SUMMER IN THE BAG
The season of my dreams is finally here, another memorable Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and Shaz is loving life. It is also intern season, and this summer I have one awesome young diva, aka Victoria Cox, who thought it would be fun to outline some of my summer favorites while I am working out of town.
Summer is the one season that I have an overwhelming urge to throw everything out and start over. Maybe it is the fact that cottons and linens have a shorter shelf life than my wools and cashmeres. If I am honest, it is the colors of summer that are so alluring for me that I cannot practice self control. Cold, fruity drinks and cotton candy ice cream translate into summer frocks and textiles that I find myself hoarding like a kid in a candy store (literally).
I make no pretense to be some sort of fashion diva (I wear jandals). But, the reason we routinely incorporate fashion into our life hacks is due to the overwhelming connection between clothing trends and interiors. It should not surprise you that I regularly peek into client’s closets as a precursor to their willingness to take risks in their homes. People wear colors that make them feel good, and it is those colors that I will often incorporate into their homes by default. So, here are some summer items that make me feel alive and thriving - hoping they make you feel inspired to pack that bag with a conundrum of color and order up a smoothie to match.
CHILA BAG
Intern Torie with her Chila - you go, glen coco
I am a bag lady. I find myself needing something that is easy to manage and this summer I landed on the perfect beach bag. I am also using my Chila bag for walking around and running errands, and it is perfect for riding a bike on your beach vacation since it sits on your hip. We are now selling these in our SCW Retail Store - come visit and check them out!
Aly with the Crossbody Look
Some of our Chila bags in the SCW retail store
TOWELS
I am all about disposable cups, but I just cannot handle the bad towel offenders who think towels are disposable. Whether you are visiting the French Riviera or the Redneck Riviera, indulge and get yourself at least one nice towel. It is these little things in life that bring joy. The ceremony of throwing that first towel onto a lounge chair is like a slow motion reel to be savored….with the right towel.
Matouk - Amado Beach Towel
These. Are. Incredible.
The coolest part is that Matouk made a towel/blanket, or blanket/towel, which means no more overlapping towels.
And there are some other fun towels from Matouk that are perfect for drying off or tying on your waist. We are selling both of these in our SCW retail store, as well.
COVER-UPS
An all-time favorite option of mine when it comes to a cover-up is grabbing a LemLem dress, like this one, and throwing it on over my swim suit. That cotton candy blue color paired with pinks and oranges could not be better imagined for summer, just like the Anna Spiro fabrics we used on the chair I posted yesterday.
Another go-to of mine is Alicia Bell. A dress like the one here is another prime example of her batik dresses that serve multidimensionally. And this is just like that favorite beach house perfectly punctuated in blue and white with a dash of coral for lift.
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HATS + SUNNIES
Janessa Leone - Lucie
An absolute must on the beach is a hat and your sunnies. Ok, I might wear these for protection, but it is actually the only cool factor I have going for me. Janessa Leone makes the greatest hats, like the one above, while Illesteva produces the most chic sunglasses in the game, refer to a favorite pair below.
Illesteva - Leonard II E Sunglasses
SKIN CARE
Ok, this is my epic fail. Not really a sunscreen fan because I am a lizard. Don’t judge BUT… I love a good summer scent and I am a product junky, so I am sharing two of my favorite summer products that will leave you feeling fresh and bright.
This lotion is summer in a bottle. Bulgari Au The’ Vert has bergamot, green tea, and black pepper and the little green top is reserved in my cabinet for summer nights.
LADIES - for all of you out there who did not grow up in the hot south, the secret to staying fresh is BODY POWDER. I cannot believe how many of my girlfriends have never used a fluffy puff to round out the corners and crevices. Powder is the secret weapon; so go out and get it NOW. You can thank me later. Dusting powder is not made in abundance, but I am an expert on what is available and this is one that goes with your regular day scent. I keep this in the top of my lingerie drawer so the smell permeates the inside of my drawers.
SANDALS (JANDALS)
Birkenstock - Gizeh Oiled Leather Tobacco Brown
And last but not least, it’s what’s on your feet. My girlfriends want me to stop wearing my birks but I can’t stop, won’t stop. Somehow I feel like I can swing what many call “Jesus” sandals look if paired with favorite coral toe polish, as seen attached. I do not deviate on the color of my toes or the comfort of my sandal game. I stick to my reliable Birkenstocks (click here to check out a pair) and some simple Havaianas, like these. Shoe game = strong. Can never go wrong with these two sandals.
Havaianas - Women’s Slim Flip Flops Rose Gold
Butter London - Jolly Good Patent Shine Nail Laquer
P.S. Send postcards and remember life is beautiful, the sun is essential, and summer is here so go and get yo’ beach on, y’all! (things interns like to say)
