There’s an art to handwritten notes scribbled on uniquely-designed card stock. This always becomes abundantly clear over the holidays when mailboxes fill with generic cards that don’t reflect the giver’s aesthetic. Julie Van Daele—herself a firm believer in letter writing—was inspired to launch Well Received, a line of stark modern stationery, when faced with such ordinary designs after her wedding. “I wanted to write handwritten notes to all the guests on cards that had the sort of abstract minimal design that I love,” says Van Daele. After years spent in fashion PR, the West Hollywood resident drew on the brand aesthetic of Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons, and Dries van Noten to create her own stationery designs in black, white, and gray that are inspired by the look and texture of concrete, leather, marble, and wood. Her work caught the eye of the team at Maxfield, and they are giving her cards as gifts this holidays season. So, as presents are opened over the next few weeks, Van Daele hopes those on the receiving end keep these guidelines in mind when thanking givers:

DO: Select a card that reflects your personality, be specific about what you’re grateful for, send your note within a week, and always keep a stash of cards in your closet.

DON’T: Have someone or an online service chose your card and write it, follow a template, send a text in place of a note, think that men get a pass, forget that family and parents still deserve them, and remember that notes are not just for gifts given—they can be for anything.

Here, Van Daele practices what she preaches, finding and sharing her top Los Angeles haunts—places that inspire her and catch her eye with the same beautiful and sparse aesthetic that informs her work. Something tells us they’ve be getting thank-you notes from Van Daele too.

By Elizabeth Varnell

 

HIKO It has some of the best sushi in Los Angeles. I love it even more because it’s so understated and a great place to escape for a delicious meal.

L&E OYSTER BAR This restaurant continues to be my favorite date night spot to visit with my husband. We love the bar, the oysters, the crowd, the staff and I can’t get enough of the sparkling Rosé.

ORSA + WINSTON This culinary experience blending Japanese and Italian cuisine in downtown Los Angeles is a go-to for a very special celebration that offers food like no other restaurant.

LEO’S TACO TRUCK Best tacos ever. Get yourself down to La Brea and Venice Boulevard right away.

GARDE This is one of my favorite home stores. The aesthetic is brilliant and the shop carries designs by many designers and artists whose work is not carried at other stores in town. Scotti Sitz has impeccable taste and tends to share my love for black, white, and gray.

A+R I always love shopping here for my house and for gifts. Rose and Andy do a great job of curating the store with unique and often international designers.

MONA MOORE This store in Venice has one of the most meticulously curated shoe selections in town. It’s my go-to for finding one-of-a-kind Ann Demeulemeester boots each season.

MOHAWK GENERAL This is always my Eastside jam when looking for cool accessories, great gifts and clothes for myself and for my hubby.

BURRO If I’m not sending my own stationery to friends and family, Burro (formerly Firefly) has a great selection of cards and it’s often where I head when looking for great birthday cards.

RUNYON CANYON Hear me out… I only like it at 6 a.m., when I’m with my friend Will, because it is peaceful, calming, the sunrises are beautiful, hardly any dogs have arrived yet and the fashion show has not yet begun at this unruly hour!

 

Pictured: Julie Van Daele
Photo By: Sabrina Meijer

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