But I still found myself feeling guilty about it. I sat on the choice for quite some time and mostly because I was worried about what other people would think. I worried I’d be judged for taking these pieces and turning them into something new. So I tucked them in a drawer for years and didn’t tell anyone.

But somewhere along the way, that guilt just stopped making sense to me. These rings were mine. Turning them into something I’d actually wear again wasn’t erasing anything, it was just the next chapter for them. I won’t lie, I went back and forth on whether to sell them or keep them. But when one of my oldest and dearest friends, Kirsty from Retrouvai, asked me to “trust her” with the pieces and as I gave them to her, I knew I was in the best of hands. Kirsty is the number one person I trust most when it comes to all jewelry. She’s the person who helped me source these pieces to begin with and has now turned them into a necklace and earrings, and I love them more than I ever loved them sitting in a box.

To be honest, I don’t have the best photos of the pieces because they never really felt like content for me. It has felt a bit icky to post about my jewelry to begin with, much less talking about how I repurposed two meaningful pieces of jewelry post divorce in to something new.

I also realize that by sharing this it may raise some eyebrows. Divorce jewelry isn’t exactly a category that everyone expects to hear about. But I have gotten enough questions about these pieces to justify this article so here we go!

You asked, I’m answering.

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The Best Cardigan - You’ve probably seen me wearing the crap out of this in red. I love it so much that I need to invest in the same one in navy and maybe even green for good measure. It ties perfectly around the waist and is a nice weight to carry us all through fall. I am obsessed with this one.

Everyday Black Clutch - I don’t know why I’m surprised by how much I carry this clutch but I am. I honestly thought the gold hardware would bug me but it really doesn’t. I love that it has a long strap (you can easily tuck it in) and it honestly fits everything. This is the bag I’m carrying 24/7 at the moment. We’re talking school drop offs, meetings, pilates and out for cocktails. It’s a one hit wonder.

Low Black Strappy Heel - My bestie told me to buy these and now I’m spreading the word. They’re the perfect low black heel that you can wear with jeans or dresses. I love that they aren’t too strappy strappy but just showy enough to feel hot without trying too hard.

Bermuda Denim - If you aren’t looking to drop $$$ on the Favorite Daughter pair that I wear, I tried on my besties pair from the GAP and they are amazing. I truly stand behind this purchase and can’t recommend it enough. All the “cool moms” are wearing these in LA right now for school drop offs, pool hangs and everyday errands.

Dyson Fan - Okay this is so random but I can’t stop bragging about our new fan. It has been HOT in LA. I mean, hot hot. When I pick the kids up from school it’s saying 100-105 and my kids have a ghetto portable fan from LAX. It was time for an upgrade and a friend showed me their Dyson and I was immediately sold. This baby is LEGIT. It’s not cheap, but I promise you it’s the best portable fan I’ve ever touched. I truly wish I could buy one for everyone I know I’m such a fan girl. I tuck it inside my kid’s backpacks and they’ve been using it daily.

Little White Dress - This dress is a little too pricey for the group chat but if you’re looking for something you won’t want to take off, this is it. I’ve honestly worn this dress more than any other piece in my closet lately because it’s just so cool and also feels chic when I’m walking around with sweat dripping down my stomach.

Enza Costa Everything - I hate to keep hitting you with some pricey basics but I honestly wouldn’t be suggesting these pieces if I didn’t 100000% stand behind them. Insert: a pair of shorts I simply cannot stop wearing. They’re sold out in a lot of sizes everywhere but here's where you can find a few left in stock: FWRD. I love them so much that I just purchased another pair in white. That’s how you know I love them.

My New Favorite White Tee - I don’t recommend white t-shirts very often so hopefully I have your attention. This one has a bit of a boyfriend fit to it but the hit right on the hips makes it feel flattering. It’s another piece I can’t stop wearing.

Cropped Trench - I’ve posted about this a gazillion times on social media so I thought I’d include it here. Even if you aren’t in the market for a cropped trench, you should consider this one. I’ve had it for several years and it honestly makes any outfit really POP. I don’t quite know how to explain it other than it’s a basic piece that your closet needs and it won’t break your bank.

New Everyday Sweats - I hardly ever upgrade my sweats game. In fact, I’ve been loving and wearing Monrow and The Great for nearly 6 years in a row but recently discovered Year of Ours and I can’t stop with these sweatpants and sweatshirt. I love them so much I purchased 2 pair and they’re all I want to wear now.

Le Pliage - If you don’t already have one…you need one. I have every size of this classic bag and found myself using it a TON during my summer travels. I always pack the large tote folded up in my bag and every single trip I used it to bring home souvenirs and such from my trip. It’s an absolute must.

Do you have any basics that you love to wear? Please drop a comment below and share the goods! As always, I truly appreciate you being here and sharing this space with me.

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Have a great weekend!

Éterne 90s Tank, Favorite Daughter Shorts, Jenni Kayne Tote, Hair Clip, Alex Mill Cardigan, Janessa Leone Suni Hat, Amanu Sandals, Pause Photo Book

Linda Farrow Sunnies, Diptyque, Anemos Dress, Gianvitto Rossi Heels, NLA Knot Bag, Le Sundial Bag, J.Crew Black Cardigan, Sculpture Earrings,

SIR Mini Dress, Amanu Sandals, Hunting Season Bag, Almada the Label Coco Cardigan, Sunglasses, Max Mara Scarf, Pendant Necklace

Sophie Buhai Comb, The Row Cecily, Gold Pleated Earrings, Leset Tank, La Ligne Colby Pants, Matisse Sandal, Ray Ban Sunnies, Hunza Swim, Simkhai Dress,

But as I watched June share this news with family, I couldn’t help but catch her doing something I haven’t stopped thinking about.

She was watching their faces. Gauging the room. Reading the adults around her to figure out how she was supposed to feel about it. She’s seven. That’s what you do when you are seven. You don’t have your own reaction yet, so you borrow everyone else’s. Thankfully, my family had positive reactions. But here’s what stopped me cold: I’m 43, and I had been doing the exact same thing.

(There is an audio version of this at the bottom of the post)

When I sit alone with all of this change and newness, and it’s just me and my own heart, most days I feel really good about it. I honestly think at this point it’s great for the kids. She loves them. It’s nice for them to have a warm female figure around their dad’s house and I honestly like her. Listen, we don’t have to be best friends for me to like her.

Don’t get me wrong: this last year has been one of the hardest years of my life. I’ve gone through extreme waves of guilt, grief, frustration and anger. I have snap reactions to my ex over small requests like taking his girlfriend to dinner on a Sunday with the kids. I can’t help but let the mama bear in me fully take over at times, and it has been a year of growing pains in many ways. It’s also been a year of growth. I look back now feeling very proud of the resilience I have built.

I think one of the hardest parts is navigating how to manage the opinions and words of others, and not letting outside friends and family influence me off holding my ground. It’s only when I start talking to other people that it starts to feel like it’s supposed to be hard. It’s definitely not always easy. But it doesn’t have to feel so hard, and I’m starting to think the hard part was never really mine.

Let me explain what I mean. When people find out, there’s a look. You know the one. The head tilts, the voice drops half an octave, and someone asks, “But how are you really?” with a hand on my arm like they’re checking me for a pulse. They’re not being unkind. They’re being generous. They’re handing me a script.

And the script is very clear about how this is supposed to go. A new woman is moving into my children’s home. I’m supposed to feel replaced. Territorial. Quietly devastated behind a brave face. Even if this is all something I chose, it’s still a whole new role written for me here, and everyone keeps offering me their take on what this should look and feel like. Even though deep down I feel okay about it, when I see and hear other people’s reaction, it really tips me off my center.

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How can I want and have the ordinary parts of my life without allowing them to convince me that I am ordinary?

A few years ago when I started this Substack, I was fresh out of my split and my ego was bruised. Not lightly bruised, deeply bruised. My blog, Damsel in Dior, which I started in 2009 took off during my honeymoon in 2011 and it became a whirlwind life of beautiful pictures, editorial stories, travel around the globe and a life well lived of product collaborations, sitting front row at Chanel and Dior, book deals, and so much more. For years, being “Damsel in Dior” wasn’t just a job, it was an identity.

I could point to and say: see, I'm not ordinary, I built something extraordinary out of my own life!

When my marriage ended, Damsel in Dior didn’t die with it, but the grief made it impossible to keep showing up for a platform built around that “life.” So, I stopped forcing it and sadly the space became a bit stagnant. Energetically, I was just far less inspired to continue posting to Damsel in Dior. But being the writer, content creator and “OG” blogger of 17 years that I am, it felt so strange and foreign not to have a platform outside of social media to post to.

Not long after, I started Basic.

I named this Substack Basic on purpose. It wasn’t cute or ironic and certainly wasn’t a branding choice. At the time, it was an insult that I decided to keep. “Basic” was a version of myself that I was absolutely terrified of becoming once the story, the marriage, the fashion week trips and the proof that my life was “picture perfect” was all stripped away.

I named is “Basic” because I felt like just another ordinary, basic bitch. I mean, what do I really have to say on here that you aren’t already heard? But bearing a writer, content creator and “OG” blogger for 17 years that I am, it also felt foreign to not have a platform outside of social media to post to. Curiosity has always pulled at my heart and I have always obsessed over the little things I discover and love and want to tell someone about. And I don’t do it because I think it is what makes me extraordinary. I live my life this way every single day.

My original blog name, Damsel in Dior, was meant to inspire readers to live a life not like a damsel in Dior distress but to get dressed every single day like you’re dressed in Dior. Even if you aren’t.

And I think “Basic” is really just the next version of that.

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So, while I may be dipping one toe into fall, I am absolutely not ready for sweaters, boots and anything involving the word “cozy.” What I am ready for are pieces that make sense now, later and pretty much whenever. Things you can wear with sandals today and a jacket two months from now without feeling like you’ve committed too aggressively to a season.

Here are a few of those things. There are more at the bottom of the photo with my notes.

A few more things to note:

• You know I love all things Nour Hammour and I was thrilled when they announced their new launch bag collection. I’m particularly obsessing over this tote for fall but I also have my eyes on this clutch. I honestly can’t stop thinking about it.

• Speaking of bags, Little Liffner really nailed the bag on the head with this one. There are so many silk, tassel bag options out there but this one really stands out. I really love the crushed chocolate brown color for fall.

• I think I already mentioned these boots but I’m going to drop them here again because they’re certain to sell out and I really love mine.

• In the event that you haven’t upgraded your lingerie game lately, it’s time. The days of wearing mom bras is over. There’s something incredibly elevated about knowing whats underneath and give all of the amazing sheer pieces that are very on trend currently, we all need a littles something sweet that feels good on our skin. My all time favorite brands for these little things are Elce and Fleur du Mal.

• Every year, I feel like I’m a bit behind on the eight ball with the season. I don’t know if it’s just living in Los Angeles, where it’s 100 degrees until October but I feel like I really miss out on fall. I love this new Doen dress because it’s still cool enough to wear in LA but also easy to layer up in a city like New York with over the knee boots and a suede jacket.

• Everyone is ranting and raving about the Céline Ballet Lace Up shoes right now and I watching carefully. I need to see them styled a few more times to be fully convinced. In the meantime, I have this J.Crew version look for less in my cart and I think I’m just going to pull the trigger and give them a go. Honestly? They are 100% going to sell out once people start seeing them pop up more on their feeds. Side note: If you’re on J.Crew don’t sleep on this Dior Lady Bar Jacket look alike.

• In case you missed the loud memo on IG, I got this new bag and I’m 100% obsessed. I can’t stop carrying it. It’s so much better IRL if you are on the fence.

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Have you found anything noteworthy lately? Be sure to leave us a comment below and share the goods.

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It was kind of like sitting in a very dark room with no sound, no light, no sense of what was coming. It wasn’t necessarily scary. It was just unknown. In many ways, sitting in this darkness was just like our star, Sirius.

*there is an audio version of this post at the end*

Sirius is the brightest star in Earth’s night sky, and every year it disappears from view for roughly 70 days. But the star doesn’t actually go anywhere. It’s is still there, it’s just hidden by the light. August 8th, also known as the Lion’s Gate, is time of year when Sirius returns to the morning sky. Astrologers sometimes refer to it as our “Spiritual Sun,” believed to illuminate our intuition and higher consciousness.

When I got a divorce around three years ago, I was expected a grand life transformation to occur. And I thought transformation would look like becoming more. More certain, healed, successful, independent. More light, more happiness, more ease. I thought I would be fully capable of explaining exactly what had happened and where I was going next.

I was wrong.

As much as I hated to admit it, I was very lost. I not only let go of my marriage, my home, my life and my identity but there were all sorts of other types of loss occurring. I let go of a business I started. An identity I had worked very hard to earn. Friendships and romantic relationships. Entire ideas about what a “good life” was supposed to look like.

I was so terrible at sitting in that darkness during those years that I started filling the gaps. Trips, work, friendships, nights out. I knew I was walking down a new path, but I never stopped to look at the map. I bulldozed past every energetic roadblock. Instead of sitting in the uncomfortable, I grabbed a shovel and started filling in the gaps so quickly that I never even stopped to look at the hole. I never stopped and asked myself “What do I really want this to look like?”

I jumped into a new project, a new relationship, new books, new friend groups. Before I knew it, I was living a brand new life I had never really stopped to consider. I didn’t know what the future would look like. Honestly, I couldn’t see it. So I stayed busy and made one up as I went along.

Well, guess what…I wasn’t happy.

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But I also knew I'd be taking a few days off social media to really soak in my last European trip of the summer, so packing came easier than normal for some reason. I guess taking the pressure off to post flipped some sort of mental switch because I ended up packing only the essentials I knew I'd love wearing and would feel effortless in.

I’ve had these Bermuda Shorts by Lee Matthews for over a year and sadly they’re sold out everywhere. However I’ve been loving wearing my Favorite Daughter denim pair all summer too. If you’re looking for a dressier pair like the ones I’m wearing above, consider this and this.

I am obsessed with my new halter top by Banana Republic. It’s nearly sold out in black but I honestly love the red too. I can easily see wearing it with a brown pencil skirt or trousers for fall.

I’m also wearing my favorite Amanu sandals which you guys know I’ve loved wearing all summer (more sizes and colors here). They go with everything! I’m carrying an old Chanel bag. My sunnies are L.G.R and you can’t find a whole post on sunglasses by clicking here.

My Sunglasses Collection

To say that I’m obsessed with these jeans is the understatement of the century (okay, that’s a little dramatic but I love them). They’re the Khaite Abigail and in the color Bryce - they’re sold out everyone. Head to Khaite and put your name on the notification list for when they restock. In the meantime. I have the Abigail in this wash too and equally love it for night time.

My tank is actually a super old bodysuit by Aerie so I’ll link to another one here and here.

Let’s talk about this blazer. You guys, it’s a MUST. Honestly, Tibi can do no wrong right now. She’s really hitting all of the key style notes and this blazer proves it. I absolutely love the detail on the pocket and the fact that it’s asymmetrical from front to back.

I swear I am happy but this was a screen shot from a video (ha!). This is what happens when you are forced to prop up a camera to snap your own content.

I have no notes on this effortless Jenni Kayne dress. I knew it would be a hit for the summer and I wasn’t wrong. It packs easy, wears easy and is versatile enough to wear from day to night. I paired it with my current favorite cashmere cardigan. I LOVE this cardigan because I’ve been wearing the heck out of it this summer and it hasn’t pilled.

Also wearing my second all time favorite pair of Amanu sandals.

For my flight there, I piled on as many layers as I could that made sense. I’ve been flying in my FP Movement leggings all summer. They have enough stretch but aren’t too hot and are super comfortable to sleep in.

I’ve been raving about the Nili Lotan Yorke top for many years so I will try to not sound too redundant here: You need this button down. It’s truly the only one I ALWAYS grab for. I can’t quite put it into words but trust me.

I’m wearing a tank that I love for the thin fabric of it but it has holes in it so I won’t link because I wouldn’t suggest it. My flats are by Margaux and bag is Rimowa + Away.

Now, let’s talk about this sweatshirt. Holy crap you guys is it soft. Like, so soft. In fact, I’m wearing the sweatpants as I type this and I need to order a full extra set because I love these pieces so much I want to live in them. I took a Medium but should have gotten a size small.

In other news and while I have you: I was texting with Lina today about needed a few more tanks to push me through the season. Los Angeles “summer” kind of starts in August. I swear, it’s like 100 degrees outside through October (kind of miserable). So, I ordered this, this and this today. Will keep you posted!

Also, I shared my hotel on social media but if you have a trip coming up to Paris, I cannot recommend Le Grand Mazarin enough. It checked all of the boxes and I will absolutely be staying there again.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Please do me a favorite and give that little heart button a “tap” if so. A little bit really does go a long way in the world of Substack.

As always, thank you so much for being here. I really do love what I do for work and have to pinch myself that after 16 years I still get to create content and share my life with you all. X.

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My brother Justin was DJing at World Pride in Amsterdam. I knew about it for weeks. But I kept going back and forth. Trust me… I tried to figure out any and all ways to stay in Europe, from my previous trip, ship the entire family out for the summer, or adjust the dates. The logistics simply didn’t match up for more reasons I can list here. And the guilt of leaving my kids again (even though it wasn’t my turn) stung hard.

I didn’t book the flight until the night before.

Here’s something I haven’t really talked about. I used to be the person who didn’t show up. I missed my best friend’s kid’s first birthday. I’ve missed weddings. Bachelorette parties. It wasn’t that I didn’t care. I just convinced myself that it wouldn’t matter to the person whether I was there or not. I also travel a ton for work so fitting in other events on top of my calendar felt like too much. So, a lot of the time I wouldn’t take the trip. I would stay home.

I was talking to a friend recently about how the older you get, the more you start to notice who actually shows up. Not who texts you “wish I was there!” Not who likes the photo after. The people who actually get on the plane, show up with the bottle of champagne. You pay attention to the people who are there holding your hand in the hospital, dropping flowers at the porch on Mother’s Day, and flying across the world to be at an event that they know is important to you.

So … I got on the plane.

And before I knew it, I was dancing shoulder to shoulder with a crowd in Amsterdam watching my brother, who has been DJing since we were kids, do his thing at World Pride. This isn’t even his real job. He just loves it. And he has built this whole community of people around him who travel for him, who dance with him, who show up. His tribe showed up for him in Amsterdam and I got to be part of it. To say that I am proud is an understatement.

Somewhere in the middle of the long flights, dragging my suitcase on the cobblestone streets and between the laughs and conversations held, I realized that I wasn’t just there for Justin. I was there for me. For the version of me who spent years saying “no” to things I knew deep down were the more important things. And then wondering why she felt so disconnected from the people she loved most.

I’m done being that person.

The trip was short. The flight was long. My kids were completely fine. And I have a memory now that I almost talked myself out of making. Years from now I will look back and remember Justin and I laughing, dancing and catching each other smile just like we did when we were kids. I certainly won’t remember the guilt, or the back and forth or the moment I almost closed my laptop without booking it.

Oh, and I didn’t mention that I actually flew through Paris so I stayed there for a couple of nights on a little retreat. I didn’t post anything in real time on social media because it was such a quick and spontaneous trip but I have photos and stories to share about that too!

More soon x

With that said, from season to season I will try out a new product or two and over this summer there have a been a few hero items that came into full rotation. Below are a few items that truly made my summer feel a bit sweeter.

1. Cible Skincare from France

I follow Ashley Robinson on social media and she had posted about Cible Skin Serum and I put a pin in it to pick some up during my trip to St. Tropez. The woman in the pharmacy was very friend (to my surprise) and I ended up also investing in the face mask and face cream. I am beyond happy with my new purchases and have been using them all consistently. My face genuinely feels tighter (not sure how else to explain it).

2. Teeth Whitening Strips

I’ve used these in the past and am currently questioning why I ever stopped. I brought these whitening strips back into rotation a few weeks ago and have almost instantly felt a difference.

3. Victoria Beckham Lip and Concealer (the winner)

I was packing up for a trip a few weeks ago and noticed I was empty on concealer. On my way to the airport, I made a pitstop in Blue Mercury. I’d heard wonderful things about Victoria Beckham Beauty so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m not a big lip person but I’ve been using the Posh Lipstick in the color “Smile” every day. I’m obsessed. The Concealer Pen is just as good and now I’m eyeing what product I should test out next. Any rec’s?

4. Bronzer of the Summer

Another big win of the summer has been this new (to me) bronzer by Givenchy. I go easy on the make-up during the summer months, but a little kiss of this bronzer on my upper cheek bones during the evening hours has been making me feel a bit more polished. I also strive to keep my face out of the sun as humanely possible, and this adds a touch of color.

5. The Best Glow

The Chanel “Sunkissed” Glow Highlighting Fluid is most definitely my favorite product of the summer. I’ve skipped foundation all together and this has been my go to for the past several months. I put one pump on the top of my hand and use this MAC Brush to apply. It gives the best dewy glow for the summer. I cannot recommend it enough!

Outside of the above, there are a few other products that I’ve had and loved in my vanity that I thought I’d include here in case you’re interested:

• I swear by Upneeq drops, especially when traveling. I don’t know how else to say it, but they give you an instant eye life. I wouldn’t have made it through all of my long haul flights and jet lag days without these magical drops.

• I believe I have shared this before, but the Cuyana Travel Case Set is my favorite.

• Travel is an ongoing game of “don’t get sick” and I have found myself reaching for Armra travel sticks throughout the summer. It’s a very easy way to take care of yourself when you’re on the go.

Do you have any summer beauty heroes to share? Please leave a comment below!

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Hope you are having a wonderful summer!

Travel has always given me more inspiration than any Pinterest board every could. Visiting museums, sitting in parks and watching locals walk the streets has always charged my batteries in the best way possible. One thing I kept coming back to from my travels was the women with great style. It wasn’t necessarily what they were wearing that caught my attention. It was the way they carried their baby through the airport. The ease of their hair. The worn-in, lived-in pieces they had clearly owned and loved for years. Nothing felt overly styled or precious. It all just felt... effortless.

I also found myself far less interested in packing a completely new wardrobe this summer. As many of you may have noticed, there were a lot of repeat pieces. I reached for the same things over and over again, and honestly, I liked that. Maybe that’s part of getting older, or maybe I’m just becoming more confident in knowing what I actually love to wear.

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t buy a few new things in July. I absolutely did. I just think you’ll be surprised to hear what they are.

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For the past few years I told myself it was about the couch. And the rug. Then I got some new art which really helped brighten up the place but it still wasn’t quite right. I had a soft ottoman as a coffee table, no accent chairs. Just a bit room with a big couch and a few big holes to fill. I never considered that the room wasn't waiting on furniture. It was waiting on me.

If I’m being honest, I avoided spending time in my living room because it meant sitting still which was something I avoided until this year. The turning point wasn’t a new chair. I wish it were that simple. It was smaller and slower than that, a hundred unremarkable mornings where I started to recognize the woman making coffee in that kitchen. Part of that was learning to be alone in a quiet house. I used to avoid it, silence felt like an invitation to think about things I wasn’t ready for, so I filled it with plans, noise, other people’s houses. Now, I look forward to the quiet the way you look forward to a friend. I honestly crave it and my living room has quickly become my favorite room in my home.

The pieces took me a while to find to make my house feel like a home. Somewhere in the middle of rebuilding everything else, I stopped decorating for who I used to be and started decorating for who I’d actually become. That’s when the room started filling in. Not because I finally had time to shop. Because I finally knew who I was shopping for.

The final pieces of my living room design arrived just as the final pieces feel into place to me starting to feel like myself again. I partnered with Hetta to finish the space, and if I’m honest, it felt less like finishing a room and more like finally being ready to. I love how cozy the Hearth Lounge Chair’s are and the kids absolutely love them too. On the weekends they move them to face the television and each curl up in their own. They’re the perfect size and color for the space, drawing in the chocolate brown from my artwork.

I can’t believe we’ve lived in this home for over three years without a coffee table. This Dark Brown Beam Coffee Table is incredibly durable, classic and fits perfectly into the space. We dance on it, eat from it and it feels elevated and really ties the space together. Behind my sofa is the Beam Console Table which perfectly matches the coffee table and offers a great place to set drinks or have a vase with flowers behind the sofa.

Here’s what I actually believe now: no amount of good design makes a house feel like home if you haven’t found your way home to yourself first. This living room used to be the room I spent the least time in. Now it’s the room I look forward to the most.

So if there’s a gap in your living room right now, a corner you keep meaning to fill, a room that still feels a little unfinished, I’d ask you gently: is it the room, or is it you?

A very special thank you to Hetta for offering this beautiful pieces to me: Dark Brown Beam Coffee Table, Hearth Lounge Chair, Beam Console Table

What does home mean to you these days? Has the definition changed?

I’d love to hear it in the comments.

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I devoured Helpless by Jessica Knoll. And when I say devoured, I mean I finished it in on the flight home. It is so damn good. Twisty, smart, impossible to predict, and steamy. If you’re looking for your next vacation read or a book that completely hijacks your attention, this is it.

Our quick trip to the St. Tropez area was such a blast. Firstly, June’s bag got lost on our way there (what is going on with me lately!). And by lost I mean I left it standing right outside the car rental parking lot by accident. I was juggling my bags, my moms bags and June’s and I felt absolutely terrible. Thankfully, a very nice person picked it up and I was able to arrange a messenger by the very next day. Crisis averted. I’m equally thankful that it seems as though mercury is finally out of retrograde (ha!).

Many moons ago, my brother and I made a pact that we’d do everything we could to get our kids to Europe as many summers as possible. So when he booked a villa near St. Tropez this year, I was so all in. I’d only been to the area twice before, but experiencing it with my family felt completely different. We stayed in a little village near Grimaud, about 25–40 minutes from St. Tropez depending on traffic. It was perfect because when we didn't want the "scene" of St Tropez we dipped into town and had amazing dinners at places like "Don Peppe".

One thing I’ve noticed about traveling with my kids is that I care a lot less about being “done.” It’s not that I stop caring about style, but I spend far less time getting ready. I don’t blow dry my hair. I wear minimal makeup. One day I wore the same Posse set from the beach straight to dinner at La Bagatelle in St. Tropez, and it reminded me how freeing it is to stop worrying about creating the perfect vacation image. Less fuss, less pressure, and somehow I enjoy the trip so much more because of it.

Below you’ll find everything I packed and wore throughout the trip!

This dress by Xirena was the first thing I wore on day one. It was extremely hot and this dress is so perfect for a hot summer day that will take you anywhere. I tossed on my favorite flip flops by TKEES (I have three pair) and Janessa Leone bucket hat with my Jenni Kayne tote.

I’d been waiting to order something from my girl Morgan Stewart’s clothing line, Renggli, for quite some time and when I saw this pink button down on her this summer I snatched it right up. You guys know I’m not one to wear color, but this felt subtle and the fabric is oh-so-perfect. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to wear it with white trousers and denim upon my return.

I paired it with my other friend, Janessa Leone’s, new linen tote bag which I got just before the tip. This bag is perfect. The traps pull together to make it smaller and it’s wide enough to hold ALLLLLLL the things. I’m also wearing my favorite “Favorite Daughter” Bermuda shorts and a very, very old Zimmermann swimsuit.

Three years ago when I went with the girls to the South of France we saw this chic wearing wearing this suit with a skirt at lunch and then the suit by the pool later. I loved how it looked like a bodysuit. At the time, I had never heard of the brand Livy and a year later I purchased it in Paris when I saw it in person. I re-created the look which you can find by clicking here and everything is linked here (three years later!).

When I was in St. Tropez I discovered the Livy shop and pulled the trigger on a few new pieces of lingerie. I figured since this swimsuit is still a favorite three years later that Livy pieces really do stand the test of time.

Speaking of pieces that stand the test of time: I purchased this Gucci tunic for my 10 year wedding anniversary trip to St. Tropez with Grant back in 2021. It’s still one of those classic pieces I reach for on special trip occasions and it’s the perfect little throw on for St. Tropez that still hits. I received so many messages asking me about this piece and I’m sad to say she’s five years old.

The day of the Gucci tunic was spent at Nikki Beach and I underestimated just how hot it would be. The only other purchase I made for myself (outside of the Livy pieces) was in the Nikki Beach gift shop. I love the brand Oséree and was thrilled to find this little Pareo wrap to pop on over my suit by the pool. I also fell in love with the swimsuit but they only had an XS and I needed an S. The gold detail is a little bit “loud” for me (you know how simple I am), but it feels appropriate for a fun beach club vibe like St. Tropez and I’m certain I’ll be re-wearing it for years to come. I really love this one too!

ALSO: Do NOT get me started on my latest and greatest all time favorite swimsuit by Anemos. I’ve been a huge fan of this brand for many years and this top officially sold me on wearing a two piece again. It’s such a classic and feels comfortable enough to wear all day.

One thing I hear a lot is how much my community appreciates that I re-wear pieces and boy have I gotten my wear out of this set by Posse since Spring Break. I absolutely love when I find a dress or matching set that’s easy to pack and toss on. I wore this outfit to the beach for lunch through the evening that day.

If there were an outfit to define my summer style I think this one would be it. You know I’m a sucker for a little white dress and this one by Doen arrived just in time for my jaunt to Europe. It’s a bit on the shorter side so I’d suggest wearing it with a swimsuit or short bike shorts underneath.

Speaking of Doen, they make the only dresses June truly loves wearing. I always pack one in my carry-on when we’re traveling to hot destinations because the second we landed at the airport she wanted to change into something cooler. This one is years old but I stand behind their quality. Worth the price tag (size up!).

June picked out this outfit for herself the day of the lost bag. I’m not angry about this Veja sneakers we found on sale for her at a local shop (just in time for school) and was truly shocked she picked out a pink dress because she’s been avoiding pink lately. She said “Meme would like this,” which melted my heart.

I’m wearing my favorite top of the summer and new go to Bermuda shorts that I scored from Walmart. A new favorite!

Another thing I received quite a few DMs about was from an IG stories one morning about my sweatpants. These are brand new and I’m OBSESSED. I honestly may order another pair I love them so much. They’re incredibly soft and the perfect fit. I’m 5’7 and wearing an XS>

When it comes to swim, I usually stick to the classics and I’ve had this Eres bikini for many, many years. I understand spending a lot of $$ on swim is a pain in the neck, but when it’s good it really will last you a long time. And in case you missed this fun fact: Eres is owned by Chanel, and every swimsuit is made in the same factory as Chanel swimwear. You're essentially getting some of the finest craftsmanship and quality in the world.

Another dress that I packed but didn’t get a great photo of is this gem of a dress that I also wore in Copenhagen (see photo here). I wrote about it in my recent Substack below:

5 Things I Packed for 4 Countries

Here is the outfit I wore to and from France and I’m honestly obsessed with every single thing about it. (don’t worry, we did laundry at the house!)

Also, in case you’re interested to know what I took in my carry on, you can find it all here.

I try my best to always link product on my Instagram under a monthly highlights on my profile page. Do you guys like these round-ups instead? Or do you check ShopMy or LTK? Please leave a comment below so that I can make things as easy as possible. I know how frustrating it can feel when you’re looking for a link to something you can’t find!

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As always, thank you so much for sharing this space for me. I’m so happy you are here. I hope wherever this note finds you that it finds you well!

Because I receive so many questions about my reading glasses, I’ll start this round-up with the pair I have had and loved for nearly 8 years by Warby Parker.

The above photo is the Zoya by Warby Parker. I also own and love the Sonia and Winston. All three of which have been on a very heavy rotation as the only glasses in my drawer that I wear. I keep a pair on my desk, by my bed and in the car. For ease and cost, I’m such a big fan of Warby Parker. I honestly felt an extreme amount of loyalty to the brand and they were the only glasses I would wear.

That was until . . .

I oddly don’t have a ton of photos of me wearing my new all time favorite reading glasses. You guys. I am so obsessed. Maybe it’s because it took an arm and a leg to secure this pair by Cutler and Gross, or maybe it’s just because I finally found a pair of glasses that checked all the boxes.

I first discovered Cutler and Gross via Ms. Rutherford (she has this pair) and when I tried them on. I ended up falling in love with this pair of sunglasses (don’t kill me) that I had turned into a pair of reading glasses (sold out here). However, they also have a very similar pair of reading glasses here.

Okay, now on to more fun things like sunlasses…

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I think it’s because I’m constantly sharing the latest and greatest with you all that I figure you have enough on your list to shop for. Perhaps it’s because I assume you follow so many Substacks that giving you the “basics” feels unnecessary.

But that just isn’t true. It’s necessary.

Whatever the reason, it ends now. Here’s the latest list. It’s nothing crazy, nothing totally fancy, just a list that I’ve rotated around a few group chats enough to justify sharing it here too.

New Balance Sneakers - At this point if you don’t already own a pair, just do yourself a favor and add these to cart. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have at least one pair of New Balance kicks. They go with everything, they’re a classic and they’re a staple.

Striped Shirt - It’s easy. It goes with everything. And it’s cost effective.

Replace your LL Bean Tote - With this beauty. It holds SO much and it’s super durable. My friend spilled a full red drink in hers and it washed right out.

TKEES - These flip flops are easily my most worn shoe of the summer. They’re comfortable, durable and go with everything.

Levi’s 501s - I’ve worn my white pair to death this summer. I don’t have enough good things to say about them.

Drawstring Bag - If you’re a fashion girlie you know that drawstring bags are all the rage this summer and this is my most worn. Even though it’s satin, I think in the summer months anything goes and I wear it day and night.

Little White Dress - If you buy one dress for summer, my vote is this one.

Heeled Sandals - You know when you find a new thing that makes your heart skip a beat? Enter these Tibi sandals that I haven’t stopped wearing since I purchased them. I love them so much I just got another pair in navy. I don’t understand why they’re on sale but trust me when I say you need these.

White Button Down - Yes, it’s worth the $. I purchased this over a year ago and it’s my absolute favorite white button down of all time. I never leave home without it.

THE TANK - Just trust me.

White Linen Pant - Another most worn item in my closet and such an easy pair of pants to own.

The pace starts to slow down just enough that I finally have room to notice the little things I’m gravitating toward. The things that make an ordinary Tuesday feel just a little bit more beautiful. We’re officially in high summer, and the days seem to stretch just a little bit longer.

Over the past week, I’ve found myself taking more afternoon dips in the pool, making time for long walks without technology, and slowing down the days for as long as humanly possible. I never want this summer to end.

I also carved out a little time on Monday to sit down and put together a roundup of everything I’ve been loving lately. Whether it’s a little thing that caught my eye or something I can’t stop wearing on repeat, here they are…

Savette Macremé Bag, Gianvitto Rossi Leopard Heels, Tove Stirrup Leggings, Toteme Jacket, Hollywood Encens, Enza Costa Black Bermuda Shorts, Cuyana Bag, The Pia Tennis Necklace, Long Linen Caftan, By Malene Birger Tunic, Janessa Leone Tote Bag, Jewelry Case, Bond Eye One Piece, Everything Bronzing Drops

Now let’s dive in to some other newness that I’ve been loving. I honestly can’t stop wearing the below pieces on rotation this summer and there are a few things I love so much that I’m buying them in other colors.

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This is the less is more rule I preach about my closet, tested in the most brutal way possible: an airline weight limit. Here's what actually made the cut, and everything is linked.

Best Dress

There’s always one dress that really hits every summer and this year it’s honestly a tie between this white number by SIR. and this black backless beauty by Enza Costa. I’m most definitely packing both for France and am embarrassed by how much wear I’ve already score from both of these pieces.

Summer Sandal

I had this sandal by Amanu last year which should tell you something about how much I love it. So nice I’m wearing it two summers in a row. It honestly just goes with everything and they’re so comfortable. As far as heels go, this pair by Tibi are hands down my favorite and if they still had my size in stock I’d buy them in another color.

The Only Jacket

I can’t even begin to tell you how much wear and how many compliments I have received on my Nour Hammour Pia Jacket. It’s honestly my favorite piece in my closet currently. I have gotten a tremendous amount of wear out of this incredibly soft piece. It really ups the ante on all of the outfits.

Little Basic Bag

It holds so much and goes with everything. The best part about this simple little bag by my friends at Rose Room is that it takes up zero space. I wear mine day and night.

The Only Sweater

The only piece of cashmere that you’ll find me wearing all summer long is this super light weight piece by Jenni Kayne. I love it so much that I recently purchased an additional one in black. My friends have been drooling over it and you would too. It’s an easy piece that pairs well with everything. It’s pricey but I promise she’s worth it.

You guys, I am all about mindfulness…… But am I?

Mindfulness has become such a buzzy word, and we’re all working so hard to “practice” it, that I think we’ve lost the point entirely. We’ve turned presence into a performance. One more thing to be good at, one more box to check, one more way to quietly feel like we’re failing.

Over the past month, after taking three weeks “off” from Substack, barely checking my email, and casually posting on Instagram (which is the easiest thing I do in my life), I noticed something kind of funny. Okay, maybe funny isn’t the right word, but I really noticed something new.

Every genuinely present moment I had over the past few weeks showed up when I wasn’t trying. It found me. A rocking chair in Texas. A missed flight at LAX. The chimes on the back porch. A dead squirrel in Montana, of all things. Losing my phone in Copenhagen. None of it was scheduled, none of it was a practice. In fact, most of it was downright frustrating, or annoying, or the kind of thing that could have been off putting. But every single one taught me something about how backwards we’ve gotten this whole thing.

So let me tell you about them. (left an audio of this at the bottom for those of you “on the go!”

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It’s been a minute. Three weeks, to be exact. I didn’t plan on taking a (much needed) break from work, but apparently my system needed one. As you’ve most likely seen on social media, summer is in full swing. Montana with the girls, Wimbledon, Copenhagen. It’s all on the grid. What you haven’t gotten is a single word from me here, and I’ve been trying to figure out why.

I talk a lot about how “less is more,” and I apply that rule of thumb to my closet and my outfits every day. But what about posting online?

Over the past three weeks I did quite a bit of travel, and while I was taking photos and documenting most of it on social media, which is basically second nature for me, writing about it here just felt forced. By posting less here, I got to actually live so much more of my life offline. Less is more, even online. It was such a nice break and such a strong reset, and I came back with a lot of little takeaway moments I can't wait to share more of soon.

So, let’s get caught up to speed, shall we? Three weeks, three countries, one suitcase that's seen things.

*** For my PAID SUBSCRIBERS: I have gifted you all one month free as a thank you for being patient during my absence. I truly appreciate and value each and every one of you. I’ll go back to regularly scheduled programming starting this Sunday with a fresh new paid post that’s just for you <3

You can find all of my outfits worn below by visiting my ShopMy page here and my LTK page here. If you can’t find something, please drop me a comment.

Texas

We lost our beloved Meme and CR last summer, and I made a vow to return every summer to the place they loved most, the place I love most too. Concan, Texas is where I learned to swim, and I've spent every single summer there for 43 years. My kids love it exactly as much as I do. We spend our days rafting the river, catching up with family over beers, country dancing under the stars at night, and staying up until the sun comes up. It's never enough time in Texas, and there couldn't have been a better trip to kick off the summer.

Montana

Mercury began its retrograde right on time, because June and I missed our morning flight, the only nonstop to Montana. We ended up routing through Salt Lake City and didn't land in Big Sky until close to 1am. Long day, but so worth the hassle. I went with my two college best friends who are like sisters to me, and Shannon brought her two daughters, who June now considers her besties too. We take a trip together every year, just us girls. Paws Up Montana was the most beautiful place, and it reset me in a way I didn't even realize I needed. I felt like a kid again as we rode ATVs in the rain, mud slapping our faces. Every bit of it imprinted as a core memory.

London

London. Harry Styles. Wimbledon. Two nights and a total whirlwind, with bucket list things getting checked off left and right. We ran into old friends, made new ones, and it just felt so good to be back in one of my favorite cities in the world. Wimbledon especially had been on my list for over ten years, and when I finally got there I had a moment where I just sat in awe of all of it. The tradition, the hush, the whole thing. Some things are worth the ten year wait. All I can say is: WOW.

Copenhagen

Where to begin? Oh ya, remember that whole mercury in retrograde thing? On the final day of the trip, my phone jumped off the dock and straight into the ocean. It was funny, until it wasn’t, and then it was funny again. Outside of my phone and most of the photos from the trip being lost… the pastries have ruined me for all other pastries, everyone was effortlessly chic in a way that's frankly a little rude, and the water, the light, and the bikes had me under a spell the entire time. You can add me to the long list of Americans who are officially obsessed with Copenhagen. See my list of recommendations here.

Off the Grid

Outside of my travels, there have been so many amazing in between moments that I've been soaking in. Beach days with friends, early morning snuggles with my Hugh boy, sunset drinks in Malibu and warm swims at home with the kids. Last year we sat down and made a laundry list of things we wanted to accomplish by the end of the summer, a "bucket list" of items including surfing, dog parks, beach days, and cooking classes. In the end, a lot of it went unchecked and I felt a bit guilty about it. So this year I decided that rather than trying to do all the things, we'd do one thing and do it well, and get more presence out of the experience for it. June and I have exactly one thing on our summer bucket list, and it's horseback riding lessons. As many as we can fit in this summer, the happier we are.

What’s Next?

This might sound crazy, because it is, but next week I'll be jetting off to the South of France with the entire family for one final summer getaway. I can't really explain how all of these trips serendipitously landed within the same two month span with my schedule, at least not without a long, boring explanation, but it just all happened that way. So I'm rolling with it, with a big fat smile on my face and so much gratitude in my heart. My heart hasn't felt this happy in I don't know how long.

I’ll be writing to you very soon! Until then, I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.

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It’s also not something people talk about when they’re in the middle of reinvention. At least I didn’t. I didn’t post what the reality looked like, because it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t filtered, and it wasn’t linear. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but looking back, there were definitely things, tools in my toolbox, that I leaned into hard during this time (more on that below).

If I’m being completely honest … the past three years have been nothing short of hell for me. When I first signed papers, someone told me it would take two years to start to feel like myself again.

TWO YEARS!?

Insert eye roll here. I was angry they put that out into the universe. I dismissed it. I felt mad at them for even suggesting a timeline on my healing. After all, I thought I felt better in that moment than I had six months prior leading up to that point. And every month that passed from that point on, it very much felt like a one-step-forward, two-steps-back process.

Just when I felt like I had the hang of one area (kids’ schedules, for example), another category would slap me in the face (Grant has a new girlfriend, for example). Just when I felt like I’d made amends with the shame, guilt, and sadness surrounding my life circumstances (insert trolls judging my every move on the internet here), a curveball would slam that ball right back into the end zone of “holy shit, why is this so fucking hard.”

It was as if a bomb went off in my life. And while there were tiny slivers of green grass still intact, there was also a ton of wreckage, and a nice big fresh patch of land to begin again on.

I was in a new relationship. Grant was in a new relationship. And even in the moments where I’d look around and think we all had life figured out … we didn’t. I look back at a year ago and really feel for myself. In fact, I can now admit it wasn’t year one, it wasn’t year two, it was year three that was hands down the most challenging one for me.

Here’s why:

Year One = The Honeymoon Phase. You date. You spend nights out and about that you otherwise wouldn’t have. You have fun. You feel free. Wow, I can’t believe I just did that!

Year Two = You maybe meet someone. You fall in love again. You feel things you didn’t know were possible. You have a separate set of firsts to navigate. You might finally start to see a light at the end of the tunnel whether it’s with a new person, or just when you’re finally somewhat settle in to your new normal.

Year Three = Reality sets in. This is your new life. 50/50 is no longer considered a “break” from your kids… it’s considered “missed time” from their lives, and that reality bites deeply. Also: hi, who am I now?

The last few years picked me up and put me down more times than I can count. This is the first summer in a while that feels like mine. So I want to tell you what “coming back to myself” actually looks like… not the highlight reel. The real, slightly unglamorous version.

Reinvention doesn’t feel like growth. It feels like grief.

The frustrating thing about reinvention is that while you’re living it, it rarely feels like growth.

It feels like grief.

You grieve the certainty of who you used to be. You grieve the roadmap. You grieve the version of your life that made sense on paper. Even when the old life wasn’t right anymore, there’s a comfort in the familiarity.

It looks like landing somewhere you don’t speak the language

Reinvention, to me, looks like flying to a new country where you don’t speak the language. No map, no phone, no guide, no one to help you figure out what the fuck is going on. You have your baggage, your tools … but now what? What the hell am I going to do with all of this history and knowledge?

Well. You find shelter.

There will be days that feel paralyzing. Days you cancel all your meetings and end up taking a bath at 11am only to crawl back into bed. Sobbing on the bedroom floor listening to Sabrina Carpenter. Days you don’t post online. Days you question everything.

And then there will be days you go out into the world and make a new friend, find a workout class that looks fun, try a new restaurant, maybe go on a date, and you catch a very small SHIMMER of the girl you used to be. The one before this relationship, before the marriage. She’s still there.

Just look for the shimmers.

For a while, it looks like contradiction

• Being deeply grateful and deeply lonely at the same time.

• Falling in love with your freedom and missing the life you had.

• Feeling stronger than ever while also feeling completely exhausted.

• Knowing you’re on the right path but wishing you had a map.

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