Exec’s Summer Picks: Fashion, Beauty, Culture
As we welcome summer with a fully-vaxxed, long-overdue, fashionable hug, check out our executive team’s summer favorites. We are a stylish and fun group, so you can trust us when it comes to leading you to the best products and finds! Check them out, below:
Suma Appalaneni, President
Fashion: I am obsessed with Aritzia blazers! They are definitely pricey but the quality holds up and they’re so perfect to either dress up or down. They have so many styles and patterns—theres a perfect fit for everyone. Wear it with tailored pants and a blouse for work, or wear it as a chic jacket, and throw it over jean shorts and a bodysuit!
Beauty: I’ve recently learned the importance of sunscreen, and even though it is such a staple for everyone, good options seem so hard to find. After so much trial and error, I fell in love with Elta MD! It’s so lightweight, no whitecast at all, and pretty reasonably priced on Amazon!
Culture: I’ve been watching the show, The Bold Type, since it came out, and it’s so good! It's about three girls working at a magazine in NYC, and the ups and downs of their life as they navigate their 20s. Honestly, it makes you wish you were living in the city. The last season is starting to come out on Hulu, and I highly recommend it!
Amanda Gage, Blog Director
Fashion: Oh my goodness! Why have I just discovered the magic of Mother Denim. This brand, though pricier than the popular Zara jeans, are truly worth the money. I truly believe that if you are going to invest in one article of clothing, it needs to be a good pair of jeans. We have learned that a classic jeans and a tee simply never goes of style, and Mother makes the most stylish and comfiest jeans ever. The denim is seriously one of the softest denims I have ever tried. They also run very true to size, which makes shopping a little bit easier. I recently just bought a pair of “the tripper” jeans, which is a light wash, straigh leg style of jeans. You seriously need to check this brand out
Beauty: We all know that feeling when we come back from a long day at the beach and your skin starts to dry out (and may be a bit burnt). This After Sun Spray by Herbivore Botanicals has become part of my daily routine for those days when I’m spending hours under the intense sunlight. It instantly hydrates your skin and refreshes your whole body. Herbivore Botanicals is an amazing brand, and this is definitely one of my favorite products from them. For everyone planning on hitting the pool or beach this summer, you must get this product.
Culture: Conversation With Friends by Sally Rooney: I may be late to the game, but Sally Rooney has done it again. Last spring, I fell in love with Connell and Marianne in Normal People, and now she has created yet more fictional characters that you will fall in love with and getsucked into their world. The story focuses on Frances, a left-winged college student who writes poetry and performs the poems with her best friend, Bobbi. Frances and Bobby begin getting attention from a well known writer Melissa, and before they know it, the two young and fiery girls get pulled into Melissa’s seemingly dream life with vacations to the French countryside and intimate dinner parties with friends. Frances begins to grow closer to Nick, Melissa’s husband, which makes things complicated throughout the novel. However, the conversations between Nick and Frances are powerful as the two confide in one another, and in classic Rooney manner, she perfectly encompasses the emotions of two young adults trying to figure out what and who they want while navigating the daily stressors of life.
Maren Beverly, Junior Blog Director
Fashion: This summer I am trying to cut down on trendier purchases in favor of more long-term, timeless, and second-hand pieces. Basically, I’m trying to make fewer Zara purchases and more vintage ones. My fashion pick is not exactly a specific item but a more general fashion platform that I can’t get enough of : The Real Real. This site is a goldmine for second-hand designer pieces at a range of prices. Browsing through it feels like a never-ending treasure hunt. For more unique clothes or accessories, I highly recommend using TRR!
Beauty: If you know me, you know that my beauty bag is overflowing with Glossier products. I would love to be an ambassador for the brand if I ever gained the social media clout (*wink wink*) … but for now, I am just a loyal fan. Their recent launch, Ultralip, is branded as “the (cashmere) sweatpants of lipstick,” and it indeed hits all the marks of an amazing lipstick. Moisturizing, pigmented, shiny, and luxe, this lipstick is a must-add to your summer beauty regimen— especially when you’re in the mood for a bright red lip!
Culture: Netflix’s new biopic on the late American fashion designer, Halston, is a must-watch for the fashion-obsessed. The costumes are stunning, and the late designer’s story is simultaneously inspiring, beautiful, and tragic. I have a newfound appreciation for his legacy, along with all the amazing woman that surrounded him and served as his muses, such as Elsa Perretti and Liza Minelli. Indulge in these five episodes that will transport you to the late-seventies glitz of the fashion world.
Lilly Reed, Vice President and Treasurer
Fashion: Long jean shorts and high top converse have been two recent purchases of mine. Not a mutually exclusive pairing but two summer staples I have found that make me feel more confident in every outfit I style them with. As a petite person both pieces add a more flattering fit and are trends of 2021 that I hope stay (please please please no low waist trends).
The Pearl Revival: From pearl necklaces to iphone charms the revival of pearls has been one I have been quick to adapt to. A staple in an OG prep wardrobe I definitely had some handy to pull out again from my Lilly Pulitzer and Jcrew days. They add a sense of class, femininity and lust that I love.
Beauty: This summer has been a lot less makeup and a lot more sunscreen and freckles, but my skincare/bodycare has become more consistent. With more attention towards the body, the perfect summer fragrance became essential—it is hard to come by and while everyone has different tastes, I looked to my all time favorite perfume brand, Jo Malone, and the Poppy and Barley scent stood out in Bloomingdales, unique and light compared to others.
Culture: While I would define my 2021 summer as a working girl summer, I finally have time to watch TV, something that was a rare occurrence during school. These have been three summer shows I look forward to after work:
Hacks- on HBO Max is about a comedy writer that gets cancelled over twitter. Struggling to find work she lands a gig working for an ‘out of style’ female stand up comedian. Their relationship starts to form and it is quite funny.
Lupin- on Netflix is a french series about a man whose father was accused of stealing a diamond necklace that belonged to the family he chauffeured for causing his father to go to jail and creating a long time search for justice for him. Eventually becoming a master of conning people, Lupin is a Sherlock Holmes style show that is addicting.
The Bold Type- on Hulu is my ultimate summer show starring three 20 year old girls trying to make it in NYC who all become friends from working at a fashion magazine. The fifth season is out now and would be great for anyone to binge.
Olivia Fondie, Senior Events Director:
Fashion: This summer I, like many women, have been greatly influenced by the fashion displayed on Pinterest. I hoped to embody the laid-back, care-free, yet chic style of someone like Matilda Djerf. In order to achieve this look, I have been wearing many light colored button-ups. Match a summery, boyfriend style button-up with some white cut-offs, some tan sandals or white low tops and some layered necklaces and you are set. I wore this exact outfit to a picnic in central park and not only did I feel cool, I also felt mature and put-together.
Beauty: Summer = heat, we all know that. Ponytail holders are out of style, bland, and tend to rip your hair out. In order to get my hair off my face and neck and remain stylish, I use claw clips. This pack on amazon is $7 and the clips come with a matte finish and are super durable. The fun colors go with any and every outfit from sundresses to bikinis to athleisure. If you have thick or long hair, these clips work wonders to keep your hair off your face in the hot summer heat.
Culture: The show Younger is so fun! If you like shows following millennials around NYC while they explore their fun, yet unrealistic careers, relationships, and friendships, this show is for you. Younger follows a 40 year old woman who is trying to land a job at a young and upbeat publishing agency. In order to fit in, she fakes being a millennial and even befriends and dates 20-something year olds to fit in. The fashion in this show is chic and fun and if you need workwear inspiration it's good for that. It's a good, mindless summer watch with 7 bingeable seasons on Hulu.
Mackenzie Hanford, Junior Events Director
Fashion: Whether it’s a pair of mom-style denim shorts or a softer long sweat short, both prove to be very popular and stylish for summer 2021. I found a cute pair from aerie and I LOVE them for lounging, travel, or for a casual lunch! They’re so flattering and comfy, I’m really loving this new trend. Definitely check them out on Aerie, Daily Drills, or Alo!
Beauty: I really love using my “It’s a 10” leave-in product in the summer since my hair is exposed to more chlorine and sun. It’s such a nice product that adds shine and softness to the ends of my hair without leaving it greasy. Not to mention, it smells amazing! Worth a try all season long but definitely helpful for summer.
Culture: When Life Gives You Lululemon’s: I started reading this book and finished almost a week later! If you’re looking for an interesting summer read I definitely recommend this drama filled book. By the same author of “The Devil Wears Prada,” it has similar vibes and is a great choice for a light read on the beach or by the pool this summer!
Ashley Foley, Social Media Director
Fashion: Working a 9-5 internship, my fashion has been all about business attire lately. I have stocked up my closet with dress pants, blazers, and blouses. I discovered there are lots of ways to incorporate my own style into business attire, and I actually really enjoy dresses professionally. My go to shops for professional attire are Zara and Aritzia. Both have great pieces that are simultaneously professional and trendy.
Beauty: As a brunette, I have been on the hunt for the perfect dry shampoo for what feels like my whole life. I finally found it with the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo. This product is great for so many reasons. First, it actually blends so well into my dark hair. I spray it where needed, rub it in like I would with normal shampoo, and the white chalkiness completely disappears. It also makes my hair so soft and healthy. Other dry shampoos make my hair feel dry and tangled, but Perk Up helps my hair look better than when it is first blown out. Lastly, the cherry on top is that it smells absolutely amazing, and I am truly obsessed
Culture: The Heat Wave by Kate Roirdan: This pick is the epitome of a perfect beach read. Taking place in the South of France, it’s a story about a mom and her two daughters, one of which is currently missing. I don’t want to spoil too much, but The Heat Wave is a mystery you will not want to put down.
Katie Calhoun, Junior Social Media Director
Fashion: Honestly, as basic as it is, I cannot stop buying matching sets. No matter if it is a matching Terry cloth button up top with shorts to coverup my bikinis, or if it is a cream sweatpants set with a matching zip up, I always look for them in my closet in the mornings. I think it is interesting how people don’t necessarily associate sweatpants and sweatshirts with summer as the weather gets warmer, but I live in sweats over bathing suits. Someone please take my credit card before I buy another matching set.
Beauty: For the summer, I find lightweight products to be a must-have in my routine. With my hair and skin in need of products with certain qualities, transitioning my routine with seasons has been important to perfect. I have found that ensuring my hair maintains its health and strength, as well as being soft, the Kerastase Blond Absolu serum is crucial to put in after the shower. Not only does it protect my hair from heat and pool water, but it also leaves my hair tangle-free! I typically mix it with the Kerastase oil and apply it to my damp hair before brushing it after washing. I also have recently discovered the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I wouldn’t call this necessarily a moisturizer, but more of a lightweight foundation. It has felt so hydrating on my face and lasts incredibly throughout the day. Overall, although I just started using these products, I would definitely say they are going to be my summer go-to’s.
Culture: Going back and forth between the ferry on the Cape and my house is a decent drive during the summer. One of my favorite things has been to listen to different podcasts to take up the time. My favorite one recently has been Giggly Squad. Their episodes are always so entertaining and their guest selection is perfection at its finest. Definitely a good listen when traveling this summer!
Grace Greenwald, Photography and Merchandise Director:
Fashion: Mules are my favorite summer shoe. They can dress up a casual outfit, chic, and come in many different styles for all occasions from a beach day to a dinner out. They are the perfect shoe for when you don’t want to wear sandals and are not in the high heel kinda mood.
Beauty: Cocokind Daily SPF: THE best facial sunscreen you will ever come across. It's so light and doesn’t turn your face white. Plus, the company has sustainability on the top of their list as well as clean ingredients. I used to hate putting on sunscreen but now it has become the most important part of my skincare routine.
Culture: Van Gogh Exhibit: Coming to NYC and making its way around a handful of other cities is an immersive Van Gogh exhibit. I have yet to go but my tickets are bought and I can already tell it is going to be a fav of mine. The exhibit uses projectors to display Van Gogh's work making it a more interactive and techy experience, appealing to those who find normal museum trips boring. The visitor is immersed in the artworks projected throughout entire rooms. I can’t wait to see it for myself!
