Between running a stand at The Brooklyn Flea and opening her own company and storefront — Fox Fodder Farm (named after her parents' farm) — the style wisdom and business acumen she's developed through her experiences, world travels, and fashion-savvy friends has given this petal-wielding prodigy a brain ripe for picking. So, we got her tips on everything from eclectically decorating a pint-sized NYC apartment and designing flower arrangements (without dropping a bundle) to starting a business and maintaining a work-life balance.
Ahead, check out the creative moments that comprise Patterson's life, and swoon over the home essentials and fall-perfect ensembles from T.J.Maxx that help her make every second count. And, if you find yourself inspired to try your hand at flower arranging, we know of a few desks that could use some sprucing up.
Decorating The Digs
Her must-haves: Wooden bowl, candle stand, honeycomb vase, side table, and cropped trousers
"My space is simple but eclectic — it's full of items I’ve picked up in my travels, with a few great local buys like this mint side table thrown in. Growing up, our house was full of things my dad had collected during his trips around the world. Those pieces always had crazy stories behind them and sparked interesting conversation. I've always wanted to recreate that in my own home. I'm really nostalgic, so having those mementos around me makes me feel good."
Pants courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
My Globetrotter Decor Style
"My floral design has been described as dressy but messy. My home has that vibe, too — it’s never going to be too matchy-matchy. I got this miniature horse on a trip to India with my sister about two years ago, and that abstract vase is by one of my favorite floral designers. The few things I didn't get on my travels, like this beautiful wood bowl (inlaid with mother of pearl!) and the honeycomb vase have to feel organic and complement all the meaningful pieces I have."
Wooden bowl, candle stand, honeycomb vase, and picture frame courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
Finding Inspiration
"I have a lot of books by Tage Andersen, who is a big inspiration of mine. He's really into combining unexpected shapes and textures, which I love to do. I look at his stuff when I want to explore something unusual. I think it's really important in any profession to always be a student — to continue to educate yourself on new ways of doing things."
Shoes courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
Eclectic With Exotic Accents
"These blankets are from Peru and Mexico. I like displaying them in this wicker basket because it makes my space feel more intentional, like a little vignette. And, I've had this cactus for years. The trick with succulents is to ignore them. Just put them in sunlight, and don't water them too much — like, maybe ever."
Basket and drawer set courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
On Keeping It Simple
"I'm always drawn to styles that are clean and versatile. At home, I'm most likely to be wearing comfortable pants like these. For me, it's really important to be comfortable but still look put together."
Bookend, mug, and side table courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
Outfit Curation
Her must-haves: Floral dress, mixed bangles, jewelry display tray, buckled ankle boots
"More often than not, I have to go to the flower market in the morning, which means I'm up at 6 a.m. I actually wake up earlier than I have to, because it's really important to me to have a leisurely morning. Getting ready and picking an outfit is a pretty relaxing part of my day."
Jacket courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
Defining My Style
"I think I've gotten to a point where I know what looks best on me, what I'm comfortable in, and what's going to allow me to do my job. I want to look good, but I'm not trying to attract attention. I think to myself, Will I feel insecure about this later? Will this dress look weird when I sweat?' All those things come into play when I'm getting dressed."
Dress courtesy of T.J.Maxx
Boots Made For Walking (& Working)
"After I get ready, I make breakfast, check my to-do list, and head into the [flower] studio. When I'm on the go, I love a good, durable boot. I'm definitely a boot person."
Shoes, vase, owl candle holders, hat, and backpack courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
My Accessorized Abode
"With this pretty wood tray, my jewelry is laid out in a way I really like: so it functions as a decoration and is easy to access when I'm in a hurry."
Bracelets, rings, and display tray courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
At-Home Entertainment
Her must-haves: Eclectic kitchenware, metal vase, mixed rings, sweater
"I love to cook. It's really relaxing for me. I just have to strategize with a kitchen this small! And, I try to eat organic. I go to the Union Square farmers' market a couple of times a week to get fresh produce. I get flowers there, sometimes, too. I'm really into having one type of flower throughout your house — which, unless you're having it done for you at a flower shop, is way more practical. So, in the fall, I'll put dahlias or tuberose in every room to give the house some romance."
Wine glass and tea kettle courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
My Cheery Cookware
"My kitchen is pretty small, like most NYC kitchens, so I try to limit the amount of clutter. I really only keep as many dishes as I need, but I'll brighten it up with fun, earthy kitchenware. Fortunately, buying things fresh means nothing accumulates."
Yellow bowl, cutting boards, and dish towel courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
Topping The Table
"Dinner parties are a great excuse to have flowers in the house. Personally, my aesthetic has always been about staying true to the flowers and not trying too hard. I love it when arrangements are looser, touchable, and not too perfect. Using different types of flowers in odd numbers helps keep that natural vibe. And, choosing more organic accents, like earthy vases and straw to wrap, makes bouquets feel more approachable, comfortable."
Vases, stool, bowls and jewelry courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
My Hostess Style
"If I'm having a dinner party, I might dress up a little, in something like this sleeveless sweater/dress combo. It's classy but comfortable, and it won't get in the way of my cooking."
Dress, sweater, and kitchenware courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
The Art Of Bundling Fresh Blooms
"People are scared of the idea of flower arranging, but anyone can do it. An easy strategy is to choose three elements: one foliage (leafy plant), one big face flower, and one accent flower. For example, I like forsythia foliage with Cafe au Lait dahlias and black scabiosas or cosmos. And, fall is a great time to depend on foliage: maple, forsythia, magnolia, and beech are a few favorites. When I'm pulling it all together, I avoid big, bulky jewelry — it gets in the way of my work. So, I'm a fan of layering more delicate rings and bracelets."
Rings courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
Getting Down To Business
Her must-haves: Metal flower pot, crisp sweater
"My biggest challenge every day is being comfortable with the facts that I’m a business owner and that I don’t always know what I’m doing, but that’s okay. But, there are so many different points about this job that I find inspiring and rewarding. I love the people we work with. I love working with my hands. I love that it’s creative."
Dress and shoes courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
Investing In Double-Duty Staples
"I need my work clothes to be able to take a beating yet nice enough for a meeting. I'm all about clothes that are straightforward but not too delicate. I tend to buy a few nicer things rather than a bunch of trendy pieces I'll wear once. Once I've stocked up, I won't buy anything else for a while. A sweater like this white one is easy to dress up, but I could also wear it with jeans to run to the market or set up an outdoor event. And, this skirt is really comfortable, which is paramount when I'm working."
Sweater courtesy of T.J.Maxx. For a similar style, try:
A Practical Approach To Potting Plants
"When it comes to sourcing flower pots, I don't really have a strategy. I'll pick up whatever catches my eye. I buy things at the flower market, but it's not really calculated. I love a good metal bucket, though. You can put them anywhere."
Metal flower bucket courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
Bringing A Vision To Life
"Creating an arrangement for someone, especially on an occasion like their wedding, is a delicate thing. It's always a conversation. I'll talk to a bride about the aesthetic, color palette, shapes the couple likes. You can sort of tell within a few minutes of talking to someone if they're the kind of person who'll want an all-white bouquet — really clean and simple — or something with bold, bright colors."
My Work-Life Relationship
"It's really impossible to be a business owner and not have your work take over your life. But, if you love what you do, having it spill into the rest of your life isn't such a bad thing. I've learned the importance of asking for help. I know I can't do everything, and that's why I have a team. The best advice I can give anyone who wants to start their own business is just to do it. You're not going to get everything right. You have to put one foot in front of the other and be open to everything that comes your way."
Metal bucket courtesy of T.J.Maxx.
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