Welcome to our series showcasing some of our Marie Claire editors' fashion and beauty purchases this month. You'll discover the seasonal basics anchoring our wardrobes and the beauty buys that have us reconsidering our routines.
Summer has finally arrived, and we're mixing trendy warm-weather staples and some summer essentials into our closet. Entertainment Director Neha Prakash purchased cushioned leather sandals she recently wore while strolling around Europe. Fashion Editor Emma Childs has the perfect blotting powder that instantly absorbs shine for a sweat-free makeup look. Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike upgraded her summer capsule wardrobe with a breezy button-down shirt that you'll probably want to add to your rotation.
"This felt like the perfect mashup between fisherman sandals (which are all the rage this summer) and Birkenstock slides (which have been dominating footwear trends for the past few years). I got these shoes for a recent trip to Europe and they proved light and comfortable to walk in. I love that they are a bit more narrow on the foot and overall less clunky, so they feel chicer than other similar styles."— Neha Prakash, Entertainment Director
"My makeup routine isn't complete without Victoria Beckham's Vast Lash Mascara. This product is totally smudge-proof, so no matter how humid it is outside, I never experience any unwanted streaks around my eyes. I love how it provides an instant boost of volume with just one swipe, making my lashes appear noticeably fuller. It's also formulated with gentle vegan ingredients, which is ideal for those with sensitive skin. If you're looking for a new mascara, do yourself a favor and invest in this one. You'll thank me later."— Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
"I wrote an article for another magazine six or seven years ago saying Abercombie was 'back.' Reader, I spoke too soon. The brand has really hit its stride in the last two years—especially in terms of sizing. I got on board with this strapless, drop-waist dress that I ordered for a wedding. The proportions are excellent, the bodice is nicely structured, the red is a perfect cherry shade, and crucially, there are pockets. I plan to keep wearing it throughout the summer with espadrilles and a little straw bag."— Halie LeSavage, Senior News Editor (Fashion & Beauty)
"With coconut perfumes, there’s a fine line between a summery fragrance versus a suncreen-y scent. But with By Rosie Jane’s new perfume, there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a fun, yet sophisticated fragrance. While it does remind me of summer days spent laying in the sun, notes of white floral and musk give this scent some depth. It’s fresh, slightly sweet, energetic, and not too overpowering— everything I want my summer perfume to be."— Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor
"I've been in the market for a new laptop bag for some time now, but I haven't seen anything that can also be worn as a purse when I'm not carrying around my computer. This summery canvas bag is upgraded with leather trim and has a really sleek bucket silhouette, so it doesn't feel like your typical laptop tote."— Sara Holzman, Style Director
"I enjoy a dewy beauty look. I want my skin to look fresh and hydrated as if all I do is drink water all day. But summer sweat complicates matters. Every time I leave my apartment, my face spouts moisture like a water fountain working overtime—which is not my desired dewy look. So, I recently invested in Fenty's Invisimatte and could not be happier. The formula mattifies my skin as promised without leaving me looking cakey or overpowered. In what should come as no surprise whatsoever: Rihanna, you've done it again."— Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor
"I'm a forever fan of Rothy's The Driver, but my white pair got paint-splattered during a particularly creative engagement party (do not ask), and I'm now the proud owner of a herringbone pair. These have quickly become the shoes I'll live in this summer—I like that the pattern is more exciting than a neutral, but still low-key enough that I can wear them with most outfits. And as with my other Rothy's favorites (The Point II are my flat go-tos), these shoes start out comfortable and only get more so as you wear them in."— Jenny Hollander, Digital Director
"It's no secret that I'm a big Charlotte Tilbury fan. While I truly love majority of her products, her newest launch is my all-time favorite, number one pick. To say I'm in love with it would be an understatement. The foundation stick is similar to Flawless Filter, but has a softer, less oily finish. I draw the product all over my face and massage it in with my fingers. It blurs over pores and gives my skin ideal brightness—it basically makes me look like I'm constantly standing in front of a ring light. Plus, it lasts all day—no fading, no budging, no oxidizing. I haven't put it down since I got my hands on it."— Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
"No summer wardrobe is complete without a plain white T-shirt. It’s a versatile staple that can be cycled through a range of warm-weather outfits. My favorite as of late? Khy’s Baby Tee, crafted from a super soft cotton blend that's breathable and cozy. For casual outings, I'll pair this top with linen shorts and chunky sandals, and for a more upscale event, I'll style it with a slinky slip skirt and kitten heels."— Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
"I never would have believed that such sleek, thin hairpins would manage to keep my hair up all day long, but these gold French chignon pins aways do the trick. They're versatile enough to create buns, ponytails, and half-up-half-down looks without the damage or headache-inducing hair pulling of scrunchies. Plus, they match beautifully with my gold jewelry."— Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
"Button-up shirts are a part of my wardrobe year-round, but I especially love them as a light layer during the summer. I have this shirt in many colors, but it is the red one that lands me the most compliments."— Nikki Ogunnaike, Editor in Chief
"I travel constantly in the summer, fleeing the city every Thursday to Monday. I recently got this Vee Collective weekend bag and it's truly the best investment. It holds everything I could possible need for a getaway, feels comfortable on my shoulder, and has a washable fabric so I don't have to worry about getting it dirty. I'm partial to the matte black color, but there are four hues to choose from."— Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
"I struggle with red lipstick as it's just a little too high maintenance for me; it's hard to keep it from smudging and fading. But this balm in Red Coral gives the perfect pop of just-bitten color."— Andrea Stanley, Executive Editor
"I’m always a sucker for garments that play with lightweight lingerie elements, especially in the summer when I can’t be bothered with the heat. This silk, sheer dress from the sustainable brand Bella Venice, which makes all of their clothes out of vintage deadstock fabric, is my new favorite LBD. I love how it’s both sweet and sexy, with its cut and see-through fabric. After wearing it out dancing to a (very hot!) basement club, I can attest that it keeps you cool, too."— Sadie Bell, Senior Culture Editor
“I tested these shorts for a story with the team, and liked them so much that I ordered two more pairs. They’re cut a little looser than a typical running short, so they don’t bunch up or chafe on long distance runs. (This is mission critical for me while I train for my first marathon over the summer.) The easy access, zipper-pocket waistband is also a major plus, as is the fun range of colors. If you’re between sizes, go a size down.”— Halie LeSavage, Senior News Editor (Fashion & Beauty)