Summer Blues

And the perfect summer brunch, lunch, dinner, everything bag.

Wearing: The Line by K Ayme Dress (similar) + Dior Micro Lady D-Joy (similar) + Vintage Sterling Silver Hoops (similar) + Cartier Mini Panthère Watch (vintage option!) + Aquazzurra Bikini Thong Sandals

While everyone is trading in their handbags for the ludicrously capacious—a frenzy furthered by Matthieu Blazy’s Souplissimo maxi (a giant flap stripped of its signature diamond quilting and structure)—I’m reaching for my minis at the moment. It’s the heat: I love an oversized tote as much as the next woman, but I run hot. Leather, en masse, is additional bulk I can’t bear to carry at the moment. Wearing grey, even, is risky business.

I took a gamble in the name of brunch, hoping that the walk from my car to the café would be short. (It was, thankfully.) This old-season mini from The Line by K is worth both the peril of sweat and the hunt; it’s no longer in production, unfortunately, but I did find a few secondhand. The jersey is slinky and cooling, the cut universally flattering, and the draping exquisitely considered. I own so much TLK because it’s clear Karla Deras Chambers adores the women she designs for, and the Ayme is an exceptional example of her eye.

Between the mock neck and gentle ruching, it felt fitting to lean into the feminine details. Only the tiniest, most darling of bags could do: the micro Dior Lady D-Joy. As a longtime lover (and amateur collector) of Lady Diors—and someone partial to an East-West silhouette—this was an instant must-invest. The mini is just a bit bigger (and fits an iPhone Pro more comfortably), but I adore the theatrics of an almost too-petite purse. With a bit of determination and a tight squeeze, the micro can manage a phone, card case, lip liner, and nearly finished tube of my favorite SPF lip gloss. Held as a top handle, it’s darling—but it becomes even more practical with the shoulder-length chain. There’s also a crossbody strap that adds yet another layer of functionality. I haven’t reached for it yet, but I do appreciate the freedom of choice.

Dare I say this is one of the most versatile bags in my wardrobe yet? It’s a superlative I don’t award often (especially given the breadth of my collection), but I can confidentally claim that the micro Lady D-Joy is the best day-to-night bag. For evenings out, it’s quite utilitarian—especially if you opt for a patent leather that withstands the elements… and occasional spilled drink.

Now, the patent did call my name, but I couldn’t resist this particular shade of blue. Dior no longer carries this color (though you can find it pre-loved!), so I feel even more justified in my decision. Interestingly enough, it’s quite the chameleon despite being standard leather. It’s an icy blue-grey in some lights, and in others, a precious baby blue. Even the hardware is adaptive—reading as champagne against cooler tones or lighting, then more gold against complementary colors.

Miu Miu Miutine Perfume (*GIFTED) + Dior Micro Lady D-Joy Bag + Cartier Mini Panthère Watch + Etsy Thin Hammered Cuffs (similar)

The final touch: my usual accessories, and a spritz of Miu Miu Miutine. I’m always skeptical of designer perfumes, but this immediately struck a nostalgic cord. It smells like the thick, glossy September issues of the 2010s, replete with glamour, perfumed pages, and dreams of someday, maybe, being part of the world I once worshipped—and still do.

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xx