Alicia Lund

I’m trying to channel that back-to-school energy from my kids this week… but they started with two half days, so I’m not quite feeling the productivity yet! HA. BUT let’s play a little catch-up!? From balmy nights in Mexico to cooler days back home and in the Bay… playing favorites with a few pieces I’ve been wearing and loving, plus a couple of things currently on my radar.

Coming in hot (literally) after a very sweaty two-day weekend at my son’s soccer tournament. It got me thinking about summer sports mom life because, if I'm being honest, these are the clothes I wear more than anything else. Plus, we were home all of July for once, which gave me a real glimpse into what I actually wear around the house, taking my kids to camp and sports practices, and running day-to-day errands (as opposed to the excitement of vacation dressing).

To be honest, I've been living in a lot of the same staples lately. We've been home for most of July, which has been so nice—just enjoying these slower summer weeks. Lots of carpooling to and from soccer, basketball, and swim. My summer camp mom uniform has been a mix of oversized tees, longer shorts, breezy button-ups, and easy slip on sandals. And swimsuits in-between! That said, I do have a few great summer essentials to report back on.

I’ve been collecting Jane Pope jewelry for years, and her once-a-year annual sale is finally here—something I genuinely look forward to every summer. You may remember that Jane and I go back to my New York days. We’ve been friends for over 12 years now, and so many of her pieces have marked special moments in my life. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to visit her twice in Charleston, and each trip has left me even more inspired—not just by her designs, but by the way Jane wears her pieces.

Hi from a quiet corner of my house... which is feeling like a rarity this summer. 🤍 I’m currently averaging about four kids over here at some point every day. During the World Cup games, it was more like six boys. Somehow, the more kids in the mix, the easier it gets?! It always feels like the house is full, my snack pantry is empty... and if I can keep my white couch white through the rest of the summer despite how many strawberries have been eaten on it, it’ll be nothing short of a miracle.

Summer beauty, for me, is all about ease: bare nails, SPF with just a hint of glow, and heading out the door with wet hair more days than not. Right before our trip to Mexico this past spring, I got my first Brazilian blowout, and I honestly wish I’d done it sooner. Being able to shower, let my hair air-dry, and head to dinner in the humidity without worrying about it turning into a frizzy puff felt like the ultimate luxury.

If you asked me how I’d spend the perfect weekend in San Francisco, I’d send you this. Rather than trying to put together a comprehensive city guide (which feels impossible in a city with this many gems), think of this as my personal weekend itinerary—the places I return to again and again.

Hope you had a lovely Fourth and your July is off to a nice start! It’s always such a sweet holiday in our neighborhood. They close down the streets for the parade, and the kids spend the day running from house to house—bouncing between backyard pools and racing down inflatable waterslides. It also might be the longest / most exhausting day of summer for parents, ha! It always takes me right back to my own childhood.

Popping in to share some of my June favorites… Monet at the de Young. Beaded bags & fun sneakers. Minis beauty faves for travel. Reading: I’m currently on a Carley Fortune kick after admittedly re-reading Every Summer After. I just finished Meet Me at the Lake, and they’re exactly the kind of light, page-turning romances I’m craving for summer. I’ve actually been reading so much more than I expected while we’ve been here.

I’m writing this overlooking the Bay—from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz—one of my absolute favorite views. Truly, you can’t beat it. We’re calling San Francisco home for a couple of weeks, and I couldn’t be happier. We rented an apartment here last summer while my husband worked out of the SF office, and it worked out so well for our family that we decided to do it again. Personally, I may be loving it the most, as my heart will forever be in SF—the city that feels most like home to me.