Overose Candles
I had my eye on this holographic Overose candle for a while. I love the packaging and it might just be the new addition I need for my bedroom or bar cart. The scent I’d like to try is called Valkiria, which the French candle purveyor describes as “woody” with notes of fig leaves, ripe peaches, coconut milk, and raw cedar wood. I tend to prefer woody/spicy/musky, less traditionally feminine scents when it comes to candles and even perfume, but the brand offers something for everyone – separating its offerings by woody, fruity, floral, and vanilla based scents. As a bonus, the candles are cruelty-free (no animal testing), phthalate-free, and composed of natural ingredients. One of these candles would make a super luxurious hostess gift.
Additionally, Overose’s website is super dreamy so as a Taurus who loves all the beautiful things, I was enticed immediately.
Valkiria Holographic Candle, Overose Paris, $65
Nars x Erdem Strange Flowers Lipstick in Wildflower
Nars and the fashion designer Erdem collaborated on a makeup collection for this summer and I just had to have this deep plum lipstick shade named Wildflower. It looks intimidating in the packaging, but is a very deep plum/purple rather than close to black as it appears in the tube – still, it’s a more daring look than usual. Despite this lipstick being part of the summer collection, I am most looking forward to wearing this in the fall; perhaps while channeling Rooney Mara’s luxe goth vibe on the red carpet circa The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (an ex once told me I’d make a really good goth girl – not sure if this was a compliment or a hint that I should stop wearing so much black and maybe spend a bit of time in the sun).
Deep plum is not for everyone though and the other shades range from very light pink to more eye-catching fuchsia and a red called Bloodflower. The actual boxes that the lipsticks come in are gorgeous as well which is not a surprise if you’ve ever admired Erdem’s designs.
Nars x Erdem Wildflower Lipstick, Nars Cosmetics, $28
Crystal Punch Bowl
A punch bowl is perfect for when you want to serve cocktails at your next party, but also want to be able to enjoy the evening instead of playing bartender all night. Note, I was originally opposed to the idea of a punch bowl when a friend suggested one a few months ago. My fear was that once people got a little toasty they would be dripping cocktails all over the place. My line of thinking has evolved or perhaps I’m just envisioning using this at an outdoor party. I like this option from CB2. It’s large, pretty, and has a sturdy square base. This would be great to serve a red or white sangria at a summer BBQ or one of my new favorites – the Negroni Sbagliato, which is an Italian riff on the classic Negroni – check out this large format recipe from Saveur magazine’s website.
Champ Glass Punch Bowl; CB2; $99.95
Anthropologie Dessert Plates
As I’ve mentioned once before, I’m a fan of incorporating whimsical designs into my server ware and home décor. Check out these fun dessert plates from Anthrolopologie.
Narrative Dessert Plate; Anthropologie; $14
Glass Water Dispenser
I got this idea from frequenting The Wing in Soho (an all-women’s coworking and event space). I’m not sure which brand they use, but I found this dispenser from Williams Sonoma. In my opinion, a water dispenser would be so much better to have around during summer entertaining season instead of individual bottles of water which sometimes are left half-drunk and go to waste.
Short Footed Glass Beverage Dispenser; Williams Sonoma; $59.95
Wölffer No. 139 Dry Rosé Cider
You may be familiar with Sagaponack, New York-based Wölffer Estate Vineyard from their ubiquitous rosé wine, Summer in a Bottle, which seems to be at every summer gathering from the Hamptons to your friend’s Brooklyn rooftop. However, Wölffer’s cider in a can is another great item; perfect for a hot summer picnic when you don’t necessarily want to be toting around a bottle of wine. The packaging on this product is also great and these can be enjoyed discretely during a day at the park when you want something bubbly, summery, and not too sweet.
Wölffer No. 139 Dry Rosé Cider, Box of 24 Cans, Wölffer Estate, $84
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Spray Sunscreen
Last, but most certainly not least – high quality sunblock to protect your skin during the summer (and really all year round). I am very fair and do not tan at all so a good sunscreen is an absolute “must” for me. La Roche-Posay is probably my favorite skincare brand which I started using at the recommendation of my brother, who is a dermatology resident. Their offerings are paraben and fragrance-free, as well as dermatologist tested. This sunblock is very lightweight despite its powerful SPF protection. I have been using this for several years and I highly recommend it!
La Roche-Posay; Anthelios SPF 60 Spray Sunscreen, 5 oz; $35.99
What are you loving for summer? Tell me in the comments.
Please note that some of these items contain affiliate links.
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