10 hot girl summer things I’m doing now
And my 10-piece travel capsule collection
Can you feel it?
The shift in the seasons, when brisk spring morning winds give way to warmer, welcome night breezes? I sure can.
Summer is right around the corner, usually kicked off by the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend in the U.S.
Who knows what this year’s theme will be?
Last year it was brat.
Early indicators say people are ‘dilly-dallying’ after a ‘demure’ fall.
Whatever popular culture tells us, I will be touching grass and staying off the grid as much as possible.
I realize this is a bit contradictory given I have to be online to publish and promote this newsletter.
Content entrepreneur | Agency Founder & CEO | Bestselling author Featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Bankrate, Cheddar TV, and HuffPost | Join more than 6,480 people on the internet who follow me for discerning lifestyle, travel, and money content:
My goals this summer are to play music, get outdoors and into the wild, eat great food, launch educational materials I’ve been creating for solopreneurs and small business owners, continue taking care of my mind and body, and write all about it.
I’m also observing that power girlies are having a moment and I’m here for it.
I’m so happy to see new female-led business and entrepreneurship podcasts featuring women founders.
Until now, most interview-style business and entrepreneurship podcasts have been hosted by men — who interview men. Think My First Millionaire, Noah Kagan Presents, and Leveling Up.
The most successful podcasters are also men. Think Lex Fridman, Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and Tim Ferriss.
Nothing against them, they are great hosts of interesting podcasts.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m super curious about female founder stories — specifically the moment they decided to take the leap to entrepreneurship.
So it will be nice to listen to these female-led stories.
Given all the divine feminine energy in the air, there’s the exciting summer energy bubbling up: travel, fitness, romance, projects, and all the books we’re reading with all that extra daylight.
So I’ve compiled a list of 10 hot girl summer things I’m doing right now to prepare for an incredible season ahead.
1. Wearing natural, naked nails
Natural nails are the ultimate flex.
As long as you trim, file, buff, and use some cuticle oil, you should get comfortable with how beautiful your natural nails can look.
Some girls are even wearing natural, naked nails for their weddings, meanwhile manis are getting more expensive and time-consuming by the day.
When I’m not rocking a natural nail, I might use press-on nails to glam up for fun weekends or events. These from glamnetic are the best and come in all shapes, styles, and sizes.
I don’t even use press-on glue anymore because it’s too harsh on my nails; I use adhesive tabs like these that can last up to 4 days and are way gentler on your nails, and extend the life of your press-ons.
2. Over-moisturizing my skin
While I owe genetics for my generally youthful appearance, I also credit a skincare routine that includes me glopping on serums and moisturizer day and night.
I think many people underestimate how much moisture their skin needs and overdo it with harsh acids, chemicals, and cleaners that in turn strip the skin, and result in more irritation and acne breakouts.
My only advice is to over-moisturize and over-hydrate: I actually apply two layers of moisturizer over serums.
Lately I’ve been using steps 2, 3, and 4 of this rhode skincare system in the daytime, and at night I’ll use this, covered by this.
Of course, good skin starts from the inside.
Remember to drink lots of water and healthy beverages daily.
I try to keep carafes and water bottles nearby so I can keep track of how many liters I drink.
3. Getting a new bikini
As a person who spends a lot of sunrises and mornings on the beach in North Miami, it’s only natural for me to have a lot of swimsuits and bikinis.
But some are getting older or dated, or shrinking and stretched out.
And while I’m a huge proponent of not buying new clothes, you do need to buy new swimwear because the thought of buying thrifted bikinis is a bit dodgy because, hygiene.
Also I think swimwear counts under ‘protective’ or ‘fitness’ gear, because I wear it mostly for swimming and being sporty and less to lie around in, tanning.
These days, many bikinis and swimsuits even have built-in UPF fabrics.
But it’s time for a brand new, ultra sexy bikini and I’m getting one like this from ark swimwear.
And don’t forget to stay under umbrellas, avoid primetime UV rays, wear a hat, sunglasses, and a good sunscreen!
My dermatologist says the mineral or zinc ones are best.
4. Paying compliments, generously
This one’s pretty easy. If you see a lady with nice nails, tell her, “I love your nails!”
If you see someone with great shoes/heels/sandals whatever, say, “Ooo, I love your shoes!”
Etc., and so on. Make someone’s day.
5. Inviting an industry-adjacent random person to an IRL coffee or lunch
Move online convos offline and meet people in real life.
Don’t be afraid to speak to people you admire or who you know could expand your worldview or network.
Go on a power lunch or dinner.
Just do it. Be bold.
Be polite when requesting, but don’t be overly flattering or familiar either, lest you come off creepy or cringe-y.
It’s good to meet people in person and get out of the house.
6. Doing at least 3 solid workouts per week
I’ve been doing surprisingly well at three kinds of workouts per week:
1) strength,
2) cardio, and,
3) a movement-based workout like light barre/pilates/yoga
I’ll do a strength-intensive, heavy weight workout one day, and run or cycle or HIIT another day (cardio), and some kind of lighter weight barre workout or yoga or reformer-based pilates on the third day.
On days I’m not doing any of these 3, I’ll rest or do a stretchy vinyasa yoga or floor-based pilates.
7. Creating your own travel capsule collection
One way to rid yourself of decision fatigue is to have systems, lists, and habits.
Of course, you may consult or tweak from time-to-time, but generally these are your go-to’s that just work.
This is how I feel about deciding what to wear when I travel.
By now, I know what I need on short domestic trips to long international overnighters.
And I travel with carry-ons only, 90% of the time (exceptions are when I’m packing for longer summer or winter holidays or adventures, e.g., snowboarding or hiking, and not shipping gear).
I would highly recommend creating a travel capsule collection of your own.
When you arrive at your destination, these are clothes you can just throw in a laundry heap and wash.
Or, if they’re overly dirty or smelly, hang them up to have ready for your return journey — because traveling is dirty and these clothes will already have seen the grime, dirt, and bacteria from all the people around you in airports, and in airplane seats.
My 10-piece travel capsule collection
Nothing in this list is new.
These are in fact things I’ve owned and will only replace if they just completely fall apart and are worse for wear.
But I’d like to think I invest in elegant, quality travel pieces so I can enter any lounge or hotel looking chic and not slobby:
My suitcase: Rimowa Essential Sleeve
These days when I travel with Mr. Bean (see #10), I absolutely must have a front-pocket travel case that can accommodate an easily-accessible laptop or iPad.
I like putting heavier electronic devices in the front pocket of this case because putting them in my travel bag makes it too heavy on its ownMy travel bag: Balenciaga
I have a more discrete version of the one pictured with a smaller brand logo; it sits perfectly on top of my Rimowa and is roomy enough for just about everything, including those last minute items I might have left, including the nice pair of hotel slippers and my wall charger plugged in the far corner of the roomJames Perse trousers
Comfy, loose, and cut in a way that flatters your body instead of looking frumpy or slouchy, I have these in multiple colors; I absolutely need pockets in my travel trousers and these fit the billJames Perse t-shirt
Again, I have tons of these t-shirts in different styles and colors, and all are well cut, flattering, and breathableShoes: Nike Space Hippies
I first saw these mentioned in an FT HTSI article where Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia was talking about his favorite things, these shoes being one.
After snagging my own pair, I understand why. These shoes are sustainable, made of 100% post recyclables, comfortable, and practical (you can throw them in the wash in these). Mine are going on almost 3 yearsShawl or wrap: Hermès scarf
I have one in a gorgeous cerulean-like blue that goes with everything (even black).
This is always in my travel bag and I wrap myself when flights get too chilly for a t-shirt but too hot for a hoodie (see #9). And it doubles as an elegant pashmina when you’re going out for dinner
Baseball cap
I usually travel with some kind of structured or trucker-style hat; I don’t know why, the taller styles just frame my face better. Also, wherever I’m going, the hat is essential for sun protection when I’m walking around. This one from titleist even comes with a ball marker for you golf girliesSunglasses
I’ve lost so many pairs of expensive designer sunglasses. Or they break. These from I-SEA are affordable and come in so many different styles and colors. Same with these inexpensive ones from goodr if you need stylish, sporty sunglasses to run and hike inReliable hoodie
I always bring a hoodie on planes, especially for overnight international flights.
I pull the hood down for extra privacy while creating my own warm cocoon, even if I’m in a lie-flat seat.
My fave is a super soft cream-colored cotton/modal one I found many years ago at Oak + Fort in San Francisco, kind of like the one pictured but not the exact same.
You never know how cold or hot some airplane cabins are and I’d rather shed layers than not have enough. Finally ...Mr. Bean
The ultimate travel accessory and companion. Seriously I lucked out because he is the goodest service boy. When not chilling on the plane floor he makes his way up to my lap and ogles the friendly skies
8. Falling in love
With something. With someone. With a city. With a new hobby. With a new flower.
With a pet… whatever it is, love it passionately and be obsessed with it.
Be over the top. Go for it. Go all-in.
9. Going somewhere new and totally unexpected
Challenge yourself and go somewhere new, sexy, and fun.
My picks for possible summer adventures: Banff in Canada, or the Dolomites in Italy.
I’m fortunate to have done the whole Italy yacht thing (Capri, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Salerno, Naples, Sorrento, Procida, Ishchia), the Como thing, the Mykonos thing, and the Ibiza thing.
It’s time to go somewhere new.
10. Booking a summer event, now
Do it now.
Book a concert. An event. A sporting event, like a baseball game or FIFA World Cup qualifying footy match or tennis match.
A lunch or BBQ with friends. A dinner date with an old friend in another city.
A lot of times, my travel schedule is dictated by commitments I make to people or events far, far ahead in the future.
Get 2 tix, 1 for you and another for your husband, partner, BFF, or whoever the universe puts into your orbit when the time comes.
Do it!
How are you preparing for the summer?
What are you doing, where are you going, and what is the THEME?
I’d love to know, and please supply your favorite travel tips and essential capsule collection items.
Until next time,
Shindy
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Every photo was stunning! I loved them
all! You’re so organized, make notes about your favorite things so you’ll hv them for your next adventure!
You have such an exciting life with Mr. Bean and boy do you know how to plan the most extraordinary, eclectic experiences! I admire you soooooooo much!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰