The July Edit With Caroline

Happy high summer, friends! We all find that our needs change during these long, warm summer days and nights - shorts, easy dresses, casual dining outdoors and simple, light meals are all part of the daily routine. So for the July Edit, I’ve gathered my summer favorites encompassing some new wardrobe essentials along with classic go-to's for cooking and serving (cue my new Stone Jug ice cream scoop collaboration).

Investing in wardrobe staples that feel effortlessly chic is always a good idea whether it's a sleek white pant, a statement dress or a lightweight blouse. When I’m going out, dresses are my go-to, and I’m loving the sweet style of the Halter Midi Dress from Raquel Allegra. Made from a lightweight cotton gauze, this dress has an elegant flower print and tie at the waist. Another floral favorite is the Della Print Puff Sleeve Dress from Sea NY, with its flattering smocked waist and midi silhouette.

A black dress might not be the most obvious choice for summer, but I can guarantee it’s a good one. To avoid getting too warm, make sure you choose one that's lightweight with breathable fabric, like the Addie Dress from Sea NY. It features a beautiful smocked bodice with delicate eyelet detailing throughout and signature puff sleeves. A must for summer travel, the Alok Sarong is perfect for slipping over your bathing suit or pairing with a tank and sandals for dinner out.

From workwear to weddings, the Aerin Suiting Pant from Sea NY is as versatile as it's chic. It has an exaggerated wide leg and pleated detailing that can be worn with a variety of tops, from tanks to blouses, like the Addie Eyelet Tank Top styled here. For an everyday summer pant, the Shon Pant from Nili Lotan is made from a lightweight cotton twill with a cool, uniquely curved silhouette. I'm styling it here with a basic tank and embellished flats for a chic summer look.

The Fez Pants from Raquel Allegra are a favorite for their cropped silhouette and pull on style. I’m pairing the black and white print with a simple satin camisole and wedged sandals. A suiting essential for summer,  the Jai Jacket from Raquel Allegra is a classic one-button blazer in a washed white silk linen.

For that summer top you’ll wear on repeat, the Normandy Blouse from Nili Lotan combines casual, approachable and sophisticated. It’s lightweight and airy, perfect for wearing to the office or dinner with friends. I’m styling it here with white denim and a metallic strappy heel.

Finding the right shorts can be akin to bathing suit shopping. To make the experience easier, I’ve curated a variety of styles in different cuts and fabrics. Classic denim never goes out of style, and I’ve been loving the boyfriend fit of the Yoann Denim Shorts from Nili Lotan. They're slouchy with a mid rise and a light denim wash. For a fun cargo style, the Magda Shorts from AGOLDE have traditional workwear detailing with a hammer loop and relaxed fit though the hips. Made from organic cotton, they only gets softer with each wash.

For a more classic style, the Camilla Shorts from Citizens of Humanity are sophisticated and chic. They sit at the waist and are slim through the hips and thighs. They're made from 100% cotton and the dark wash gives them an elevated feel. I'm styling them here with a blazer layered over a basic tee, like the Bailey Tank from AGOLDE, and a strappy heel.

I love colored denim for summer, and my current favorite is the Annabelle Shorts from Citizens of Humanity. The boyish fit is perfect for throwing on with a white button down and espadrilles. For a little less slouch, the Marlow Vintage Shorts from Citizens of Humanity are still relaxed, but with a mid-rise and a light wash. These super comfortable cut-offs can be styled with anything, from blouses to basic tees, like the Poppy Scoop Neck Tank.

Meant to be worn and loved all summer, linen shorts are a must for hot weather. The Puelches Thaides Shorts from Maria Cher are made from 100% linen with a high waist and loose legs. The style is relaxed, yet elegant, and I’m loving them styled with a blouse and strappy heels are for an elevated summer look. The Woodstock Shorts from Mirth are a classic cotton style with an elastic waistband and pockets. Style these favorites with a blouse or keep it casual with a basic tee.

Summer is here – cue all the simple, seasonal meals eaten al fresco with friends and family. I’m all about making summer entertaining easy and fun, starting with the cooking. About a month ago, Jeffrey and I road tripped along the coast of Maine (see here), and while we weren’t one of the lucky ones to dine at The Lost Kitchen, I did snag their cookbook, which I’ve been using on repeat lately.

Based in the Hudson Valley, Laurel & Ash Farm makes sustainably harvested maple products for cooking and baking. Their Barrel Aged Maple Vinegar ferments apples with the farm’s maple syrup for a raw vinegar that is delicious in salad dressings, summer cocktails and so much more. Serve up your favorite pint of ice cream using this handcrafted Ice Cream Scoop. The newest Stone Jug collaboration, this scoop is made from fallen trees that have been reclaimed and repurposed.

Fresh fruit is at its peak, so this ceramic Berry Bowl is a must for cleaning berries, tomatoes and other veggies. One of my favorite summer dishes is a simple salad, using ingredients straight from our garden, served with these beautiful Spalted Maple Salad Tossers, which are handmade from upcycled fallen maple trees. 

When it’s time to set the table, I turn to dining essentials that are simple and natural, like these linen napkins from my Stone Jug collection. They come in a set of four, are made from 100% stone washed linen, and the echinacea yellow hue is perfect for summer. Top your dining chairs with these Tufted Chair Cushions from the DIANI x Tensira collection. Handwoven from cotton and filled with all natural kapok, these cushions are a must for outdoor dining. Bring an earthy element to your table setting with these Round Placemats made of raffia. And to add in soft lighting, the Portofino Rattan Woven Lantern creates a warm, rustic atmosphere in any space.

Summer is all about long, easy, effortless days that turn into nights. I don't know if it's the extra vitamin D, but I can't help but feel more at ease this time of year. And my curated collection of favorites reflect that – from the easy wardrobe staples and selection of shorts, to my entertaining must-haves. I hope you are having a wonderful summer so far!