On Summer's Doorstep
Early summer closet additions, vintage finds, book reccs & restaurants in LA
early summer closet additions, vintage finds, book reccs & restaurants in LA
It’s that time of year: I’m eating way too many plums and pluots each day to the point where I’m feeling a little bit sick, but they’re so good that I cannot stop; I’m acquiring abysmal tennis-related tan lines far earlier than intended; I’m spending long afternoons reading books in a single sitting with the windows open…generally laying the groundwork for the summer ahead. Here’s everything I’ve been into over the last month :-)
Shoes
I’ve worn both of my go-to loafers and ballet flats into the ground over the last few years, and neither pair are sold anymore—I would’ve repurchased both in a heartbeat, but fortunately and unfortunately, my only option was to march onward and try out some new options. I started my search in March, then first ordered these flats from Aeyde: they were stunning, so well made, and fit the exact profile I was looking for, but they ran small and the size up was out of stock. Next, I ordered this navy pair, which fit true to size. Ultimately, the navy was giving me a strong 90s flight attendant vibe that simply I could not shake, so I returned them and tried a block heel from Ballerette. Apparently, I’m a true half size. The size down was so small I couldn’t get my foot into the shoe, and the size up was so big a hiking sock wouldn’t have kept them on my foot.
My journey lead me, at last, to Tony Bianco. I ordered this adorable pair but quickly learned that they wouldn’t work for me due to having one foot that’s (tragically) wider than the other, and it was too much of a squeeze. Nearly three months later, I found the one. This pair is unbelievably comfortable, fits like a cozy glove and they look and feel so expensive.
Shoes, Continued
These woven leather flats recently made their way into my closet as more of a statement shoe, and I was not prepared for the level of comfort I’d find in them. The reviews were raving about that aspect, but I usually find this too good to be true: see the paragraph above, haha. I broke these in around the house for a few days and added little ankle cushions to the backs, and they were good to go! I ordered my true half size and they’re perfect.
Clothes
This has been my go-to airport/travel day/errand outfit: the perfect distressed tee (I sized up), comfiest barrel-leg pants, an easy flat (would opt for these with socks if I were getting on a plane; don’t you worry), my grandma’s button-down, and a pendant necklace to tie it all together.
Clothes, continued
You probably know it: the dream summer skirt. I’ve been eyeing this one for years and finally took the plunge. I sized up to have it sit low-waisted because I tend to like a longer skirt, so I’d say it fits true to size if you’re going for a high-rise fit.
As seen in the right side photo, I found the most unreal pair of vintage suede pants on eBay (similar pair is linked) a few weeks ago, and they’re honestly an excellent addition to my closet for summer nights in LA: it gets so chilly on patios and at backyard dinners so I’ll be able to break them out all year long.
Clothes, Continued
I came across the perfect tiny cotton short for summer: I got my true size, but they’re pretty roomy and relaxed—could’ve sized down (and might do just that in another color!)
If you’re searching for an extra-long scarf to tie around your waist, I’ve been loving this one.
The eBay gods have continued to bless me and I found this lightweight brown skirt (vintage J. Crew) the other day and can already tell it’s going to make weekly appearances from here on out.
Books
I’m no stranger to the NYT Bestseller list, and I like it that way: I’ll take a page-turner that I can read in a few sittings over anything else, any day. Flew through the first three and adored their respective writing styles—if you watched and loved Girls, you must read Famesick—and I’m feeling optimistic about the film adaptations of both Yesteryear and Strangers! Both were such vivid, visceral reads that I have high hopes for on-screen. I started Severance a few days ago and cannot imagine how much of a god Ling Ma must’ve felt like publishing this two years pre-pandemic and pre-Severance (the show), excited (and nervous) to see where this one goes.
Summer Plans
Two things I want more of this summer: hikes and farmer’s market visits, arguably LA’s best features that I do not take advantage of enough. I’d really like to be the kind of person who visits the farmer’s market every single week without fail…we’ll see how I do.
Restaurants
I won’t pretend like eating seafood on patios is reserved exclusively for summer, because that is not how things go in southern California. Still, there’s something particularly seasonal about heading out for oysters early on a Saturday afternoon, with the sun beating down a touch warmer on our faces than it’s been for many months. Our favorites are Found Oyster and Queen’s (sister restaurants: Found is a bit more casual with Queen’s leaning slightly more upscale). Found does $10 martinis every day from 4-6pm, and Queen’s does $10 martinis 5-6pm every day, then all night on Monday. Also love L&E for a seafood patio moment, especially for the upstairs bar, burger and wedge salad.
Outdoors
Recently picked these handmade coasters up for the patio, so cute. Next on the wishlist is this tabletop grill to use in the backyard and on a camping trip later this summer!
Cooking
I’m a complete Misen convert: I’ve been swapping all of our old pots and pans for Misen’s stainless steel line and I’m so pleased. They’re super light and easy to hold (you know how some handles cut into your hand as you pick them up or wash them? These do not do that.), they clean so easily, and only require 3-5 minutes of preheating, which is a realistic ask compared to my All-Clad pan, which would always take about 12 minutes to heat before I could use it.
Cooking, Continued
My current obsession is shiso fumi furikake: I’m putting it on anything humanly possible. On the left, I’ve got it on top of rice, and on the right, it’s mixed into my salad. I think it tastes a lot like a hibiscus tea, and I’ll probably never eat rice without it again.
Haircare
If there’s a hair product out there, I’ve probably tried it. I have a dozen different things in my shower at all times, and I like to change up my routine pretty often. If you have long, wavy hair, maybe you can relate to having at least five routines or ways of drying your hair to get a slightly different result: a fully defined wave routine, low-effort/messy wave routine, a diffuser/air-dry combo, full-effort blowout, half-effort blowout, etc. and I’ve found that different products help me to bring all of these different results to life. 🤪 For a haircare recommendation that will suit almost everyone: this is the best every day hair oil I’ve tried!
Skincare/wellness-related
Every time a ~ wellness ~ drink actually tastes good, an angel gains its wings. This is an elderflower lemonade that includes probiotics and electrolytes: the drink supports PMS management, mood balance, skin radiance, and it’s all backed up by published research. I’ve been reaching for it each day without setting an alarm or reminder to do it, which is how I truly know I’m enjoying something (for better or worse).
Wellness, continued
I’ll end this post by saying that sometimes it feels strange to get on the internet, exclusively hyping things up, only sharing positive experiences—making it seem like every product or brand is the best thing ever. I guess it would also feel strange to show up complaining and sharing unnecessarily-detailed negative experiences with products, mostly because it’s painless to return just about anything you’re dissatisfied with these days. All that to say, this is why I like to spend some time using/wearing things before I post about them: I don’t want to recommend something before I have a fully-formed opinion on it! This leads me to share one of the best additions to my life that I never saw coming: this alarm clock. I was a skeptic, and had never considered ordering one because my phone can do anything it can do. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The sunset wind-down, massive selection of soundscapes, bedtime meditations and stories, sound baths, and lighting options are an absolute dream, no pun intended. I’ve struggled my entire life with falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up (lol) so I’m not sure why I didn’t try this earlier.
I’ve been drifting to sleep and waking up with ease over the last month and I can’t believe how much better I’ve been feeling. It comes with a 30 day trial, but you bet I’m keeping it. For other nightstand favorites, head over here.
Thank you for reading! More soon xo
A few other faves from the month…and many more over here :-)