It’s been a while, I know—but I promise I come back with good reason.
The last six months have shifted my perspective entirely, especially when it comes to style. I’ve let go of rigid rules around what I “can” or “can’t” wear and instead built my wardrobe around flexibility, creativity, and—most importantly—joy. Every piece now has a dual (or triple) purpose. One day it helps me feel feminine and romantic, the next it carries me into a minimalist, pared-down mood. Some days it’s the foundation for a styled shoot with an incredible photographer; other days it’s the outfit I snap casually on my iPhone so I can step back and breathe.
Giving myself that room—to play, to experiment, to evolve—has been the greatest gift. I no longer care if someone else thinks an outfit is “too much” or “not enough.” What matters is that it works for me. There’s so much freedom in finally understanding that.
Rediscovering Old Favorites
Recently, I went back through my archives of summer looks and found a pattern. Pieces like cotton poplin skirts and breezy midi dresses kept reappearing. And honestly, with the exception of my hair (which has gone through quite the evolution), I could have reposted those looks today and they’d still feel fresh.
Those items have become my true signatures—the shorthand for pulling together an outfit that feels unmistakably me, in what I like to call the Style Bungalow way.
So today, in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, I want to walk through my timeless summer staples. These are the foundational pieces I return to year after year, updated for a lifestyle that now revolves less around late nights out and more around gardening, treasure-hunting at estate sales, and perfecting the “art of the aperitivo” at home. (Which, if you ask me, is #chicAF.)
Cotton Poplin: The Unsung Hero
Let’s start with cotton poplin. Not just cotton—cotton poplin. Once you discover it, there’s no going back. This fabric is breathable (crucial in Florida’s heat), structured enough to hold its shape, and less prone to clinging when the humidity strikes. My secret? A little starch at the dry cleaner—or a DIY touch at home.
Poplin dresses and skirts are my summer armor. They’re light, polished, and versatile enough to carry me from errands to evenings without feeling overdone.
Silk That Works Overtime
Next: silk. Few fabrics make me feel as effortlessly beautiful. The way it drapes—subtle, soft, just suggestive enough—never fails to boost my confidence. The beauty of silk lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t need embellishment or fuss; it does the work quietly, letting you feel put-together without trying too hard.
Botanicals That Tell a Story
Remember the term “grandmillennial”? The phrase may feel tongue-in-cheek, but the aesthetic—florals, chintz, chinoiserie—has found its way into my wardrobe as much as my home. I love botanical prints that resemble watercolor paintings or mimic the lushness of a backyard garden. Palms, dahlias, roses—they all feel timeless yet joyful.
Botanical prints also connect fashion with memory. They remind me of my inspirations—like Lee Radziwill’s Paris apartment, a mix of elegance and ease. Double points if those florals happen to be printed on cotton poplin.
Two-Piece Sets That Do It All
If you’d told me a bralette and cardigan set would become a staple, I might have laughed. But here we are. What started as a fleeting trend has transformed into a modern classic. I wear mine with a white midi skirt, draping the cardigan over my shoulders. It’s the kind of look that transports me to Positano: gelato in hand, surrounded by the chicest Italian women whose style seems forever effortless.
Two-piece sets are practical, too. Worn together, they’re polished. Worn separately, they double the options. For a season built on easy elegance, they’re a must.
Basket Bags That Outlast Trends
If there’s one accessory I’ll never retire, it’s the basket bag. These carryalls are timeless—just ask Jane Birkin or Brigitte Bardot. They embody that blend of casual and chic I strive for every summer. And since I’m notorious for being hard on handbags, their durability is a welcome bonus.
Plus, they match everything. From airy dresses to denim shorts, basket bags pull it all together without trying too hard.
Sandals Worth the Splurge
Finally, summer sandals. My closet might be evenly split between basket bags and sandals, and honestly, I can’t decide which I love more. My go-to? Jimmy Choo. Yes, they’re an investment, but they last season after season, and each pair elevates even the simplest outfit. A well-made sandal turns cutoffs and a tee into something intentional, chic, and decidedly summer-ready.
Dressing for the Life I Actually Live
The biggest shift hasn’t been what I wear but why. My wardrobe used to revolve around nights out and making a statement. Now it reflects where I find joy: mornings in the garden, afternoons spent curating vintage finds, evenings perfecting cocktails with friends.
These staples—cotton poplin, silk, botanicals, two-piece sets, basket bags, and sandals—are more than just clothes. They’re tools that help me feel grounded, creative, and, above all, myself.
So here’s to a summer of ease, style, and unapologetic self-expression. Thanks for stopping by—and yes, I promise to share more soon. Keep an eye out this season; the best is yet to come.