Of Note, No. I
high summer
There’s always more I want to recommend than belongs in a single post. Of Note is a recurring edit of what I’ve been wearing, using, reading, and thinking about. The first, for summer.
I discovered Yana Mativski at Mariana’s (Merci, C’est Vintage) spring Le Pop Up. Yana’s point of view excited me in a way that feels increasingly rare: silhouettes that feel familiar yet fresh, and fabrics that feel considered. This pleated skirt feels like old Prada in the best way, and the Ellen bodysuit is my favorite idea for sunbathing this summer.
I've been waiting months for this bag, and it's lived up to every expectation. The shape and size are exactly right. Python is a neutral, which means I will be wearing this bag well into the colder months. The small Joan in calfskin is equally sharp. Elephant is next on my list. This vintage Judith Leiber minaudière is a great evening alternative.
Speaking of small exotics, I get asked about this bag frequently. The Mini Harbor Tote in black snakeskin is another favorite, by B.May, a brand out of my home state of Michigan. My exact bag is available to order, along with many other skins and colors by request: bmay@bmaybags.com.
I visited Side Eye’s showroom in early June and left with two pairs of sunglasses (1225 Madison Ave and 223 Butler Street) that I have worn every day since. The styles are refined and the acetate has real weight to it. They look good on practically everyone, including narrow faces that most oversized frames overwhelm.

Kinderbrook's 100 percent cotton dresses should be at the top of your list this summer. The Wethersfield is the kind of maxi you want to live in all season, and the Garden mini dress is everything I want in a summer shift.

Canfora is a Capri sandal brand made notable by Jackie Kennedy. I have had my eye on the Jacqueline for three summers before finally ordering. Metallic leather can read harsh, but a gold metal sandal reads more neutral, like jewelry. I will be wearing these all summer long.
For the Days Between
A. Emery’s Kinto sandal is a bestseller for a reason; the leather and craftsmanship feel well above the price.
I’ve worn Tkees leather flip-flops for years, but I noticed a change in the leather quality. I recently ordered this pair from their Nili Lotan collaboration. They feel like the sandals I know and love.
A few products worth mentioning:

I nearly left this out until a friend asked what was on my face at dinner. When Dior discontinued Airflash, I panic-bought every bottle in my shade. Victoria Beckham’s foundation drops are the first product to replace it. They’re glowy, weightless, and exactly what summer skin should look like.
I bought Filament’s TS.02/TT bond repair mask and waited too long to try it. This is the most impressive hair product I’ve tried in years. My hair has been frizzy and reacting to the humidity, and this reversed it in one use. I love K18, but this gave faster, more visible results.
Cyndle Komarovski recommended this Prada blush on set, and her recommendations always become favorites. The cream-to-powder formula works particularly well in the summer and actually withstands the heat. Dahlia is the shade, and I haven’t touched another blush since.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’re avoiding the sun or just need a base, Saltyface is the only self-tanner worth using. It’s easier than a spray tan, takes five minutes, and doesn’t transfer.

Books are central to how I research. I’m constantly adding to my collection, and these two have quickly become references I return to: Barbara Cartlidge’s Twentieth Century Jewelry and Cartier 1900-1939 by Judy Rudoe. Both are essential references for twentieth century jewelry and objets.
The best money I spent this summer wasn’t on clothes, but on a reading with a psychic who’s reputation is arguably the most impressive of anyone I’ve ever recommended.
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