10 Summer Staples
Plus sales on my radar, thoughts on the world, and scenes from a perfect birthday weekend
Shitters! It hasn’t felt super summery outside yet (why am I still wearing cashmere sweaters in June…?), but there are a million and one summer-related things I’ve wanted to share with you, so I’m giving it to you all-in-one today!
But first, a little birthday recap! I didn’t set out to have a big celebration, but I ended up having the best long weekend with friends and family. From dinners with friends at Casa Mono and Torrisi, to relaxing on Governor’s Island and at the Hotel Chelsea Spa, to a few days spent exploring uptown (plus all the love from you on the last letter and a few things from this list!), I kept thinking that this was my best birthday yet ♥️
A few of you have asked for an NYC-specific newsletter, which I think is such a fun idea! Working on one with all of my favorite spots + recs!
As for today’s programming, the following are some early summer favorites to start the season on a high note! You may’ve seen some of these things here before—that’s because I really do love them and use them often!—but others are newer-to-me favorites that I’m excited to share:
This linen top and shorts set is the first thing I reach for on hot/humid days. It’s loose, light, and breezy, looks put together as a pair (I can put it on without thinking twice about what I’m going to wear), and doesn’t come with any of the sheerness/stain risk of white linen. The shorts are easy to adjust to a comfortable length, I end up wearing the top on its own too, and I find the fit to be much more flattering on me than other popular versions. (While you’re at JK, they’re running a 50% off sale on a lot of past season favorites, which is pretty unheard of for them?! And when I say favorites, I’m not lying—there’s a surprising amount of good stuff in there! I own/love this sweater and these sandals, both of which are included!)
I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on my skin after using this stuff—people are always amazed that it’s just an SPF! I wear it on its own, or in the place of foundation with bronzer, blush, mascara (SIBAL20), and a lip tint on nights out (that lip is the perfect neutral, stays on all day, and is included in BlueMercury’s tiered sale—run!).
Speaking of SPF, we spend a lot of time talking about what we use on our faces, but what about the rest of our bodies? I started using this sunscreen on my arms and back during summer runs/ sunny days and I LOVE it—it blends in easily, feels super lightweight on the skin, and is water-resistant, which makes it great for beach vacations or outdoor walks/workouts. The formula works on the face and body, and the price won’t break the bank.
Upgraded insect repellent—for when you want to keep the bugs away while sparing everyone’s lungs… Kate McLeod makes a version of her body stone that’s a completely natural insect repellant. For al fresco evenings, Diptyque’s Citronelle candles combine lemongrass (a natural insect repellant) with verbena, neroli, and orange blossom. I assumed that this would smell like overpriced bug spray, but it’s surprisingly nice! It would make for a great hostess gift, as would this set if you want to go big! While you’re at Diptyque, their summer fragrance is really worth a try—I’m very picky about scents, but this prickly pear/ jasmine/ bergamot/ fig combo is breezy and fresh without being too sweet or fruity.
When I travel, I want to use my normal products, but I hate having to lug full size versions with me (and if it’s just for a weekend, space often doesn’t allow). The two mini kits that are really worth it are Sofie Pavitt’s for skin (under $30 for the set!) and Roz’s for hair. The skin set is made up of the basics—a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a mandelic serum for low and slow exfoliation—and is the perfect size for a long weekend away. The haircare will last through all your summer travels (and then some!), and whether you’re prepping for heat styling or embracing vacation curls, they’ll keep your hair feeling soft and hydrated, especially after hours in the sun/ pool/ salt water.
Swimwear is famously NOT comfortable, but I have been so pleasantly surprised by this one piece. It’s made of such soft, nice fabric and has a very flattering fit. I usually pair it with a sarong and a beach hat (my go-to last summer was this one by Madewell, but I’m eyeing this one by Janessa Leone to add to the collection)!
These are forever the best simple flip flops (and are currently 50% off their already affordable price?). The slim style makes them look a touch more refined than the regular version, and they won’t give you blisters while you’re walking down the boardwalk or around the neighborhood. They’re a staple for me in the summer, and I bring them with me on every warm vacation. They run small—I take one size up from my usual.
I’m not saying to skip showers, but if you live somewhere where it feels like you need to bathe pretty much every single time you step outside this time of year, these shower sheets are a godsend. They keep you feeling fresh throughout the day, and are perfect to break out in the office bathroom after your AM commute. Their underarm detox bar is also worth checking out if you feel particularly afflicted by sweaty season (solidarity).
Nobody wants dry, dehydrated lips!!!! Stay hydrated, first and foremost (these are my electrolytes of choice for extra sweaty days), but I also keep a stash of this lip treatment balm on hand. Most effective stuff on the market by a mile.
I mentioned this last summer, but I continue to get an insane amount of use out of this dress. It’s lightweight and soft, but the style feels dressy enough for get togethers or dinners out. My cost per wear has to be down to single digits at this point—it’s easily the most worn dress in my closet! (I’m in an XS, more sizes here).
On My Mind
It’s not hard to feel overwhelmed by the world. That has been true for far too long at this point, but it feels even more acute with the ICE raids across Los Angeles and the rapidly escalating situation in Iran. For those who aren’t impacted directly (whether in these specific instances, or more broadly in this moment), it can be very tempting to retreat into bubbles that are divorced from these realities. I’m not here to bash you for it—I get it! I’ve been there, especially recently.
But I am making more of an effort to leave my little cocoon lately. Why? Not because it’s particularly fun, that much is for sure! But I don’t want to be divorced from the world around me. It’s temporary relief, but how good does it really feel to ignore things that deep down you know you shouldn’t be? This isn’t a novel thought (and it’s probably more for myself than it is for you), but if that gnawing feeling has found you too, maybe this is encouragement to face it rather than turning further away.
Along those lines: My friend Roya Shariat recently shared her perspective as an Iranian American on watching the past two weeks unfold. Maybe you’ll relate to her, or leave with more insight into the complicated ways it feels to be a person whose people are “in the news.” To me, it fosters more of the shared humanity she references.
Other Things I’m Loving Lately
I’m using the BlueMercury sale to stock up on candles (that one’s an underrated favorite, but 20+% off of a Big Baies is no joke either!). While you’re there, I tried this sheet mask for the first time over the weekend and it’s hands down the best one I’ve ever used—put it on for 20 minutes the day before an event for the literal best (clearest, most even, glowing!) skin of your life. And on the topic of skin, I’ve been experimenting with RMS’s setting spray and liking it so far (PRIYANKA20 gets you a discount if you want to try)!
Summer Reading:
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Love you, friend ❤️