Summer Is Coming—5 Essentials I'm Stocking Up On
From new J.Crew to classic Birkenstocks.


The below is from editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike's weekly newsletter, Self Checkout. Subscribe here.
With close to 20 years in the fashion industry, I’ve not only seen it all—but also know how to parse through the endless sea of stuff. What’s worth buying? What’s not? In Self Checkout, you’ll find my highly specific recommendations with a few picks from my most knowledgeable, stylish friends.
Though we're a month out until the official start of summer, Memorial Day is just two weeks away. It’s making me daydream about summer Fridays, European vacations, and overall warmer days ahead. So this week, I’m sharing a couple things on my wishlist—from beach reads and my favorite sunscreen to bikini cover-ups and work tops—to enter the new season right.
Editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike.
My J.Crew Beach Essentials
I visited the new J.Crew store in SoHo, New York, earlier this week and fell in love with the city/coastal decor, soon-to-be-iconic navy staircase, and all of the red pieces the brand had to offer. This oversize button-up (wear it now with jeans, and later on the beach as a cover-up) muscle tee, and one-shoulder one-piece were personal faves.
My Go-To SPFs
Speaking of J.Crew, last year the brand’s creative director, Olympia Gayot, introduced me to my new favorite sunscreen by Clé de Peau. It goes on so smoothly, does not clog pores (something I suffer from with a lot of other sunscreens), and doesn’t leave a weird cast on my skin. 10/10, no notes. It is admittedly pricey, though, so I also use Black Girl Sunscreen as a more affordable option.
My Next Beach Read
Very Bad Company, written by my former colleague Emma Rosenblum, is the definition of a long weekend beach read. Described as “a gripping, darkly comic novel about a team of wealthy and powerful executives on retreat in Miami when one of them goes missing,” I can’t wait to give it a read with a margarita in hand.
My Favorite Summer Sandals
We talked about shoes last week, but I found a couple more pairs that I love and have to share. These Birkenstocks are an instant “Add to Cart”, as are these Havaianas. The Valentino Garavani’s are a splurge, but you’ll be able to wear them for many, many seasons to come. They’re also good outdoor wedding sandals!
My Miscellaneous Must-Haves
Lastly, a few stream-of-consciousness extras. My summer hat of choice is usually a visor. They don’t sweat my hair out and still block the sun. I have my eye on this one from & Other Stories. I’m already thinking about what I’ll wear to the office once it gets really hot (more on this in the next few weeks!), and this Dries Van Noten denim skirt will probably come in handy. Finally, I’ve been thinking about this pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses since I tried them on at Power Play back in March. The inverted lens adds a cool, not-your-run-of-the-mill touch.
First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through. Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.
-
The 'You' Season 5 Cast Features People From Joe's Past, a New Love Interest, Madcap Twins, and More
Here's what to know about the star-studded final installment of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
These J.Crew Sale Finds Basically Packed My Suitcase for Me
I'm ready for my next vacation.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Summer's Sportiest Shoe Trend Is Worth Shopping More Than Once
17 pairs from Nordstrom, Mango, and Zara I'm shopping now.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
I’m Training for a Half Marathon—This Is the Gear I Swear By
Scroll on if you're a runner.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
The Four Spring Shoe Trends Defining My Wardrobe Right Now
I can't stop wearing them.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
I've Been Collecting Watches for Years—These 16 Are Actually Worth the Splurge
Scroll on to find your match.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
The 5 Best Things I Bought, Tried, and Tested Throughout March
From hydrating lip oils to cult-classic sneakers.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
4 Easy Spring Outfits That Always Get Compliments
Steal these streamlined looks for your own warm-weather wardrobe.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
4 Essentials That Are the Backbone of My Spring Wardrobe
From cropped coats to durable boots.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
3 Fashion Month Packing Hacks You'll Want to Save Immediately
These strategies will simplify your vacation wardrobe.
By Nikki Ogunnaike
-
I’m Traveling Nonstop—These 15+ Picks Took Me from Jamaica to Paris
You'll want to use these items for your next getaway, too.
By Nikki Ogunnaike