Lucy Loves: The Holiday Edit

From must-read books and stylish summer dresses to travel essentials and binge-worthy TV shows

Hi everyone,

I hope you’ve managed to snatch a few days of R&R — or, if not, have got a much-deserved break in the pipeline. We’ve just returned from a week-long road trip around the Alentejo and Algarve, which was absolutely heavenly.

It seems Portugal is the holiday destination on everyone’s lips right now, so let me know via DM or the comments below if you’d be interested in a curated edit of my favourite spots to explore across the country.

This month’s Lucy Loves column is a Holiday Edit special. Below, you’ll find everything that’s caught my eye this summer season beyond Barbie, Oppenheimer and The Ashes. From travel essentials and poolside bars to pop-up exhibitions and the books to pack now, here’s what I’m loving in London, Istanbul & beyond this summer.

Love Lucy Xx

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Living away from friends and family means I travel a lot. Add work trips and a holiday or two into the mix and it seems like I’ve done nothing this summer but pack and unpack my suitcase. Below are the travel essentials (some travel-sized, others full-sized) that I won’t leave home without.

(L-R) Diptyque Ilio Eau de Toilette / Soho Skin Discovery Travel Kit / Moroccanoil Hair Treatment Oil / SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 / Chanel Nail Varnish - Colour Première Dame 121

WHAT’S EXCITING ME IN LONDON

London comes alive in August with fun, alternative activities for kids and adults alike. Parents with tots and teens should make for Somerset House, which is presenting a special summer programme of exhibitions, installations, performances, talks and music until 28 August. Alternatively, beeline for Trafalgar Square to catch the second edition of the National Gallery’s Summer on the Square (also until 28 Aug), a free arts festival offering a range of daily creative classes, from sketching to painting.

The Berkeley Rooftop Pool & Bar

Friends and lovers, meanwhile, should check out the hottest new rooftop in town. The Berkeley’s new poolside bar is exceptionally open to non-hotel guests (evenings only) this August. Could alfresco cocktail sipping get any chicer?

If you’re more into scones, pastries and cucumber sandwiches, you won’t want to miss Afternoon Tea Week (13-20th August). Yep, it’s a thing. If I was in town for this, I’d head straight to the Rosewood’s Mirror Room, which will be serving an artful tea inspired by David Hockney and his Lightroom exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away).

SUMMER BLING

Holiday jewellery is all about making a statement. Elevate your summer staples with these playful pieces by a mix of my favourite British & Turkish designers.

(L-R) Begüm Khan Prawn 24kt Gold-Plated Earrings / Rafael Indiana Spiral Ring with a Presiolit Gem / Missoma Mini Pyramid Charm Hoop Earrings 18kt Gold-Plated with Rhodochrosite / By Alona Celia Pearl & 18kt Gold-Plated Necklace / Monica Vinader Alta Capture Pearl Bracelet / Missoma x Lucy Williams Chunky Medium Entwine Silver-Plated Hoop Earrings / Ottoman Hands Cornicello Evil Eye Cuff Bracelet

WHAT’S EXCITING ME IN ISTANBUL & BEYOND

Have you heard? Blue-chip powerhouse Perrotin gallery is staging a pop-up exhibition at Bodrum Loft on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast this summer. Curated by Istanbul-based Selcan Atilgan and installed across the hotel, it features 18 sculptures by artists including Daniel Arsham, Elmgreen & Dragset and Ivan Argote. It’s open to the public and runs until 3 September. Catch it if you can.

RESORT-READY PIECES & ACCESSORIES

Summer holiday dressing can be tricky, especially when suitcase space is limited. I’ve found that packing simple, versatile pieces is what works best on warm-weather getaways. My dream holiday wardrobe would include all of the below. You?

(L-R) Me + Em Bold Summer Stripe Crossover-Back Maxi Dress (now on sale)/ Eres Les Essentiels Aquarelle Swimsuit in Black / Globe-Trotter x Peanuts Carry-On (4 Wheels) / Ancient Greek Sandals Nima in Platinum (available here in chocolate)/ Max Mara Straw Hat, (now on sale)

SECRET SIFNOS

In June I sneaked off to explore the Cycladic island of Sifnos and I can honestly say it was one of the dreamiest places I’ve ever been to, all clifftop churches, authentic tavernas and deserted coves and beaches. Not to mention the sparkling turquoise waters and rolling hills teeming with goats, olive trees and donkeys.

The Greek island of Sifnos

Life is blissfully slow on Sifnos, making it the perfect spot for a well-earned dose of summer rest and relaxation. There are not many places I’d go back to again and again, but this is one of them. If you missed my recently published guide to the island, you can now read it via my Substack homepage. Save for your next summer adventure.

BOOKS, PODS & TV

There’s nothing like losing yourself on holiday in a good book, podcast or an episode or two of the latest binge-worthy drama or Netflix tv series. The below have all had me hooked — I’ll let you decide what that says about my taste in holiday escapism :)

(L-R) Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix / R. F. Kuang’s Yellowface, 2023 / The Travel Diaries is available to download on Audible, Apple Podcasts & more / William Boyd’s The Romantic, 2022 / Too Hot To Handle Season 5 is available to stream on Netflix

AND FINALLY….

Thank you to everyone who took part in my recent poll about Istanbulist subscription perks, content strands & more. I’m digesting it all and will follow up in due course. In the meantime, follow me on Instagram for more art news, design inspiration and travel tips in London, Istanbul & beyond. Until next time.