July Obsessions

As July has quickly come around I can't help but give in to a couple summer obsessions as the city heats up and the aroma of sunscreen wafts through the air. Maybe it’s the longer days or the way iced coffee hits different... but my July must-haves are giving glow, ease, and effortless cool. We’re talking skin that looks sun-kissed even if you’ve been hiding in the shade, and outfits that go straight from the beach to the club in.

So what do a hydrating serums, the perfect button down shirt, and Haviana flip-flops all have in common? They’re the kind of pieces that make summer feel like more than a season—they make it feel like a state of mind.

Garnier Summer Glow.

There’s something about July that makes you want to glow a little more and care a little less. For me, that glow comes bottled. Garnier Summer Glow is more than just a gradual tan; it's a gentle reminder that you don't need to travel to Mykonos or actually be exposed to UV rays to appear like you spent the weekend in the sun. It gives me that golden, just-back-from-somewhere look, smells like summer optimism, and gives me that golden, just-back-from-somewhere look—even if “somewhere” is the office.

Refy Brow Gel.

Gone are the days of over-plucked brows, Refy is the cool girl of your makeup bag—laid-back, strong, and somehow makes everything look better with minimal effort. One swipe and your arches are fluffy, defined, and locked in place. No stiffness. No crunch. Just easy, polished brows that will last all day (and night). 

Glossier’s Futuredew.

Think: your skin, but on vacation in the South of France. It’s not quite a serum, not quite an oil—it's that glowy in-between that whispers “I drink enough water” even if you’ve been living on iced coffee. Lightweight, luminous, and designed to play well with your existing skincare routine, Futuredew gives you that effortless, lasting dewy glow that you need for summer.

FlipFlops. 

I used to think summer in London was a myth—like empty Tube carriages or a sunny bank holiday. But then July hits, and suddenly the parks are packed, the Aperol is flowing, and the city remembers how to flirt again.

Enter Havaianas: the flip-flop equivalent of a last-minute picnic in Hampstead Heath or a spontaneous pint in a pub garden. They're light, unfussy, and surprisingly stylish—basically, everything London summer aspires to be. I wear them to corner shops, rooftop terraces, even the occasional rain-dodging dash across the city. And somehow, they always feel like the right choice.

Skinny sunnies. 

There’s something about skinny oval sunnies that feels effortlessly cool. They’re not trying too hard, but they still manage to elevate every outfit. A nod to the ‘90s with a modern twist, these frames have quickly become my go-to for a chic, understated look. Whether I’m strolling through Shoreditch or grabbing coffee in Notting Hill, they add that perfect touch of mystery without feeling overdone.

Button downs.

A good button-down shirt is the kind of wardrobe staple that always feels fresh, no matter the season. In London, they’re the perfect answer to unpredictable weather—light enough for a warm afternoon, but easy to layer when the evening chill sets in. I love how versatile they are: tucked into jeans for a polished look, or left loose over a bikini for that easy, off-duty vibe.

It’s one of those pieces that never goes out of style, and it can completely transform an outfit. The best part? You never have to think too hard about it—just throw it on, and you’re good to go.

These are just a few of my current obsessions but I hope they inspired you to try something new (or pull out something old) this July. And until August surprises me with new temptations...

Love, Aria 

XO