Summer Edition: Tank | Sweater | Skirt | Nike sneakers | Tote | Necklaces
Absolute Favorites I Highly Recommend: Summer Edition☀️
A while back, I reunited with a dear college friend in Nashville. It was a very special reunion after both of us being “busy” … for the last 20 years, and of course, the topic of So Susie came up. She was curious about the business and had several questions for me, starting with “is everything you share on Instagram gifted from brands?” That was her assumption, so she was surprised to learn that I purchase most of my own clothes.
So, here’s the scoop … being authentic is my number one promise to all of you. Truth is, there’s barely enough time in the day to explore everything I love, and I’m careful about what I feature on the blog. My “authenticity promise” to you all covers every piece I recommend — I either own it, have tried it or helped someone else with it, have asked a colleague about it, or it’s on my list to try. I’m always on the lookout for new things – it’s what makes a wardrobe more interesting. And, I need to really love it in order to share it with all of you!
Today’s post shares current recommendations that I’ve personally tried, and that I can guarantee are really good. These summer edition faves are a bit of a mix — everything from the perfect pair of scissors (yes everyone needs them) to the white jean I think is worth buying to a newer brand I just discovered. Grab a cup of tea, this post is a little long — but I hope it’s helpful! 😊
ICYMI
Why These Jeans Should Be In Your Rotation
Here’s Your Summer Essentials Checklist
Vacation Favorites
Left: Striped caftan | Celine tote | Gold sandals | Right: White coverup | Swimsuit | Sandals, affordable here | Loewe tote | Hat
#1 – The first place I highly recommend looking when shopping for affordable vacation pieces is J.Crew. Their one-piece swimsuits are flattering and stylish — like this and this. Same with cover-ups. How pretty is this pink crochet dress, and this breezy linen one? Check it all out here.
#2 – The linen set you’ll wear over and over again. This fun set by Vitamin A (pants here) is perfect for warm weather vacations. You can wear it to the pool, as well as for shopping and just hanging out. They keep adding new prints, like this pretty Desert Flower one and this brand new yellow striped one. They’re comfortable, and look extra cute when hanging out at the beach.
#3 – Glamorous sunglasses – If you’re going on a beachy vacation, sporting a glamorous pair of sunnies will make you feel a little extra! A few favorites I wear all the time include this Celine pair, these by Fendi and these Gucci ones. They’re all best-sellers, and you’ll wear them all year long.
#4 – Havaianas – If you’re looking for a casual sandal that you’ll wear to the beach, pool, and around the house, this rubber flip flop is ideal. I had been eyeing the black ones with the gold logo, and found them while on vacation in Italy. They’re comfy too. Check out the square toed one for an even more on-trend look.
#5 – Everyone needs a vacation hat! I don’t know about you, but my hair gets a little dicey on vacation, and a cute straw hat is a non-negotiable! Some favorites include this Brixton one and this J.Crew one.
Travel Basics
Left: Spanx crew and matching pant | Sandals | Middle: Varley half zip and matching pant | Right: Frank & Eileen fleece jacket (code: CHEERS)| Jeans
#6 – The tech item that brings so much happiness. Sounds a little over the top, but I always bring a speaker on every trip. Just this past week in Santa Fe, it was nice to listen to my music while getting ready!
#7 – The TikTok viral sweatpant jean – I know this sounds crazy, but the Miramar collection at Rag & Bone has the best-selling “jeans” around, and everyone is talking about them. They’re super comfy and run roomy, but once you find your size, you’ll likely go back for a second pair … they’re that good. I highly recommend the Sofie, and remember to size down since they run big. Use code SUSIE15 for 15% off at Rag & Bone!
#8 – The #1 must-have travel bag – If you’re traveling anytime soon, this Beis Mini Weekender bag is a must-have. It is the perfect size, holds everything you need, and has a “trolley pass-through” that fits over your luggage handle — talk about convenient! Oh, and the price is really good too. I take this carry-on bag on all my trips.
#9 – Travel sets that are perfect for any destination – These 100% super comfy cotton travel sets are amazing, and I tested one on a long flight to Europe. Not only will you feel comfortable, but you’ll also look put together on arrival. And, they aren’t just for travel — try them on weekends or when lounging at home. My favorites are the Mailbu or Carmel. Use code CHEERS for 15% off at Frank & Eileen!
#10 – The splurge suitcase you hear about all the time. Last fall, on the day I was supposed to leave New York, I realized I couldn’t get everything into my suitcase 😳 I had been eyeing a spendy one, but couldn’t quite justify the price. So, while shopping in SoHo and desperately looking for a place to buy luggage, I saw the Rimowa store. With one hour left, I decided to go for it, and splurged on this green carry-on. As I was moving through the airport, I was impressed with how smoothly it rolled, and more importantly, it looked really nice with the green Goyard tote on top (wink).
#11 – The luxurious silk robe under $200 – There’s nothing better than feeling a little extra in the morning when getting ready for your day. A silk robe will do that, and this washable one is hands down a favorite. I bring it on every trip.
Summer Edition: Denim
Left: Eyelet top | Mother jeans | Woven bag | Right: Ruffle denim jacket | L’Agence denim skirt | Sandals
#12 – Super stylish denim at Frame – If you can believe it, this is the best-selling jean in the world! It’s modern and versatile, and works year ’round. It’s also available in petite sizing here. I’ve talked about these jeans for the last year, and they’re still one of my absolute highest recommendations. For something new and cool, you have to check out The Lax! It’s one of my newest purchases, and it’s another good one I highly recommend.
#13 – L’Agence denim skirt – I hadn’t been so excited about a denim skirt until this one came around! It quickly sold out, and now it’s back in white and a medium wash. It’s the perfect length, super soft, and you’ll wear it with everything from sneakers to sandals to heels. I’m usually a 27 but took a 26, so try sizing down.
#14 – The denim shirt dress that’s super versatile – I can’t say enough good things about this dress. I take it on every warm-weather vacation, and wear it all season, whether I’m running errands or just hanging out at home. If you prefer a longer midi-style, this one is equally as good. Both can be worn with casual sandals and a straw bag. You’ll feel comfy and put together! And, check out this new one with the cute ruffle collar detail. Use code CHEERS for 15% off at Frank & Eileen!
#15 – White denim is a summer staple. The one I highly recommend and wear ALL the time is the best-selling Mother Hustler. If you want comfortable, super flattering jeans, these are the ones to consider. They fit everyone, including those of us who are 5’4″ and under, thanks to petite sizing. And, they look great with every kind of shoe, from sneakers to flat sandals to heels.
#16 – Petite jeans – Talk about a game changer if you’re 5’4″ and under! The knee placement is higher, and the rise and inseam are shorter, so everything fits where it should. Some favorites I’ve tried include: Mother Hustler Roller, Mother Hustler, Frame Le Pixie Reboot, Frame Le Pixie Slim Palazzo and Paige Anessa.
Home Design
Left: Varley dress, similar | Pottery Barn sectional | Serena & Lily pillows, similar | Right: Glassware | Water dispenser
#17 – The best-selling hand soap you have to try! It’s not often I fall in love with hand soap, but this one smells really good, and it comes with a lotion on the cutest white little porcelain tray that I have sitting near my kitchen sink. If you’re looking for a great gift, this is worth trying.
#18 – The gift everyone loves – The Diptyque scented oval is my go-to gift that I love sharing with all my friends. Recently, I gifted it to my nephew’s wife at her shower and I was surprised by how many people wanted to know more as it made its way around the room. There are several scents. I like 34, Figuier and Baies. All are soft, and you’ll love how they smell. I have one in my closet, and I highly recommend it if you like scented things!
#19 – Serena & Lily All Weather Wicker Sofas – I went crazy last year and splurged on these two sofas, and I’m so glad I got them! They’re extra long, super comfy, and they look really great. If you want an equally as good but more affordable version, look at this Pottery Barn one. I have it on my deck, and I love it just as much as the SL one!
#20 – If you want to refresh your frame collection, these are absolutely gorgeous! They look pretty mixed in with other frames, and this is a new find that I highly recommend. Whether buying for yourself or a loved one, it’ll refresh the space and the photo in the frame too.
#21 – Coffee table books add so much to a home! In my travels, I’m always finding new books I absolutely love — mainly for the cover and spine 😉 Some new ones I’m especially drawn to include this one on yachts, this Palm Beach one, and this one about Italy. All beautiful, and so stylish when stacked on a table.
#22 – Gingher scissors – A while back, three friends told me how they all bought these scissors and what a game changer they are. I don’t know how I dealt with dull scissors my whole life — I’m so glad these came along. And, they’re only $28. Run and get them, you’ll thank me later!
Clothes … and everything else!
Left: Veronica Beard stripe jacket | Jeans (petites here) | Straw bag | Right: Frame trench | Eyelet top | Mother Tripper jeans
#23 – The pant that will become your new bff – These linen pants were probably the #1 most-worn item from last summer, and talk about comfortable! I’d grab these before everyone else does. They’re perfect for vacation, and it’s ok if they look a little lived in. The J.Crew Soleil is another favorite and comes in petites and tall.
#24 – In case you need a new white tee – I finally found a new tee, and it’s a for sure favorite. It’s a slightly oversized washed cotton, and the fit is updated and cool. I highly recommend it in either white or black.
#25 – If you don’t want a white tee, here’s the cooler alternative – This season there is ONE style that’s going to give every single outfit an update! I’m talking about a collared t-shirt — better known as a polo style top. This is the best-selling one I think you’ll love.
#26 – Frame trench – This casual trench has been on constant rotation lately, and it’s so good, I just love it. It’s modern, and lightweight, making it the perfect jacket for summer (seen above)
#27 – The #1 most-worn shoe in my closet – If you’re looking for a shoe that goes with every single outfit you have, this is it! I’ve recommended this sandal over and over again, and everyone loves it. The heel height is perfect. These sandals work with everything from denim to dresses, and they’re really comfortable. I wear mine all the time. They keep selling out, but as of today, they’re in stock. Don’t wait on these, grab a pair and you’ll wear them all summer long.
#28 Hermes sandals – The Oran sandal is the #2 most-worn sandal in my closet. They’re a splurge, but they’re super versatile, and they work with everything from jeans to dresses to skirts. I highly recommend them, they’re super stylish and easy to pack. Check out this similar version for under $60.
#30 – Goyard tote – This cute little tote is another splurge, but worth every penny! I went with the smaller size, and it’s just perfect. It packs well, is durable, and surprisingly, the green color goes with everything. If you’d prefer an affordable version, look at this Sam Edelman.
#31 – J.Crew straw clutch – If you’re looking for an affordable summer bag you’ll wear all season long, this is the one to consider. It sells out every year, so don’t wait!
#32 – The coolest cuff around! Ever since I laid eyes on the crazy expensive Tiffany Bone cuff that everyone talks about, it has been on my wishlist. So, when I spotted this more affordable version, I got pretty excited … then it sold out. The minute it came back in stock, I ordered it, and have worn it so many times! It’s a classic piece you’ll have for years, and it makes a statement so you hardly need any other jewelry.
Thank you for reading xx
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