Idle Findings From A Moving Train: July

Hello and welcome to the third installment of Idle Findings from a Moving Train, a series where I share some favorite things I’ve found from around the web each month (because I’m trying to remind myself that not every Substack article I write needs to be a deep think-piece about homeownership.)

As I’m sure has been common for all of you, July has been such a whirlwind around here. A revolving door of visitors each weekend (yay!), work trips, and trying to keep up with the yard and house has left my social saves folder a little lacking when it comes to my monthly scrolling (I see my reduced screen time as a good thing, don’t worry.) But nonetheless, I still wanted to share my favorite finds from around the web this month!

Right under the wire at the end of July, here are some things that have caught my eye, I’ve DM’d to friends, or added to the abys that is my “saved” folder on Instagram recently.

CAUGHT MY EYE: Maybe it’s because I grew up going to summer camp and spent countless days making little arts and crafts projects, but something about summer always makes me want to get out the paint and scissors and let my imagination wander… I love this tinfoil fish project, would be so cute to make a few and hang them up in a beach or lake house as a little mobile.

COOKING: The other day we had one of those weird summer evenings after a day of chilly drizzle where I found myself craving something hot and comforting over my usual summer dinner go-tos that require as little cooking as possible. This sungold orzo dish was the perfect answer to the rare summer night when wearing a sweater and eating something warm were in order.

INSPIRED BY: These pastelsssss. Will definitely be making a stop by this amazing shop next time I’m in Paris. If it’s good enough for Degas….

DESIGN ENVY: I come across the below image every so often of this dreamy dining room from Gil Schafer and am immediately transported to a house where friends are just out of frame making themselves a cocktail, jazz is playing on the radio, and a big batch of pasta sauce is simmering on the stove. The color, subtle pattern, and lamp light in this design are so romantic and warm. A dining room like this is on my next house manfestation board for sure.

CURRENTLY COVETING: My wardrobe is definitely feeling peak summer at the moment. I’m finding myself wanting to add all things seashell and breezy. Here are a few things on my wishlist…

1. Coquille Necklace - a common theme in this round up, im being very drawn to simple yet dramatic jewelry at the moment. In the summer, I tend to wear simple colors and styles, but I love the pop of a statement piece to dress up or add interest to an outfit.

2. Sardine Stone Necklace - like the above, I love the idea of this necklace with a plain t-shirt and jeans or over a little black dress.

3. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Fragrance Discovery Set - I’m a little bias (subtext, I work for the brand) but I’m absolutely lovvvving Bottega’s new Alta collection of fragrances for summer. This sample set sits on my desk at the office and I’m having so much fun trying a new scent each day. My current favorites are Balliamo (fig and pepper) Slow Rise (sage and rose) and Always Now (basil and vetiver.) They’re so fresh and unexpected, perfect for summer.

4. Banana Republic Linen Trapeze Dress - I feel as though this dress speaks for itself. Light, bright and an easy dress up or down.

5. Antique Clam Shell Earrings - Because everyone needs a seashell earing

6. Belmare Necklace - A STATEMENT TO BE SURE. Ugh, just so so pretty.

LISTENING TO: Baby Rose. Maybe it’s the heat, but in the summer I always gravitate towards slowed-down soulfoul sounds. So happy to have come across Baby Rose and her new album… perfect for listening over a glass of wine on the front porch at night.