July Favorites
With summer well underway, I'm soaking up every moment of the seasonal magic-- tan lines, the smell of late-night grilling, and that magic hour golden light that makes everything feel softer and sweeter. For me, summer is a season of ease; of salty skin, slow evenings, and spontaneous sunlit dinners. It's also the time where I fall even more in love with beautiful objects: things that are useful but also joyful, travel companions that double as treasures, and simple rituals that feel elevated. Below is a small collection of what I’ve been loving, using, collecting, and gushing over this month.
Using & Collecting:
It's always a fun challenge for me to narrow down my favorites to a short handful, but here are my July standouts.
First, the ever-so-adored grape bunch soaps. These are handmade in small batches in England from a base of nourishing olive oil and elevated with natural fragrances. We have a beautiful selection in stock right now; everything from neutrals to bright yellow, soft orange, and ruby red. Scents range from gardenia, ylang-ylang, and lavender to my current favorite: clove. Hang one from your kitchen sink or leave one by the sink in the powder room for an extra touch of charm. They also make for a sweet and unique host/hostess or thank you gift!
Next up are the Il Bisonte coin purses that are my not-so-secret travel MVPs! I often bring two of them with me: one for storing jewelry, and another for holding local currency. There’s something so satisfying about the snap-top closure and the tactile joy of actually using coins. As with all Il Bisonte goods, they become more and more beautiful with age. Imagine tucking a delicate bracelet, necklace, or tiny love letter inside for someone to discover– a chic and thoughtful gesture that feels meaningful and elegant.
Another one of my great loves of the summer months are the Home & Loft Turkish Towels that we carry seasonally. I’ve been reaching for mine constantly—at the beach, by the pool, and even wrapped around my waist as a makeshift sarong. The colors are soft and sun-washed, the fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, and the towels fold up to almost nothing in your suitcase. It also makes a simple, elevated gift for your favorite beach bum or summer traveler. One of the best parts of Malibu is that you can stroll into almost any restaurant with sandy-toes and a sarong wrapped around you and will be greeted with a warm smile. I love this beach town of ours.
It’s no secret that sun-tanned skin calls for some extra hydration and love, and my favorite body oil right now is the Hydra Firm Body Oil by Odacite. It’s ultra-light, quick absorbing, and leaves my skin soft without any greasiness. It's non-toxic and deeply nourishing, making it the perfect addition to your post-beach rinse routine.
Of course, it can’t be a July newsletter without me mentioning the incredible Southern California summer produce. Living in Malibu means we have year-round access to amazing farmers markets, but something about July just hits differently. I’ve been experimenting with recipes from Carolina Gelen’s cookbook especially this month. Her recipes feel fresh and unfussy, ideal for dinners that come together effortlessly with whatever’s in your market tote. This time of year, cooking with friends just feels natural. It’s less about impressing and more about enjoying.
Out of my Bubble & Around Town:
This month, I finally got to cross Anajak Thai off my list– but let me be clear, I will most certainly be returning! Fun backstory: I went to high school with Justin, the chef/owner, so going with a few friends from that time of my life made the night feel extra special. We did not hold back (and neither should you) - but if you’re looking for the standouts, in my opinion: the cabbage was addictive, the braised beef curry was rich and comforting, and his mom’s mango sticky rice is just about perfect. The wine list is a dream come true. Trust your sommelier and let them surprise you. You won’t regret it.
Another magical night out? Dudley Market, where we waited outside for over an hour—and loved every minute. Wine in hand, Candid cards out, people-watching as the sun set—it felt like a scene from a 90s movie we long for. The atmosphere is laid-back but elevated, and the food is unfussy and flawless. A total Westside classic. If you haven’t been yet, let this be your sign.
July always feels like the true heart of summer—a moment to slow down, reset, and soak it all in. Whether you’re headed somewhere new, staying close to home, or just savoring the small joys of the season, I hope you find moments that feel like life is yours. Thanks for being here and letting me share what I’ve been loving.
With love,
Amanda