May Wrap-Up: Sun-Kissed & Soft-Living, London in Bloom & A Summer Taking Shape

Sophie Allatt
May 31, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Apr 3

May has been golden, indulgent, and exactly what I needed.

From Positano mornings wrapped in linen to long London evenings that stretch past sunset, this month has felt like the perfect soft launch into summer.

And now? June is calling.

Leaving Italy, But Keeping The Energy

My last days in Italy were unreal.

Some final highlights:

Sorrento sunsets with an Aperol in hand.
A spontaneous boat trip to Capri. Because if there’s an opportunity to be on a boat in Italy, you take it.
An unplanned, wine-fuelled dinner with a group of strangers who felt like old friends by the end of the night.
One final morning espresso overlooking the sea, already plotting when I’ll be back.

I left feeling lighter, more inspired, and with a deep, unwavering belief that life should always involve this much pasta.

London: The Summer Mood is Officially Here

Back in London, the city feels different.

People are outside at every opportunity. Sun or no sun, terraces are full, parks are packed, and everyone is pretending it’s warmer than it actually is.
Weekend plans are happening in real-time. “Should we do a BBQ today?” “Should we book a last-minute flight?” No one is waiting for the ‘right moment.’
The rooftops are officially open. Which means rosé season is fully underway.

Also: my ice latte intake has tripled.

Social Life: Everyone’s Doing Something Exciting

The group chat is on fire, and everyone seems to be making moves:

Liv’s wedding planning is full steam ahead. Venue still undecided (Provence vs. Lake Como remains a battle), but the bridesmaid dress drama has begun.
Charlie is adjusting to expat life in Singapore. Last seen in a rooftop infinity pool with a cocktail in hand.
Amelia has officially started house-hunting in New York. A direct result of one too many espresso martinis in the West Village last month.
Ben is still in South America. Currently in Chile, casually climbing mountains like it’s a personality trait.
Josh and I? Still good. Still seeing each other. Still keeping it light, but enjoying it.

Style: The ‘It’s Basically Summer’ Edit

This month’s vibe has been effortlessly chic, low-maintenance, and sun-kissed.

Current rotation:

Linen shirts over swimsuits. Peak ‘Mediterranean Summer’ energy.
Gold jewellery, always.
A rotation of floaty white dresses.
Basket bags & big sunglasses.
Flat sandals, because heels feel excessive right now.

Also, I fully intend to wear a silk headscarf at some point this summer.

Beauty & Wellness: Glowing & Unbothered

Right now, I’m focused on:

Dewy skin, minimal effort. A little bronzer, a swipe of mascara, and a glossy lip is all I need.
Nourishing movement. More long walks, more Pilates, more stretching. Less pressure.
Good sleep, good hydration, good SPF. The holy trinity of not looking exhausted.

Also: I’m embracing freckles instead of covering them.

Mindset: Moving With Ease, Saying Yes More

This month has felt like a reminder to enjoy the moment instead of overthinking it.

Right now, I’m focusing on:

More saying yes to spontaneous plans.
More leaning into what feels good, without overanalyzing.
More trusting that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.

Also, I’m officially in my ‘Europe all summer’ delusion.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

The Cannes Film Festival has provided endless fashion moments. The old money Riviera aesthetic is thriving.
The ‘Tomato Girl Summer’ trend is everywhere. Linen dresses, gold hoops, slightly undone hair—it’s a lifestyle now.
Beyoncé’s tour is setting the internet on fire. She never misses.
Wimbledon plans are already in discussion. Strawberries, Pimm’s, and pretending we care about tennis.