7 Things on My Summer Shopping List

The stuff in my warm-weather cart.

Happy first day of summer and Happy Birthday to Me! Yup, 55, squarely in the middle of this decade. On this birthday I thought I’d share a few things I’ve coveted for the season — and mostly bought for myself already. ;-) Because when you’re 55, you treat yourself.

1. A Pair of Lawn Chairs

Look. I love a good outdoor concert, but I pretty much avoid them because I’m not sitting on the ground and trying to get back up with these knees. So after doing a bit of internet scouring, I bought a set of these Helinox lawn chairs. They are expensive but will hold my ass and then some. PLUS they are light as a feather and roll up into a nice carryable pouch. Truly never thought I’d be shopping for a lawn chair but here we are (even if the version of the Helinox chair I bought is called “Sunset” — it’s a little too apropos.) See you on the lawn.

Helinox Sunset Chair, $165, REI

2. The “Jamones” Tee

I mean… Did another t-shirt ever scream Gen-X summer? I just love the bright, bold colors in this illustration by artist Sergio Mora. I found this tee at the Mercado Little Spain in New York City and had to have it. 

Jamones Tee, $28, ThinkFoodGroup

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

I’m not one for a lot of makeup at any time, especially foundation, but lately I’ve been feeling like my 55-year-old skin could use a little smoothing and finessing. Liz, our social media manager, recommended this light, moisturizing tint from Neutrogena. It has a bit of hyaluronic acid and just enough coverage to make me a little more polished on hot days.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, $12.79, Target

4. Colorful Wide-Leg Pants

These pants fit so well that I got a second pair. They’re just tailored enough, just loose enough, and quite lightweight. I wear jeans all the time so this is a nice change plus they come in plus sizes, bright colors, and patterns. Just a great fitting pair of pants that can be dressed up or down.

Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants, $120, Anthropologie

5. An Insulated Water Bottle

I’ve been on the hunt for a great, insulated water bottle with a straw that I can take everywhere AND is dishwasher safe. To the rescue: Margaret, our newsletter editor, recommends this brand which she says, “keeps water cold for a very long time.” And so many cute colors.

Corkcicle Classic Sport Canteen, $39.95, Corkcicle

6. Comfy “Green” Clogs

I’ve been clog-obsessed since I was a teen in the 80s and these particular Dansko “Kane” clogs are a fantastic updated version — they’re constructed from over 50% “I'm green™ Biobased EVA” which is derived from the sugarcane plant, a renewable resource that helps to reduce CO2 emissions. I bought these super comfy clogs in yellow, and they were the perfect post-surgery shoe. I loved them so much I bought another pair in blue for my “inside” shoes.

Dansko Kane clogs, $79.95, Zappos

7. Lens Wipes

Simple, but boy are these things life-changing. I’m always bumming a lens wipe from someone because my glasses are perennially dirty and foggy. Especially when you’re a sweaty, summer mess. I might just splurge on a big box of these, as recommended by TueNighter Jen Roventine, and shove a bunch in my purse.

Care Touch Lenswipes for Eyeglasses, $12.95, Amazon

What are you shopping for this summer? Let us know in the comments!