Julie's Medicine Cabinet
This month in Julie’s Medicine Cabinet, our founder details what she’s currently coveting. Julie’s picks for July encompass her summer essentials—from her favorite wide-brimmed hat to her market bag, and beach blanket; Julie’s discoveries are the products you need and never knew you needed.
JANESSA LEONÉ KENNEDY WIDE BRIM IN BLACK
The right wide-brimmed straw hat is like having your own private umbrella—it helps to shade the entire face, neck, and decolletage. And Julie loves the Janessa Leone Kennedy Wide Brim in Black. “This really affords the most protection. It is a summer essential for me. I do not go outside without a hat in the height of summer, especially during those hours when the sun is most intense. It may seem counter-intuitive to wear a black straw hat in the heat of the sun, but it looks so chic with a breezy white gauze tunic or caftan.”
OAXACAN MARKET BAG
In Mexico, they use a woven tote called the market bag, which is another essential for Julie during the summer. “I have an eye for selecting market bags, and the best ones are made in Oaxaca and woven with recycled plastic. My lifestyle here in Mexico is all about the sun, the sand, and the beach, and these bags can take anything and still look good (RIP every canvas tote I’ve ever owned). Plus, I like that they’re made with recycled materials and the colorways are amazing. I stock up on them for guests to tote around town until they find their own. When you’re in Mexico take your time to scan the markets to find the best patterns and colorways, sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to find one that looks like a Missoni print.”
TRADITIONAL BEACH BLANKET
In Sayulita, there is a popular traditional beach blanket and Julie’s favorite is by a company called Las Bayadas. “There’s a French woman who moved here and fell in love with this traditional fabric that the local surfers use as a large beach towel. She’s inspired by her travels throughout Mexico and is also a textile designer. She started making these huge blankets with colored stripes and they’re super lightweight and can take the wear and tear of the beach. I always have it with me because when I’m out about I may spontaneously decide I want to hit the beach. Because they’re so thin, you can roll them up really tight, and they fit right into your bag.”
