Summer Essentials
It’s the first beautiful spring day here in Chicago (don’t worry, snow is forecasted for Monday) but that doesn’t mean I can’t get excited for summer! Here are some items that I’ve already snagged or plan to once the weather heats up a bit. Make sure to comment your favorite summer essentials or shoot me a DM!
TAN-LUX Water
I have never been a Thursday night tan routine girly but I definitely wish I was!! That kind of girl will definitely be the first female president. For me, I want something that gives me just a kiss of color and is super easy for me to use. I found this product when I was actually on a girl’s trip and saw how pale my legs were in a picture and had to get it fixed ASAP! Once I’m out of the shower, I spray this self-tanner all over my body and then put on my lotion. It isn’t a deep tan that you should get with a typical self-tanner or spray tan, but it’s buildable and great for a subtle look for every day. Also, I totally know that $50 for a self-tanner is a lot, but this has lasted me almost a year!
Papier Notebook
I have been a notebook girly recently and I am obsessed with all the notebooks and stationary from Papier! I have a notebook that I customized with them for all my S Designs ideas, drawings, and game plans. I also bought a customized notebook for me to do more traditional journaling in. I always have both journals in my bag and will randomly find pockets of time during the day to jot down notes, thoughts I want to talk with Alex about later, or things I need to get done! You deserve a cute notebook 💕
Gold Hoops - S Designs
The Sequoia hoops from S Designs are the it girl hoops of the summer - I’m calling it now! I made them hollow so even though they are large, they never weigh you down. Plus they are gold-filled so you never have to worry about your ears getting irritated. They just add that ✨ to your outfit and vibe.
Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Running Hat
I have been SO drawn toward the color pink for this spring and summer! I think it brings such a beautiful pop of color and I find myself always gravitating toward it. I like this hat because it’s super lightweight and Alex said that he can easily spot me in a crowd when I wear it. Plus I feel cute even when I’m on the last leg of my long runs✨
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Hunnies, I will NEVER stop shouting this from the rooftops: you’ve got to wear your sunscreen every day!! I wear the EltaMD tinted sunscreen every day, it’s the only skincare I have on subscription so I’m never out of stock and waiting for my new bottle to get to me. I wanted another sunscreen that I could swipe all over my face, chest, and hands after work on my walk back to the train station and drive home.
Cotton Bandanas
If you know me then you know I have a major scarf obsession. It started when my grandmother gave me all of her mother’s silk scarves (they are to due for, I treasure my collection) which then morphed into me wearing them all the time when I was a worked summers in the backcountry of New Mexico. The reasons why they are such a summer staple:
1) They can be totally utilitarian if you have the right kind. Try it western style and it saves your chest from the sun while you are hiking/going for a walk. During really hot hikes I’ve poured water on my bandana and whipped it around to get it nice and icy and then wore it as a head scarf. Great for wiping sweat and crud off your face after a long day on the trail.
2) They are a great way to keep your hair in place and looking good when you are driving with you windows down to an event (never let your outfit, hair, or makeup be the reason you aren’t enjoying life in the present).
3) If you work an office job, you know that just because it is sweltering outside doesn’t mean it pertains to your office outfit. I work in a healthcare setting so the AC is on full blast. Throw in a cute scarf for some extra warmth and a pop of color to your outfit.
Denim Skort
If you tell me I need to be out the door in 5 minutes, I’m throwing on a skort and not second guessing myself. I have a structured white denim skort from Zara that I purchased last year but this frayed hemmed Free People skort made me swoon a little. White denim skort is just so perfect for a warm summer evening out to dinner. You can dress it up in chunky wedges and a bright top or keep it simple and sexy with sneakers and a cool graphic tee. I also have my eyes on the the denim skort PARKE has in stock…
French Whicker Basket Bag
I received from my mom two years ago a whicker basket like this one (not exactly since it was a gift but this looks super similar to mine!) and I literally am itching to get it out of the closet and start wearing it. It is the most perfect summer bag, it actually brings me joy to wear it around. These bags are tough too - mine has gone on long haul flights, long beach days, and been shoved around in the back of cars. It’s great for small grocery runs, park dates, and reminding everyone that you are THAT girl.
