Summer Wishlist
clothes, makeup, accessories + affordable alternatives I'm obsessing over
Let’s be honest, summer is the most fun season to shop for, but the one where (at least for me) the need is the most short-lived. Swimsuits—I’m lucky if they see the light of day 10 months out of the year. Shorts? As a high school teacher, these are iffy at best even in the warmest workday weather, really only enjoying their heyday in July and August. So when I shop for summer, I really have to mean it, ya know?
So, here are the things I have in my carts right now. The stuff I have my eye on (for the most part) is versatile enough to last beyond a single season, and I have eyed up and linked quality affordable alts whenever possible.
Scroll down for the details linked to my ShopMy here.
1. Vichy Capital Soleil Sunscreen
She is 2x more expensive than the Neutrogena I was going to reach for when my Elf finally runs out, but my fellow sensitive skin bff’s esthetician uses this one and raves it, so we might give it a try. Will report back!
2. Stud Earrings
I’ve been a hoops girlie for a while now, but our new puppy is always just one nip away from ripping my huggies straight out of my lobes, so it feels like a good time to return to the elegant stud. The pair linked here are a chic oval shape and I already know Pavoi jewelry can be worn extensively without irritating my sensitive ears.
3. Makeup By Mario Soft Plumping Cream Blush Veil (Paradise Pink)
Blush is my desert island makeup product, and a hot pink blush is a summer need. I’m in love with MBM’s plum shade of this cream blush, and it’s a daily wear that honestly still lasts foreverrr.
4. Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Bag
The cool girls all seem to be rocking some version of the woven leather tote bag and I’m obsessed. I’ve almost checked out at both Holt Renfrew and SSENSE recently…
5. The Etsy Version
…but this handmade alt caught my eye and is a fraction of the price. The key to a good dupe is material and construction, and handmade leather… I mean could it really be that bad? If saving $600 is wrong, I don’t want to be right, tbh…
6. ALD x New Balance T500s
Simple white tennis shoes with a little flair = a summer staple. Everything Aimé Leon Dore touches is gold in my opinion, but their sneaker collabs are usually elite. I actually just snagged a preloved pair of these T500s on eBay, effectively moving them off the wishlist.
7. Aritzia Sunday Best Hepworth Bloomers
Style Toast posted a cute pair of Khaite bloomers a long time ago and I added them to my own list. I don’t think they’re the kind of thing I’d get a lot of wear out of outside of the home, so I was thrilled when this cute $38 pair landed at Aritzia this season.
8. Arket Leather Ballerinas
If you know me you know that both leopard print and ballerinas are basically 50% of my personality. At least 10% of said personality is also having true size 11 feet. Not cute narrow model feet, but like true Euro 42.5s, so the Arket version feel a little risky. (Power to you if you have cute dainty normal girl feet)…
9. H&M Leather Leopard Flats
For half the price, but still real leather, these H&M flats are an option I’m considering instead. H&M shoe sizing does usually run tts if not a little big in my opinion, so a much safer option overall!
10. Moroccanoil L’Originale Eau de Parfum
Until I smelled this eau de parfum, I wasn’t a Moroccanoil fragrance stan. I’ve since learned there’s a cult following of this line due to the smell that lingers in your hair after using the shampoo and conditioner. It is truly right up my alley in the most summer way. It might be for you if you have similar powdery/floral/skin-scent fragrance preferences. My other go-tos are Glossier You, Byredo Bal d’Afrique, Ellis Brooklyn Marshmallow, Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt and this feels of the same essence.
11. Miu Miu Riviere Cord And Leather Thong Sandals
Obviously out of the budget and totally unrealistic. An easy Google search showed me the ones more fit for a seasonal, maybe even flash-in-the-pan trend sandal…
12. Jeffrey Campbell All-Aboard Rope Sandals
I dunno what it is about a paracord but I’m deeply enthralled with the aesthetic. Looking at these, even $100 feels like a lot for a shoe fashioned after a camping rope… What are the chances I could make a pair of these out of a length of rope and thrifted Tevas? 😂 😂 😂
Comment here if you have any rave reviews or want more details! And tell me, what’s in your cart and on your wishlist this season?
Love a cream blush -- I use Olio E Osso daily on my cheeks, lips, and eyes (alone or as an eyeshadow base)!
Like you, blush is my desert island product too! I need to try this one by MBM!