Love Notes- July 2026
Coming home to yourself.
Last weekend in Tahoe, I noticed a butterfly spend hours flying into the same high window. At first, we thought it would find the door on its own. When that didn’t happen, we started wondering if its wing was stuck.
But as I watched it more closely while eating breakfast, I realized it wasn’t trapped. It was perfectly capable. It was instinctively flying toward the light — it was just disoriented.
So I grabbed a small branch and tried to gently guide it down. I was surprised when it pushed back, fluttered wildly, and resisted every bit of help. (Which honestly felt a little personal…. I’m looking at you, Miss Jillian.)
But then, almost instantly, it found its way to the open door below and flew off.
I’ve been thinking about that moment ever since. How often do we assume something is wrong when maybe we’re simply looking at the situation from the same perspective over and over? How often do we try to force our way through something when what we actually need is a little support — something that helps us remember what we already know?
When I look back on the past few weeks, that’s been the energy. From the mountains to the lake to the city, country roads, and small-town moments so many little things (and people!) have helped me feel more like myself, more comfortable in my body, and more connected to the beauty around me.
You can say I’ve very much been my Cancer season era….
Summer Clothing MVPs
I honestly haven’t had much time to shop for clothes! But I think when you already have plenty of pieces you love, you don’t always need to be searching for more. Seasons for harvesting and seasons for enjoying, right?
Starting with the star of the season, this gingham top. Wow, the easy breezy, elevated silhouette has worked so great with linen bottoms and a few buttons open. How many days in a row is too many to wear the same thing? …asking for a friend.
This boho maxi dress is now on sale and has been such a favorite. The quality is amazing, with the perfect tucks, pleats, and pockets in all the right places. This silhouette works so well for days when the body needs some extra comfort!
I recently found this red Veronica Beard maxi at Wasteland in The Haight — such a great spot for contemporary pieces at amazing prices. They really keep things moving in there!
I can confirm these classic brown and black Margaux sandals are totally worth it, such high quality made in Spain and comfortable for walking too. I know these will live in my closet for many seasons (alongside my many other cherished pairs of Margaux’s)!
I’m always so drawn to colored beads this time of year — texture, variation, imperfect shapes, and different lengths. I recently picked up a long strand of gorgeous vintage lapis lazuli stones and it made me wonder why there aren’t more long beaded options out there in the contemporary market right now? They bring such an earthy, global feeling to an outfit.
Speaking of that vibe, I recently went out on a limb with this frog fastening top to pair with white and chocolate brown for late summer.
A hip pair of white sunglasses has added a playful signature element to so many relaxed looks, even the sporty mountain ones.
What I haven’t figured out yet though is… athletic shorts. I bought these in green straight out of my summer vision board hoping they’d be the pair, but they ended up being too short and crispy. I’m eyeing these to try next— they come in so many fun colors! And this pair has been on my list for lounging, now on final sale.
The Seasonal Archive Sale: 20% off The Vintage Shop!
Time to make room for new finds. If you’ve been eyeing anything, use code: KEEPSAKE at checkout for 20% off.
A sleeper in the shop right now is the Tod’s mini T bag. She really polishes up a casual look and is perfect for a day-to-night city adventure (as pictured here shopping with a girlfriend in Union Square). Now would be the best time to invest in a Chanel bag too!
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect piece, I’d especially look at all the color-drenched silk scarves. They’re such an easy way to make your mark on the rest of summer …this one and next.
Summer Beauty Essentials:
I finally found a clean sunscreen I love. So many leave behind that thick white layer, but this one (and this one) goes on silky and feels much more like skincare than sunscreen.
This Mediterranean face mist has been such a lovely midday refresh. It instantly transports you to Europe for a few seconds!
I’ve also been keeping these face wipes in my backpack and tote for after hikes and beach days. A small thing, but I love feeling fresh before the next stop.
This self-tanner foam has been my favorite way to keep a little summer glow going between trips. It’s easy to apply, hasn’t stained any of my clothes, and looks really natural.
I’ve been working with my naturopath again to support my energy and am taking quite a few supplements. They don’t always fit neatly into a traditional pill case, which is how I discovered Cadence—I have 7 of the large size in petal pink.
A little PSA: I usually pass on the Nordstrom sale madness, but it is a good time to stock up on Roz shampoo and conditioner. Lots of air dried hair happening over here and it smells so good!
Reading + Collecting Thoughts:
I just finished Liz Gilbert’s All The Way To The River and absolutely loved it along with this podcast interview.
I’m always inspired by her honesty, humility, and grace — the way she invites people into the human experience without pretending to have it all figured out. That’s something I deeply aspire to do in my own work.
Translating ideas, perceptions, and thoughts into something meaningful is challenging. And in this digital world, where everyone is constantly creating and communicating, I think we’re all being asked to sharpen that skill.
It’s something I’m actively exploring. I just started a notebook with tabs to collect things like concepts from books & podcasts, phrases and copy I love, questions I’m asking, raw observations I’m noticing, and moments that unfold naturally in my own life (like the butterfly).
I don’t know where it’s going. But I’m trusting it!
This month has reminded me that home isn’t something we arrive at once everything else is handled. It’s something we cultivate inside while life is happening. The admin can wait. The growth ideas can wait. The networking can wait. The new arrivals can wait.
Because a sense of home is always the first priority.
Much love,
