New & Noteworthy
JENNI KAYNE OPENS IN CARMEL PLAZA THIS JULY
Jenni Kayne, the fashion and lifestyle brand known for its effortlessly luxe wardrobe staples and California-cool decor, is set to open its doors in Carmel Plaza this July.
Featuring the brand’s signature design aesthetic—with its white brick facade and antique brass and wood details—the Carmel shop is unique in that it’s the brand’s only one to open this year with a full bedroom display highlighting Jenni Kayne Home products. Expect plush pillows and throws layered with the brand’s coastal modern decor, classic cashmere sweaters (like the perennially popular Cocoon or Fisherman), best-selling slip dresses, leather footwear, and everyday accessories. Plus, Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials skincare line.
“I’ve always loved the peaceful nature of Carmel and the area’s attention to slow living,” says founder Jenni Kayne. “It feels very in sync with the lifestyle we aim to bring to life at Jenni Kayne, so adding a store location in Carmel felt like the perfect fit.”
The brand joins other newcomers to Carmel Plaza, restaurants Nicolás and Jeju Kitchen, plus the shopping center’s long-term fashion tenants Kate Spade, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co. and Anthropologie. Jenni Kayne, Carmel Plaza, Suite 225B, Carmel-by-the-Sea; jennikayne.com. —Angela Salazar
STILWELL HOTEL DEBUTS IN DOWNTOWN CARMEL
With its May opening, Stilwell Hotel is the latest boutique destination from Lark Hotels, the hospitality group behind sister property the Tradewinds Carmel and other hotels across the country. Occupying a full downtown block up the hill from Ocean Avenue, the modern hotel’s 42 guest rooms are outfitted with handmade olive oil bath products, luxe linens and direct access to the outdoors. Other amenities include a complimentary breakfast highlighting local ingredients, and chairs, towels and picnic baskets for beach adventures. Plus, afternoon wine hours and “Ice Cream Sundays” featuring housemade ice cream. Outside, a central courtyard boasts lush landscaping, firepits and an al fresco pizza oven, plus an expansive 20-foot waterfall. But the crown jewel may just be the property’s on-site restaurant, Foray. Already a favorite among locals, the acclaimed fine dining destination will be hotel guests’ go-to and hints at exciting collaborations in the future. Stilwell Hotel, San Carlos Street at 5th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea; stilwellcarmel.com. —A.S.
A BUZZWORTHY KIDS' BOOK
Carmel Valley-based author and fifth-generation beekeeper Meredith May’s The Honey Bus is getting the kids’ picture book treatment. The best-selling 2019 memoir shares the lessons about life and love that she learned from her grandfather and his bees, in the Big Sur yard where he made honey in an old military bus. My Hive: A Girl, Her Grandfather, and Their Honeybee Family—illustrated by Jasmin Dwyer and slated for release September 3—reimagines May’s story for a younger audience, ages 5 to 7, addressing notions of loneliness and fear. Check May’s website for details on local book signings and special events: meredithamay.net. —Anh-Minh Le
GLOBAL GOODS AWAIT AT SELCOUTH’S CARMEL VALLEY SHOP
Ethically-sourced gift shop Selcouth quietly opened in Carmel Valley in February, with plans for new events and offerings throughout the year. Featuring a curated selection of global and local goods that give back—including exclusives like Under the Influence kimonos and Apartment 415 pillows, both designed and made in Mexico, and home goods made from recycled skateboards by Alanis Construction out of Pleasant Hill—the shop is a true family affair. Owned by sisters Laura Smith and Katie Padilla and their husbands, Justin Smith and Danny Padilla, respectively, Selcouth’s mission is to support small businesses and artisans and to share their stories with the community. This season, the shop’s offerings expand to include a waste-reducing refill station by Rustic Strength, featuring plant-based laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dish and hand soaps. Located next to Leonoff Art Glass (which custom-designed Selcouth’s statement light fixture) in the Center Street Marketplace. Selcouth, 13766 Center St, Suite G5, Carmel Valley; selcouthcv.com. —A.S.
