Julia's Weekly Whims, Vol 24.

Design discoveries, pre-fall favorites, and a vintage Bottega bag I can’t stop thinking about.

This week’s whims reflect a mix of discovery and slow scrolling — the kind of links saved quickly and revisited again and again. I fell into a rabbit hole with a new brand, bookmarked travel ideas for later, and added a few striking pre-fall pieces to my cart that already feel like they’ll be favorites. There’s also a vintage Bottega bag I’m trying to resist and a few recent home finds that feel just right for midsummer.

1. Aleksandra Viktor
   A new designer I came across recently whose pieces immediately pulled me in. The handwoven silhouettes are sharp, the fabrics rich, and the entire collection feels sculptural in the best way. The Berenika Skirt, Marta Silk Coat, and Sophie Dress all strike that rare balance of wearable and artful — just the kind of pieces I’m always looking for.

2. A chic way to display shells
   This display idea completely reworked how I’m thinking about showing off collected shells. A simple tray, minimal styling, and suddenly the whole thing feels curated instead of cluttered. I’ve been looking for a more thoughtful way to display the girls’ beach finds, and I love how this makes them feel like rare objects.

3. Guesthouse wanderlust: Menorca & Málaga
   I found Cristine Bedfor’s guesthouses while clicking through a few links this week and was instantly hooked. Both properties — one in Menorca, one in Málaga — are warm, layered, and full of charm. The kind of place where every corner looks like a page from a beautifully lived-in book.

4. Jacquemus does it again
   Last week’s Jacquemus show was full of effortless ease, and a kind of surreal chic. The oversized accessories, crisp tailoring, and references to everyday materials made the collection feel playful but clean at the same time. I keep revisiting the photos, it’s been one of my favorite collections in a long time. You can pre-order (what’s not already sold out), on Moda Operandi here.

5. Laila Vintage
   A new vintage find that’s quickly become a favorite. Their selection is so well edited — from structured handbags to sculptural jewelry. This vintage Bottega bag is calling my name, along with this raffia Chloe one. If one of you snags it first, I won’t hold it against you (maybe).

6. Pre-fall picks I’m eyeing
   There’s always a window in July when I start bookmarking pieces for late summer and early fall. This week’s shortlist:
   – This embroidered Valentino bag that has been haunting my dreams
   – A pleated metallic gold top from Ulla Johnson
   – This tassel trim cashmere coat - dreams!
   – An Etro paisley silk dress
   – A wool and silk Valentino scarf I’d wear year-round - zoom in on the colors, it’s striking
   – And this mixed-print coat that looks like it came out of someone’s dream closet

7. Casa Gusto dessert plates
   I love Casa Gusto for unique home pieces and I’ve been eyeing these brown and green marbled dessert plates. The colors are the vibe of the palette I am leaning towards for our new kitchen, and I think that means I need these?!

8. Kinderbrook Home baskets
   These garden and market baskets from Kinderbrook Home feel like the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern utility. They also make one of the most beautiful candles I’ve seen - I’m saving the idea for gifts this year.

9. Clare V & Rosie Assoulin finds
   These are sitting in my Shopbop cart right now:
   – A Clare V striped set (top & skirt) I’d wear together or split up
   – A Rosie Assoulin ruffle shirt dress with just the right amount of volume
   You can browse my full list of recent hearts here — I’ve been saving a lot.

10. Temply Reels Maker
    I’m usually not one for template apps, but this one surprised me. It’s an easy way to build Reels that don’t feel overly produced but still look polished. Great for when you’re short on time but want the transitions and text to hit right. I recently used it for this video.

xx Julia