Summer 2023 was less. Less of EVERYTHING: work, friends, projects, products, expenses, all of it. In my quest to understand how to embrace the philosophical meaning of living with less, I have learned that having less means knowing what works. for you. And also know what You love. This means that one must know both what they need and what they love. It’s harder than it looks (for me, at least), but I know better what I need and I leave the rest out – or in its return box!
I wanted to share the products that were selected this summer. These are the items that I’ve used (or worn) several times a week, that I’ve recommended to friends, and, in a few cases, that I’ve already repurchased.
These are the thirteen things I loved the most this summer…
1. J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
$198
I invested in some gorgeous pieces from the J.Crew Fall 2023 collection in August. I missed the boat on this bag in 2022 and had to wait for it to come out this year. You know an item is worth spending a few hundred dollars on when you’re still thinking about it months later. I love how relaxed and understated it is while still looking polished. This is the atmosphere I feel most comfortable with.
2. On our best behavior by Élise Loehnen
$21
It was a voice I needed this summer. The process of looking inward can be disorienting and all-consuming and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to fall into self-pity. I felt less alone and more emboldened to question certain belief systems after reading it. I returned to certain chapters, notably those on desire and gluttony. This book even inspired an essay I wrote for my newsletter, House Call, earlier this summer. You can read it here.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Airbrush Setting Spray
$23 – $51
I will never be without this thing. I put it before make up, after makeup, when my makeup needs refreshing and when my skin looks dull and tired. It’s always in my purse and makeup bag. It is so good.
4. GYM PEOPLE Cultivation tank
$23
I live in these workout tops. They’re perfect to wear to tennis and Pilates classes or at home with sweatpants. I have the attraction of spending a lot of money on high-quality workout clothes, considering the cost per wear, but these tops hold up just as well in my experience. They stood up to the test when I wore them at some point every day, all summer long.
5. Madewell The Harlow Wide Leg Pants
$118
We all need wide-leg pants in our wardrobes. They make most of the tops we usually associate with jeans look like completely different pieces. These wide leg pants are the ones that made me a believer. They have a perfect fit and are available in many colors. You will not regret buying them.
6. Le Glaçon Doré ice roller (free)
$40
This is one of my newest skincare tools and is already in my rotation as a must-have product. It becomes more visible on my face when I haven’t had a good night’s sleep. Salty foods also cause additional swelling! This ice roller does the trick. I love that it’s small enough to reach the corners of my eyes (where I’m most puffy) and large enough to quickly roll down my cheeks, neck, and forehead, while sipping my coffee. It’s not too cold but gives great results without leaving my face wet or too red.
7. J.Crew Louisa Lady Jacket
$278
This is another piece I purchased from the J.Crew Fall 2023 collection. Finding jackets that hit straight to my hips was difficult. I’ve tried wearing styles like this before, but they always seemed a little scruffy. This cut is PERFECT. I love that you get a hint of gold buttons when worn open, and a very minimal look when worn buttoned up.
8. Sézane Denim: Brut Sexy and Le Crop (free)
$125
These are two different styles of denim that I can throw on and feel put together and cute. They are structured but forgiving and have excellent pigments in their washes. I now wear them over my vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, which is a big deal. I will purchase them in additional colors.
Some notes on fit:
Take a larger size with the Brut Sexy jeans. I’m usually a size 25 in denim but I wear a 27 in them. Also be sure to consider the fit notes listed under each wash, as different washes will fit differently. This cream color is 99% organic cotton and 1% elastane and runs larger than my gray pair, which is 100% organic cotton.
The Le Crop jeans run a little small so take a size larger if you are between sizes.
9. COSRX Snail Mucin Sheet Masks
$25 for a pack of 10
I have purchased these masks three times since spring. I run dry and after so much time outside, they have been essential for restoring moisture to my skin. As I mentioned above, I find this much more noticeable when I haven’t had enough sleep (or run out of water), so keeping them on hand is a real treat.
ten. Unusual cuisines by Sophie Donelson
$24
If Instagram can become an ocean of sameness, this book brings back the freshness of the beginnings of blogging. Each cuisine presented is a feast for the eyes. This book will stay on your coffee table, providing a renewed source of inspiration for years to come.
11. J.Crew Anya Mary Jane Flat Shoes
$148
It was in 2013 that I fell in love with the penny moccasin and it has been my tried and true companion ever since. This year, I found a new heroic silhouette for my feet: the Mary Jane. I love these flats with jeans, shorts and skirts. I tried on a few other pairs before finding the perfect pair in J.Crew’s fall 2023 collection.
12. Target x Future Collective Midi Dress
$38
This dress makes me feel pretty and we all need pieces like this in our wardrobe. The best part is that it only costs $38. Pro tip: cut the belt, you don’t need it.
13. Ginny Sims Ceramic Mugs
$145
These handmade items are made in Ginny’s small studio in Minneapolis. Joe and I now only drink from these cups and I find they add a special touch to daily rituals. If you’re local, you can visit her studio to shop her current collection. Otherwise, follow her on IG and catch its limited races when they go live. The next one will take place in November!
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning to play tennis and it’s forever test the limits of your creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.