Chic Escapes: From “Poolside Skin” to Mediterranean Sandals & What’s Next
Poolside skin saviors, resort-ready style picks, and summer upgrades worth packing now.
Our shifting acronym, GINGER, allows us to extol all our favorite things! Fortunately, warm weather and sunshine have officially arrived, and we’re super excited for our upcoming staycations and vacations. We thought we’d share some of our favorite new discoveries, in case they help you relax and unwind in style!
When Michelle sent me this post featuring Demi Moore about “Poolside Skin,” it got me thinking, how was I going to get my glow on? Two recent discoveries that help (and I’m a self-tanner phobic) are Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan (also available on QVC when it’s not sold out), and RMS SunCoverup Super Tint SPF 50. The first promises not to transfer onto clothes or sheets (or age spots), and the second offers luminous skin-like coverage (tip: the .5 shades have some peach to counteract dark circles and blue). Also adding this not-so-sexy, but seriously effective, skincare solution: Amlactin. This award-winning formula softens and hydrates rough, bumpy areas, particularly for those who experience keratosis pilaris (KP). It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Now, if I have to wear a bathing suit, I’m going to spare the locals and don one of SKIMS brilliant swim skirts. Not only can you wear it in the pool, but it also looks chic poolside for drinks! Former variations and colors can be found for less on resale websites like Poshmark. Speaking of chic, while I’m not necessarily the Birkenstock type, I do appreciate all of their new water-friendly EVA styles, particularly the Madrid Big Buckle.
What makes a simple vacation outfit more interesting than some great bangles? Very Nancy Cunard! Now I’ve had my eye on several Ben Amun sets on Moda Operandi. For a similar look at a wallet-friendly price, consider the Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford collab with Zara.
The other? Michelle loves a hand fan from Palma Canaria. Woven in Colombia from iraca palm, their fans come in sculptural shapes with playful sayings and painterly color-blocks.. All are functional art—made to cool you off and make you the most interesting person in the room.
Here’s what made the cut for summer—and what’s coming next. Last summer, I (again Michelle) finally got my hands on the Rose Carmine Short Dress Résille Pastel—a handmade, open-weave pastel dream that takes a while to arrive but feels like wearing a sunset. Worth the preorder. It’s part art piece, part vacation mindset.
Each summer, I refresh my sandal lineup—something for the pool, something for walking, and something that transitions seamlessly from a market run to a mezze. While fashion is into Olsen-coded minimalism (see: Teva Infinity) and Havaianas just dropped a high-glam collab with Dolce & Gabbana, I still favor woven or leather pairs with staying power. This year, I added the Jenni Kayne Leather Crossover Sandals to the lineup—clean, versatile, and very California woman on her third matcha. I’ve also scored near-new Ancient Greek Sandals and Chloé pairs on The Real Real. And one magical summer in the Mediterranean, I had a pair made for me!
When it comes to summer bags, I’m forever searching for that sweet spot: durable, handmade, and not so pricey that I’ll cry if I spill Aperol on it. I’ve picked up a couple of woven bags from Dragon Diffusion—beautifully made, low-key luxe, and the kind of piece that gets better with age. There’s nothing showy about them, which is exactly why they work.
I rarely step into the sun without a hat—preferably one with a bit of personality. Lately, I’ve been reaching for Summer Romero, a label discovered at Krei Concept Store. Made in Mexico, these structured, hand-embroidered pieces blend sun protection with sculptural form. Each one is stitched with surrealist details and folk-art energy, offering not just shade, but a story. For something travel-proof and TikTok-validated, Lorna Murray’s foldable, pleated hats nail the form-meets-function brief.
Because summer style should feel like a passport stamp: relaxed, radiant, and always ready to move.
While not necessarily a direct gourmand reference, one of our favorite summery, vacation-perfect scents, Victoria Beckham’s Portofino ‘97 (apparently it was a good year), just became available in a travel size! Described as “A euphoric hit of calabrian bergamot and black pepper; crisp white sheets suffused with incense and amber; patchouli and vetiver lingering on the skin of a significant other.” Count us in!.
In preparation for Barcelona, Jamie purchased some much-needed packing cubes, which she will continue to make great use of. How did she live before these? Who better to invest in than travel expert Samantha Brown, who leaves no space unused! You can also try TravelPack™for challenging packing situations. The Parcel from Cadence or Calpak’s large, clear cosmetic case is going to set your skin and beauty routine up for travelling success (and may also function as extra counter space). All make it easy to clean off product and sand when you're ready! Speaking of skin and hair, travel light and be prepared with Typology’s incredible Travel Set and Olaplex’s Strong Start Haircare Kit. Add on Typology’s L31 Self-Tanning Serum with 10% DHA and carob pulp extract for the look of vacation on the ready!
Your perfect summer beach or pool read? The Wedding People by Alison Espach, described as “A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.” Jamie’s daughter offers another worthy choice, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. She’s read three Emily Henry books and claims they are great summer choices. This particular one, set on the balmy Little Crescent Island, is sure to transport you! No time to read? Be sure to stream Sirens, a Netflix series that revolves around two sisters, Devon and Simone, as they navigate a world of wealth and power. The scenery and costumes are divine!
