HEADED ON HOLIDAY? HERE’S WHAT TO PACK

Sand-ready sandals

“I’m a sucker for a really cool sandal from Cult Gaia,” says Content & Creative Strategy Lead, Anna Espelage. “The designs are so distinct and eye-catching, especially the ones with spherical heels like the Jila or Leora styles. And my favorite flat sandals are Chloé’s Woody sandals with the overlapping logo straps.” “In all honesty, I try to limit wearing shoes in the summer as much as possible,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma, “But for when I need to pack for a trip, I would definitely bring my classic Birkenstocks, which are perfect for beaches and cities, and a pair of Prada canvas espadrille wedges with ankle ties—they’re honestly the most comfortable shoes I own!” “Nothing beats a pair of Havaianas sandals for the beach or pool,” says Global PR Manager, Hanna Lehanka. “They also had a collab with Dolce & Gabbana recently with some of the iconic Sicilian prints.”

While I love the idea of lounging around in an enormous sunhat, a baseball cap or bucket hat is way more packable,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “My go-tos are the bucket hats from Loewe and Ganni, whether it’s the classic canvas or a striped crochet version. This can look so cute with a pair of cheeky little earrings like the Papillon Mini Hoops.” “I’m a religious fan of baseball caps and won’t go anywhere without my favorite one from Chimi or The Frankie Shop,” says Anouk, Growth & Partnerships Manager. “A few beach weekends have also taught me that one of the keys to a relaxing getaway is having a go-to, no heat, easy hairstyle for dinner or going out at night. I’ve been loving the sleek high bun trend with a full ear stack like the Corsica Hoops or the Merida Hoops paired with the Isola Hoops.”

The perfect pool read

What makes a book a good beach read? Certainly, one that you wouldn’t mind getting a little damp and sandy, and preferably one that has you glued to its pages and that entertains while leaving you with a satisfied feeling at the end. “I love Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend,” says ESG Manager, Alessandra Gargiulo. “It’s the story of an intense and complex friendship between two women from childhood through adulthood in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy. As they navigate their personal ambitions and struggles, their relationship oscillates between affection and rivalry, shaping their identities and destinies in profound ways.” “I read The Time Traveler’s Wife every summer and I cry every time,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “It intermingles time travel, science, downtown Chicago, music, true love, poetry, and art into a compelling fictional narrative that explores the idea of what time travel could look like and how it would affect the lives of a fated couple and the people around them.” “It has to be The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy,” says Nicole Potzinger, Influencer Marketing Manager. “I loved everything about this book, the two main characters, and the fire between the two of them. If you love spicy novels, this book should be on your reading list!”