Big (Island Girl) Summer Update

Greetings from the start of summer. True to form, I'm spending it on an island. I'm outside right now, watching the sun rise over the Saratoga Passage, surrounded by the kind of big, unhurried nature that makes everything else feel far away. Hoping another whale shows up. This feels like the right way to start a season.

I’m on Whidbey Island with Cate finishing an install, photoshoot, and opening for our project, The Inn at Langley. Over the past year and a half we’ve undertaken a full rebrand, repositioning, and renovation of the hotel — including a new restaurant, Passage, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Johnny Spero. The full story of the process deserves its own newsletter. So does the fun and chaos install week.

I’ll tell you everything from the road…

With our time on Whidbey almost coming to a close, here's what's coming next. This summer’s itinerary swings between the familiar and the far-flung.

My travels will take me to Athens, Folegandros, Hydra, the Minnesota lakes, Stromboli, Salina and a week sailing the Aeolian Islands on a with Sailing Collective (please message me if you want to come, we have one lucky cabin open in September).

I’ll be staying at the Apollo Palm for a night between islands, having dinner at Linou Soumpasis & my quarterly glass of wine at Kennedy Vins. I’d love to go to a hammam for my jet-lag, anyone have one to recommend in Athens? I’m also looking for some vintage gold jewelry, and accepting recs.

My first meal on Hydra will be at Ostria. If you’ve been to Folegandros before, please let me know. We have a house rented, and a week to fill with sea, sun and snacks. I’ve been debating whether to book Signum or Hotel Punta Scario (spoiler alert: having been to both, there is no wrong answer… bonus is, the beach below town has the best panini sandwich I’ve ever eaten). Alida gave me a sweet little spot on Stromboli to check out. Mostly I just can’t wait to eat grilled sardines for lunch every day.

In this summer ‘fantasy edition’… if I was in Amalfi I’d be staying at Lo Scoglio again, to visit the new Le Sirenuse Mare. If I was in Paris I’d see the Matisse show (LB just went and can confirm it’s great). If I was in London I’d stay at The Saint Clement.

If I was in New York I’d become a member of the Rockaway Ocean Club. Congratulations to friends of Long Weekend: Rob, Ursula, Scott & their whole team on the NYT piece announcing the long awaited opening of their Rockaway Ocean Club. This landmark building is a stunner, and the team is making serious magic happen re-opening it with an $88 million reconstruction after the building had been empty for 54 years.

A few other wonderful things that have happened lately:

Noah, the person who sends me the tastiest inspiration imagery, just launched Honey Department, where you can get the tastiest honey in a tube. Bryson just launched his sick tennis archive and studio, Graphite. He’s throwing a party in NYC on June 9th… you should definitely go.

A few weeks ago I went to the High Country Motor Lodge for a Fadeaway Session. It really brought me back to my Nebraska, Saddle Creek, indie girl roots. I love a low-key and intimate show.

I caught this Josef Albers show. It made me think about this exhibition of Josef & Annie’s work I saw at the MAM in Paris a few years ago. I love how they use color with such precision and rhythm. I want to swim in his work, to dance in it, to be surrounded by all of that vibration that lives on the page. The curiosity in his color studies. Damn.

In my humble opinion, no one makes summer look more delicious than the Italians. This new book landed on my doorstep last week, and I haven’t been able to put it down.

While prepping itineraries, I’m also prepping my packing list. I’m not one to buy a bunch of new stuff to go somewhere, but I do end up shopping my closet for the pieces that do the most with the least amount of effort (and square footage used in my carry-on).

• The one pre-summer purchase I love to make is a new Swimsuit. This one was my summer pick. (Here’s my other go-to).

• I never travel without a pair of Donni Pants, this poplin is my summer favorite.

• The ‘beach to taverna’ shorts to pack are these ones from Horse (size down) & a fun color option (just imagine these with a huge button-down, flip flops and a bikini at golden hour. Sigh).

• Shout out to my friend, Kim because this is her iconic travel shoe. I too have entered my adult Keds era.

• No matter the season, I always bring a thin cashmere crewneck sweater, I’ve also been eying this Arlo Mot Cardigan as a fun cover up. This crochet dress is also fun.

• I learned my lesson not to bring a bulky handbag to the beach. Instead, I’ll be carrying this Straw Tote with a nylon clutch inside, or this Bateau Tote which folds down flat.

• I don’t go anywhere without this sunscreen.

• My very carry-on friendly are handmade sandals procured ‘from my guy Mario in Ischia’ over WhatsApp. Here’s my go-to ready made version.

• Great Sunglasses are non-negotiable, traveling with a second pair is also wise.

• This pareo is the most luxurious thing I own, thanks to my friend Katie. I can’ wait to pack her!

• The MVP ‘Island Girl Summer’ accessory this year may just be a Starlink Mini…. Tell me, am I crazy for thinking about getting this for my remote office? Or do I just need an eSIM? Anyone who is great at staying connected while being on a remote island. Please show me the way!

  

Hope you are savoring stone fruit season. I couldn’t be more excited for the long languid summer days ahead. I hope you are too.

Cheers to adventure, structured transformation, mermaid summers, and a whole world of nature and joy to take in, from your own backyard to the middle of the sea.

xo

TG