Founder's Picks: Summer Edition

Afteryears of curating accessories for the world's most discerning women, I've learned that summer styling requires a delicate balance between effortless beauty and practical functionality. The season demands pieces that can transition seamlessly from morning yoga sessions to evening soirées, from humid afternoons to air-conditioned galleries. This summer, I'm sharing my personal selections—the pieces that have earned permanent residency in my own styling arsenal.

These aren't fleeting trends or Instagram-worthy props designed for a single post. They're the accessories that understand the complex needs of the modern woman's summer: the unpredictability of weather, the multiplicity of social obligations, and the eternal desire to look effortlessly put-together while actually feeling comfortable and confident.

Summer styling has evolved far beyond the binary choice between "up" and "down." Today's most sophisticated women understand that the right accessories can transform a simple gesture into a statement of personal style. They know that true luxury lies not in ostentation, but in the quiet confidence that comes from choosing pieces that work beautifully across multiple contexts.

The Philosophy Behind Summer Selections

My approach to summer curation stems from years of observing how women actually live during these precious warm months. We're more active, more social, more willing to embrace spontaneity. Our accessories need to match this energy while maintaining the level of sophistication we've come to expect from our carefully curated wardrobes.

The challenge lies in finding pieces that photograph beautifully in natural light while feeling genuinely comfortable during long, active days. Summer accessories must be resilient enough to withstand humidity, versatile enough to complement everything from linen sundresses to silk camisoles, and sophisticated enough to carry us through the season's most important moments.

Each piece in this collection has been tested in real-world summer conditions—from Mediterranean beach clubs to Manhattan rooftops, from weekend farmers markets to gallery openings in converted warehouses. They've proven themselves worthy of the investment, both financially and emotionally.

Oceana Barrette: The Effortless Beach Essential

There's something magical about the way light behaves near water—softer, more forgiving, infinitely more 

romantic. The oceana barrette captures this quality perfectly, designed specifically for those moments when you want to embody that coveted "just back from the coast" aesthetic without looking like you've spent the day battling wind and salt spray.

This piece excels at creating what I call "intentional undone"—styles that appear effortless but are actually carefully constructed. The technique involves gathering hair loosely at the nape, allowing strategic pieces to escape and frame the face. The oceana barrette's organic silhouette complements this relaxed approach while providing enough structure to maintain the style throughout long summer days.

What makes this piece particularly brilliant is its ability to work with hair that's been touched by the elements. Whether your hair is slightly damp from an afternoon swim, textured by ocean air, or simply unwashed after a long weekend, the oceana barrette transforms imperfection into intentional style. It's the kind of piece that makes you look like the protagonist in a European art film—mysterious, effortless, utterly captivating.

The versatility extends beyond beach settings. Paired with flowing fabrics and minimal jewelry, it brings coastal energy to urban environments. I've worn mine to gallery openings in Chelsea, where it provided the perfect counterpoint to more structured elements in my outfit. It suggests a life well-lived, full of beautiful places and meaningful experiences.

Candy Pins: Golden Hour Glamour

If the oceana barrette captures morning light on water, the candy pins embody the magic of evening light filtering through summer leaves. These pieces were designed for those precious golden hour moments—whether you're preparing for dinner on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean or simply want to elevate your energy for an important evening.

The styling approach with candy pins requires a more intentional hand than the oceana barrette. These are hair bun accessories that work best when used in multiples, creating patterns and textures that catch light beautifully. The technique involves creating a loose, low chignon, then strategically placing the pins to suggest both structure and movement.

What I love most about this styling is its photogenic quality. In an age where we're all inadvertent photographers, these pins understand how to perform in camera. They catch light without creating harsh reflections, add visual interest without competing with your facial features, and maintain their elegance whether viewed from the front or profile.

The color palette works beautifully with summer's warmer tones—the golden undertones complement sun-kissed skin while the cream elements provide enough contrast to create definition. I've found they work particularly well with silk camisoles and flowing trousers, creating that effortless luxury aesthetic that feels both accessible and aspirational.

For evening events, the candy pins create easy hairstyles with hair up that feel special without being overly formal. They're perfect for those summer occasions that call for something more polished than a casual ponytail but less structured than a formal updo—garden parties, rooftop dinners, gallery openings, intimate wedding celebrations.

Accent Tie & Camellia Clip: The Everyday Luxury

Summer's greatest styling challenge often lies in the everyday moments—those regular Tuesday afternoons when you still want to feel put-together but can't justify the time or energy for elaborate styling. The accent tie & camellia clip combination represents my

solution to this eternal dilemma: accessories that provide maximum impact with minimal effort.

This pairing exemplifies what I consider the best claw clips philosophy—function and beauty in perfect harmony. The accent tie provides the foundational hold, while the camellia clip adds the decorative element that transforms a purely functional style into something intentionally chic. Together, they create a look that suggests careful consideration while requiring less than two minutes to execute.

The genius lies in the proportions. The accent tie is sized to provide genuine security without creating tension headaches during long days. The camellia clip is substantial enough to make a visual statement without overwhelming finer hair textures. This balance makes the combination suitable for a wide range of hair types and lengths.

I've relied on this combination through countless summer workdays, from morning meetings to evening events. The style photographs well in video calls, stays secure during active moments, and feels elegant enough for unexpected social opportunities. It's the kind of reliable luxury that busy women depend on—beautiful, functional, and utterly trustworthy.

The comfort factor cannot be overstated. Summer heat can make elaborate hairstyles feel oppressive, but this combination allows for airflow while maintaining sophistication. It's particularly brilliant for those humid days when you need your hair completely off your neck but still want to look intentional and polished.

Shell Clips: Capturing the Beach Mood

Sometimes an accessory transcends its functional purpose to become pure sculpture. The shell clips represent this elevated approach to hair styling—pieces that are as beautiful sitting on your dressing table as they are adorning your hair. They capture what I call the "exceptional beach mood"—that rare combination of relaxation and sophistication that represents summer at its finest.

These clips work best as beautiful clips for hair when you want to make a subtle but unmistakable statement. The organic forms echo natural elements without being literal interpretations, creating pieces that feel both earthy and refined. They're particularly effective in more structured hairstyles, where their flowing lines provide an unexpected counterpoint to geometric precision.

The styling approach I prefer involves creating a sleek, low ponytail or chignon, then using the shell clips as accent pieces that suggest movement and fluidity. This creates an interesting tension between the controlled base style and the organic accessories—a very contemporary approach to summer elegance.

What makes these clips particularly special is their ability to work across different hair colors and textures. The neutral tones complement both warm and cool undertones, while the sculptural quality adds interest regardless of hair thickness or length. They're equally at home with sleek, straight styles and more textured, natural looks.

The exceptional beach mood they create isn't limited to coastal settings. I've worn them to summer weddings in the countryside, where they provided the perfect finishing touch to flowing fabrics and natural settings. They suggest a connection to natural beauty without being overtly thematic—sophisticated, subtle, utterly chic.

Understanding Summer Hair Texture

Summer changes our hair in fundamental ways. Humidity adds texture and volume, sun exposure can lighten color and alter shine, swimming introduces salt and chlorine that affect both appearance and manageability. Successful summer styling requires accessories that work with these changes rather than fighting against them.

This seasonal transformation actually creates opportunities for more interesting styling. Hair that might seem "difficult" in controlled indoor environments often becomes more cooperative in summer's natural humidity. The added texture provides grip that makes updos more secure, while the relaxed movement complements summer's more casual aesthetic.

The accessories I've chosen for this collection all understand this seasonal hair reality. They're designed to work with hair that's been touched by the elements, that carries the subtle changes that come from living actively in warm weather. They enhance rather than disguise these natural variations.

The Investment Perspective

Summer accessories often get categorized as seasonal purchases—temporary additions that serve a specific purpose for a limited time. I take a different approach. The best summer pieces become year-round favorites, bringing warmth and light to darker months while serving as reminders of beautiful summer experiences.

Quality construction ensures that these pieces will maintain their beauty through multiple seasons. The materials are chosen for their ability to withstand the challenges of summer wear—humidity, heat, occasional salt spray—while developing the kind of patina that makes accessories feel personal and unique.

When you invest in pieces that truly work for your lifestyle, they become part of your styling vocabulary. You reach for them instinctively, knowing they'll solve whatever styling challenge you're facing. This reliability is perhaps the greatest luxury of all—the confidence that comes from owning pieces that consistently make you look and feel your best.

Creating Your Summer Styling System

The most successful summer styling happens when you have a system—a curated collection of pieces that work together seamlessly, creating multiple looks with minimal effort. This approach reduces decision fatigue while ensuring you always have appropriate options for whatever the day brings.

Consider building your collection around versatile base pieces that can be styled multiple ways, then adding accent pieces that provide personality and visual interest. This foundation approach ensures that every piece earns its place in your collection through regular use and genuine versatility.

The pieces in this summer collection are designed to work together as well as individually. The oceana barrette and shell clips share an organic aesthetic that makes them natural companions. The candy pins and camellia clip both feature refined details that suggest careful curation. This interconnectedness allows for creative combinations and styling experiments.

Embracing Summer's Possibilities

Summer represents possibility in its purest form—longer days, warmer weather, increased social opportunities, and the general sense that beautiful things are about to happen. Your accessories should reflect this optimistic energy while providing the practical support needed to navigate the season's unique challenges.

The pieces I've chosen for this collection understand that modern summer styling requires both beauty and functionality. They're sophisticated enough for important occasions yet comfortable enough for daily wear. They work with summer's natural hair changes while maintaining the level of polish that discerning women expect from their accessories.

Most importantly, they understand that true luxury lies not in complexity but in the confidence that comes from knowing you look effortlessly beautiful. When you feel secure in your styling choices, you're free to focus on what matters most—enjoying summer's precious moments and creating memories worthy of the season's magic.

These are the pieces that will make this summer memorable—not just for how they make you look, but for how they make you feel. Choose wisely, style confidently, and embrace everything this beautiful season has to offer.