Dear Member,
That’s it – we’re off for summer, and can’t bear another thought of work until September comes back around (not that we do too much of that around here anyway, do we, Charles, who has been suspiciously OOO since 2022). Anyway, the only decisions currently worth making are ‘where are we lunching?’, and ‘whose boat are we taking?’, so, in the spirit of funemployment and for those who use ‘Summer’ as a verb, we’ve put together a little guide of our key destinations and must-pack items. That way, you don’t have to agonise over the details, freeing up even more of your time for those critical decisions such as whether to wear silk or linen to lunch. For those who are hot with their packing lists, we also have you covered with what to listen to and the books to read so you can pretend to have a crumb of personality outside of spending someone else’s money. That ought to keep you busy all summer long.
Gleneagles, Scotland
In the heart of Scotland, Gleneagles, the Glorious Playground, is the ideal place to switch off and get into the spirit of sporting endeavours. From falconry to racquet sports, there’s something for everyone, even if that is a guided whiskey flight at The Still Room or a trip to the Spa.
Pack: Some tennis kit from Spence. We love the Warm Up Sweatshirt and Sport Knit Pleated Skirt. Ensure you have a wash bag packed with some post-workout calming beauty products, such as Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray, and the ultra-soothing, redness-reducing Depuffer from Dr Idriss.
Listen: Served Podcast – hosted by Andy Roddick, he breaks down the latest tournaments and news across the tennis tour, offering insightful interviews with the icons of the game.
Read: Andre Agassi’s Open – It’s an autobiography that takes you into the world of the tennis of the 90s and the highs and lows of the tour. Alongside vivid memories of his matches, Agassi gives unstinting accounts of his brief time with Barbra Streisand and his doomed marriage to Brooke Shields, as well as his difficult relationship with his father. Really insightful and a must-read for any tennis fans.
Scandinavian Islands
With long hours of sunlight and impressive scenery, the Scandinavian islands make for an ideal destination for a summer getaway. Whether you want to visit Sweden’s most beautiful island (Trysunda), enjoy lazy days on wide, sandy beaches (Rømø, Denmark), or spend some time amongst unspoiled stretches of nature (Hinnøya, Norway), there’s an island for everyone.
Pack: a creamy cotton knit from J.Crew, some luxe flip-flops, Tekla towels for long, lazy days swimming in the ocean, and this Byoma SPF, which feels more like a lightweight moisturiser than your traditional chalky SPF. Don’t forget a waterproof watch to help you keep track of time during those evening swims.
Listen: Laufey’s back catalogue before her new album drops. Her soulful modern take on jazz standards will have you dreaming of great love stories and daydreaming of times gone by.
Read: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, a life-affirming tale about a tiny island, an elderly artist, and their 6-year-old granddaughter.
Tuscany, Italy
Pucci, pasta and aperitivo. We at TRS are very keen on Italy and, in particular, the Tuscan countryside. We believe in the exuberant joy of designs and colours from Italy, namely Pucci, and those iconic swirly colourful prints.
Pack: A glamorous Pucci kaftan, to pair with some statement gold earrings from Missoma, and some large sunglasses from Cubitts. Pack the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Balm in Thrill for low maintenance top ups in between sips of wine. Spritz Memo Paris’s Sintra fragrance, which will remind you of those wonderful, carefree summer evenings as a child, with notes of orange blossom and vanilla.
Listen: The audio book of A Room with a View, by E.M Forster, narrated by Rebecca Hall. A classic romance set in Florence.
Read: The Last Supper: A Summer in Italy by Rachel Cusk. The story charts a journey Cusk took with her husband and their two children as they travel across Italy one summer. If you can’t physically be in Italy, at the very least you can travel there mentally with Rachel et al.
Greek Islands
Mamma Mia! here we go again. My my, how could I resist a Greek shipping heir, you?
Pack: Some sea shoes – you don’t need to step on a sea urchin to know these are advisable (and, low-key, kind of chic??). A large sunhat is also an essential – we love this one from Damson Madder with its perfect little pop of red. A pareo is such a versatile piece, perfect for the beach, or styled as a dress / top for evenings. This one is hand block printed and its pattern reminds us of the tiles in Greek tavernas. Something about the Greek islands makes us think of glittering golds against endless sea, and this new Desert Rose palette from Lisa Eldridge has the perfect tones to complement them both.
This suncream for an even and golden tan, without any hint of pink. Whilst taverna hopping, you’ll need a fun little beaded bag to carry all of your silly essentials – but with the added bonus of some decorative sardines.
Read: Is there a better time to become acquainted with the historic work of Homer, The Odyssey ahead of the Christopher Nolan film adaptation? I think not. At the very least, it can act as a great portable table for your drink.
Listen: Submarine by The Marias feels very Greek island-coded.
Lake Michigan
With a lake that stretches as far and wide as the ocean, still, clear water, private beaches, and vast woodlands, ditch the Hamptons and take yourself somewhere a little more rustic, but far more chic (in our opinion, anyway).
Pack: A washed lemon yellow cap from Ralph Lauren, a practical yet chic swimming costume for lake swims, and a classic mariner tee to throw on when the breeze picks up. A perfectly on brand fish jumper for chilly mornings. Refresh your scent throughout the day with Ouai St Barts Body Mist which smells just like holiday.
Read: Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck charts a journey across America in 1960 that Steinbeck and his dog Charley take. It reminds you of the value and adventure that travel brings, regardless of the mode and level of luxury.
Listen: Lana del Rey, especially Norman Fucking Rockwell! and Chemtrails. Picture a sunset to the soundtrack of Venice BITCH. For something a little more folksey for those lakeside bonfires and woodland walks, the Lord Huron album ‘Strange Trails’ makes you feel like the protagonist in a coming of age film. That’s the type of summer we want and need.
