Inspiration for the End of Summer

This summer has been different from all the other summers. So far, I have made the best of it and that's what matters. I traveled safely and had some time off by the lakes and by the sea, which are my favorite places to regain peace of mind. This morning when I was biking across the park, suddenly it hit me that the fall was coming. The summer is still here, but something in the weather reminds you that soon you will be layering your clothes and carrying the mug with hot coffee on your morning walk to the bakery. If you are wondering how to keep your summer going a bit longer, follow my lead. Music, books, clothes are some of my favorite things to enhance the mood.

I discovered the Bay Ledges in June thanks to a friend's playlist on Spotify.  The summer when I canceled all my international trips, suddenly became more interesting. At least when I was biking through Warsaw, I could listen to Straight Jacket, Stay and Up, and the breeze, surfers, Californian coast felt so real. The voice of Zach Hurd, Bay Ledges' frontman, has this calming, relaxing effect on me. Don't we all need it now?

Two weeks ago, I spent a few days in Gdańsk. It never ceases to amaze me how inspiring that part of Poland is. From amazing interiors, art, delicious food, and drinks to inspiring fashion designers, this place is the hub of Polish creativity. One of my favorite new fashion brands that originated from the Baltic region is Seaside Tones. How not to love them for comfortable and stylish clothes ethically made in Poland. And how cool is the fact that they are a Polish fashion brand with a store on the famous Bondi Beach!

I use Instagram more and more for shopping research and that is how I found IMKAdesign. Innovative, quirky ceramics designed by Irmina Helak. For sure during your next Zoom call, when you will try to stay awake drinking another coffee, you will be asked about your coffee mug!

I have been a fan of well-written newsletters for a while and Maybe Baby is one of the best. Created by Hayley Nahman known as the former features director for Man Repeller. Her weekly newsletters are raw and genuine. During the difficult time of the pandemics, that's what I look for in my daily readings. The way she writes about New York reminds me why I liked living there during the happiest and the hardest times.

 How to be yourself by Simon Doonan is the most anticipated book of the fall for fashion and design lovers like me. Simon Doonan is one of the role models that pushed me through the path towards becoming a reckless contrarian. Creative director of Barneys New York for almost three decades, a legendary window dresser finally wrote a guide for all of us who continuously search for a definition of creative style and vision. The most important premise of this book is that we will stay true to ourselves not that we need to shape our world according to another vision of some fading star. This book is a must for all of those who dare to be different and want to learn the best lessons from the masters of their craft.

I hope that my new sources of inspiration will help you transition seamlessly from summer to fall. I believe that music has the ability to improve your mood, your clothes make you look your best and books let your mind travel to the best of undiscovered destinations!!