Style + Beauty

Threaded with Meaning

How a quiet brand born in a New York apartment grew into a Maine-made label of elegance and calm Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Maria Mylena In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Portland-based designer Bailey Renée is embracing a pace defined by slowness, stillness, and intention. Her namesake label, Bailey Renée , is a contemporary womenswear brand rooted in natural materials with heirloom quality, timeless silhouettes, and a strong sense of place.  “It all began in a...

Style + Beauty

Silhouettes & Storyboards

Portland-based stylist Wade Stephens talks sourcing chaos, Maine aesthetics, and his dream of pushing fashion forward Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Courtesy of Wade Stephens Stylist and designer Wade Stephens didn’t study fashion or follow a linear path into the world of wardrobe. Instead, he carved out a niche for himself through music, curiosity, and a whole lot of hustle. Based in Portland, Maine, Stephens has worked on everything from indie films to liquor campaigns, all while...

Home + Design

The New Classic

With roots in craftsmanship and a flair for custom, Maine Bunk Beds delivers timeless furniture and a story in every build Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Julia D'Agostino When Cliff Webster first told his wife he was thinking about buying a bunk bed company, her immediate response was: “Absolutely not.” It was 2024, and Webster had recently left his job at Wayfair after a long stretch of remote work from Maine. He and his wife, Elizabeth (who grew up in Augusta) had left Boston...

Life + Culture

Not Your Average Office

The Wave is Portland’s chic new co-working space that puts community first Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Coco McCracken Tucked inside the historic Nissen Building on Portland’s East End, just a block from the buzz of Washington Avenue, The Wave doesn’t look—or feel—like your average co-working space. There’s no crowded bullpen of desks or corporate branding. Instead, you’ll find sunlit windows, thoughtfully curated artwork on the walls, and a fridge stocked with LB. MINI-MART’s...

Arts + Culture

Sit. Stay. Smile.

Pet photographer Gina Soule turns fleeting moments into lasting memories Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Gina Soule When Gina Soule tells you she spends her days photographing dogs, it’s not just the cute ones or the well-trained ones. It’s all of them: wobbly puppies, high-energy rescues, semi-feral street dogs, and wise old companions nearing the end of their lives. “There’s no such thing as too wild or too untrained,” she says. “You just embrace dogs for who they are.” By day...

Life + Culture

Where the Wild Things Learn

Rippleffect brings adventure—and access—to Maine kids Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Rippleffect If you’ve ever stood on Portland’s Eastern Prom and looked out at the islands dotting Casco Bay, you may have unknowingly gazed upon a haven of ziplines, sea kayaks, and summer camp magic. Cow Island, home to local nonprofit Rippleffect, is more than just a scenic speck in the water—it’s a 26-acre classroom where Maine kids come to learn leadership, build resilience, and...

Life + Culture

Catch of the Future

Luke’s Lobster connects local teens to life on the water Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Luke's Lobster In Maine, it’s not unusual to grow up within walking distance of the working waterfront. What’s less common is having a direct connection to it, especially for people without family ties to fishing or the marine economy. Luke’s Lobster’s Lift All Boats project, launched in 2022, helps high school students break into this traditionally insular world of lobstering. The...

Life + Culture

Little Hands, Big Adventures

Through gentle, nature-centered designs, Mae Monsees of the Nestling Company celebrates the beauty of mindful play Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Mae Monsees What is the story behind the Nestling Company?  The Nestling Company began at my kitchen table in Waldoboro, Maine, during my early days as a stay-at-home mom in a new state. Sewing quickly became a creative outlet, and I started making baskets to organize toys and bring beauty into our daily routine. As our family grew...

Arts + Culture

Center Stage in Stonington

Opera House Arts marks 25 years of community, creativity, and connection Article by Becca Abramson It’s not every day you find live theater on a working waterfront. But in the coastal town of Stonington, Maine, the historic opera house overlooking the harbor isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the beating heart of the community. This year, Opera House Arts (OHA), the nonprofit organization that operates out of the historic Stonington Opera House, is celebrating 25 years of performances, programs, and...

Food + Beverage

Passport to Flavor

Eight global restaurants that prove Portland is an international dining destination Article by Becca Abramson Portland’s food scene has long punched above its weight, earning accolades from coast to coast. But beyond the craft cocktails and new American bistros is a deeper story told through simmering broths, fire-kissed flatbreads, and spice blends passed down through generations. The city is home to chefs and families who bring their culinary traditions from across the world, offering locals...