Is it just us, or did May really fly by? Perhaps it's because we've been busy. From the madness of the Met Gala to the Cannes Film Festival to a slew of designers showing their cruise collections, there has been so much fashion to intake. Or perhaps it's because we never really got the proper, consistent spring weather that we were desperately craving. Regardless of the reasoning, it's official summer—and our shopping is truly reflective of that. We've got dresses, sunglasses, and light neutral colors on our minds, as well as products that will help us achieve that summer glow that we all desire. With our winter clothes officially tucked away and our fingers crossed that the weather gods aren't playing tricks on us, our flip-flops are out, our SPF is on (as it is year-round, of course), and we're looking forward to spending weekends sunbathing in our favorite parks in our favorite mini dresses.
Ahead, the fashion pieces and beauty products that carried us throughout the month of May—and that will be carrying us through the rest of summer.
Fashion:
Carel Paris Carlotta Ballet Flats
"I have a million pairs of ballet flats, but none with a tiny heel, and so Carel's Carlotta Ballet Flats have recently filled this void. Perfectly comfortable as daily drivers (even in NYC), their slim silhouette has garnered so many compliments in the weeks I've been wearing them. The perfect closed-toe summer shoe." - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
AFLALO Huxley Jean
"Another item that has been recently added to my weekly rotation is these Aflalo jeans. I usually shy away from ripped denim however I unexpectedly tried these on in their NYC showroom and fell in love with their vintage wash and silhouette." - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Taottao Mini Doll Dress Lucid
"It's the era of a mini dress. This summer, I’m looking to refresh my lineup with pieces that feel playful but still make a statement. I love this one from Taottao!" - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Otra Eyewear Maddy Sunglasses
"I’m always on the hunt for sunglasses that make even the simplest outfit feel cooler, and the Maddy frames from OTRA do exactly that. I'll definitely be wearing them all summer long." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
By Malina Lovis Midi Dress
"I can’t get enough of the fringe trend right now. This dress immediately caught my eye, and it’s already en route to me. They also have a matching scarf that I’m very tempted by." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Siedrés Monica Ruffled Devoré Chiffon Maxi Dress
"This is definitely the next it girl brand. All of their pieces are so fun—I’m loving the texture throughout the collection, and the fact that everything is so comfortable is a huge win for me." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Helsa The Summer Overalls
"In the summer, I’m always reaching for pieces that are easy to throw on while still looking elevated and feeling comfortable—here she is. I never knew overalls could look so chic." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Teddy Blake Amelia Suede Bag
"With warmer weather comes my yearly attempt to wear less black. Instead, I'm swapping in some lighter neutrals. This suede Teddy Blake in this perfect beige color is quickly becoming my daily go-to. And, as a girl who loves to throw stuff in a bag that I probably won't even need or use throughout the day, this is the perfect size." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Home Of Hai Franco Shirt In Ivory Dupion Silk
"I strongly believe that everyone needs a really good white button up shirt—preferably slightly oversized. This Home Of Hai top made of 100% dupion silk has quickly become one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. It's classic, feels a little luxe, and is easy to pair." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Damson Madder Zazie Jersey Halter Top
"I'm in the process of stocking up on easy to throw in pieces for summer that aren't completely basic. The ruffles, the buttons, the polka dots, and the halter neckline make this Damson Madder top the perfect elevated basic." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Beauty:
Prada Optimizing Care Lip Balm in Noisette
"I am so obsessed with my new Prada Beauty lip balm in Noisette. It's the perfect shade of rose-petal mauve, and gives my lips a slight tint of color while hydrating and blurring. It's the perfect summer lip color." - Faith Xue, Editor-in-Chief
IPL Photofacial At Medispa by NOURA
"Not a product but something worth investing in regardless. I recently got IPL on my face with Edita from Medispa by NOURA, and in the weeks following, I have been glowing up in the literal sense of the phrase. We targeted red spots and post-inflammatory acne marks and my skin tone has completely evened out. Slowly but surely!" - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
"Another, unglamorous thing I am attributing to having a good skin moment is Differin. After moving to NYC, my skin began to consistently become more congested and clogged, and so I finally decided to try Differin. It's been three months of consistent use and I am finally starting to notice a significant difference in texture and tone. Miracle product!" - Ella O'Keeffe, Senior Fashion Editor
Blue Lagoon BL+ Cleansing Balm
"This Blue Lagoon cleansing balm has been my go-to this summer. It breaks down makeup, SPF, and every last trace of grime in seconds—without leaving skin greasy or stripped. The Icelandic microalgae complex is what initially intrigued me, and I have found that my skin has been less angry and reactive since I started using it." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating White Rice Ampoule
"I'm a sucker for a product where you can see the effects happen in real time. If you're into gommage-style exfoliation (and the satisfying dead-skin reveal), like me, you have to try the Dr. Melaxin Exfoliating Ampoule. You massage it onto dry skin, and the cellulose-based formula visibly lifts away dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Christian Louboutin Rouge Stiletto Les Nudes
"While everyone else is leaning into gloss this season, I’ve been really into a vampy lip. This new lipstick from Christian Louboutin Beauty has been a staple because it has that rich, moody depth I love, but still feels surprisingly wearable for daytime. I feel like it especially looks good with a simple white tee and a pair of jeans." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
Kosas Revealer Concealer
"I’m embarrassingly late to the Kosas hype, but there’s a reason Hailey Bieber swears by it. I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: if it’s good enough for Mrs. Bieber, it’s good enough for me." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Celimax The Real Noni Energy Ampoule
"When I recently moved apartments, I was at the last minute packing stage where I was literally throwing random things in bags and boxes. Because of that, I had no idea where the products I was currently using were when I finally got to my new place. I luckily found this product, started using it, and don't think I'll ever stop. Aside from being the most fun and uplifting color, this ampoule is multi-functional: it brightens and energizes the skin while also providing a noticeable boost of hydration." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Dior Backstage Airflash Mist Setting Spray
"A setting spray that actually works and is actually hydrating? Hard to come by in my experience. This offers a natural, smooth finish that I love." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor
Farmacy Honey Vanilla Lip Smoothie
"I'm obsessed with peptides and vitamin C in the formula, along with the fact that this lip smoothie is genuinely hydrating. But I'm also so obsessed with the sensory experience–the honey and vanilla paired with the results make this my favorite lip product." - Bianca Asare, Associate Editor