June is New York has felt like living inside a Disney channel original movie. It’s like we were all in high school again and our rivals were in town for the big homecoming game. Spirit week!!! Between the Knicks winning the Finals, the World Cup games kicking off, and the weather finally turning for the season, there was this palpable, euphoric buzz that ran through the city and brought out the very best of it. And of us.
I’m about to bid NYC adieu for the rest of the summer but wow, I am bringing that energy with me for the rest of these hot girl months. It was a reminder of what TF the point of all this is — to work hard, but play harder. To be friendly, warm, enthusiastic, helpful, and appreciative. To never be too cool to lean in. To love thy neighbor! Also having fun is so much fun… and in the words of Kyle Cooke (this summer’s unexpected hero?): SUMMER SHOULD BE FUN!
Bring it on.
In this issue:
Euro Summer (Extended Version)
Style Muse: Zara Larsson - a lesson in marketing and sparkle
The Yes Pile: All the fits and bits I’ve been loving lately
This issue was inspired by my 2025 summer mag, read it here:
Actually, it is all fun and games! How to have a summer that actually feels like one.
If I could relive one summer, it would be the summer of 2008.
A little note! A handful of you are paid subscribers and I am truly touched and thankful for your support of my writing. I’ve decided to turn the paid subscriptions off as I have been posting inconsistently. I’ll let you know when/if I decide to turn that back on - just wanted to say thank you and let you know!!!!
WFE (Work from Europe):
I have to move out of my apartment in NYC at the end of the month and the moveout date happened to align perfectly with a summer wedding in Mallorca, Spain. So instead of rushing into a new lease I’ve decided to have a little summer adventure and bop around Europe for a bit. I’m fortunate to have a job that is fully remote and supportive of my WFE plans, so easy peasy Euro Summer it is. (…and if my bosses happen to be reading this, thank you).
Aside from great timing, I’m excited for little energetic shake-up. At my core has always been a sense of adventure. Not as much in the physical sense of the word (I prefer e-bikes over mountain bikes and scuba diving sounds like a scene from my nightmares). But more in a mental sense. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone, exploring curiosities, and collecting novel experiences. So I think this WFE summer plan and the beep-bopping around that will ensue after is just what the doctor ordered.
After all, being unattached does have its perks. And a ticket to Europe is certainly one of them. The last time I had an adventure like this I was 22 and headed to Sevilla, Spain to work as an english teacher. I lightly kept a blog while there, if you feel so inclined: Señorita Caylita.
I’m arriving with only a carry-on (notice how I did not say returning with only a carry-on?) and want to document how bright colors and fun clothes can actually be just as much of a capsule wardrobe as sad beige/black/and white. STAY TUNED.
PS: Do you have recs for Mallorca, Sevilla, Paris or London? I’m trying to avoid TikTok traps and would love your personal recs instead <3 Leave ‘em in the comments so we can share the love
Summer Style Icon: Zara Larson
Never underestimate the power of a re-brand. Zara Larsson is a Swedish pop star who’s been in the industry for years with a cult, but pretty niche following. In summer 2024 a TikTok trend went viral with a collab song of hers (Symphony with Clean Bandit) along with a Y2K dolphin and a dark, confessional style text on top. She and her team leaned alllllll the way in and her career has sky rocketed because of it.
Now her look and likeness are associated with equal parts Lisa Frank and Malibu Barbie. A total maximalist and purveyor of girly good times. I'm gagged for her (happy pride). My bestie’s bachelorette is in FL later this summer and as I was shopping for one of our night’s out I couldn’t help but notice that the mood board was sooooooo Zara coded: sparkles, color, crochet, short skirts, shades of blue and pink, and generally coastal cutie, mermaid, Aquamarine ~vibes~ AKA really fucking fun.
The Yes Pile:
I’ve been shopping for my trip and have collected a few really goodies. Disclaimer, these are affiliate links so if you shop them I get a small commission!
ASOS Lace Slip Skirt: I wish I had this in a thousand colorways. It makes me feel like a polly pocket… or actually… like Zara Larsson, lol. I snagged it on a night out recently and promptly ordered another as a back-up. That’s when you know it’s real.
BTW, ASOS has a $20/year membership that gives you free expedited shipping to the US. It’s made shopping their site much more enjoyable knowing everything arrives quick despite being UK based.
BYLT Linen Pants: I had been searching for a great pair of summer pants and am beyond happy with these. I like how they fit (hit at the waist, rather than the hip) and are very light and breathable. I got shade Dove. Everything from this brand is high-quality.
BYLT Lounge Set: This is one of the softest sets I have ever put on my body. Like butter! I got the shade Rosewater (great shade name).
Abercrombie Cotton Shorts. Probably going to be my most warn summer item. Comfortable, great length, lightweight, and dainty. I also got a matching top that I’ve worn a bunch, too.
Old Navy Flip Flops. $10 for 3 pairs of flip flops, includging the most perfect magenta flip flops. I suggest sizing up (only in flip flops, the rest of Gap brands shoes run big). I don’t love sandals so these are perfect for beach days and running around.
Eva NYC Deep Conditioner: I’ve tried them ALL and nothing holds a candle to Eva NYC! It leaves my hair hydrated and feeling like SILK. I recently purchased the Kerastase and for $68 I was expecting something major. One of the biggest beauty disappointments in awhile. Immediately replaced with my tried and true Eva and never been happier. I bought 2oz travel jars so I could bring it on my trip.
I also brutally ranked 12 other drugstore + luxury hair care products on my TikTok :)
Voicemails to Isabelle. A CUTE ROM-COM!!! I wish more people were talking about this! Great chemistry, not cheesy in the way that so many modern rom-coms are, and the lead actor is dreamy. Like Hugh Grant in Notting Hill charming. On Netflix.
Coola Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50: The easiest way to re-apply face SPF! I really don’t like midday sandy hands + cream sunscreen. Plus SPF50 needed for Mediterranean sun.
Cotton On Bikinis. I don’t like shopping for swimsuits (does anyone???) but I’m pretty picky about the cut of the bottoms. I’m not totally cheeky and certainly not full coverage. And this fits right in the middle. I got the light blue with polka dots and the red.
For those of you in New York…
Yakob Shoe Repair: the most unassuming cobbler on Sullivan St in Greenwich Village. Basically resized and polished up a pair of Chanel flats to perfection. For $45 they are as good as new.
The Flip Flop sandwich from Court Street Grocers: I cannot believe I just discovered this sandwich. All CSG subs are delicious (though very pricey) but this one takes that cake. Soft bread, fresh ingredients. It kind of reminds me of the Subway sandwich my freshman year high school boyfriend would get for lunch before football game days. He’d always give me half. Maybe that’s why I like it!
Vanilla Soft Serve from Slik in the East Village: Imagine a McDonalds soft serve cone except it’s artisan soft serve with flecks of vanilla bean. Then add sprinkles. Really blew my socks off! And at $5 flat, it’s cheaper than a Mr. Softee cone by the park.
HAGS!
xx Caylee
Yessss yes yes! Manifesting a way to join your WFE and frolick in fun outfits too
okay thank you for the intro to zara (!!!) can't wait to follow along on your euro adventure 💖