Part 1 - What are you most excited to wear this SUMMER - Part 1

Summer officially starts on June 21st (which also happens to be Father’s Day), but many of us are already deep into our summer wardrobe and full-on vacation mode.

So I asked some of my favorite writers to share the clothing, accessories, and beauty things they are most excited to wear this summer. This is Part 1, and Part 2 comes out tomorrow.

But first, here is what I am most excited to wear this summer

There were a few things I noticed at such frequency in Menorca and Mallorca that I lost count: Miu Miu sunglasses, Longchamp bags at the airport, Dragon Diffusion at the pool, and of course Chanel at dinner.

But the one moment that stood out most was spotting a French mom at breakfast every day in her Prada cat eye sunglasses. It is not a shape I would ever gravitate toward, but this woman made it look so chic that I had to go on a hunt. I found them on TRR, but I also came across this other pair that is so similar and the same brand as my other three sunglasses, so it felt a little safer in terms of fit.

I also just got these tiny heel sandals (while they were on major sale) I have been lusting after for so long, and this skirt that I am excited to style multiple ways. For my skin, I love slapping this on after one of my favorite SPFs and calling it a day.

Living in tropical Singapore means it’s eternally summer, whether we like it or not. Honestly, being stuck in rehab purgatory lately has turned me into a full athletic shorts evangelist. They’ve become my unexpected hero piece because they survive everything, from rehab appointments to chaotic mom weekends, while still looking intentional with an oversized blazer or crisp button-down. Comfortable, zero wardrobe malfunction risk, and forgiving in 95% humidity, which at this point feels like true luxury. I tried a painful number of versions until I fell in love with the Beyond Yoga Stretch Woven The Course 2.5" Shorts. The stripes, clean waistband, curved hem, slightly A-line shape, and genuinely good liner make them feel far more polished than athletic shorts have any right to be.

As a self-proclaimed Summer Girl™ I am so excited to embrace fun and whimsy for my summer wardrobe. I tend to fall deeply in love with certain pieces in my closet and wear them on repeat which I’m already doing with these pink pants (here’s a great alternative). Another item that has been improving *all* my outfits is this statement necklace. It works well to ground all the white that I tend to gravitate toward in warm weather and it’s the perfect topper for a simple summer outfit. My beauty go-to is this hair perfume that my friend wore on a recent girls’ trip. I caught whiffs of the subtle but delicious scent all day and had to buy for myself. Spray once on the back of your hair and enjoy getting compliments all day long.

The piece I’m most looking forward to wearing is my gingham dress! This will be my third summer wearing it and it’s still one of my favorites when I want to get dressed with minimal effort. It’s a heavier weight cotton that drapes beautifully.

I’m also looking forward to adding a pop of color to my monochromatic outfits with this newer addition to my rotation — these lovely red sandals. As for beauty items, a sunscreen stick! It doesn’t replace a lotion formula, but it’s a summer staple I always have in my purse for easy reapplication on the go.

I recently got into vintage men’s Ralph Lauren button downs, and now I can’t wait to live in them this summer. You can find super affordable options in fun colors on eBay for dirt cheap (I have two, one I bought for $10, the other for $15), and they are truly going to get me through the season. Personally, I hate anything that sits too close to the body on sweltering days, so a big oversized shirt is often what I reach for. I can also use them as cover ups at the beach, for playground wear paired with big summery jeans or sporty shorts, or to the office with a lightweight pair of trousers. They also work well tied around the waist to add a little something to your jeans and tees, and are great to toss in your picnic bag in case you linger so long the temp starts to drop. Also: the hunt is part of the fun!! (For sizing reference, I wear a 16 1/2 - 34 or 35, and make sure to look for “Oxford” or “Yarmouth” as the material). Bonus rec: this Ilia Sun Serum Sunscreen is top notch and perfect for every day use.

Although we don’t get an actual hot weather summer in San Francisco, I’m excited to wear summer-adjacent pieces like white jeans and bright accessories. I recently added this blue enamel pin to my vintage brooch collection and it’s already doing the heavy lifting to brighten my layers.

I’m a huge year-round sunscreen advocate for equal parts health and vanity. I just restocked my beloved Supergoop sunscreen, Mineral Mattescreen for my face and Play Everyday for my body (aff links). But the suncare purchase I’m most thrilled about are my new Coolibar Sun Gloves (aff link). They’re UPF 50+ rated with convertible fingertips so I can stay protected from SF’s high UV Index and pull out my phone for a quick library book selfie.

It’s basically always summer in California, but there’s definitely a vibe shift around this time of year that literally gets me hot and (un)bothered. I’m especially excited about getting dressed for an upcoming vacation to an idyllic lake town in Indiana next month. For said trip, I’m planning on investing in a new swimsuit. I recently got 20+ great recs from friends via my swimwear guide, and I think it’s finally time to pull the trigger on this one. I’d also like to get this tote I’ve been eyeing ever since my friend Courtney shared its flame-adorned sister, and I’m obsessed with this pesto scarf as a cover-up. Beauty-wise, I’m deeply attached to this lip balm and need to restock.

This summer, (like most summers, honestly!) I can’t stop thinking about wearing cute white tanks. Specifically, I can’t get this top out of my head! I cannot wait to wear it with easy-breezy fun pants, flip flops, and a giant bag to haul all my things. I would wear this just as quickly for a day with my family, as I would for a date night with my husband.

Links: Tank | Pants | Flip Flop | Tote | Sunnies | Hat

Clothing

I got my pair of the bright pink Brooke Callahan tie pants at Earl IRL in LA last November/December and only got to wear them for the duration of that trip before they were stowed away for safe keeping during the Swedish winter. They are easy breezy as well as beautiful, and I love a bright colour for summer - preferably styled with at least two other bright colours. They’re essentially a pyjama pant but the side tie detail makes them feel just slightly thoughtful and, wait for it, elevated.

Accessory

This should probably be labelled as an ad for my own brand (Soleil Sthlm), but I just can’t not mention our beaded necklaces. They’re all handmade by my mum and after more than 20 years of making jewelry, she knows how to tie a mean knot. We’ve chosen beads whose colours feel timeless but far from dull or a copy/paste from other brands - and that have different energy and meaning. Right now I’m obsessed with our Honey Necklace but we also have a few new ones coming out for summer that I’m drooling over.

Beauty item

I recently ran out of moisturizer and wanted to give the Smuuti Watermelon Jelly Creama go after hearing about it through Swedish influencer and Youtuber from several different people, but when I got to the store and tried on the Watermelon Sun Cream with SPF50 and PA++++ I went for that one - and I’m happy I did. It goes on like a milky moisturizer, is a great dewy base for makeup (without any heaviness) and doesn’t really smell like anything. Love!

Here’s the deal: every newsletter takes me hours to write and edit. It’s a true labor of love and something I look forward to, even if it takes way more time (and tea ☕️🫖) than I care to admit. If you enjoy reading Brands and Bobs, I’d be so grateful for your support.

There are a few affiliate links used in this newsletter which means the writer who provided it may get a small commission if you buy something (at no cost to you).