My Favorite Things Summer 2018

When I was a kid, my parents sent me to Summer Camp. It was such a big part of my childhood. Once I was old enough for a job, I worked at camp. Summer just isn’t the same as an adult. I loved those Summers of staying out late, movies, and camp fires. Those days are long gone now that I have a full time job and I am an adult. 

Once I was laid off back in 2008, I started working the weekend shows/markets. It started off as every single weekend and I have slowly cut down over the years. I missed out on a lot over the years. When it came to deciding on Summer shows this year, I chose only one which was rained out. This is my first Summer in 10 years that I have enjoyed and I have to say now I know why people look forward to Summer so much. The past two months have included a trip to France, Chicago patio season, and late nights with friends. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity this time. 

If you receive my weekly Newsletter, you know that I share my favorites from the week. I haven’t done a favorites post so I thought it would be fun to roundup what I am loving this Summer. 

It has been the Summer of RED. I didn’t plan on it but my eye keeps heading that way and while I am normally a pink girl, I am going with it.

I LOVE this red dress from JCrew. I originally bought it at the start of Summer for $50 and I have been washing and wearing it every single week. 

My sunglasses from Jimmy Fairly have been a Summer Staple. I bought them back in April when I was in need for a new pair of glasses. The company opened in the last couple of years and has been growing rapidly first in Paris and now I spotted them in Cannes this Summer. The glasses run on average 99 euros per pair but they also donate a pair to someone in need. It is similar to Warby Parker/Tom’s combined. They also sell eye glasses with prescriptions which I don’t wear. It gets better as they guarantee the frames for up to one year. If they break, you can bring them in for a repair and they will fix them. If they can’t fix them, they will replace them with a similar model. They change out styles monthly. 

I am not sure what took me so long but, I am finally part of the negroni fan club. I love drinking compari and fresh orange juice when I am traveling in either Italy or Portugal. This comes as a close second while being back in Chicago. I get one on the patio on a Friday and I am a happy girl. Ralph Lauren in Chicago would be my favorite spot for one in the city.

I have a staple red nail polish that I wear all Winter long. I recently found a coral color that is my favorite for Summer called “flashed”  by Essie. 

My skin tans easily but I still hide in the shade if I can help it. You will find Supergoop in my Cuyana every day of the week. I use the lipbalm and the everyday sunscreen and reapply regularly. It isn’t sticky which I love and the price point is reasonable. 

I am still a big fan of the one piece bathing suit. I bought a black one from JCrew last year and a red one from Nordstrom Rack this year. It covers all the right places and can still be sophisticated and cute at the same time. 

Green City Market is one of my favorite places to visit during the Summer. I am a regular at the Bastille Market in Paris and this is a good substitute. I love visiting the local vendors and shopping seasonally. I will grab fresh eggs, kale, and seasonal fruits on a weekly basis. 

I have been using these mesh bags that are popular in France for the markets and grocery. I am surprised how well they hold up and they are affordable. I found a set of 4 for under $20 on amazon. They are small enough to keep at the bottom of your purse. Chicago has a bag tax now and I try to bring my bag as often as possible. 

I had been eying a pair of espadrilles forever and I finally bought this pair. They were under $100 and I have been wearing them every chance I get.  

I have been working on a Summer Playlist but it isn’t finished just yet. I will add it to this post as soon as it is done. For now, you can listen to the Rainy Day Paris Playlist. I opened it up to be collaborative and I love the music that you have added to it. 

I have owned my new Fuji camera for about two months and I am loving it. It is so easy to carry around in my bag and not weigh a crazy amount. I can slip it into my purse for a night out too. I can’t wait to bring it to Paris this Autumn. 

There are a few things I am loving in the photo including my new matching blue side tables I picked up at the Antique market. I am loving the scent of Tuberose, Rose, and Fig candles from Diptyque. These make great gifts too. (Hint hint)

This post does include affiliate links which helps contribute to my coffee and croissant research fund. Merci!