Note 39 - The Summer Edit
A summer day in the Swedish Archipelago, aka my idea of a perfect summer day.
At the start of summer, I’ll be travelling with literally all of my clothes before finally settling into my new apartment. To make things a little easier, I decided to limit myself to just one suitcase’s worth of clothing from now until I leave (and the rest will remain zipped) and for my first two weeks in Europe. It sounds a bit complicated, but it basically means I’ll be living out of a suitcase until early July.
I pulled together a selection of pieces that I know I can wear effortlessly in the heat and adapt for different occasions. At the same time, I wanted fresh inspiration for styling them in new ways. So today’s post introduces a new concept on the blog: recreating outfits I’ve saved and using only the clothes packed in that suitcase, and essentially creating the perfect summer edit.
I hope you enjoy this new series and that it inspires you to get creative with your own summer wardrobe and discover new ways to wear the pieces you already have.
What I Wore This Week
Look 1 is inspired by TikTok creator @stephbacos, who shared the outfits she plans to repeat all summer long. While I don’t own a long white silky dress like hers, I do have a shorter version, so I decided to recreate the look using pieces from my suitcase.
I styled it similarly, starting with my Totême silk scarf tied at the waist and, as a second option, with my navy knit for a bit of contrast and texture. Styling pieces around the waist is something I rarely think to do, but I love how flattering it is, and the possibilities are endless!
My version: Dress - WAYF x Hannah Lovey / Sunglasses - Prada / Bag - By Malene Birger / Sandals - Emme Parsons
Look 2 is admittedly a bit of a cheat because I own two of the exact same pieces as @MelisseMartineau: the dress and the sunglasses. When I saw her styling them together, I loved the slightly bohemian feel of the outfit and knew I wanted to recreate it.
To make it my own, I added a small crossbody bag and my favourite pair of sandals, which are honestly some of the best in my wardrobe. They bring a little extra texture and personality to the look and prove, once again, that accessories really can make an outfit.
My version: Sweater - Uniqlo / Belt - Aritzia / Shorts - Aritzia / Loafers - Aritzia x GH Bass / Scrunchie: GANNI
Look 3 is inspired by an outfit I’ve actually recreated before, but with the colour palette reversed. This time, I paired light shorts with a navy knit, mostly because this lightweight cashmere sweater from Uniqlo is definitely making the cut for my suitcase. It’s one of those pieces I reach for year-round, whether it’s thrown over my shoulders on a cool summer evening or layered up in colder months. Without a doubt, it’s one of the hardest-working and most-worn items in my wardrobe.
And a round-up of my go-to summer pieces
Effortless dresses you can just throw on, they’re flowy and comfortable and can be dressed up or down
Good sunglasses
Tailored shorts so your outfits look elevated, but they’re still comfortable
Shoes: a comfortable pair of ballet flats, loafers for walking and elegant sandals
For more fashion inspiration, visit my ShopMy
Everyday Delights
Old Montreal
Helico café
Pilatika West Island
This week has mostly been spent packing boxes, figuring out how to squeeze my wardrobe into a few (or more than a few) suitcases, and emptying the apartment ahead of the movers' arrival on Monday. Amid all the chaos, I made time for some familiar things that make me feel good: mat Pilates, walks through the Old Port on my way to the studio, a carbonara date night at home, and sitting in a café with my book.
I promise this section will become more exciting again soon, but for now, the everyday delights have been all about slowing down, embracing a gentler pace, and doing my best to keep my cortisol levels in check because there’s no reason to be stressed once the apartment is empty!
Other things I’m looking forward to this summer: swimming, reading more (there’s never such a thing as too much reading), discovering new and familiar places, using my bike more around my new town, and eating lots of watermelon!
This Week’s Edit
Coco Mellors’ interview on Spread the Jelly
Coco Mellors is one of my all-time favourite authors, and after seeing her at a live book event in London, I can also confirm that she’s every bit as captivating in person as she is on the page. Not only does she write beautifully, but she’s also incredibly smart and stylish. I could also listen to her speak for hours. She recently appeared on Spread the Jelly for an interview on motherhood, the process of “birthing” a novel, and her upcoming third novel, set in Paris and due out next year.
I just finished Wifehouse, which follows a woman as she navigates a midlife crisis while travelling through London and Paris with her French teacher. What I appreciated most was that, unlike other books in the midlife-crisis genre, it leans more into literary fiction rather than relying on outrageous plot elements. The story was a really good book for summer, and when you want something slow but with beautiful descriptions.
Meg Howrey’s They’re Going to Love You was one of the best books I’ve read, so as soon as I heard she had a new novel coming out this September, I immediately preordered it. Body Language follows three sisters who reunite after their mother’s death, and from what I can tell, it has a similar feel to Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors.
Not a new discovery, but one creator whose content I never get tired of. Based in Stockholm, Filippa shares fashion, lifestyle, and wellness content across TikTok and Instagram. What stands out most to me is her effortlessly chic aesthetic. Everything she posts feels thoughtfully curated and aesthetically pleasing. I especially feel inspired by her wellness videos.
Love, S.
