Written by: Merilee Kern, MBA • June 9, 2025• Lifestyle

Haute for Summer: Style Finds for the Season

Summer is the season of self-expression—where sunshine, travel and social events call for effortless style with high-impact appeal. Whether you’re looking to elevate your everyday wear, find the perfect accessories for a getaway, or gift something thoughtful and trend-forward, this curated collection has you covered. From artisanal jewelry and fashion-forward footwear to functional lifestyle finds, these standout picks strike the ideal balance between chic and practical—making them a great get for summer wardrobes and beyond.

For Her:

The Vida Half D’Orsay Pump from Antonia Saint NY (https://antoniasaintny.com)
Strut with style and comfort this season and beyond in the Vida Half D’Orsay Pump from Antonia Saint NY. When you want a sexy cut-out at the arch of the foot and a graceful curved topline, this chic shoe is for you. Set on a 90MM angled heel, the elegant style of this pump is crafted in supple fabrications and innovative shoe-tech that provides supreme comfort. The Vida heels are built with Antonia Saint NY’s newly refined Slim SoftSurround System—a patented technology that creates a soft, forming cushioning around the whole foot, providing ample support for all areas of pressure. Combined with more flexible foam insole and outsole, this design provides cushioning you’d never expect in such a high heel. The pointed toe and attractive lower-cut vamp showcase a timeless look for a beautiful finish. Plus, the expertly placed curves reveal the foot’s beautiful shape, exuding confident power with every step. Colors available range from Karma Snakeskin Emboss, Black Nappa Leather, Jute Nappa Leather, and Black Patent Leather. This company’s all-inclusive sizing—ranging from 4 – 13 in narrow, standard, wide and wider—makes sure everyone can sashay with their fiercest foot forward.

Artisan Silver Hand-Sculpted Rose Pendant Necklace from Jester Swink (https://jesterswink.com)
Here’s an accessory idea that blends timeless elegance with a feminine aesthetic that’s subtle and sophisticated. The Artisan Silver Hand-Sculpted Rose Pendant Necklace from Jester Swink is a lovely gift or get, blending the enduring beauty of nature with everlasting love. Roses make an ideal summer style statement thanks to their timeless symbolism, vibrant colors, and seasonal relevance. Long associated with love, beauty, and elegance, roses evoke a romantic, feminine energy that aligns perfectly with the carefree spirit of summer. Handcrafted with care, each rose is uniquely sculpted, making every piece one of a kind. This pretty pendant will serve as a lasting reminder of your affection, symbolizing a love that never fades. No assembly line here. Each necklace is made to order, crafted with attention to detail and is designed especially for the customer, which is exactly the mission behind Jester Swink’s brand. The creator aimed to avoid fast-fashion shortcuts by slowing down the process, offering customers lasting work with intention, not urgency. The result: Every piece is made by hand using natural materials and sustainable practices. All products are handmade in the Santa Cruz mountains in California. From mixed metal necklaces and artisan earrings, to natural wall hangings and ceramic wind catchers, every Jester Swink piece is designed to inspire tranquility, expression and joy. As a perennial trend in summer fashion, florals remain popular, and rose patterns offer a perfect balance of vintage charm and modern glamour, appearing across everything from floaty casual dresses to elevated statement looks.

Hammered Doorknocker Earrings from Patricia Nash (https://patricianashdesigns.com)
Let your inner light shine throughout with the Hammered Doorknocker Earrings from Patricia Nash Designs. While known for finely crafted handbags using 100% full grain leather, Patricia Nash Designs has delved into many other fashion sectors including footwear, men’s accessories, home decor, knitwear, sunglasses and, now, jewelry. These pure formation inspired earrings—approximately. 2 1/2″ drop x 1 1/2″ width in size, pay homage to timeless style and the natural beauty around us. The hammered texture of these doorknocker earrings reflects light beautifully, adding intricate dimension and depth. With their iconic doorknocker shape, they’re perfect for both day and night, bringing a touch of glamour to any outfit. Some of its features include metal plated material made with zinc alloy and brass, posts with a bullet/disc back, nickel free materials, and delivery in a luxe protective pouch. These earrings come in two color ways including, Worn Gold/Silver Ox and Silver Ox. These statement earrings compliment nearly any and all attire, whether you’re enjoying summer tropical travels, romantic date nights, or coastal cruising. Inspired by classic vintage design and her extensive travels, founder and style icon Patricia Nash has crafted this piece for the fashionista who lives life big, bold, and lavishly.

For Him:

Sunday Swagger’s ‘Polos with Personality’ (https://sundayswagger.com)
Whether you’re chasing birdies or just showing up in style, this go-to gear is for a good time all year round. Sunday Swagger’s “polos with personality” are great for summer, golf, travel and warmer weather. Crafted from a breathable, four-way stretch poly-spandex blend, these moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant polos provide UPF 40 sun protection—perfect to keep you cool in that summer heat. The premium hats offer both style and functionality, with moisture-wicking technology in classic and modern designs to complement any outfit. Sunday Swagger’s inclusive sizing, playful prints, and breathable fabric make the line’s clothes a great gift option and a fun way to match as a family, couple or group. The company has created more than 300 distinctive and unique designs in men’s, women’s, and youth polos, t-shirts, hats and outerwear, and when a particular print sells out, Sunday Swagger quickly pivots to unveil new styles. Sunday Swagger crafts its products in its Southern California headquarters for aficionados of fun around the world.

Oxy Originals Footwear (https://www.oxyoriginals.com)
Amid the Father’s Day holiday, here’s a timely find. Guys can step into the summer season in style with Oxy Originals‘ lightweight, breathable and oh-so-comfortable footwear—perfect for the warmer temps. Created with everyday wear in mind, the Oxy Originals is just what feet need for a full day of adventures. The brand pioneered the use of microfiber in shoes, resulting in durability, flexibility and breathability. Its Originals Sport Collection for women, men and kids is the brand’s iconic look, but every shoe is Oxy Originals distilled to its core—style, comfort and ease of use are all at the forefront of these designs. The brand’s Hercules Black Dress Shoe are a particularly nice option to pair with both casual and formal looks. Unlike typical brogues, oxfords and even some loafers that can be painful, tiring and uncomfortable to wear, Oxy Originals’ handsome and stately rendition brings unparalleled comfort to the classic style. This by strategically infusing rubber sections into the outsole, among other mindful features. Other popular Oxy Originals styles include the Light, Basic, Expedition, Explorer, Escape, Alpine and Portofino—ranging from the company’s take on tennis shoes and flip flops to elegant driving shoes. After all, that’s the mission behind the global company: timeless designs infused with modern technologies that add a little kick to owners’ everyday outfits and a lot of comfort to their lives. Whatever dad’s speed, you’ll find Oxy Originals is the perfect partner for their active, contemporary lifestyle.

Setter Fifty Oxford from Irish Setter Boots (https://www.irishsetterboots.com)
The “Setter Fifty” Irish Setter Boots desire are a casual footwear option that combines timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation. Inspired by the original Irish Setter hunting boots of the 1950s, this collection stays true to its roots with signature moc-toe stitching and the classic white wedge sole, now enhanced with the company’s sustainable “Extralight” technology in the sole for a remarkably lightweight, cushiony feel. The oxford features rich brown nubuck leather upper that comfortably wraps around the foot. The leather is sourced from tanneries with top-tier quality and responsible production standards. A breathable, stretch nylon collar adds ankle support, while the CuShin tongue reduces pressure and pinching on the ankle. Built with Goodyear welt construction, Setter Fifty boots and shoes offer long-lasting durability. Sustainability is woven into every step, from the recycled materials in the outsole to the eco-conscious leather sourcing. The Irish Setter brand, part of Red Wing Shoe Company, is known for its dedication to quality, comfort and durability. The Setter Fifty collection of casual footwear includes this oxford and an array of chukka height boots as well as women’s styles perfect for dressing up or down, season after season.

For Everyone:

The Playamigo Portable Lounger with Storage (https://www.theplayamigo.com/)
Meet Playamigo—the new go-to summer style-on-the-go companion perfect for those who love to lounge at the beach or park. Available in three colors, this sleek and versatile portable chair is designed with integrated carrying capacity, making it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to unwind without the hassle of hauling bulky gear to their next picnic, beach day, or concert. Playamigo’s innovative wedge-shaped lounger features an internal frame that provides structural support while reclining, yet remains lightweight, comfortable to carry, and easy to maneuver. Weighing under 5 pounds, it can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or over the shoulder—depending on the user’s preference. It’s also collapsible, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or stow away, and includes a fold-out mat for extra stretching room during use. Adventurers can rest easy knowing their Playamigo is both durable and multifunctional, thanks to a variety of thoughtful features: a removable zippered pouch to protect valuables, elastic straps to secure items, a large padded pocket on the back for electronics, magazines, or newspapers, and exterior zippered pockets to keep frequently used items within reach. The brand is so confident you’ll love Playamigo that it proudly backs the product with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BoneSoundz Aware Headphones (https://bonesoundz.com)
Your safety shouldn’t come at the cost of your music. Whether you’re running at dawn, cycling through the city, or walking home at night, BoneSoundz Aware Headphones keep you connected to your surroundings while delivering rich, immersive sound through cutting-edge bone-conduction technology. By transmitting audio through your cheekbones, your ears stay open to ambient noise—perfect for staying alert in any environment. Designed for all-day comfort, these lightweight headphones feature Flexi-fit technology for a secure, comfortable fit, along with an Aware light-up band to boost your visibility in low-light conditions. With 32GB of internal storage, you can take your favorite tracks anywhere—no phone required—and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless wireless connectivity when you do want to pair. The water-resistant design stands up to sweat and rain, while the 10-hour battery life keeps the music going from morning workouts to evening commutes. Compact and portable, BoneSoundz Aware headphones come in Black, Grey, Blue, or Red and include two magnetic fast-charging cables and a sleek carry case.

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Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

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