July’s Field Notes from the Escape
the real download, life, inspiration, travel, pausing, and so much more.
This summer hasn’t felt “normal.” Not for me, and not for so many in my orbit. We’re used to escaping somewhere beautiful like Europe, ideally, and maybe more than once if luck’s on our side. But this year, many of us have stayed put. Rooted. Home. Building. Grounding.
I’ve spent more time building friendships, reconnecting with myself, and rediscovering my passions … outside of discovering a new city, of course … I admittedly have in the past five years.
If I’m being honest, I’ve felt less inspired lately. The world feels heavy. But I’ve realized how badly I need daily inspiration, don’t you? Aren’t we all quietly hunting for something to shake us out of the fog?
A recent tribute to Bill Cunningham reminded me of why I fell in love with fashion in the first place. His voice. His spirit. His joy in dressing up, in letting style reflect who you are. I miss that. I’m returning to that. Slowly I’m rediscovering my identity, my style, my life.
What I’m Loving at the Moment:
The Trail.
Since returning from Europe, I’ve realized just how much I missed walking everywhere, moving slowly, being in nature. And Austin has quietly given me that back. I used to take it for granted. I don’t anymore.
Revue.
If you’re not reading this Substack yet, now’s the time. It’s full of inspiration, smartly curated, and its founder is building something meaningful. You’ll want to be part of it. Trust me.
The Friend Club.
I’m getting married next year (I promise this won’t turn into a wedding Substack), and I’ve been knee-deep in planning, designing, and gathering inspo. If you’re also a bride-to-be, Friend Club is a great place to start.
Trips I’m Dreaming About
Remote, romantic, rooted in place (and meaning) these are the escapes high on my list:
Biarritz. Always calling. Not new. Yet, reclaiming its spot on my list.
7Pines Sardinia. Just say when.
Slovenia. My love for Croatia has driven this I swear.
Montana, oh so soon. Dying to stay here, though it’ll have to wait till next year when it’s open. But this trip, a too quick 56 hours so I’m trying to fit it all in a carry-on using this packing guide. Wish me luck.
Oh and did you miss my Escape Guide to Hvar? Book mark it for your future trip. I cannot recommend booking a trip there enough.
What I’m Shopping For:
Vintage everything.
I stalk Lucia Zolea’s vintage accessory drops like I used to rewatch Sex and the City finales. Dreamy jewelry. 1920s lace veils. Mint silk slips. I want it all.
A new bag.
It’s time. I’m narrowing down my options and might need you to weigh in. This one, this one or this one ….
Another pair of glasses.
Yes, another pair. Though everyone is clamoring over these. Glasses on daily rotation, doctor’s orders, requiring me to shop for new ones.
Better basics.
I did a major closet cleanse and now I’m only buying what deserves space.
Summer sales.
While the internet is yelling about fall, it’s 100 degrees in Austin and will be for weeks, if not months. I’m leaning in. Scooping up some goodies on major sale. Full recap coming soon. But all of these will most definitely be gone soon.
Vintage treasure hunt.
I went down a secondhand rabbit hole last weekend and found gold on Vestiaire, The RealReal, and beyond. Worth a peek.
The feeling I think we all want when coming home from a trip and I want all their goods.
What I’m Reading
Emily Sundberg’s Feed Me.
This one hit hard. A sharp critique of luxury hospitality’s smoke-and-mirrors culture and so much more. The comments? Gold. The takeaway? This industry needs more women at the top. We’ve all said it.
Vogue Portugal.
Where has this been all my life? It’s bold, witty, fearless. A total breath of fresh air.
Texas Monthly’s piece on the Hill Country floods.
A haunting first-hand account of unimaginable tragedy. It’s beautifully written and a devastating stark reminder that life is unbearably short. I held off for too long to read it because my empath self simply couldn’t bear to after so many boldly shared how heartbreaking it was.
We’re expected to carry on as normal when nothing feels normal. And maybe we can’t. Maybe what we can do is pause, look inward, and ask: What’s draining me? What’s taking up space that doesn’t serve me?
Be present. With your people. With yourself. That’s the real escape.
Yesss the one and only big sky is also high on my bucket list!