Full send into summer.
Over 50+ links to styles on my radar, plus hope portals, shellphone shorts, sardine sunnies, and the next romance novel on my list.
Happy summer solstice! We’re officially in the longest day/s of the year—that came fast, right? I’ve been sick this week, so words are not flowing, but I’ve been curating and collecting inspiration, living vicariously for the promise of sweet summer vibes.
Nostalgia grips me in June. Growing up in the midwest, summer will forever feel like lake days in jean shorts, Shirl’s drive-in ice cream, fresh strawberries, Lake Geneva visits, live music at Alpine Valley plus lots of cold beers (High Life!) and fireflies. It’s basically heaven. That heaven extends to Chicago summers too, where the patios and rooftop bars get crowded, street festivals flood the neighborhoods, and the beaches are packed (yes, Chicago has beaches! They’re so fun.)
Summer is a state of mind—it’s a frequency. The way I grew up, summer was always a season to let your hair down. It was a time to get dirt on your hands, throw a line in the lake, and wear a swimsuit as your primary layer. Summer feels like it should be less precious, less serious, less stressful, or at least that’s the feeling imprinted on me.
After over a decade in San Francisco, June is more like remembering your sweater, escaping to Sonoma, Stinson hikes and beach days, and (hopefully) lots of fresh salmon. It’s a different kind of heaven and I’m lucky to be here. But it takes a little more effort to chase that summer state of mind—maybe that’s just what growing up does.
In between the personal waves of change and heart-wrenching news, I’m trying to find moments of joy amid the sun-filled days, riding the wave of summer magic.
It’s official: we’re full send into summer. Let’s dive in.
On Our Radar
I’m really craving whimsy, joyful, beautiful, sometimes conversation-starting pieces to mix up the classics. Similiar to the Nautlius-inspired spiral jewelry trend from my early June issue, I’m into the shell/ sea aesthetic that may not be new, but feels especially present right now.
Here’s what’s inspiring my full send into summer:
Surrealist/ maximalist sets and summer button ups, aka party shirts
Denim A-line shorts are everywhere and my thighs love it
Not-so-basic swimsuits—think beads and hardware
Plus the scarf, sunnie, and sunhat currently in my cart
Surrealist styles, aka more fun maximalism
My husband has a growing selection of iconic party shirts—loud button ups that are colorful, sometimes chaotic, and more like a mashup of a Hawaiian shirt meets Versace. I’m jealous of his collection and went to find my own.
Alemais
I am obsessed with this Australian brand for all things interesting and maximalist. Designer Lesleigh Jermanus focuses on “optimistic prints, patchworks and embroideries” with a commitment to artisan practices and natural fibres. Plus they just partnered with my all-time fav LRNCE in Marrakech for Resort 26 preview that has me drooling.
I’m currently experiencing dopamine hits browsing Alemais’ Deep Sea Dreaming and Celebracion edits, but they also have some great 100% silk twill pieces on sale:
Tombolo
Created by a seemingly super fun crew out of New York, Tombolo brings “inactivewear for lesiurely escapes”. They hit my radar a few years back thanks to the Le Sirenuse collab. This summer would feel 100x more playful with:
Sand Dollar Stimulus shirt, also available in orange
Starfish Strut cotton netting shirt, not a maximalist party shirt but so fun
Shellphone shorts, also not a party shirt, but a conversation starter
Other Mentions:
Soleil Soleil - Aussie’s do playful summer sets better than most—I wore the Atlantis set nonstop last year and the current lineup of overswim sets delivers, especially the Siren Tile and Wave Umber set.
Perte d’ego - Vogue and GQ approved Indian fashion label Perte d’ego is dedicated to artisan craft and traditional techniques—we love to see it. I’m shopping their menswear shirting and wearing it slightly oversized. They’re having a sale so don’t miss the Call me if you get lost shirt and Dolce Vita shirt.
Farm Rio - The Brazilian brand, co-founded by Katia Barros, blasted into the US a few years ago and we’re thankful! The collection is always bursting with beautiful prints, color, and unique silhouettes. I typically tap Farm Rio for more feminine looks, but they do have some party shirts in the mix like the Banana Royalty Kaleidoscope shirt and Multicolor Trip Scarves shirt and shorts.
A-line Shorts
Loving the A-Line shorts trend with a slightly flared-leg opening—some have pleats or not—either way, my thighs are thankful. This is a cut you’d expect to find in cotton/ linen and now I can’t wait to try it in denim.
This style is everywhere, but here’s what made my list:
Agolde Rhoda Pleated A-Line Short, pleats and perfect wash
Pistola Saige High Rise, no pleats and darker wash
Odderside Lagoon Denim Shorts (pleats) or Key Shorts (no pleats)
Shona Joy Stella High Waisted Flared Short, no pleats but different pocket
Everlane A-Line Denim Short, no pleats and nice light indigo wash
Madewell Pleated Trouser Short, on sale but not convinced they’re flattering
Not-So-Basic Swimwear
I love a classic swimsuit, but I’m also down to invest in something with charming details like beads, hardware, or memorable pattern.
Baobab swimwear is really answering the call, especially their embellished tops like the Leah Bikini and cool underwire Lula Bikini Top. If the bottoms don’t work, I’m not afraid to mix it up and look for an option elsewhere. They also have some pretty memorable one-pieces too!
Significant Other has shapes, prints and details I love including this (on-sale) Lila One piece with V-neck and resin beads, plus some bikinis with high brief bottoms I don’t hate.
Same Los Angeles is premium but I love the differentiated details. The Marble bikini tops have such a cool cut and oversized resin bead. Personally, I’d find something high-rise that matches the color but the bottoms are super cute too. A few of the Gold Chain styles are on sale and I can’t not mention this Western One piece. Lots to love here if you want to spend.
Vix Paula Hermanny has incredible options for one-pieces and bikinis with hardware or interesting details. You can filter by beads or charms, which makes it more fun to shop. I love the Firenze Kiana Top (available in white plus similar styles and one-piece) and they also have a high waisted bottoms that look super flattering. Another perk, you can shop by bikini bottom cut including full, Brazilian, or cheeky.
Complete the Look
Currently in my cart are the sunnies, hat, and scarves that do their job and make it look good.
Keeping this short and sweet because are omg are you still reading? I went a little overboard. Anyway, here are the accessories getting my click:
$79 Lack of Color Canvas bucket hat (on sale) that you can take anywhere
Alemais surrealist summer scarf to wear on my bag, as a belt (thanks Natalie), or around my neck. This scarf could become my whole personality in a few weeks…
Sardine has too many great sunnies to choose from—currently own the Aster Velvet Urchin and Georgie, but loving the new Millie Pool Boy… so fun.
Resonance sunglasses ($250) in the coolest wavey frames - worth the splurge
And if you missed it, all this jewelry from early June post is awesome too, Read it here »
Discovery
Like always, we love ending our notes with inspiration so here are some of the people, places, messages, and musings that are inspiring us lately.
Need to read Big Fan from 831 Stories in prep for Alexandra Romanoff’s just-dropped sequel Square Waves
Hope Portal series with Krista Tippet is the medicine I need right now, listen here
Who has $300 for these Jelly Flip Flops I can’t stop thinking about but know are absurd to purchase, but also how cute are the baby blue ones?
ilysmih tshirts have a lot to say and I’m here for it
Thanks for being here, see you next time!
xx Fenny
The 'shell phone booty call'! Loving these whimsical finds.