July was slow in a way I’ve come to appreciate. I had two quick trips: to Ojai for the 4th of July and then to Northern California, but otherwise we hung out with friends, stayed up way too late watching Love Island UK, and ate some version of tomatoes with burrata or melon and prosciutto most nights.

I shared recently on Instagram that I’ve never been a big summer girl. Sure, I love s’mores and barbecues and pool parties, but all the other parts - the stifling weather, mosquitoes, a lack of structure with no school, and days that often feel too long are just not for me. And I was honestly blown away by how many people feel the same. And once I admitted it to myself, and publicly, it sort of released some of the pressure to love the season the way everyone else appears to, if that makes sense.

And there were lots of highlights, in the way of excellent desserts (with recipes below), a flawless under $10 t-shirt, a book I finished in 48 hours, as well as the top-clicked links from the month.

Old Navy long-sleeve shirt. This tissue-thin long-sleeve shirt from Old Navy is one of the best I’ve found. It’s incredibly lightweight yet not see-through and fitted without being too tight. I already own it in two sizes and colors (white & black, Small and Medium), and since it’s currently 50% off and 9 DOLLARS, I’ve since added navy and brown to my arsenal.

Jeweled Paper Trench. The prettiest sheer trench with crystals that was such a showstopper I got almost embarrassed by how many people complimented me on it when I wore it out for dinner in Ojai.

Summer Fridays Sunscreen. This milky sunscreen feels like the updated and improved version of the Supergoop Glowscreen. It glides on beautifully, adds the most natural, dewy finish, and never pills under makeup. I bought a second tube before I’d even finished the first since I panicked about being without it even for a day.

Cruz pearl necklace. The kind of necklace that makes a white tee and jeans feel like an outfit.

The best chocolate cake. If a chocolate cake recipe promises to be fluffy, rich, and deeply chocolatey, I’m making it. This one disappeared so quickly that Sloan and I packed up the last few slices for friends, who declared it the best chocolate cake they’d ever had...