What summer feels like

Things I look forward to doing and wearing in the sun. Plus, summer sales on my radar.

May 22, 2026

I had a whole other newsletter planned for this week, but we took a mini staycation last weekend and had the perfect summer weather that left me feeling refreshed and inspired.

It was the Victoria Day long weekend here, and we booked a hotel in Toronto for the night, so we could wander the city, take the kids for a swim, and simply get a break from our regular day-to-day routines. It was our first real taste of summer, with temperatures around 29°C, which is unusual for May, when the weather here is normally still cool enough for big sweaters and light jackets.

We started the day at the Royal Ontario Museum (it was our kids’ first time, and they loved it), grabbed pizzas at North of Brooklyn for a quick lunch, and then checked into Hotel X. Between the rooftop pool, waterfront views, and the hotel’s thoughtful touches, it felt like the perfect city getaway.

The hotel had mini robes and slippers, stuffed animals, and treats waiting in the room for our kids—little details that made the stay feel extra special. It was one of those places that made an effort to feel family-friendly, even though the overall vibe leans modern and trendy (the rooftop pool was a mix of families with small kids + young, flashy couples + girls that seemed like they were on a bachelorette).

After the kids got tired of swimming, we went back to our room to freshen up and took the hotel’s complimentary car service (another great perk) to dinner nearby. We decided on tableside guac and tacos for dinner, which our kids devoured, and then walked it off to a gelato place we’ve been dying to try.

All day, from our drive into the city with our windows down to lazing by the pool and strolling the busy city streets with gelato in hand, I felt this huge sense of relief and ease. I kept thinking, how lucky are we that summer is finally around the corner? Which led me to this list… a list of things that feel like summer to me.

Fun plans. See staycation above, but also beach day trips, spontaneous drinks on the patio, visiting friends at the cottage, etc. The calendar always fills up quickly, but as my husband and I like to remind ourselves, “it’s all good things.” There’s just so much more fun to cram in when the sun doesn’t set before 9 pm.
Finding the excitement to get dressed again. Even for the simplest things, like running errands. Sure, I love layers, but I find I have more motivation (and am more excited) to get dressed in the summer because I’m not hiding everything underneath a jacket.
Wearing white outfits and not caring if they get dirty. I waited years until my kids were old enough and not crawling all over me to lean into wearing more white outfits. It still feels a little risky, but I try to remind myself it’s worth getting something dirty to wear the clothes I love.
Wore all white to the museum and lunch. Obsessed with these ivory crepe pants* (I got them in the petite length), which I paired with a white tank* + scarf tied around my waist + leather flip flops (similar) + old Longchamp Le Pliage tote.
Hydrated lips. My current go-to lip combo is this liner* in Tabac and this shade slick* in Biarritz (pic further down below). It’s perfectly subtle and glossy, without feeling sticky, while keeping my lips hydrated all day.
Fresh DIY manicures. I’ve always done my own nails since I was younger, when my family doctor warned me about the bacteria and risk of infection in nail salons. Yes, it takes a bit of time, but I don’t mind it so much in the summer because I find a fresh coat of nail polish can help me feel more put together, especially when I’m wearing sandals. I was kindly gifted The Full Set* from Celisse, and it’s so beautiful that it makes doing my nails feel less like a task and more like a satisfying ritual.
Wearing the shade “Vanity” on my nails + Tabac lip liner* + Biarritz shade slick*.
Comfy, light linen pieces. I’m not a fan of wearing shorts, so I rely a lot on linen pieces to keep me cool in warm weather. I’ve been on the hunt for new beige linen trousers to replace an old pair that I’ve worn for years and are starting to show their age. I find linen pants to be ideal for almost any summertime activity—going to the beach, wearing over a swimsuit by the pool, backyard barbecues, etc.
Minimal and classic, my kind of summer look. Currently eyeing these beige linen trousers or these that have a side zip. For something more casual, I like these with side ties.
Taking a refreshing dip in the water. Some days can feel unbearably hot, and the only way to escape the heat is by plunging into cool water (beach, pool, lake, doesn’t matter). It’s one of my ideal ways to spend a summer weekend, really—doing nothing but alternating between soaking up the sun and swimming in the water. Some swimwear currently on my mind for the summer: shades of blue and warm pops of colour, one-pieces (always) in sleek silhouettes, and cute details, like mesh or cut-outs.
Photos (top left, bottom right): @matteau / @sylviemus_. Products: Asymmetric maillot + Pontia one piece mesh swimsuit* + Sezane swimsuit with cut-outs (or similar with more sizes) + Jenna one piece in white* (One of my favourites with a high leg that I bought in brown last year. Did you see Hilary Duff in the red?!) + blue linen button-up* + ivory embellished skirt + sandals + sunhat + beach canvas tote + water-resistant chain + tassel necklace + sunscreen* (currently 30% off)
A tan + easy makeup that melts into your skin. A little bit of colour from spending time in the sun (wearing sunscreen, of course) always makes me feel better about putting on makeup. Or less of it, I should say. I don’t feel the need for anything heavy or too done up. Light, creamy products are my favourite because they blend seamlessly into my skin for a more natural look.
I’m no makeup expert, but this is what works for me. I prepped my skin the night before by sleeping with this collagen mask because hotel rooms can be so dry. Skincare products I used: Serum + brightening eye cream + moisturizer + sunscreen primer. Makeup I used: Creamy bronze eye shadow* (Sartorial) + Concealer (shade is Canelle) + Complexion stick (shade is Camel) + Bronzer in Siene + Creamy blush in Mood (no longer available, but Bespoke* is similar) + Highlighter in Citrine + Tinted eyebrow gel* + lip liner* + shade slick*.
Not keeping track of time. Lingering over a good meal (and ordering dessert), taking after-dinner walks, letting the kids stay up past their bedtime, not rushing to be anywhere. Summer is for letting plans unfold naturally, rather than sticking to strict schedules.
Clothes that slip on. Getting “dressed up” for me usually involves throwing on a slip dress and sandals. There’s an ease to getting ready in the summer, and I like that I don’t have to think too much about it. I have a few dresses I love, one of them being this Donni Silk Cami Dress I bought on sale last year that’s so simple and elegant, and I can keep it feeling relaxed with a pair of leather flip flops.
Wearing the Donni Silk Cami Dress from last year + lightweight v-neck sweater* tied around my waist + leather flip flops (similar) + vintage bag + Gia bangle*. Similar dress styles from Silk Laundry (this or this), Aritzia, or Oak + Fort (I own a similar one in red).
Spaghetti straps and bare shoulders. Not just spaghetti straps on tops, but purses, too. I’ve added this Still Here tank to my wishlist and this Valesque spaghetti leather-trimmed nylon-satin tote to my closet recently. I’m obsessed with the bag and dainty shoulder straps. Other options include a canvas style and this cute mini version.
Wearing a butter yellow Zara halter from last year + ecru jeans + sweater* tied around my waist + similar flip flops + bag + vintage watch.
Smoother skin. As someone who deals with dryness and eczema, the warmer weather always feels like a relief for my skin. Sometimes it can still get dry from sunscreen, so I’ve been using this shower oil and applying this cream after. They make my skin soft and help soothe minor irritations.
Letting things be. I thought I’d end this list with something that resonated with me recently: this piece from Sogole Kane. Although she’s referring mostly to writing and getting dressed, her thoughts on letting go of perfection and not overcomplicating things are exactly the feelings I want to take with me going into this summer. Ease, simplicity, not sweating the details… just letting things be. Maybe it’s something that will inspire you, too:

“Leaning into the simplest option is sometimes the best option. It’s something I can easily seem to do when getting dressed, but admittedly struggle with when it comes to writing and other, more emotional parts of my life. No fuss, no muss feels truer—in fashion, and in life.”

My favourite place to be—lounging by a pool. Wearing the Jenna one piece* + linen pants* + sunglasses.

Shopping summer sales

In case you’re shopping, here’s a short list of sales on my radar. Just a heads up that some of these might be final sale, so it’s best to be sure before you check out.

Alex Mill: What mostly caught my eye were their jackets on sale, like this cotton linen one and this barn style one in waxed cotton.
Almina Concept: 20% off with the code MEMORIAL20. This beautiful, classic trench would be my top pick. I also like their high neckline tanks, like this V-neck or round-neck.
AYR*: Up to 60% of select styles, including a cozy-looking oversized grey sweatshirt and these straight-leg jeans in a light wash.
Donni: Also up to 60% off. The Silk Stripe Crop Pant in navy that I have on my wishlist isn’t part of the sale, but there are some other silk styles that are. For tops, they have this boatneck tee, a square-neck tank, and this flannel shirt I love.
Posse: Lots of light, summery pieces currently on sale, like pretty shift dresses and linen tops.
Skims: Up to 40% off best sellers. I have three of their bras, including this strapless one, which is actually comfortable that I’m considering buying it in another shade.
Toteme: Still splurge-y, but there are some really good deals right now. I’d go for a staple, like their denim or kitten heel mules (I bought last season’s version on sale from Ssense).

You can view all the products featured in this post here.

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