Stephanie’s Summer 2024 Inspiration

Summer Vibes Here in Chicago

March in Chicago is a rollercoaster ride of meteorological highs and lows.  Take our current month.  In Chicago, we began with record high temperatures hitting the 70’s coupled with clear and sunny days.  There was a spring to my step and a run to Vintage Charm in Hinsdale to find brightly colored cute spring/summer blouses.  Alas, these new clothes remain unworn, thanks to Chicago weather over the past few weeks.  Snow last weekend?!??  Really??
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Rather than dwelling on Mother Nature’s whims, I’m setting my sights – and imagination - on warmer weather this summer.  Let’s focus on summer!  Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite summer-enhancing things.

​Lilly Pulitzer Anniversary Collection

Harlan Maxi Romper

Charmain Strapless Mini Dress

Lilly Pulitzer wasn’t on my radar until they opened their shop in Oakbrook Center several years ago.  Regardless of being a relative newcomer to this designer – I’m a fan!

And I am currently loving their Limited Edition 65th Anniversary Collection.

Two stand-outs from this collection are the Harlyn Maxi Romper in Anniversary Toile suitable for relaxed summer dinners in July (or on a fabulous beach vacation in the Tropics anytime).

Another gorgeous option is their Charmain Strapless Mini Dress.  While (sadly for me) it has a more youthful vibe, how cute would this be as a college formal dress – or even for the bridesmaids at a summer wedding?

​Fun Beach-themed Gallery Wall

Beach Gallery Wall

Last year, I collected beach prints and drawings and created a fun gallery wall at home.  Even when March doldrums linger, I have my cheerful summer art to keep me happy.

This was easy to create.  The first piece I found is the large aerial Packed Beach framed print.  Next, I shopped Etsy to find three other beach-related prints: center top, center bottom, and bottom right.  Then I looked through my Cancun vacation photos and found the top right sunrise photo.  To ensure it fit in with the other drawings, I used the Waterlogue App on my phone, which turns your photos into watercolor art.  Then I sent it to Walgreens for printing on matte photo paper.

To frame these four prints (Two 5” x 7”s and two 8” x 10”s), I searched several places for frames before finding these four at Home Goods.

Warm Weather Scents

Warmer weather calls for different scents than other seasons.  Two of my summer favorites run the gamut from bold to soft.
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​Capri Blue’s Aloha Orchid candle is not for the faint-hearted.  Orchids, jasmine, and gardenia mix into a luscious floral scent.  While the website claims this scent isn’t overpowering, I’ve had some different opinions on that.   
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I most enjoy this candle outdoors on warm evenings.  When I brought it into my studio, one of the other Design Center tenants was sensitive to this scent.  So I brought it back home to enjoy.

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​Voluspa’s French Cade and Lavender candle is a much softer scent.  While still floral in nature, the crisp lavender keeps the scent from becoming too sweet.  This is my go-to candle when having people over due to its subtlety and more widespread appeal

Sea Glass Collection Furniture

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Seaglass Bedside Chest

This Seaglass Bedside Chest by Modern History (a furniture line I just began carrying) is part of their Seaglass Collection, which includes a dresser, a full/queen/king bed, as well as several consoles and side tables, brings a sophisticated coastal vibe to your rooms.  The sea glass drawer fronts are set off by the clean lines of these pieces, white lacquer finish, and the brass drawer accents and hardware.


Camden Display Case

​Also by Modern History, the Camden Display Case is available in 24 finish options.  Pictured in their Key Lime finish, this piece reminds me of antique curio cabinets.

The shelves add display options and the glass doors keep dust to a minimum.   

The drawers are such a terrific solution to organize not-display-ready collections.  And they keep this piece from looking like Grandma’s curio cabinet in the 1970’s.

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Beauty Counter SPF Stick

​If the warmer months have a drawback, it’s possible overexposure of our winterized skin to the stronger solar rays.

​While SPF is important to keep in my daily habits, I hate goopy, greasy stuff on my face.  Then I found the Beauty Counter Countersun Mineral Protection Stick.  It goes on very lightly and provides 30 SPF.  The slight citrus-y scent is appealing.  As is its portability.  In the summer months, I keep a stick of this in my handbag to re-apply to my nose and cheekbones, if they’re feeling crispy and to my hands after washing them.

Cute Straw Handbag

Handbag from ShebaUrban Etsy Shop

​I found this Hand Made Straw Handle Tote Bag on Etsy.  I love its top handle and the fabric lining to protect the rattan.

​While it is undoubtedly perfect for a Charleston or Palm Beach vacation, I plan to carry mine here in Chicago (my natural habitat).

This bag works as well with a sundress as it does with city shorts.  And at 11”W x 5”D x 6”H, it holds all my daily essentials, as well as non-essentials!

Whether you’re inspired to add any of my summer-leaning inspirations to your days, I hope that you’re now suitably inspired to compile your own Summer 2024 Essentials list.  Is there an awesome summer product that I missed?  I’d love to learn your favorites.  Please drop that in the comments.
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