What a week. It started out with torrential rain and flash flooding in New York and it’s ending with record breaking temperatures of over 100 degrees in Europe. Climate change is real and it’s one of the reasons I like traveling to cooler locals each summer.

Next Thursday, I’m headed to Nantucket for Nantucket for Design. There are still tickets available to the Nantucket Summer Antiques Show Preview Party, panels, dinners, workshops, and the big Night at the Museum. It should be a very fun weekend and I hope you can join us. I’ll be staying in a historic house which I can’t wait to share with you on Instagram so be sure to follow along.

While many people are sweating, pre-fall fashions are hitting stores like J.Crew, Net-a-Porter, and Matches. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale continues with sale prices on new fall merchandise until August 4, 2019 too. It’s always a good time to take stock of what’s in your closet and what holes you need to fill before things start to sell out.

All the high brow Oscar contender movies are released at the end of the year so summer if full of fun films. I’m looking forward to seeing Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood that opens Friday. It’s set in “1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from the writer-director features a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.” Margot Robbie plays Sharon Tate and other major stars have roles in the film too.

I started watching Queer Eye Season 4 last weekend and was crying from the very first episode. I feel like if everyone watched this heartwarming show, the world would be a much better place.

I live in the East 70s so I don’t always go past my immediate neighborhood unless I’m specifically visiting a certain place. After a haircut downtown today, I realized I could take the subway to 86th Street and stop by the new Levain shop that just opened. As I was walking across 83rd Street, I stopped in my tracks when I saw that J.Becker Flowers was having a closing sale. I featured this chic shop in 2015 and it in I said, “It’s the type of place that is getting increasingly harder to find in New York” and now it’s closing too. Owner Larry Becker said he’s been in this space for 33 years and it’s time for a change. He and his partner will be opening a new place in a beautiful house in New Jersey this winter. I asked him to let me know when it’s ready so I can share it with you.

I only had Levain Bakery’s famous cookies for the first time this winter when I visited their original bakery on the Upper West Side. I’m really glad they opened over 10 blocks away from me at 1484 Third Avenue since I’ll be less tempted to indulge myself. The cookies are big and thick and I honestly think the oatmeal raison cookies are better than the chocolate chip walnut cookies. They also sell other baked good and breads and during the summer, they also offer ice cream sandwiches. Expect long lines at certain times of the day.

If you happen to be in New York this weekend, the travel brand Paraval is having a pop up sample sale at 251 Elizabeth Street. It will have one of a kind pieces and great prices. I might have to call and see if packing cubes are included. I’ve been hearing that people love them for packing but I don’t understand how they don’t just take up more room.

When I was in the Hamptons this summer, I made a point to stop by Carissa’s the Bakery since it’s a favorite of Ina Garten. The original space is in a weird location and is take out only but worth a visit for the beautiful cakes and pastries. Now you can eat in at a beautiful new Carissa’s space at 221 Pantigo in East Hampton.

I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs, but I do have an addiction to paper products. Stationery, blank books, notecards, you name it, I buy it. It’s a problem. I’ve tried to stop but I couldn’t help myself from buying blank books with beautiful patterned covers from Papier when I found out I could have them personalized. They are so beautiful and perfect for meetings and to do lists. They would be great to give to new employees or as hostess gifts or for back to school. You can order most notebooks in soft cover or hard and with lined or black paper. The first price listed under each item is for the hardcover and softcover is cheaper. Papier also offers personalized stationery, notecards, invitations, planners, photo books, and more. Right now, Papier is offering $20 off orders of $40 or more for your first purchase.

My friend Heidi Wynne has generously extended her latest offer. Habitually Chic readers can enjoy a special offer of 15% off on all orders or 30% off on orders of $400 or more.  The offer is valid site wide until Sunday, July 28, 2019 by using code CHIC15 or CHIC30 during checkout. It’s the perfect time to pick up a summer bag or a cashmere scarf to get a jump start on fall.

I ran out of my usual cleanser last week so I started using the La Prairie Supreme Cleansing Balm that I was recently sent to try. I can honestly say that I love it. My skin feels incredibly soft and hydrated now. I feel like it’s going to be even better in the winter when it’s cold outside and dry inside. My skin has been sensitive lately and it also feels soothing and non-irritating. It does have a strong scent that I personally don’t mind but I know that can bother some people.

I hope that those of you in Europe find some relief from the heat and everyone has a wonderful day.

Bon week-end!

XOXO,

HC