Postcards from New England
Summer's not over yet !
What have you been up to this summer? I hope it’s been delightful wherever you’re spending it. And that you’re reapplying your sunscreen, ofc :)
My vibe is pretty much the same every year on this trip. Looking back to a letter I wrote two summers ago, I described it as: if Something’s Gotta Give had a love child with Blue Crush, slash Coastal Grandma meets Surfer Nephew (TY Allison Bornstein). New England prep flirting with laid-back West Coast surf vibes.
Before I share the looks, I have a confession… while I’m a pro at helping my clients pack efficiently for a trip, I’m not always great at packing for myself. I’m only highly slightly embarrassed to admit that as a stylist.
Blame it on my various moods that dictate what I feel like wearing on any given day. I have always been an intuitive dresser because I can try something novel without feeling like I’m “cheating” on my style words. When I go on trips that means I rarely plan exact outfits in advance. And when I do actually plan, usually it’s just one or two looks for dinner.
I’ve got it dialed down for this annual trip, though. Day to day, my outfits are relaxed and uncontrived with some personality through color, texture, and accessories.
Mixing textures and a layered neck stack is my MO for a beach day. I’ve been loyal to Hunza G for years now bc they make the most comfortable swimsuits out there. I’m also a fan of Lido and Left on Friday. Top-notch fabrics and quality at a sharp price point.
Long live terry! I lived in this Suzie Kondi set. No regrets. And now I’m eyeing another set, color TBD.
My ideal summer uniform is an easy top with relaxed shorts and worn-in sandals. You’ve heard me talk about these Anteros shorts before. It swiftly earned its MVP status by day 3 of the trip.
This Attersee shirt dress is one of my most-worn pieces from last summer. As I was writing this I realized I’ve never worn it as an actual dress. Something about throwing it over shorts or jeans feels more like me.
I also re wore this top a few times because it’s just that good. While on Nantucket, I picked up this cashmere hoodie at Alice Walk. It’s the perfect weight for summer, plus it’s so soft — and the fact that I can wear it year-round in SF counts as a win in my book.
I was ecstatic about the Dries skirt I’d pre-ordered for fall arriving just in time for this trip. I wore it out to dinner at Sister Ship on Nantucket with this excellent 90s baby long-sleeve tee from Re/Done, and again at Twenty-Eight Atlantic on the cape with a brown La Classica from Comme Si.
I can’t wait wear it with a chunky knit and tall boots this winter !
I pretty much only wore this pair from Thistles the entire trip. My friend MAD ABOUT and I hung out on the beach one afternoon, and this was the first thing she asked about. She ordered it the same day. And that’s why we’re friends.
I love my tangerine Liffner clutch so much. An instant mood booster during those especially foggy afternoons on the cape.
Alex Mill made my ideal summer cardi in cotton cashmere (also this roll neck pullover is 10/10). This combo turned out to be an unlock. Purple against red and cream felt more approachable instead of a full-on color blocking moment.
Eterne came out with the perfect baseball tee that sold out instantly. This is a great alt in forest green, under $50. This pair of jeans also earned MVP status since the weather was quite mercurial. It was truly delightful to just throw on jeans and a summer knit most evenings.
Marine Layer sent me their Lexi tee a while ago and it’s held up really nicely. I also have it in pointelle and is hands-down the softest tee I own.
Is it just me, or why is every summer dress out there either a shapeless sack or a milkmaid situation? This dress is my ideal LBD (Long Black Dress) because the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and does not wrinkle. Perfect for a long day in the city or on holiday. It’s minimal but I think of it as a blank canvas. The styling possibilities: throw on an oversized shirt or tie it around the waist for summer, and when the temps drop, I’m adding a slim turtleneck under, topped off with a vintage suede jacket and a pair of sick boots. Maybe a belt if I feel like it. Know what I mean?
Yes it’s possible to wear all noir one day then do a 180 the next. And the question of whether purple or aqua is THE color of 2026 doesn’t matter because you can wear them together. Thank me later.
And on our final beach day, I turned into a full-on New England bro. It took over two months for my Emily Dawn Long Phoebe Bag to arrive but it was whale worth the wait (I also got it before the price increase…)
This striped mesh tote proved itself an excellent beach carry. As far as beach reads, I read Yesteryear and The Plunge, just like everyone else.
Also worth noting that Negative sent me their cult whipped sets and they’re all I want to sleep in now. This brand has been hyped up for a while, now I finally get it and am forever ruined. I don’t like using the L word but it warrants an exception: they literally feel like you’re wearing nothing.
Summer Beauty
I only wore makeup handful of times and the first thing I reached for is the new Fara Homidi blonzer (I use Baie). I had high expectations given I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased this and this. Color payoff is incredible, the finish so natural, like you’ve just been kissed by the sun. Mwah!
I’m also happy to report that I finally found a SPF lip balm that I love and actually look forward to reapplying multiple times a day. In fact, I’m about to hit a new record in lip balm usage as I’m almost done with my first tube in just under 3 months. Worth noting there are only two other lip balms I’ve actually finished and repurchased: Eadem Le ChouChou and U Beauty Plasma Lip Compound.
My ride-or-die’s wherever I go: Sofie Pavitt Cleanser + Mandelic Clearing Serum, Medik8 Vitamin C, Prequel Retinal, Verdoie Le Creme Hydratante, Dieux Deliverance + Air Angel.
Some recently gifted products that passed my standards, earning their space in my Cadence parcel (Also gifted. I’m buying the small and large parcels plus more capsules!)
Sweed eyelash growth serum. I started using it last year and had to stop because my lashes got too long (I never thought I’d say that in my life!) I restarted just a few weeks ago, and now my lashes are actually insane that I need to pause again (we have a code: ANGELAG-20)
Tonal Sunveil SPF 50 foundation. Mineral sunscreens tend to dry my skin out but this one did not! Quite impressed with the formula. Natural finish and is so lightweight. It wears nicely and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a sticky mask of foundation.
Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops. I like using a tiny drop on my lids and the bridge of my nose. A little goes a longgg way.
Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes. I probably have these wipes in every single pouch I own. They are just the best.
U Beauty Sculpt Neck & Decollette Concentrate. I’ve tried so many neck serums out there and this is the only one that actually made a difference (we also have a code: LWSF20)
Soft Services Buffing Bar + Speed Soak. It’s kismet when a brand reaches out, and I already am a fan and genuinely use (and repurchase) their stuff. The buffing bar is for serious exfoliators only. Try this instead if you’re not fond of physical exfoliation.
OK tell me in the comments, what have you been wearing lately and what’s in your summer makeup bag?
Chat soon,
Angela
Seems like that royal purple tank could solve all my problems in life.