The Bombshell
This was hands down my favorite book of last summer, and for good reason: it was educational, thrilling, sexy, and about a subject I know almost nothing about (despite having lived half my life in France, lol). Set in the early 90s amongst a band of young Corsican resistants, it's the perfect summer read.

Too Soon
Another book that checked many of the above boxes for me last summer follows three timelines, including one featuring a Palestinian-American woman working in New York in the modern era, and another featuring her grandmother fleeing Palestine during the Nakba. It's beautiful, aching, and surprisingly very sexy (despite the heavier subject matter). I loved it.CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES 

LIVY swimsuits
I've mentioned them before, because they are the GOAT. Yes, they are expensive. Yes, they are the only swimsuits I've ever owned that last for years in heavy wear looking just as good as the first day I bought them. I have a few colors in the Chelsea (lol) one-piece suit, and it also functions really well as a top under shorts or a skirt. I love these suits!!!

A woven leather tote
I picked one of these up (not this exact one, but similar) at a little artisan shop in Arles a few months ago, and it really is the perfect bag. I know we're all drowning in totes, but the woven leather aspect gives it a level of sturdiness and resistance to the elements that comes in super handy during heavy summer use. 

Almond granita 
I've only been to Sicily once, but the memories of almond granita eaten while walking along a sun-bleached stone street will live with me forever. And it turns out that it's insanely easy to make at home!

Crispy rice salads
As soon as the weather gets warm, I am simply addicted to crispy rice salads. I love a classic Thai or Japanese-inspired one, but I also love to branch out into more unexpected flavor profiles, like this chicken shawarma version. 

This Ouai texturizing spray
If you want beachy hair without the beach, this is the best one I've found to give you that texture without making your hair weird and crunchy. 

This Jergens self-tanner
My GOAT, the product I've used for literally ever, the one I've never switched up on. My pro tips: always apply it while slightly damp from the shower after a light toweling off, because putting it on dry will make it streakier. Also, use a lighter shade than you think you need. Let it build. 

A floral tablecloth
One of the easiest ways to refresh your home decor for a new season is with a good tablecloth, and few things bring summer inside more than a bright, floral pattern. 

Mini ice trays
Owning a genuine pebble ice maker may never be in the cards for me, and this ice tray is probably the best substitute on the market if — like me — you love a teeny ice cube moment. 

A lo-fi book club in a new genre
Obviously, a book club is not new for anyone, but I love the idea of doing impromptu ones (like, say, on a summer group vacation) rather than committing to regular meetings, which often falls apart or starts to feel like an obligation. I also love doing them in a genre you guys don't usually read. For example, since I'm not typically a mystery/thriller fan, I'm planning to read a book in that genre with some friends this July. 

Free summer concerts and theater
This is admittedly easier in larger cities, but it's more widespread than you think: summer is the season of free shows, and I feel like I end every year beating myself up that I didn't look up what was happening around me until it was too late. Start doing your research and making your plans now!