08_Sunday musings
Say hi to Martha's Vineyard for me.
This isn’t a sudden revelation because it’s been happening for a while now, but I realised that when it became cool to have an LL Bean tote once again and to wear rugby shirts (which I will not be doing, I felt frumpy the first time) - the 90s preppy look is truly back. In short, if it looked good on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, it’s cool now.
With this weekend being Memorial Day in the US and the official beginning of summer - the New England aesthetic has never been more prevalent. For me as a British person, I can look over in awe at those lucky enough to visit Martha’s Vineyard etc. and try to emulate the feeling.
Right now, I don’t envy Americans - but I do wish that I could nip to these beautiful islands for a long weekend and enjoy being on and by the water!
Next up, more from my Notes, where I keep an eternal list of things I’ve seen, like, love and want to share.
Not new, and this colourway from Merci is currently OOS, but I have finally decided that when I visit Paris this summer, I will succumb to buying this small bag. I saw an elderly Parisian woman wearing one when I was there last, and well, I still think about how great she looked!
I’ve just bought these from ASOS (with the code ASOSBFF for 20% off…) - called Topshop Alaia shoes, these are as close as I will get to owning a pair of Alaia’s. But I really like the details - square toe, neat tie, suede and the pop of red to make a boring outfit seem more interesting.
I actually read this in January on a flight to New York, so it took me around 7ish hours. I cried, I laughed, and I got hungry, which on a plane was rather sad. I love Stanley Tucci.
My gorgeous friends launched Soft Launch London some time ago, and I just think it’s the coolest idea. I didn’t know this, but when new restaurants first open their doors, they go through a teething period where they soft launch their menus. You can subscribe to their newsletter (free or paid models) to be one of the first to secure a table, with incredible discounts off the menu. Genius!
Despite the fact that no-one can currently shop the site, I bought these M&S shorts for my holiday last week and they were so comfortable. Hit them up in-store if you can.
When lipstick feels too extra, I like this iconic Bisou Bisou balm in Bêtise, by French brand Violette. Half balm, half lipstick, it gives the smudged French-girl look.
It’s currently on sale if you’re an H&M member, this lyocell-blend jacket is so light - perfect for throwing in a bag and/or taking to a festival for when the sun goes down.
I came across this scent in Zara Home in Barcelona last week and I couldn’t get enough. The Siroc Tales scent comes in a candle and diffuser, and smells like the Mediterranean with figs, jasmine and citrus. Chefs kiss.
WNU has established itself as the perfect shirt brand, but I love this latest release with a collaboration with an artist - Bellamy Jean. The boyfriend fit stops the embroidery feeling too quaint.
I bought one of these de-puffing face rollers on holiday last week, and when put in the fridge feels amazing in the morning, especially after slightly too much sun.
Have a good week!
—Rhi
I need to tell you I genuinely look forward to your newsletters!