Here comes the sun, finally.
A toast to the end of the school year and incoming summer.
As I sit here on this last week of school, watching my sixth and fourth grader attempt to extract what appears to be an entire semester's worth of crumpled papers, and water bottles from their backpacks I am reflecting on what a wild year it's been.
Back in September, I had the confidence of a seasoned NYC mom who could navigate traffic from our downtown apartment to their uptown school and back again for dance lessons, soccer practice, and whatever other character-building torture we'd signed up for.
I was practically a logistics genius, shuttling them around the city like some kind of maternal Uber driver. Then January happened and clearly my pedestrian game was not as strong as my driving. The universe decided I needed a reality check in the form of a car bumper.
Being laid up in bed for three months and unable to maintain my frantic schedule actually gave me something I didn’t realize I was missing. During those weeks of recovery, stuck in bed with rods sticking out of my leg with ice packs and pain meds, people started reaching out. Not just the obligatory “how are you feeling?” texts, but real conversations. Friends and neighbors dropped off meals and stayed to chat, others opened up about their own moments when life knocked them sideways.
There was this raw honesty that emerged from my temporary fragility – suddenly everyone felt permission to drop their own perfectly curated facades and just be human together. I loved that authentic vulnerability I’d experienced during recovery.
That’s when I decided to start my Substack – not because I had some grand message to share with the world, but because I wanted to preserve that feeling of genuine human connection that had emerged from getting literally knocked down.
In honor of new beginnings - here are some NEW Summer 2025 recommendations!
1. Matteau Shirt
When I was working at JCrew the design team would always present a small collection for July that was grounded in blues. It was always my favorite group because something about a good navy print in Summer just hits. One of my favorite Australian brands, Matteau, just released this incredible blue print in a popover dress, slip dress and swimwear that would look amazing at the beach or at a summer soiree.
I have started wearing my Jade beaded necklace that I got in Taiwan layered with my jewelry as a playful nod to Summer. Here are some options of fancy jade, reasonably priced jadeite and African painted blue beads. Meredith Waterstraat and Sande Paris also have some beautiful beaded options.
Two New York Indigo Stripe Caftan
One of my TriBeCa mom friends turned me on to Two New York a few years ago when I saw her Paperbag Pants. After all these years they are still my “flying to a warm destination” pants and people ALWAYS ask about them. She also makes beautiful dresses and tops.
La Ligne Mini Marina Sweater
La Ligne made their Marina sweater in a shorter length (it says cropped) but it hits at just the RIGHT place if you are petite or wearing higher waisted pants. It also looks great with summer dresses on a chilly evening by the water.
Call It By Your Name Bandana Pouch
I have one of their brown bandana totes and use it for weekend trips. They have so many color combinations on their website and I think they are so fun for Summer.
Ralph Lauren Lightweight Fleece Polo
This ICE Blue color lives in my head ever since I saw Anna Wintour wearing it at this years Met Gala. I also have a fantastic print of Jackie Onasis leaving London Heathrow Airport in the same blue color coat.
Casanoto X Archivist Whale Matches
These vintage matchboxes that Alessandra and Agatha curated for their inspiring ECommerce shop, Casanoto are exactly what you need for your summer dinner party. I just bought their crowd pleaser diffuser and I love the way it looks (and smells) in my apartment.
Gabriela Hearst Gold and Lapis Ring
Currently swooning over this gold and lapis ring.
Larroude Milan Sandal
I was a fan of Marina Larroude when she was the Barneys Fashion Director. She has fantastic taste and these sandals remind me of a 1990s Miu Miu sandal I bought when the Lira still existed. Larroude also makes a great macrame flat.
Tuckernuck Striped Dress
I love a tunic dress for summertime - especially when it doubles as a beach coverup. Doen also makes a beautiful one in white and black.
Matteau Bathing Suit
Matteau Eyelet Dress. If you are more of a button down beach coverup girl try this Madewell Eyelet Shirt
La Double J Foulard Shirt & Flipper Skirt
These pieces are stunning together or worn separately - La Double J just radiates HAPPY!! Their swing top and mini in the Palm Tree print are also pure vacation vibes.
COS Raffia Tote
The perfect tote for the perfect price.
This is now a short set support group for people addicted to button downs with matching shorts. Thing are starting to get weird in my closet. Last Friday I showed up to a class picnic and a friend and I were in matching short sets from Dissh. They run BIG but they are a great price and perfect for warm days when you don’t want to wear a dress or pants. Plus their entire site is 20% off right now.
Shop all of these pics and a few more HERE
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