The Summer Essentials.
clothes, shoes, music, books…everything I am fixated on during the summer months.
I simultaneously cannot believe summer is here and am already mourning the end of it. Why is it that the older I get, the faster life goes by? As a kid, it seemed like ages before the Fourth of July came around… and now weeks come and go so fast I can’t keep up. But the fourth isn’t here yet, technically speaking it’s still… spring? But I regardless of how fast summer goes, I intend to enjoy every second of it.
One of my favorite parts about living in the midwest is how drastic the change of seasons is. The switch from spring to summer is so extreme, it truly feels like a fresh start. At the turn of each season, I mentally start a new chapter. I change out my wardrobe, switch up my playlists, my routine, my attitude. Summer is here and I have a new lease on life. But despite all the change, I have realized that from summer to summer, the things I am gravitating towards stay consistent. So, that being said, I present to you: my summer essentials.
Let’s begin with one of my favorite changes: wardrobe. If you know me well, you know I am pajama obsessed. This fascination started early. I have the most vivid memory of being a young girl and staring at my dresser. I told myself, “one day I am going to have a dresser full of pajamas.” To 10 year old me, that was the epitome of luxury. Why?? No clue. Zero idea where my thoughts were that day but its been ingrained in my mind sense. As a 27 year old woman, I do not have a dresser of pajamas (yet) but I do have a drawer filled to the brim. So you might call me a pajama expert (or snob you pick) but these are my current favorites. They are so light and I adore how feminine they are. They come in multiple colors/prints and for reference, I took one size larger than my typical size.
In the summertime, you can either find me in a dress or in shorts. There is very little in between. The past two summer seasons, these blue wash denim shorts have been in heavy rotation. I love the length of them and find myself both wearing them with a t shirt and sneakers or heels and tank. When Anthony and I went to Charleston back in April, we stumbled into Buck Mason and I found these white denim shorts I have been loving as well. If you are looking for a higher end short - Zimmerman has the most amazing collection. They are on the pricier side, but are timeless. I only have one pair, but it’s been on heavy rotation in my closet for the past three years. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share these boxer shorts I have been wearing on repeat. I also sized up in these and can attest they are the comfiest things out there.
As I mentioned, if I’m not in one of the shorts above, you’ll find me in a dress. Last year, I added this stripped dress to my collection and it’s become one of my most worn items. It’s the perfect dress to throw on the go, on vacation, or dress up for dinner. I recently ordered this white mini dress, this polka dot midi dress, this linen reformation set, and I have been eyeing this dress and this dress as well as this red skirt + top and this yellow set (I should also mention I’m currently fixated on butter yellow and every single thing on reformation’s site. ).
Just like my shorts/dress situation, I am either in sandals or heels. Last summer, I wore these Schultz sandals every. single. day. It seems like the specific pair I have are sold out, but they have the same shoe in multiple styles so it’s worth scrolling through. A new summer slide that I added to my collection is this shoe (shoutout Nana for getting me these for my bday). I have already worn this pair a handful of times and can attest- they are so comfy and cute. On to heels… I recently bought this dainty black heel and this rose heel from Revolve. To me, comfort is key and every foot is different. So be sure to walk around your house in them before you decide to keep or not!
While we’re on the topic of accessories, I have to mention my go to summer bags. I could write an entire Substack on why I adore Polene Bags so much but I will summarize it for you: they are unique, incredible quality for the price point, timeless and will last you forever. I also find myself constantly grabbing my Kayu Design Clutch. If youre in the market for a fun statement bag, I dream about Mercedes Salazar bags. Out of allll my bags though, my Mandrn fannypack is my most worn bag. I use it everyday to walk my dog, to run to the store, to yoga, etc. It’s chic, neutral, and holds the essentials.
It wouldn’t be summer to me without a good playlist. When I was in college, I took a class called the History of Rock and Roll. Truthfully, I took it thinking it would be easy but it was actually one of the harder classes I took. Now if it was the Beatles or the Stones I would have aced the class no problem. But after the first day of class, I learned that the first semester focused on the start of American music up until the 70s and the second semester was 70s on….so we started with folk music, grass, soul, blues. To my surprise, I ended up falling in love with music from the 50s/60s. Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding, The Ronnettes Etta James…you get the point. To me, this music brings nothing but pure joy. Think Nancy Myers movie, making pancakes, and drinking the most perfect cup of coffee with the sun shining through the windows and the birds chirping . That’s how this playlist makes me feel.
Not to change the subject, but, when I think of summer… I crave a fat aperol sprtiz. Call me basic, I don’t care. Some people like Diet Coke on a hot summers day, me? I’ll be drinking a spritz. The reason I mention this though is because two years ago when I was in Florida, I found spritz by the bottle (photo below on top right- so cutie!!). When I came home all excited to stock my fridge, I learned that they were not being sold in Illinois….yet. But the time has officially come. Here is a link so you can stock your fridge, too.
Lastly, whats summer without a good beach read. Now, I can’t take credit for these recommendations. They come straight from my sister. She tells me what to read, I read it and I enjoy every second. We love an Emily Henry book. I just read Funny Story for book club, but also love Book Lovers. Last summer I loved Every Summer After and meet be at the lake both by Carley Fortune, The Hotel Nantucket and the perfect couple both by Elin Hilderbrand, love and other words by Christina Lauren. Lastly, if youre on the hunt for a great series, I cannot stop recommending Magnolia Parks. I absolutely adored this series- think Gossip Girl in London. The first five books are out and the author has announced she plans for the series to have seven total!
As we dive into summer, I will be sure to keep you posted on any additions to my summer essentials. But for now, I hope you found some inspiration to help make your summer a little sweeter.
Xx,
Victoria
Love. I need those white linen pajamas!