Hamptons Packing List
What to bring and do when the weather is bad
Hi Friends,
I’m going to be brutally honest with you; I got nothing for you this week. I am all storied out. It’s the dog days of summer, and at least here in New York, the phrase rings true. It’s been horribly hot and humid, yet I’m pretty sure you have already read your fill of dressing for the heat stories. If not, check out this one on how to wear shorts. I gave up wearing shorts years ago, but global warming warmed me to the idea again, and I’ve been living in them this past week, thankful for my change of heart. The longer shorts everywhere this summer are easy to style and so much cooler than pants.
A Short Post on Shorts
Today is my last full day in L’Escala, and I’m not ready to leave this amazing place. Though a dangerous heat has engulfed much of Western Europe this week, including Spain, L’Escala has been pleasant. The sea breezes keep things comfortable, and great beaches within walking distance make access to the glorious water easy.
It’s not that I have writer’s block so much as writer’s fatigue. Coming up with two stories a week ain’t easy. Usually the subject is driven by the style-related issue I find myself grappling with, or fashion news of note, or even great deals, which I love to share. If summer sales are what interest you, I do keep my Summer Sale Edit up to date. You can check in on that anytime, no story required- just good deals on great pieces screened for quality and fabric content, favoring natural fibers that are, by far, cooler than synthetics. While you’re there, add me to your ShopMy circle.
What has me all fired up lately is my mission to de-clutter. After living through the chaos and clutter caused by the kitchen and dining room renovation, then finally reorganizing months later after returning from Spain, I realized how much unnecessary stuff I have. I love how the dining room and kitchen are now void of any superfluous things and vowed to get the rest of the apartment up to speed. City living rarely comes with garages, basements, or attics in which to disappear your excess shit (let’s call it what it is) and relics from the past. You have to be ruthless and unsentimental to avoid dabbling in hoarding.
The deal I’ve made with myself is once I’ve thoroughly de-cluttered, I can start phase two of the apartment renovation, the living room and bedroom. But hey, this does not warrant a story, at least not yet.
So to give you something, my faithful readers, and give my little brain a break, I’ve updated this post from last summer on how to pack for a rainy weekend at the beach. Something we’ve had our fair share of this year. All the links for the story have been updated with solid pieces for now and later as the weather cools.
Hamptons Packing List
What to bring and do when the weather is bad
I came home to a heat wave; now I’m with dear friends in chilly East Hampton, enjoying the kind of weekend I love, once in a while: cool, cloudy with a chance of rain. Time to catch my breath, having beaten the post-vacay blues, which coincided with the heat wave. Thanks to my hosts for providing me with this soft landing. Re-acclimating myself to the city after two months on the coast of the Mediterranean is best done in increments.
The weekend started at Tutto Café in East Hampton for a coffee and a little bite to eat. Italian in feel, the food and coffee are always excellent, and the wait staff couldn’t be nicer or cuter! Donna Karen popped in. No surprise, her daughter Gabby’s Italian husband is a partner here. She caused a stir looking every bit the legend she is, in an oversized white chunky sweater, which I would guess was knit in a tubular cashmere yarn that looks much heavier than it is. Trust me, it was luscious, though I wouldn’t dare try to snap a picture of her.
The always bucolic Hamptons couldn’t be more verdant after a very rainy spring. All this rain got me thinking about wet summer weekends. If spring is any indication, we may have more than our fair share of rainy weekends this summer. Though I’m a sun worshiper from way back, the occasional rainy beach weekend can be cozy and relaxing. I love long beach walks on cloudy days or just meandering around town, browsing in stores, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.
With that in mind, I created four different outfit options for foul-weather weekends.
Coffee in Town
Start the weekend at Tutto Cafe in East Hampton for a café au lait and a light bite to hold you over to dinner. Wear a red cotton sweater with faded stovepipe jeans; I bought these one size up for a relaxed fit, and they’re perfect. Now on sale. Add a white anorak, a raffia bag, and elevated flip-flops in brown leather.
Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market
Start the day early-ish at Ashawagh Hall Farmer’s Market (open 9:00 to 1:00 Saturday) for fresh-baked bread and primo produce. To wear: a cashmere crewneck in maize, the perfect anorak, white, wide-leg jeans, a navy bandana for your yet-to-be-styled hair, and A. Emory suede sandals, on sale.
Yesterday at the market, I met Aileen Florell, a local artist selling her truly spectacular ceramics.
Long Walks on the Bay
Go for a long walk to enjoy the tranquility of a cloudy day on the water, but make sure you’re pulled together; you never know where you’ll end up. It could be the Prada store in East Hampton to admire this perfect summer bag. I adore the color and cut of this sweatshirt. Wear it with relaxed, pull-on cotton pants, a lightweight windbreaker, and Nikes in a fun color.
Enjoy the Garden
Enjoy the beauty of the garden in its prime. Stroll around the grounds to see what’s blooming, doze off on a lounge chair listening to the birds, and appreciate just being outside. What better to wear than elevated sweatpants with a half-zip sweater, a mango anorak, white Birkenstocks with big, gold buckles, and a floppy green hat.
Editor’s note: OK, the weekend turned out better than expected; the sun is shining, and it never rained, but we will, no doubt, have some foul-weather weekends. Why not be ready? ;)
Thanks for reading. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend wherever you are! Please comment; I love to hear from you, subscribe, and spread the word for What Looks Good!
xxx Jolain
In case you missed it…
Hi there! This reminded me of a Sex and the City episode - Carrie is at a loss for ideas “Remember that guy who wore sandals? Randall, the sandal guy we went on a couple of dates?
Is that anything? Last week, I wrote about my search for the perfect French fry.”
What about starting a closet clean out and writing about why certain pieces get edited out?
What’s your take on minimalism vs maximalism?
Thanks for the post. I loved the photos of a cool weather landscapes. Envious, as we in England enter our 5th uncomfortable heatwave .