Sunday Memo #5

This past Friday marked the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. In this week's memo, I’ll share topics that embrace the spirit of summer. I’ll cover easy warm-weather outfits that I’m packing for the Hamptons, a perfect, fuss-free summer dessert, and some fun finds I’ve recently come across.

This season is all about il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. I hope this post inspires you to pursue this delightful Italian concept, finding joy in simple pleasures and savoring every moment of the season's extended daylight.

For summer fashion, I find inspiration in Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, as well as bohemian styles and menswear. I love exploring all the colors and new styles released for the season. However, when it comes to what I will actually wear, I prefer to stick to neutral tones and take a simpler approach. I look for lightweight, natural fabrics that are easy to care for and machine washable. My goal is to achieve a relaxed yet elegant look with pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, allowing me to dress them up or down. I want to be able to seamlessly transition from the beach to a restaurant without needing to change my outfit completely.

This summer, I'm loving Buck Mason's women's collection, which has become the foundation of my wardrobe. The collection features many relaxed classics in an earthy palette, with plenty of linen and high-quality cotton. For accessories, I focus on including just a couple of statement pieces that can be paired with anything to quickly elevate the look, like the Lizzie Fortunato necklace featured in this memo.

Below, you will find some of the looks I’m packing for the Hamptons this summer. I’ve paired them with a few of my favorite places to visit in the area.

I recently discovered some beautiful lollipops in a bookshop in Austin and picked up a few different flavors. These lollipops are created by Kristel Van Valkenhoef, a confectionery artist based in New York City, who uses high-quality ingredients in her creations. Each lollipop is a unique work of art, containing flower petals or herbs that complement the flavor. The range of flavors is much more sophisticated than your average lollipop, including options like Violet Lavender, Elderflower Champagne and Lemon Thyme. These make excellent gift toppers or favors for an event like a bridal shower.

The Italian phrase "il dolce far niente" translates to "the sweetness of doing nothing." It embodies a philosophy that encourages us to slow down, savor each moment, and find joy in simply being. Travel, fashion, and lifestyle photographer Lucy Laucht captures this Italian ideal in her beautiful photographic book titled Il Dolce Far Niente. Imagine Aperol spritzes in sunny piazzas and leisurely meals along the shore. In a world that often prioritizes productivity, this book serves as a gentle reminder that fulfillment comes from inner peace rather than external validation.

"Bliss happens wherever you choose to create it." (p. 18)

I recently discovered these gemstone beaded bracelets on Etsy, and they make the perfect everyday accessory for summer. I love their playful look, which reminds me of summer camp in third grade, but they also have a more sophisticated and elevated vibe since they are made of gemstones rather than plastic. Hanna at HH PERLA STUDIO creates these beautiful bracelets in a variety of colorways. I purchased the No. 93 bracelet (shown above) for myself and the No. 108 for my sister. Because I have tiny wrists, Hanna offered to use my measurements to ensure a perfect fit. This is a piece I plan to wear all summer long.

The Italian dessert affogato is one of my favorites because it's the perfect mix of hot and cold, as well as bitter and sweet. It is also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for an impromptu dessert or an afternoon pick-me-up. I love to make this around 3 pm in the summer between Zoom calls to help me power through the rest of the workday.

The name "affogato" literally means "drowned" in Italian, which perfectly describes this dessert—vanilla ice cream is "drowned" in a shot of hot espresso. Like all Italian dishes, the key to making this dessert delicious is to use high-quality espresso and vanilla ice cream. Don't skimp on the quality of the ice cream!

Preparation:

1. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or gelato into a small glass or bowl. Using a chilled glass can help keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.

2. Brew a fresh shot of espresso, then pour it directly over the ice cream. If you prefer a colder option, you can brew the espresso ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for about an hour. The cold espresso is delicious as well, and the ice cream won't melt as quickly.

3. Grab a spoon and savor each bite. Buon appetito!

That's it! It's so easy to make, and it tastes like something you'd get in a fancy restaurant. Enjoy all summer long!

Wishing you a beautiful week!