It's a free for all

Also in here: my thoughts on Traylor and a mini Kansas City guide

Oct 04, 2023

Announcement:

After a few months of trying out paid subscriptions, this newsletter will now be free for everyone, starting today.

The bottom line is, Handpicked is a beloved creative project, not a growth platform, and I am an artist, not a saleswoman. I’m also going to try an experiment: community support. For now, if you feel inclined to contribute Handpicked, you can pay ~$2 per issue to do so. Going forward, Handpicked will be 100% free.

I'd like to contribute

i love los angeles, i love kansas city

Saturday’s big adventure: Levain Bakery! It was even better than I remembered from my trip to New York. Larchmont Village is one of my favorite corners of LA, we had the best time exploring the new stationery store Shorthand after we ate our treats.
I am positively *delighted* to find myself at the dead center of the Taylor Swift + Kansas City Chiefs fan venn diagram, which I am heretofore referring to as the Kansas Swiftie Chiefs. And yes, I am 1000% on board with Traylor, lmk if you’d like to hear my dissertation. A mini list of my KC favorites, from the three years we lived there:
- Q39, award-winning BBQ, Nate’s favorite burnt ends in KC.
- Heirloom Bakery, the best vibes and BEST pastries
- Messenger Coffee, I loved hanging out with artist friends here.
- The Antler Room, one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to.
- Charlie Hustle, my favorite place for KC shirts.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum, truly a hidden gem of US art museums!
- Fairway Creamery (the photo of E licking the cone was shot there!)
- Going on walks in Mission Hills and admiring all the historic homes.
- My old Anthro at the Plaza!!! I loved working there so much.
- The view from the National World War I Memorial (pictured below)

today’s bouquet

Looking at trees.
Kind of excited for pink winter sunsets.
Did that person really say that?
Never knew a thimble could be so beautiful.
Don’t miss this, Johnny Cash fans!
Shiny happy people. The footage made me cry.
My friend Laura’s newsletter is such a breath of fresh air in my inbox.
High fives, right?! Gotta love ‘em.
Anybody in Dallas? Please go eat all of the gorgeous state fair food.
Last week I met Heidi Aune in person (for Secret Art Project!!). She has the best ring collection. My favorite is her Young in the Mountains wedding ring.
How to know if you’re getting a well-priced pumpkin. (Hint: Trader Joe’s pumpkins are not a rip off!) via Sarah

in my basket

I know it’s not even close to time, but this cheesy Chicago holiday mug makes me so freaking happy. Some of my clearest, most heart-filling memories are from the 2.5 years we lived in that wonderful place. (You guys, do I need to move back to the Midwest?!)
This classic L.L. Bean bird’s eye sweater caught my eye on the front of their catalog (yes I still get catalogs). And how great is this vintage logo sweater??
Cardigans and sweatshirts are the lowest cost-per-wear article of clothing in my closet bc I’m Always Cold. Here’s a bunch of great cardis: glam fisherman, granola fisherman, preppy fisherman, super pink (even just a peek is beautiful), a cardigan coat for cooler temps, the highest-quality classic in cornflower blue, the perfect cropped cream knit.
I *CAN’T* believe the PacSun x The Met collection hasn’t already sold out – this may be the best crossover I’ve seen since Target x Marimekko in 2016. I want one of everything. Nothing over $100! This blue crewneck is so freaking good. And this $30 tee! I’m losing my mind.

last thing

Most clicked link from last week: ghost paintings.
Reader count: 1,146
I’ll be shooting family photos all season! (And I shoot little weddings, too, btw.) Just reply to this email if you’re interested in booking or more information.
Thank you so much for reading Handpicked. Please email me anytime, I love hearing from you.
Coming up next week: what I eat at 11am every day, a link from my mom, and a question about kids