Consuming, Investing, Curating

The early summer mood...

C O N S U M I N G

I’ve been a fan of Elise Loehnen since she was with Goop. Thoughtful, insightful and provocative in an enticing way (in fact I can’t help but suspect that’s why she left goop). Her Substack Pulling The Thread released an article recently that stopped me in my tracks and feels so relevant right now.

I N V E S T I N G

I often have clients ask what’s on my wish-list or what I’m buying. As a clothing designer I generally wear my own pieces mixed with vintage and thoughtfully made denim and accessories. I’d rather buy fewer but better so I truly don’t shop much and save up for things that are missing in my wardrobe, that I can’t stop thinking about or that need to be replaced. I also love an impactful beauty product with purpose. With that being said, here are the things I’ve purchased recently or plan to buy:

Agolde Shorts: I haven’t received these yet but have had my eye on them for a while-perfect to pair with Hutton and Cecilia. And since I forgot my IMO essential blue denim shorts for the trip, I needed a replacement. I love that these are a darker denim, longer and made from regenerative cotton.

Kin The Label Hat: I have one of their wool hats that I got from Goldbug on Sullivan’s Island and it’s my favorite! This one is very similar (love the high crown) but in straw and with a chin cord- essential for boat, beach + biking.

I ordered the refill for this lip balm but in plum this time…obsessed! It’s the most nourishing subtle color I’ve found and I love that the beautiful case doesn’t get tossed but instead replenished.

This exfoliating mask is giving my sun-kissed skin a healthy glow. I love this small + very clean + thoughtful Charleston based brand and it’s founder!

I desperately need a new swimsuit. I can’t stop thinking about this one in ecru with the Brennan pants for those days that roll into moonlit nights. But then I’m also so partial to a classic strapless (and need a replacement for the one I’ve been wearing on repeat for a few years). This one has been on my wish-list for a while!

I also love shopping for my husband and always lean toward small businesses and/or ones with a regenerative approach. A few things I’ve purchased for him lately that we both love (and I’ll be borrowing):

I bought these shorts to replace the same pair I bought him a few years ago. I also went with these in army green. They’re high quality and also made with regenerative organic cotton. And a very cute fit on him ;)

This new to me brand Coed Collective makes the perfect tee for men (and women too if you’re looking for something a bit more rustic). These are also made in the US from regenerative organic domestic cotton. My husband is a true medium and the medium fits perfectly. The natural black which has some brown tone is a perfect earthy shade. The natural off-white is also great.

Speaking of co-ed, I grabbed this sling bag as a replacement for one we lost last summer that holds all the things (bike locks, water bottle, phones, epi-pens, hard candies (the perfect biking treat), etc. I love how it adds an apropos sporty juxtaposition to my otherwise refined minimal vibe…and the burnt orange strap!

C U R A T I N G

I mentioned in my last Substack that I packed a capsule wardrobe in a carry-on for our annual 8 week escape from the heat of Charleston. As someone who plays dress-up for a living, I was a little afraid I might get bored with my choices, but I love the idea of challenging ourselves to create combinations we might not think of at home (like Carolyn with the Sport Shorts- now available for pre-order in black and white with a slightly longer inseam). I’m not saying these outfits are revolutionary per se but I appreciate that they feel really good, look good IMO and work with what I already have.

carolyn + sport shorts

I’m excited to see what else feels right in these alternative locations where life is much more active mom focused- where versatility AND style need to be at the forefront.

In addition to what I packed, who can take an 8 week trip without buying a few souvenirs?! Here’s what I’ll be searching for in local shops and markets to add to that refined boho chic aesthetic of the summer:

A great vintage or handmade bag. This is fun and this casual option are the vibe I’m going for.

A vintage bangle or two to add to my stack.

And if I need anything else to help change up the vibe, I’ll be borrowing my husband’s Coed Tees to top Brennan, Calvin and/or Zoe or styling his new army green shorts cinched with a belt and paired with the V Neck or Cecilia Tank.

This was a fun one to create! I hope you enjoy being here as much as I love having you!

Heather