What are your top three summer must-haves? I love polling my chic and in-the-know friends with questions like these; I always find new products to try that I in turn realize I can’t live without. (Like, did you know that there is such a thing as a stroller cooling pad?! My friend had something like this for her baby while we were in the Hamptons and it was genius!) Below, I polled a couple of my good friends (all of them women of substance!) for their top picks for this summer.
Jen Hunter’s Summer Must-Haves.
Remember my chic friend Jen Hunter? Since profiling her, she’s ventured off on her own to build her own interior design practice. (If you’re looking for someone with an incredible eye but appreciation for practicality — i.e., how to make your home look chic with little ones ruining everything at every turn — check her out!) Her top three summer must-haves:
HERBIVORE ROSE HIBISCUS FACE MIST
Christina Castle’s Summer Must-Haves.
My ultra-fashion-forward sister (for context, she owns and routinely wears a pair of architectural Jacquemus heels — the kind of label that scares and impresses me with its only-for-the-initiated opulence) had these items to share:
DRUNK ELEPHANT DAILY DEFENSE SPF 30 LOTION
MADE BY DAWN SWIMSUITS (SO CHIC — THIS ONE IS ON SALE)
A GOOD BOOK (JUST FINISHED AND LOVED THIS ONE)
Katelyn Baud’s Summer Must-Haves.
Remember my talented dancer friend!? She came to my final in-person book club before having micro and it was so fun to reconnect with her IRL after keeping in touch digitally for 15 years. (We went to high school together.) At any rate, her summer must-haves:
R + CO MOON LANDING ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY
SUPERGOOP INVINCIBLE SETTING POWDER SPF 45*
*FYI, this set, which comes with the applicator and two refills is a crazy good deal in Nordstrom’s sale right now.
Mackenzie Horan’s Summer Must-Haves.
I’m guessing that all of you already follow the lovely and witty Mackenzie on her own incredible blog and are able to keep up with her stylish picks there, but I asked her nonetheless. (She’s closing in on her third trimester!)
SAINT JAMES STRIPED SAILOR SHIRTS
My Mom’s Summer Must-Haves.
She is the most asked-about person on this blog and countless number of readers have requested that I profile her as a woman of substance because, well, she is THE REAL DEAL. We’ll get there! (She’s taking her time with her answers to my Proust Questionnaire.) Below, her top three picks for summer:
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS ULTRA-LIGHT MINERAL SUNSCREEN
*My mom is very selective and particular about comfortable shoes. If she gives Rothys a place of such prominence in her summer must-haves, I can assure you these are comfortable, well-made shoes.
Alison Kenworthy’s Summer Must-Haves.
You probably remember my gorgeous friend Alison Kenworthy. Aside from being one of the loveliest women I know, she has also graciously hosted many of our in-person book club convenings! Her summer must-haves:
A LOVESHACKFANCY DRESS LIKE THIS OR THIS
A LOT OF WHITE — SHE TENDS TO STOCK UP ON FUN, EASY-TO-WEAR PIECES LIKE THIS AT ZARA
My Summer Must-Haves.
My most reached-for items this summer:
PAM MUNSON LARGE ISLA BAHIA TOTE
ANY OF MY MANY CAFTANS — SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO MY FAVORITE $30 AMAZON FIND VARIATION, WHICH IS ACTUALLY NURSING-FRIENDLY AND HAS BEEN MISTAKEN FOR ULLA JOHNSON!
For mini:
NATIVE SHOES (WATER-FRIENDLY)
For micro:
*Mr. Magpie gave me a pair for my birthday and they are GAMECHANGERS. I have them in while I’m nursing — so much easier than cradling the phone with my shoulder / putting on speaker and having it slip slide around the bed / etc. I also love them for walks with Tilly. I’m obsessed. I am so late to the game with these but — MAMA MIA — technology is a good thing.
Mr. Magpie’s Summer Must-Haves.
I actually didn’t ask him — these are just my observations based on what he’s used the most. I am 100% certain I will receive flack for this in one way or another, but here goes:
DEATH & CO COCKTAIL BOOK (HE’S EITHER BROWSING THIS OR USING IT NIGHTLY, I SWEAR)
P.S. She was how she kept time.
P.P.S. Parenting advice I love.
P.P.P.S. Chic Amazon discoveries for little ones.
What a fun post! I loved reading everyone’s recommendations & have so much crossover … I’m with your mom on the LRP sunscreen fluid, with Mackenzie on St. James striped shirts, and of course with your sister on the importance of a good book (I just DEVOURED How Could She by Lauren Mechling!) And we’ve discussed the brilliance of the Amazon caftans, which you 100% influenced me into buying … love them. Ha!
My other picks would include John Frieda Beach Blonde shampoo & conditioner (probably full of awful ingredients, but SO nostalgic for me and I love the minty scent); my ancient APC padded plaid tote that’s full of pockets & that I use for beach/pool trips; and my Steven Alan striped beach blanket, which is like a crunchier version of the Las Bayadas rainbow-stripe blanket. 🙂
You have me wanting to take the plunge on AirPods! I have been eyeing them for so long but am not sure about wireless accessories near my face/head … but they would be sooo convenient. Ahhh!
xx
GREAT picks/additions. I can’t say enough good things about the AirPods, personally — I was reluctant but I use them every day. xx
I’m adding them to my Christmas wishlist!! xx
This is such a fun post! I just bought the Drunk Elephant littles set and am really loving them.
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it. I feel like everyone I know who uses DE products has become evangelical about them!
xx
So glad to hear that you like this set, Sarah! I have had my eye on it … the only Drunk Elephant product I’ve tried so far are the Bronzing Drops, which I LOVE.
Jen I loved this post! How fortunate you are to have such a game and thoughtful posse of ladies to poll (give our thanks to all of them!)
My perennial summer must have is crystal lite. I know it’s pure chemicals and absolute garbage but it brings me right back to childhood. Every summer I find myself making a pitcher to pair with a long afternoon of reading. Instant time traveling to age 10. Summer is the season of true nostalgia, isn’t it?
Ahh I love it! My mouth watered just thinking about it — I’m into it. That and watery popsicles and strawberries eaten straight out of the colander in the sink 🙂
xx
one of my favorite posts ever (which is saying something since I love all of your posts)!
Thanks! So glad to hear that. It was fun to put together ❤️
Oh such a fun post!
My top three are PCA skin broadband weightless protection SPF 45. I wear it daily, it absorbs just like face lotion, not greasy, and easy to wear with make-up.
Flowy dresses to accommodate an ever-growing baby bump. Also, loved that storq caftan and just picked up the most wonderfully comfortable jumpsuit
https://www.apeainthepod.com/splendid-french-terry-straight-leg-maternity-jumpsuit/006-23277-000-001.html?dwvar_006-23277-000-001_color=006-23277-01&cgid=splendid#start=1 to wear with these cuties https://www.louandgrey.com/e8-by-miista-gingham-sandals/505597?skuId=27612651&defaultColor=6227&catid=cat2760016
Lastly Aveda sun care shampoo and body cleanser which really helps get chlorine/sunscreen/build up out of my hair without making it feel dry (my girls use it too because they are in the pool daily).
Such a cute look! And love that Aveda stuff!!