Things Worth Buying
a curated edit of clothes, beauty, home, and everything in between.
The Flip Flops Worth Buying
Flip flops have officially moved beyond the beach. From minimalist leather styles to fashion-forward color pops, these are the flip flops worth buying this summer — and how to style them for everything from city days to vacation nights.
Open-toe season has nearly arrived, and the flip flop is proving it has far more range than we once gave it credit for. Once reserved primarily for beach and pool days, the style has evolved into one of the easiest warm-weather staples to wear from morning to night.
Today’s flip flops feel sleeker and far more elevated than in years past. Think soft leathers, sculptural shapes, jelly finishes, and minimalist straps that feel just as appropriate for city dressing as they do for vacation.
While the silhouette itself is simple, the styling possibilities are versatile. They look effortless with oversized denim and a white tank, but feel equally chic styled with a dress, relaxed button-down, or tailored trousers. It’s one of those styles that can feel both relaxed and polished at the same time.
Below are a few of my favorite pairs worth adding to your wardrobe this summer.
The brand’s minimalist aesthetic feels understated and polished in the best way, and the leather only gets better with wear.
Their signature Lily styles are minimal, comfortable, and easy to wear with virtually everything.
Their Saionara style has become a best seller — easy enough for the beach, polished enough for dinner afterward. The jelly versions with color pops are especially fun for summer.
Affordable, comfortable, and perfect for everyday summer dressing.
For anyone who wants proper arch support without giving up the clean minimal look, Archies has developed a loyal following.
A more fashion-forward pair with a color pop. The padded thong silhouette and bright yellow color feel both retro and modern at the same time.
The Outerwear Piece Worth Buying: A Trench
A classic trench coat is one of the hardest working pieces in any wardrobe. From timeless beige styles to more modern oversized silhouettes, I’m sharing why the trench remains an essential outerwear staple — plus my favorite high and low options for the season.
Lately I feel like the weather in NY has been so much cooler and more overcast than I remember for this time of year, which has made me reach for a trench coat more than usual. A trench is one of those pieces that just makes sense on those days when you leave the house not totally sure what the weather is going to do.
There’s a reason the trench coat never really goes out of style. The classic shape always looks polished and works just as well with denim and sneakers as it does over a dressier look. It’s practical, timeless, and one of those rare wardrobe staples that can instantly pull an outfit together.
What I love now is that there are so many updated versions beyond the traditional beige trench. You can find cropped styles, oversized fits, darker color palettes, and silhouettes that feel a little more fashion-forward while still keeping that timeless feel.
And while the heritage versions will always be iconic, there are great options at every price point. Investment pieces from Burberry and ME+EM are true forever pieces, but every season brands like ASOS and H&M offer really stylish and affordable options.
Below I’m sharing some of my favorite trench coats right now — from investment buys to more affordable finds.
Anthropologie H&M & Other Stories Gap Me + Em Cos Barbour Burberry
The Sandals Worth Buying
A true personal classic. These Prada leather thong sandals have been part of my summer wardrobe for more than a decade and continue to prove that the best purchases are the ones you reach for instinctively, year after year.
A personal classic is not defined by price or trend. It’s defined by how instinctively you reach for something year after year, without ever second-guessing it.
My Prada leather thong sandals are that kind of item.
I bought them more than a decade ago for a babymoon trip, and they’ve organically become an essential part of my summer wardrobe ever since. These are not special occasion shoes. I’ve worn them to the beach, to dinners with friends, and out running errands on the weekend.
The color I have is a soft beige-pink neutral that works with everything and competes with nothing. They are comfortable, flattering, and effortless.
Click here to view additional Prada sandal styles.
The Candle Worth Buying
The candle that defined an era of downtown New York. Inspired by the iconic Gramercy Park Hotel, Le Labo’s Cade 26 and Santal 26 have become true cult classics for their warm, smoky, unforgettable scent.
Back when I was working in fashion PR at Cole Haan, I had the opportunity to work closely with Maria Sharapova on the launch of her capsule collection for the brand. To celebrate the partnership, we hosted a press event at the Rose Bar inside the legendary Gramercy Park Hotel.
Elegant, dimly lit, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Damien Hirst, the Rose Bar was one of New York’s hot spots at the time. The moment I walked into the hotel, I stopped in my tracks.
The scent was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Warm, smoky, sexy. It completely transformed the atmosphere of the space and instantly became part of the hotel’s identity. That scent was Cade 26, created by Le Labo exclusively for the Gramercy Park Hotel at the request of famed hotelier Ian Schrager. During development, Le Labo’s founders were inspired by the hotel’s dramatic fireplace and intimate lounge spaces, ultimately creating a fragrance centered around smoky woods, leather, amber, and sandalwood. The result was Cade 26, often described as the smokier, moodier cousin to the brand’s cult-favorite Santal 26.
Both scents have since developed cult status among candle devotees, and for good reason. They have the rare ability to transform a room and create a moody atmosphere that feels luxurious and chic. For over 15 years, this remains one of the candles I continue to repurchase. It’s also one of my favorite gifts, especially because Le Labo allows you to customize the label with a personal message.
A candle hall-of-fame inductee and absolutely worth the get.
The Summer Hat Worth Buying
Chic, packable, and designed with built-in sun protection, Janessa Leone hats are the ultimate warm-weather accessory. These are the summer hats worth investing in and wearing for years to come.
Whenever I'm shopping for a sun hat, I ask myself the same questions: Does it fit well and look right on my face? Does it offer enough coverage to actually protect me from the sun? Will it work with the rest of my wardrobe? Can I pack it for travel without losing its shape? That's exactly why I keep coming back to Janessa Leoné.
While living in Santa Barbara, daily sun protection was non-negotiable, and a well-made summer hat became part of my everyday uniform. Even now in New York City, I still gravitate toward the polished look a brimmed hat provides — a more considered alternative to a baseball cap.
What sets Janessa Leoné apart for me is the balance of style and practicality. The brand prioritizes high-quality materials and sustainable practices, and it shows in every piece. The hats are beautifully made and thoughtfully designed, with many offering built-in UPF protection and packability for travel. It's the kind of piece that instantly elevates a beach or casual day look without trying too hard.
A few of my current favorites:
Waverly Hat
The ultimate vacation hat. Crafted from durable raffia with a wide wire-infused brim you can shape to your liking, the Waverly offers maximum sun coverage while still feeling chic and wearable. Designed specifically for packability with UPF 35+ protection.
Felix Bucket Hat
A raffia crochet bucket hat that somehow feels both relaxed and polished. The shorter brim makes it easy to wear every day, and the flexible construction makes it ideal for travel. One of those effortless pieces that works just as well with denim as it does with a swimsuit or sundress.
Sherman Hat
A more structured, monochromatic take on the classic fedora — slightly sharper and more tailored while still maintaining the relaxed ease Janessa Leoné does so well. Another excellent travel option with UPF 45+ protection.
Roma Hat
A wide-brim fedora silhouette with a leather chin strap finished with gold hardware. Incredibly chic, practical on windier beach days, and offering UPF 50+ sun protection.
Janessa Leoné hats are an investment, but they're high-quality, beautifully made pieces that hold up year after year. I'm also a fan of the brand’s structured wool hats for fall. And if you're looking to shop the look for less, pre-owned styles can often be found on resale sites like The RealReal.
A great summer hat should travel well, offer real sun protection, and frame your face in a way that elevates everything you're wearing. Janessa Leoné delivers on all three.