Links I Love Week 29: Year 2025

Hello from Cape Ann! We are on our annual trip to the East Coast with Henri. I look at this as his vacation where he gets to go for long walks, play at the beach, and enjoy summer. It is so cute to see him soak up his vacation time. My husband and I will be working from our rental this week and spending time with family and friends. I packed a few books to enjoy on our patio and we have been scouting the new restaurants and shops that have opened recently. I will make a list and share the places if anyone is interested.


Links I Love Week 29
Grab your coffee and croissants, and join me for links I love.
My aunt recently recommended this book, which falls outside my usual genre. She is an avid reader and happy to take her recommendations. I downloaded it on my Kindle.
Tired of the same old routine? This rule can help.
‘Quinccaillerie’ is French for ‘Hardware Store,’ but it means so much more.
My first chapter in our South of France Travel Diary is up. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where we stayed, ate, and my highlights. This one may surprise you; it surprised me as well.

In between trips, I picked up a new pair of sunglasses at Warby Parker. I ordered these a few weeks ago, and they were ready as soon as I landed in the South of France. One thing stuck in my head when I chatted with the staff. The woman casually mentioned, sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes. Boom! That was a game changer. So, while I do have a good stash of sunglasses, they are stored in the car, bags, and drawers for easy access.
Speaking of, here are 5 sunglass trends everyone is wearing this summer
This speaker is such a great addition for traveling. My husband and I love listening to music while we are hanging out in our rental home in Cape Ann or on the road. This one is waterproof too!
French flea market lovers, Sarah Lyon is hosting a zoom webinar class on the ins and outs of shopping the markets and what you need to know.
Nice is the new star of Southern France. This article includes some of our favorite discoveries in Nice and was published right after we returned. If you are headed to the South of France, take notes.
The liquids rule could be the next airport security rule to change. This would make life so much easier!
A croissant-shaped mouse pad? Has Anthropologie gone too far, or would you buy it?
The new Ina Garten playlist is so much fun! I am loving the country throwbacks.
The ONE thing I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale that we needed.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Dresses for a New Life Stage. I feel like my grandma would have flagged this one with a post it note.
A Paris apartment with coffee as the color palette of inspiration
I am adding this book about Jane Birkin to my preorder list for October.
Can the French reinvent America’s Broken Department Store Model?
Adding this recipe for Pasta alla Norma to my to-cook list for summer
The Away garment bag that you never knew you needed until now. Away gifted this to me and I am obsessed. My husband has a similar bag, and we both packed them for Boston. I immediately showed my dad, and now he wants one too. Not only can you hang your clothes in the bag, but it is filled with hidden pockets and holds so much!!
Goodbye ballet flats, this French shoe will be trending come September. (sent in by my sister)
My friend Brian created a spatula and oven mitts with Williams Sonoma for No Kid Hungry. 30% of sales go to the charity No Kid Hungry.
The best hotels in Île de Re. This French island has been on my radar since my Paris family mentioned it and now I want to visit.
Cuyana introduced a zippered mini system tote.I love this bag, and the zip makes it even better.
This week’s best sellers include my shampoo and conditioner, which I swear by, an affordable blush, and some Nordstrom sale favorites.

I went down a rabbit hole when I found these tick and allergy patches and itch relief patches. I wish these were around when I was younger, and I may be ordering the tick patches for Henri for peace of mind.
5 subtle signs, it’s time to end a friendship.
The bandage dress is back! Would you wear one? Or is it 10 years too late? I prefer the shorter versions to the longer ones. Owning one of these dresses was on my list since the early 2000’s.
It felt such a stretch to give up skinny jeans and make the transition to wider-legged pants. I am slowly making the transition and love these currently! They paired so well with this black and white blouse.
Millenials are changing the way 40 looks.
I ordered these linen shirts for my dad. He showed me a different brand and I suggested he tried these which are a favorite of my husband’s as well.
Inside a Paris jewel box pied-à-terre.
Jenni Kayne. I love the brand but typically only buy on sale. These happen from time to time and they are good! My neighbor has the Cooper Cardigan and I have been eyeing it ever since.
Headed to Paris this August? Traditionally, restaurants are closed during the holiday season. Paris by Mouth shares what is open in August. Bookmark and make reservations here.
The one boarding pass mistake to avoid at all costs.
We packed and unpacked this week for a quick turnaround for our road trip to Boston. We had two overnights before arriving at Cape Ann, and I panicked, thinking I had forgotten my deodorant. My husband heard me talk nonstop about this deodorant while in Italy. I am thinking I need a backup. They have four distinct scents, each unique. I also ordered the Monaco one that smells like Rose. If you are in Chicago, Credo, Blue Mercury, and Space519 all sell it so you can explore the scents in person.
Lake Pajama Summer sale starts July 21. Get ready! They run true to size. I wear a small, and I highly recommend reading the washing instructions. Most of my sets are to be hung dry and not put in the dryer.
Dog of the Day
From our hotel in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this sweet pup was a guest at breakfast.

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What a great edition of Links I Love! I am road tripping with my husband and when he asked what I was reading, I explained how you share such great and diverse links. Thank you!
I would love your Cape Ann list. My sister lives there (Essex) and I just love that whole area.
Hi Marilyn,
Thank you! Tell your husband, hello for me. I hope you have a good audiobook for your roadtrip. Thank you for sharing your love for Sunday links with your husband. It is always a fun weekly tradition.
I am working on a list to share for Cape Ann soon! We have had so many great new discoveries.
xo
Rebecca
Thank you so much for your book recommendation from your Aunt (My Friends by Fredrik Blackman). I have purchased this for my Audible next read. Sounds like a great story!
Have also pre-ordered your new book; looking forward to that too! Thanks again Rebecca 🥰
Love browsing through a Quincaillerie, who kew there were so many things we have lived without all our lives, but now “I have to have this”
On the Bandage Dress : Yes to the short version. I have 4 “bandage skirts” from BCBG and they are so easy to pair whatever top takes your fancy. I am in my 70s so go for it 🙂
Bonjour! I have just started to follow you via Instagram and Substack. I already get your emails. I love reading about all things Paris and France. And I love, love, love your photos and videos of Paris and France! I feel like I’m there. I was supposed to go to France this past Spring, but, alas, I had an accident and broke a kneecap. So my cancelled trip will hopefully be next Spring. In the meantime I will enjoy your travels.