what I'm eyeing + buying + trying 4 summer
a strategist-esque recommendation list
Simply put, summer is my favorite time of year. It’s a time to soak up the sun, and craft my ideal balance of growth and leisure—with an emphasis on leisure! It’s also my first post-grad summer, where I don’t need to worry about the internship grind. I’ll be relishing the privilege of flexibility and complete (at least for a little bit) freedom!
First off, unlike my past two summers in NYC (with all the joy + struggle in that), I’ll be spending this summer in Chicago. So, Lake Michigan, greenery, and the breeeeeze is on my docket. And, after graduation proceedings, I’m taking a short trip to Sweden and Norway, so I’m thinking on how to pack for that. Here’s what I’m envisioning for this summer sensationally, gustatorily, and sartorially!
The world is your picnic!
I got this Camco waxed picnic blanket in 2020 and it’s given me the power to make any park, meadow, or beach a picnic spot! I use this blanket almost every week, and it folds up into a handy bag for convenient transportation. The 60” x 78” size is perfect for two to three people to sit on comfortably.
Linen dresses
I can’t bear the thought of being constricted in pants when it’s deliriously hot. I found an Eileen Fisher linen dress from the secondhand store near me that I’ve been wearing on repeat with a belt. For similar options, I like this linen-blend dress from Theory Outlet, this secondhand accented Eileen Fisher dress, and this Deiji Studios knot dress below.
Quality linen or a linen-blend clothing (especially in a darker colors) should almost be opaque when you wear it, so you won’t need to wear multiple layers. Holding the fabric to the light is always a good way to test it.
Other misc items:
Shoes for the summer: Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle - I swear by these sandals! They go with everything, and the big buckle makes them a little more fun. I’ve been eyeing these Flabelus ballet flats (emphasis on eying) though I don’t think I’ll wear them enough to justify the price and they are potentially too delicate as an everyday shoe? I also like the Drogheria Crivellini Mary Janes, which are in less funky colors. Otherwise, clogs! Cute Dansko clogs here, but I’m content for now with a pair I thrifted. Shop secondhand!
Sun protection! It’s long slow run szn and though I’m VERY committed to the importance of sunblock (please wear sunblock!), I’ve been neglecting protecting my eyes from the sun! I love eyewear though so here are my picks:
For affordable + cute athletic sunglasses: Goodr Dumpster Diving - I’m thinking about getting these for my runs (ideally no slip) and I love the pink lenses! I have these Optic Nerve Rizzo sunglasses - every ski town seems to carry this brand and they give off throwback vibes to the Illesteva Leonard. For regular sunnies: I like anything from Akila - though they are more narrow.
Vibes: On repeat!
Soda Fountain Summer
From being not liking alcohol and being somewhat allergic to it… to improving somewhat and taking a wine class… to now pretty much not drinking it at all, I’m declaring a milkshake and soda float summer! I’ve always loved root beer, cream, cherry, grape, and orange soda—and even more so, the idea of being able to pop into a pharmacy for a fountain drink. I went to Same Day Cafe to try a Wild Cherry Phosphate (they also had a basil milkshake), and Spinning J is on my list for Chicago soda fountains next.
But, I know I’ve been a little bit lazy because you can easily make homemade syrups for sodas. And I make ice cream (ILY to my Cuisinart), so there’s really no excuse…
Making syrups is kind of a no recipe vibe, but here are the syrups that I’m hoping to make soon that I can top with soda water when I’m craving a pick-me-up:
Orange rosemary (Will cook down the rinds and juice with sugar, add in some fresh rosemary). I feel like this could be good with espresso ice cream 🍊
Strawberry rhubarb (Would be especially good in a soda with muddled mint) 🍓
Fresh herbal milkshakes (basil, sage, rosemary); ideally blended up with homemade ice cream 🍃
All in all, I’d like to spend this summer wearing loose stripe-y button downs, vintage trucker hats, workwear, SPF 50+, and linen dresses! I’m manifesting afternoons “reading” all the artist monographs I want and drinking homemade soda outside :)
Pocket Visuality is free to read, and if you feel inclined, you can now buy me a coffee to support my work. Thank you for being here with me! Have a wonderful week.