Grace Atwood is the founder and voice behind The Stripe, a lifestyle blog that serves as a source of inspiration for the modern woman. In our exclusive interview, she shares her expert fashion insights and trends she’s looking forward to in the year ahead.
HOMEWORTHY: Where in your home did you take this photo and why do you love this room?
GRACE ATWOOD: This is in my living room. It’s definitely the room I spend the most time in, aside from my bed! My main interests are of the indoorsy sort (I read a LOT of books and watch almost as much TV). I love this room because it just feels very me. This is the first home I’ve ever owned and I’ve made it truly ME. Stacks of art books, beautiful art (the piece in the top right corner is by one of my favorite artists, Catherine Howe). A neutral foundation with loads of layered color. This room also gets a lot of light which is important to me. We need sunshine!
HOMEWORTHY: Describe your sense of style when it comes to fashion versus home decor.
GA: This is a great question. I had to think for a bit but they are actually pretty similar! I love great, foundational basics (like my sofa from Maiden home, my leather recliner from Design Within Reach, my burlwood coffee table, my creamy boucle chair) but then I like to mix in elements of fun. A Calder inspired mobile. Piles and piles of books, especially art books. Art! In my wardrobe it is very similar. I gravitate toward great basics and then make them my own with statement pieces (a chartreuse heel, a cocktail ring, a fun belt, etc.) I will say that I definitely feel more comfortable experimenting with my wardrobe vs. my home. I would probably never buy something super trendy for my house but love experimenting with trends when I’m getting dressed.
HOMEWORTHY: What are some ways you like to elevate your outfit?
GA: Jewelry is probably my number one. I collect fine jewelry (Retrouvai, Brent Neale, and Sherman-Field are my most favorites). You can wear a simple button down and jeans but have on great jewelry and your outfit instantly feels special and unique. Right now, I’m loving a colorful sock. Red was the big color this fall but one of my favorite substacks convinced me to order a pair in “bishop purple!” A colorful sock adds an element of fun to your outfit and also feels very in-the-know right now.
HOMEWORTHY: What is your go-to outfit for lounging at home?
GA: Oh my goodness, I have a great rec here. I have this inexpensive sweater knit set from Amazon that I LIVE in. So comfortable; it is also my favorite for travel. If not that, it’s usually Vuori joggers and a t-shirt. Or: why not just put pajamas back on! My favorite Sundays are the ones where I work out, come home and have an “everything shower,” and change into fresh pajamas.
HOMEWORTHY: What fashion trends are you looking forward to in 2024?
GA: Metallics, sheer pieces, non-boring basics (I’m loving a simple outfit with a fun colored sock), pops of leopard (I don’t know that I can go full mob wife but I’m loving a leopard shoe or maybe a faux fur coat!), and OF COURSE preppier pieces (so happy that preppy is considered a “trend” right now as I’ve got a lot of that in my closet!)
HOMEWORTHY: What clothing pieces are you hoping to incorporate into your wardrobe this year?
GA: I am really into those preppier pieces right now. Crisp polo shirts, classic cardigans. I’m also finding myself a little bit sheer-curious. I love the sheer skirt trend but layer mine over a slip. And dresses, always. I just love a great dress.
HOMEWORTHY: What are some of your must-have clothing pieces?
GA: I joke that I have two distinctive fashion personalities. One wants quiet luxury, the other wants to be as loud as possible. My quiet luxury side lives in these well made basics. Blazers from Blaze Milano, High Sport kick flare pants, my fav $10 t-shirt, Gucci loafers! My louder side loves a kaftan, especially from La Vie Style House. They are just perfect! Anything feathered: I LOVE every single piece La Double J creates – truly, a superfan of JJ Martin and all she has built with that brand.
HOMEWORTHY: What are some of your go-to hostess gifts?
GA: I love a fun hostess gift. I keep a stash of ten dollar vases from Amazon on hand to bring fresh flowers. A bottle of champagne is always appropriate – just tie a pretty ribbon around the neck and you are ready to go. Or, how about a fancy condiment? I love gifting Brightland olive oils, Red Clay hot sauce (or their DELICIOUS chili crisp), Australian Marinated Feta by Meredith Dairy (my local cheese shop affectionately refers to this as “crack cheese.” Some other ideas: I am a big reader and if my host or hostess is as well, a book I recently loved that I think they will enjoy. Maldon salt and a salt cellar (another good $10 Amazon find). Deeda Blair’s book Food, Flowers, and Fantasy! Last but not least, something homemade feels extra special. Over the holidays I made limoncello which made for a really special gift!
