5 Things I Tried and Absolutely Loved This Past Summer

Last week, I read a Totally Recommend newsletter that encouraged me to rethink the way I shop. In it, the author wrote, “While everyone else gears up for fall, I focus on the summer season we’re leaving behind—what I wore, what worked, and what didn’t. Late summer is a time to pause, reflect, and take inventory before diving headfirst into the next season.” I was instantly inspired. Instead of continuing to go full steam ahead and indulging my fall shoppies, the newsletter left me feeling encouraged to do some healthy reflection on what I bought and loved from the season past. Now I’m sharing them with you!

Running Gear That Doesn’t Budge

Last weekend I had the pleasure of running the Hood to Coast relay race (a 196 mile journey from Mount Hood to the coast of Portland, Oregon) with a team of 11 other journalists and content creators brought together by Nike. Over the course of 26.5 hours I ran 3 legs, totalling approximately 14 miles—but more importantly I walked away with two pieces of running gear I plan on wearing on repeat for the next few months. First, these Pegasus Plus sneakers which were roomy in the toe box, cushiony for mid-distance legs, and so light and breathable my feet were never sweaty. Second, the Universa biker shorts which did not ride one bit. No chafing in sight!

A New Favorite White T-Shirt

I’ve written about my love of the same Uniqlo U T-shirt but earlier this summer when I was recently shopping in the store I decided to pick up a different one to try. The lightweight cotton material was perfect on extra-hot New York days.

An Impulse Beauty Buy That Worked Out

Shortly before I was scheduled to head out on some work-related travel, I ran out of my go-to (very expensive) face cream and decided I should save a few bucks and try a drugstore buy instead. I’m already a big fan of Eucerin body products, so I decided to try this face cream with SPF and I’m in love. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave my face oily, and a little goes a very long way.

My Go-To Work Shirt

Button-down shirts comprise much of my work wardrobe so I have a lot (and I mean a lot!) of them. These J.Crew ones are newly among my favorite in the bunch. I’ve found them to be incredibly versatile—just as easy to wear them with trousers as they’re easy to wear with biker shorts. They also travel nicely as a second layer for the plane and later, a swimsuit cover up.

First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.