Weekend reading list: 7.25.25
Plus, I've given my New York City Travel Guide a total refresh!
DESIGN
This was a fun peek into the Vogue archives and Consuelo Vanderbilt’s former Southampton estate! It’s every bit as grand and elegant as you’d expect from an heiress! Photographed in 1963 when she was in her 80s, her house is filled with ornate Chinoiserie cabinets and antique rugs — but what really struck me is the story behind it all. After a very public and unhappy first marriage to the Duke of Marlborough, this was the space she chose for herself away from the prying eyes of Fifth Avenue following her second husband’s death. If you’re watching The Gilded Age, you might recognize parts of her story — Gladys Russell’s character is actually based on Consuelo!
SHOPPING: NEW AT SHOPBOP
The sunglasses I picked up in Paris (another pair from the same brand)!
Still a bit early too early for me to shop fall, but I had to share this trench.
I’m into this take on the bubble hem.
Very into this knit tank and the matching skirt as well.
This drop waist maxi dress is so simple but so chic.
The prettiest earrings!
Flip-flops but make them stylish.
Smitten with these seashell earrings (see how I’d style them here!)
These colors are too good!
You can never have too many high quality tees.
A smocked dress under $150 you’ll wear the rest of the summer!
I’ve been eyeing this petite raffia bag, the size is so darling!
A pretty budget-friendly dress for a summer or fall wedding.
BEAUTY
Last week Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye shared the news that she’s closing her beauty brand, Ami Colé. The brand launched in 2021 and was known for its clean, melanin-rich formulas and quickly gained a loyal following. But despite early success and a Sephora launch, rising costs and shrinking investor interest ultimately made the business unsustainable. Her honesty about what it takes to build (and end) a business in today’s beauty landscape is refreshingly candid and also heartbreaking! It’s a sad reminder that even the most beloved brands aren’t immune to the tough realities of today’s economic climate.
COOKING
To me, summer is all about embracing easy meals with little to no heat required! I just came across this roundup of the best salad recipes, and it’s packed with fresh, flavorful ideas that fit the bill perfectly! From leafy green salads to hearty grain bowls, there’s something for every mood. I’ve already bookmarked a few — like a colorful Panzanella salad with watermelon and tomato that’s calling my name for an easy weeknight dinner! If you want to keep things light but interesting this summer, this list is a winner.
NYC
The Waldorf Astoria has officially reopened after an eight-year, $2 billion renovation! Known for hosting presidents, celebrities, and plenty of historic moments (including the first ever Tony Awards), the Waldorf Astoria has been considered a beacon of New York culture. Fun fact: back in high school my sister and I participated in the International Debutante Ball, which was hosted at the Waldorf! Our family stayed in one of their grand suites the weekend of the ball and it was so fabulous! The room came equipped with a grand piano - it was unbelievable! The revamped property blends its legendary Art Deco roots with modern, luxurious touches. From the revamped Peacock Alley lounge, to the brand new lobby layout and ballroom upgrades, it’s clear this isn’t just a facelift — it’s a full reinvention. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a piece of New York history (and you have $1,500/night to spare) this is the moment! Definitely planning on getting a drink here when I’m back in the fall!
AGING
What exactly does “middle age” mean these days? Now it seems less about a specific number (remember when 40 was middle age lol?) and more about how we live and grow! With people living longer, the lines between middle age and whatever comes after are blurring. My favorite illustration of this is that the characters in The Golden Girls were supposed to be in their 50s…and Carrie Bradshaw is 55 in And Just Like That! I’m choosing to embrace the idea that aging is a spectrum, and not just about a number on a timeline! It’s a refreshing reminder that getting older opens the door to new possibilities, not restrictions!
NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE
This week I have been working diligently to update this New York City Travel Guide I shared on the blog back in 2016! While I have a travel category on my website where you can peruse various lists, this blog post is a bit more thorough with notes about each restaurant, which streets in certain neighborhoods have the best shopping, and it is conveniently organized by location. It’s not an exhaustive list by any means, as there are still SO many places I’m excited to try and things I’m eager to do in other areas of the city once I’m here full time… but it’s good guide to refer to if you’re planning a trip to Manhattan anytime soon!
Click here to check it out!! Be sure to bookmark the page so you can refer back to it later, as I’ll be updating it every few months with my latest and greatest discoveries. Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!!
xx
Merritt
