Electric Days & Velvet Nights: The June Comeback

June has been a whirlwind—chaotic, vibrant, and full of those ‘this is what summer should feel like’ moments. It’s been an unapologetically loud return to city life after Morocco—sun-kissed skin, sand still in the corners of my suitcase, and a soul in full feral girl summer mode.

After the absolute rollercoaster that was Morocco, I’ve been easing back into London life… or at least, I told myself I would. In reality? I cannonballed straight into a sea of rooftop drinks, festival nights, street food cravings, and 2 a.m. chips on the kerb outside Voodoo Ray’s. I even managed to be “accidentally” pulled into an afterparty in Notting Hill that involved someone DJing off a balcony and a bathtub full of cans.

Because if summer isn’t about spontaneity, what is?

The Post-Morocco Reset (Or Lack Thereof)

Coming back from Morocco, I promised myself I’d take it slow.

That lasted about three days.

Then suddenly:

• Last-minute gig tickets.

• A rooftop party that spiralled into a 3 AM dance-off.

• Too many frozen margaritas on a Wednesday night.

• A cheeky Thursday breakfast date that somehow lasted until mid-afternoon.

• Ending up in Brixton at 1am with someone’s jacket on and no memory of how I got it.

Honestly? Zero regrets.

There’s something delicious about slipping back into your city groove post-travel. My London life feels like it’s vibrating at a higher frequency—louder, messier, and somehow even more romantic in its chaos. I’ve been walking more, lingering longer, saying yes without triple-checking the calendar. It’s like I’ve remembered how fun I am when I’m not trying so hard to have everything figured out.

Summer Gigs: Loud Music, Late Nights & That Perfect Festival Energy

There’s something about live music in the summer that just hits different. Maybe it’s the warm air, or maybe it’s the permission we give ourselves to feel everything a little louder.

A few standout nights:

• The 1975 at Finsbury Park – Dancing under the sunset, screaming lyrics, feeling 19 again for two hours. I wore a vintage tee, red lipstick, and that look in my eye that says, “Yes, I will make bad decisions tonight.”

• Arctic Monkeys at Emirates Stadium – Indie sleaze nostalgia in full force. Cigarette smoke, that bassline, and Alex Turner still ruining lives.

• A tiny, sweaty jazz night in Soho – A much-needed contrast to the chaos. Candlelit tables, a sax solo that made me cry a bit, and a nightcap that turned into three.

• A spontaneous festival weekend – Mud, overpriced beer, and pure serotonin. We danced until our calves gave out. I’m still finding glitter in my hair. And possibly in my coffee. How did it get in my coffee?

Also: I forgot how much I love live music. I’ve started stalking ticket resale pages like it’s a full-time job. Will be making it a habit again.

The Social Scene: Everyone’s in Their ‘Say Yes to Everything’ Era

It feels like no one wants to waste a second of summer—and I’m absolutely here for it.

Lately, it’s been:

• Wine-fuelled picnics in Hyde Park with questionable cheese that we ate anyway.

• Lazy brunches turning into all-day affairs complete with second bottles of prosecco.

• Spontaneous road trips to the coast (Josh is still the worst DJ, but we forgive him because he brought snacks).

• Balcony drinks, rooftops, and that golden London light that makes even hangovers feel poetic.

• Late-night swims in Hampstead Heath. Shhh.

• Friday mornings powered by iced oat lattes and pure adrenaline.

Also: it’s officially rosé season. My fridge knows it. My friends know it. My bank account… is adjusting.

I’ve also been experimenting with spritzes—limoncello, basil, cucumber. I’m practically a mixologist now.

Style: The ‘Music Festival Meets City Chic’ Edit

This month has been a mix of cool-girl gig dressing and effortless summer chic.

Current rotation:

• Vintage band tees + slouchy jeans.

• Silk slip dresses + oversized blazers.

• Cowboy boots + mini skirts. (Yes, the ‘Coastal Cowgirl’ trend got me.)

• Ballet flats + sheer maxi skirts.

• Statement sunglasses, always.

• Big earrings, always back.

• Lip gloss that tastes like watermelon and recklessness.

• Tie-front cardigans over bikinis pretending to be tops.

• Scarves as tops. Scarves as belts. Scarves as identity.

It’s giving experimental with a dash of ‘I got dressed with the window open and a playlist blasting’. We love.

Beauty & Wellness: Balancing Chaos With Self-Care

With all the late nights, travel, and general life excess, I’ve been trying to keep some balance.

Right now, it’s all about:

• Hydration, hydration, hydration. SPF, after-sun care, and a lot of coconut water.

• Yoga & stretching. Because dancing for hours counts as cardio, right?

• Dewy, bronzed skin. Minimal effort, maximum glow.

• Post-gig recovery skincare. (Shoutout to Augustinus Bader for keeping me looking alive.)

• Also, I booked a facial as an apology to my skin.

• Magnesium baths. Candles. No phones.

• Body brushing and ice rolling—because TikTok made me do it.

• Sleeping in linen sheets with a fan blowing gently. Heaven.

Soft life on the outside. Chaos core on the inside. We’re keeping both.

Mindset: Soaking Up Every Moment

Something about this summer feels different.

I’m not in a rush, I’m not overplanning—I’m just taking things as they come, saying yes, and enjoying it all. My schedule is full, but in a way that feels indulgent rather than exhausting.

Right now, I’m focusing on:

• More being present, less overthinking.

• More fun for the sake of it.

• More trusting that the best moments happen when you least expect them.

• Letting joy be enough.

• Embracing unpredictability without needing a backup plan.

Also, I am officially in my ‘festival all summer’ era. Let the chaos continue. Honestly? I hope this feeling lasts.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

• Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour has taken over Europe. (The FOMO is real.)

• Barbie-core is everywhere. (Margot Robbie’s promo looks? Unreal.)

• Everyone’s rewatching Almost Famous for summer music inspiration.

• The Tomato Girl Summer aesthetic is now a full-blown lifestyle—think dewy skin, red nails, linen dresses, and an Aperol in hand.

• Everywhere I look: ballet flats, big bows, and girls in pink eating peaches on balconies.

• Stanley cups, ribbon-tied ponytails, and Mediterranean playlists are in.

• Also, there’s a lavender blush trend happening that I’m tentatively here for.

The Month Ahead: What’s Coming?

• More live music. I have my eye on a few last-minute gig tickets.

• More sun-drenched evenings. Because summer is not for staying inside.

• A little weekend escape? Possibly back to the coast. Possibly with someone new.

• Reconnecting with routines—but keeping the magic.

• New books, new playlists, and one big, juicy summer flirtation. Manifesting.

• Finally booking that reformer pilates class I keep saying I’ll do.

• Spending Sundays without screens and with sangria instead.

June, you’ve been electric. You’ve been everything. Let’s keep this going.

Sophie x