The latest heatwave is forcing me to focus on are the *pros* of an impending LA summer and the parts of my personality that resurface once pumped with vitamin d. It is pretty damn magical to wake up to blue skies, morning sun cascading across my living room, and the energy to bounce out of my apartment in excitement for a smoothie from my local spot. The rest of the day could very well be downhill from there ( irritating emails, responsibilities, parking tickets ) but it doesn’t matter because I get to wake up the next morning and start all over again.
Along with the resurgence of joy comes a whole lotta daydreams, an inevitable home project, a rethinking of summer style, and a bulk order of all my favorite sunscreens. Instagram has been giving me the ick more than usual the past couple weeks so my scrolling has been in full escapism mode- heavy on the mood boarding and overdoing it on niche pop culture Reddit deep dives. Does that count as reading? lol. I surely missed my calling as a gossip columnist. Always, enjoy a little taste of summer with my favorites right now.
FIXATIONS
The Clustered Stars Necklace by Completedworks. This necklace has me in a chokehold like most Completedworks pieces. They always seem to find the right balance of luxury meets everyday.
Vyrao Candle. This candle and their fragrances are crazyyyy intoxicating. Such a fan of this brand.
Stella McCartney Leopard Ballet Flats. I have been heavily stalking these for months and they are finally on private sale on Ssense. Ughhhhh!
Soft Services Theraplush Hand Cream with Retinol. A nightly ritual with packaging that mirrors a Loewe candle? Say less. It stunningly sits on my nightstand.
Lace Mini Skits/Shorts. A classic and tbh, most of the ones I’ve been seeing feel a little sad? I have yet to find one like the Nina Ricci Spring 2014 RTW skirt above. I love the Soeur Paris Jupe skirt I posted in my last newsletter. Bode Lace Tap Shorts are A+++. Doen Iona shorts are a much better price point but mostly sold out :( When all else fails, vintage!
Autumn Sonota with the chicest pool/beach towel there is.
Hunting Season Medium Origami Bag. A newer version of the basket bag I carried all of last summer ( and plan on doing again!) - the stone charm is so cool.
The Row Yellow Sporty Pouch. In the perfect shade of yellow.
Soeur Paris Ebony Brown Flats. I had been looking for a simple soft leather pair then the Soeur team sent me these for summer. Absolutely recommend.
Tower28 SOS Rescue Spray. I worked with a makeup artist a few weeks ago who swears by this for skin prep and before bed. I’ve been using it religiously since and can confirm it calms my skin and anyyyyy redness. Your man will steal this from you!
The verdict is still out on my “perfect tank”. I have the one from RLT, the Loulou de Saison, Flore Flore, and about 10 from Brandy, shhhh. I’m curious about the one from Mijeong Park. If you have strong opinions on the perfect *affordable* tank, please clue me in!
My hair is the healthiest it’s been perhaps.. ever? Crown Affair Shampoo/Conditioner is phenomenal. I went with the hydrating one for extra moisture but there’s also a volumizing. ROZ Hair Mask and Milk Leave-In conditioner I absolutely swear by. I have tried many oils and I always come back to this one. It’s hydrating but doesn’t make your hair oily. Jolie showerhead has transformed my hair texture.
Merit Blush in Postmodern. For the perfect flush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J. Crew is reallyyyyy good right now. I did a pop in the other day and I’m very into these J. Crew Satin Track Shorts and soooo many good cashmere pieces in weird/cool colors.
SPF lineup is as follows: Beauty of Joseon ( I’m still testing out the new FDA reformulation for the US, ugh ). Elta MD UV Daily is consistently good. iS Clinical SPF 50 Eclipse. SuperGoop PLAY SPF 50 for my body especially for Griffith Park hikes. Alastin Tinted Sunscreen is perfect if you want a little color. Pricey but lasts a longgg time .
Max Mara Striped Beach Hat. It’s hard to get the shape right but they figured it out. Buying this for my summer vacation.
x
Syd
My hot take is the “a new day” ribbed tanks from none other than Tarjay are my favorite. I have like 6 of them in diff colors, including the perfect heather grey. They are $8!!! Some I buy in a bigger size and cut to crop, some I leave long. All work great under a sweater for the little pop of white (or color!) Have had them for 3 years and they wash great, very little pilling!!
https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-slim-fit-ribbed-high-neck-tank-top-a-new-day-8482-heather-gray-m/-/A-81245963
Another new fave is the Diish Theo tank. Perfect low square neck scoop. I have the light brown, planning to add the chocolate too.
https://dissh.com/products/theo-choc-tank?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKMvslleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAYhFH8NPAGnldVhiMfzN7Q2ChuyDN1q4NKmqjxMXE_p3YlfkAycJM9YfVcJpXC7RaVJqSQ_aem_Mi1PsfWbFT_CsJc7RZg9ew
End soliloquy.