loudly and proudly.
WALK THE LINE
Since March, I’ve been trying to take a walk every single day and frankly, I’m not sure why I wasn’t doing this pre-quarantine as I already worked from home. But, along with helping keep me sane and active, it’s also given me a new appreciation for my downtown neighborhood and surrounding areas. I’ve been exploring new nooks and neighborhoods on my own and by way of the Cultural Trail, which is such a great civic resource. Don’t let anybody tell you things are scary or weird down here (as I’ve seen on some very false Facebook posts)—come walk and bike and explore for yourself and you’ll see.
CLIMBING THE WALLS
I am constantly on the lookout for new colorful prints to add to the walls of my apartment—even more so now as I’ve been staring at them for six months straight. But seriously, if you know me you know I’m all about modern lines and pops of color—so I love when a local follow like Homespun: Modern Homemade introduces me to an artist I’m not familiar with, like Jade Purple Brown. Her work is amazing and I can’t wait to figure out which pieces I’m going to order.