Summersalt

The Main Line

A collage of essentials for summer in the country

Hello from the Main Line, where women begin their mornings with an outdoor run or exercise class, go to lunch midday, and entertain at home in the evenings. I’ve become fond of Soul Cycle lately, which I usually follow up with a salad from Sweetgreen. Whenever I visit my sommelier, V., at Di Bruno Bros., I go to The Silverspoon for lunch. So far, we’ve successfully hosted one guest for dinner. (Family members don’t count as guests.) I wouldn’t say we’re ready for a dinner party just yet, but a little more practice may be enough to change the tide.

I spend more time at home now than I did when we lived in Philadelphia. I enjoy swimming in the recently-renovated outdoor pool, barbecuing burgers and Hebrew National hot dogs on the charcoal grill, and drinking canned wine on the balcony at night. But one can only swim so much, grill so much, and drink so much wine.

Due to distance, it’s no longer convenient to take advantage of the social events (Artsi), art (the PMA), and vibrant restaurants (Parc and Zahav) Philadelphia has to offer. However, not having to constantly look over my shoulder and worry about excessive crime frees up my time for other things. A few more suburban pastimes: stocking up on Hippeas chickpea puffs and Hu chocolate from Whole Foods, seeing a film at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, eating a black bean burger and side salad at Mom’s Organic Market, and date night with my husband at Otto by Polpo.

Although I go into the city often, it is not likely that I will ever live in Philadelphia again. I’m convinced that I’ve seen everything the Main Line has to offer, but perhaps time will tell if this statement is true.

Works Sighted

swimsuit // acrylic stemless wine glass // melamine accent plates // seersucker napkins //  tunic // canned sparkling rosé // movie poster

lounge chair // pool ring // wicker clutch // visor // tank

wine tote // paleo chocolate bar // vegan chickpea puffs // book // tennis set // 21 oz Hydro Flask // align 25” // cycling shoes

Summersalt Swimsuits

Navy Summersalt sidestroke

My extensive search for a one-piece swimsuit came to an end this summer. I’d discovered the brand Summersalt online, but the constant flood of promotional mailings ultimately convinced me to place my first order. The women-owned business celebrates the variety of the female form by diversifying the personalities in its campaign. I recognized the faces of some of their ambassadors including Jessica Nabongo, Chelsea Werner, and Carly Cushnie. I decided to put the company’s motto, Every body is a Summersalt body, to the test.

I ended up returning my first order, which included the tie belted cove and the ruffle backflip. The tie belted cove didn’t suit me, but I ordered the ruffle backflip in sea urchin again, this time in the perfect size. A week or two later, I rounded out my collection with the sidestroke in deep sea.

In the past, I’d wasted time trying on one-pieces that didn’t offer any support. In contrast, when I wear my Summersalt suits, it feels like I’m being gently hugged. Everything stays in place, and readjusting my suit is a thing of the past. When I return to the city, the sidestroke will surely be accompanying me to the indoor pool. The ruffle backflip is a little too low-cut for laps but stunning nonetheless. If you’re in need of a confidence-boosting one-piece, I highly recommend you begin your search with Summersalt.

Works Sighted

Summersalt sidestroke

Packing for the Beach House

A collage of things to bring to the beach house

While it may be tempting to overpack for your stay at the beach house, I caution against it. Your much-deserved time in and by the ocean shouldn’t be eclipsed by an excessive amount of belongings. I take my most casual items of clothing to the beach. No iron, no steamer…just five of the same tank dress. In addition to practical clothing, family-friendly games, classic movies, and wine all make for a celebratory time.

Works Sighted

Estelle Colored Glass Champagne coupes // Chateau du Petit Thouars Cremant de Loire Non Vintage // The Hygge Game // sunscreen // chapstick

Warby Parker sunglasses // Summersalt sidestroke // Charlie Holiday sarong // Sunbody Hats straw hat // Hermès Oran sandal // L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

J.Crew short-sleeve pajama short set (hydrangea) // S’well water bottle // Holiday // My Paris Dream

Beach Essentials

A collage of things to bring to the beach

The number of items I deem necessary for a trip to the beach depends on the location and duration of my stay. If I’m going to Cape May for the day, I’ll need a chair. A towel will do if I’m planning to sit by the water for an hour or two. For a leisurely walk in the sand, I’ll forgo a bathing suit and opt for a sundress instead. If I find myself at a European beach club or seaside hotel, I’ll leave the serving of the food and drinks and the seating arrangements to someone else.

Works Sighted

hat // bathing suit // / sunscreen // chapstick // bag

umbrella // sunglasses // pen // notebook

towel // chair // cooler