Long Live A Towel For Keeps
On OOKIOH, great swim, and the grocery items I'm obsessed with
A special thank you to OOKIOH for sponsoring this dispatch of Long Live.
Picture this: your favorite time of the year is when it’s cold enough to seek out a fireplace and a hardcover book. Your idea of fun in the sun involves SPF 50 and definitely a hat. Eating outdoors is reserved for days under 70 degrees and the majority of your wardrobe is black.
So it goes for those among us who aren’t easy, breezy summer girls. I favor AC over any frozen drink and stare longingly at the cashmere in the back of my closet. And in New York, summer isn’t something you can grin and bear your way through. It’s a whole thing. Until you’ve been stuck on a train without air, you won’t get what I’m saying, but know this—very few things get me in the spirit of the season like OOKIOH.
I chatted with Vivek Agarwal, founder of the brand, to hear some of his inspo behind the brand’s recent expansion into sunglasses + towels.
“OOKIOH was conceived as a sustainable apparel and accessories brand. I started with swimwear because I saw an opportunity to make affordable, eco-friendly design-forward suits. We have been tinkering with different ideas since our first launch - However, I only wanted to jump in on a category if I knew I was making an impact. So, when we finally locked in on the fabric and technology of the towel, we knew that it would be a game changer, and we had to do it. It also made sense from a brand perspective. It is the same rationale for our newly launched sunglasses too.”
It’s clear that the brand’s influences—80s ESPRIT and 90s Benetton—play a key role in the vintage-inspired silhouettes and colorways. My favorite suits are the Lisbon one piece and the Ochos Rios one piece. I’ve been wearing these non-stop + keep getting compliments. Sustainable. Chic. And prone to kind words from strangers. OOKIOH is my kind of brand.
Archived Outfit
I’ve been thinking lots about Jane Birkin since her recent passing. She’s always been one of my top style icons. And, not to point fingers, but the reason I begged my hairdresser for some very bad bangs in 2018. I love the ease with which she wore everything; nothing felt too serious. In her honor, let’s shop some vintage basket bags.
If you’re looking to honor the legend with an almost identical basket, here’s one from Noihsaf for $75.
I love this prim + proper black basket bag for under $60 on Etsy.
Editor’s note: But wait. Part of what makes basket bags so iconic is their affordability. It’s what makes them a cooler choice than anything designer, IMO. So let’s find some under $30.
And I love plastic basket bag almost as much as wicker. Here’s one from Kate Spade for under $30.
Of course, there’s also leather basket bags, which are impossible to say no to. This one’s $22.
For my sister and anyone else into Y2k, this adorable basket bag is $15!
Another plastic pick, which you could offer $25 for.
This one reminds me of my fabulous mother-in-law, who loves a pink and green combo. This RL bag is $20!
Honorable Mentions
Shopping update! Let’s discuss. I bought two pieces, both from eBay, and one out of necessity. Since my daily walks have taken a turn for the sweatier, I realized I needed another pair of shorts and a sports bra to throw on. Per last installment, I went for the Athena style from OV. And I found one for $11 on eBay. Pictured below!
Now, don’t yell at me. I’m updating this at the last minute. I bought something superfluous. My best friend was sending me very compelling eBay links! And I’m always preaching the merits of a set in the summer. This was $27 with shipping, so I don’t feel that bad.
And since I thought my readers might be interested in the items I’m adding to my partner’s grocery list every week, here we go!
Cottage cheese—it’s happening in a big way for me right now. Lots of pepper, tons of EVOO. Lately, I’ve been scrambling with eggs.
Cherries—my summer addiction and the perfect snack for watching cooking videos on Youtube.
Celtic sea salt—adding to cold water with lime and telling myself it makes me feel more hydrated.
Pumpernickel bread—love this with avocado and the cottage cheese/egg story above.
And I promise loads of book recs next week! This newsletter is heaving with word count already. See you next, next Thursday x