By SHAYNA SEID
MARCH 27, 2026
Made by Gadabout Creative
We first learned about lifestyle influencer Samantha Varvel after discovering her mother Shauna Varvel’s 18th-century Provençal home Le Mas des Poiriers, which has been one of our favorite wedding venues since its inception. You’ve likely seen and dreamed of its light blue shutters, too.
Samantha, along with and her mother and sister, created a fashion and homeware brand called Provence Poiriers. It was actually available on Over The Moon back in its earliest days, a time of change for Samantha. “I left my career in finance at Goldman Sachs five years ago shortly after becoming a mother of two, as my business as a lifestyle influencer was taking off,” she shares.
Le Mas des Poiriers. Photo: Sophie Epton; Samantha and Elise at home; Elise at her grandmother’s home.
Since then, the Connecticut-based influencer has built up a following sharing her print-filled content with a cottagecore aesthetic that keeps us hooked. She also welcomed a darling baby girl last year and is sharing her Dream Baby Registry. “I have three children: a six-year-old son named Peter, four-year-old daughter named Kit, and seven-month-old baby girl named Elise,“ Samantha shares. For her family of five, she turned to our curation of finds for her nursery, Elise’s wardrobe, and collection of baby essentials. “I'm always looking for lovely little things that spark whimsy and joy for my nursery, and OTM has the best selection of finds!“
Dream Registry
Nursery
Pops of pink and florals create a serene space for parents and baby.
Samantha and Elise in a cozy corner of their home.
Q:
What were some of your must-have items?
Special, personalized items that can be passed down and cherished are my favorites! The Palaka baby brush with Elise’s name painted on it was the most thoughtful gift I received when she was born. Custom details in a nursery like a pillow embroidered with your child’s name make a space feel thoughtfully created for your little one. I love the ones from Tricia Lowenfield and Matouk. The Nanit and BabyBjorn bouncer are practical favorites of mine that I've used with each baby and make our daily routines much easier.
Dream Registry
Children’s Clothing
Invest in high-quality pieces that are plush and soft-to-the-touch to truly nurture your little one.
Mom and daughter are all smiles.
Q:
What’s an important tip you would give to parents making their registries for the first time?
I recommend including a mix of necessities and lovely things that will make you happy.
Q:
How does your experience with Elise differ from the your experiences with your first two children?
This is my third time around! As a seasoned mom, I’ve learned that babies grow out of things so quickly, and the stages fly by. While I’ve become more practical, I’m also cherishing each moment more than ever and celebrating each chapter knowing how fleeting it will all be.
Dream Registry
Baby Essentials
Look forward to easier routines and more joy with everything from bouncers to enrichment toys.
As we await to see how Samantha’s Dream Baby Registry pieces find their home in Elise’s nursery, Samantha gives expecting parents some sound advice: “I once was told by a wise, older mom whose children are grown that dressing her kids beautifully when they were babies made the whole experience as a mom much more enjoyable, even on the tough days.” She confesses, “I’d have to agree! I remind myself that while it’s their childhood I’m focused on making magical, it’s also my ‘motherhood,’ which is just as worthy of celebrating!”
