What's IN/OUT this week

Now that my favorite season is officially behind us, we’re using this Friday’s INs/OUTs to review Summer 2025! It’s a nice little list of bests and worsts — and it’s in no way comprehensive because my memory is very selective.

Also, a quick programming note: I am on vacation! That means you will not hear from me next Tuesday. I cannot wait to be the insufferable girl home from Europe when I return.

BEST LITTLE TREAT: An aperitif over ice. Was I preparing myself for an Italian vacation all summer?? Who knows! But this was the year that I fell in love with having a little splash of something bitter over a few ice cubes (in a very specific green glass). My two favorites: Mommenpop blood orange and Punt e Mes. Sometimes this would be accompanied by a little bowl of chips; often it fixed whatever the day threw at me. // WORST LITTLE TREAT: A cookies and cream paleta. I was craving a Fudgesicle while I was at my favorite Mexican grocery store, but this was the closest I could get to one. The fact that this is not great was my mistake entirely. Paletas are for fruit flavors. The second of the two I bought back in June is still in the freezer. Next to the Oatly chocolate ice cream that Dave regrettably bought. “The good old days” is the right attitude but only for desserts.

BEST INTERNET DISCOVERY: Being able to see what your friends have liked on Instagram. It’s fun to see the content your pals are enjoying! And what’s MORE fun is learning which of your friends (Lindsey) likes to leave comments to either win something or learn what the product is (you know, “Comment to find out what tile we used in this bathroom renovation!”). She’s probably just looking for design inspo while shoving some salad into her face in the privacy of her office and we’re over here going WOW SOMEONE REALLY LIKES A GIVEAWAY!! I support zero privacy if I get to find out what kitchen hacks really inspired you. // WORST INTERNET DISCOVERY: Anyone who leaves negative comments on social media posts. I rarely feel like leaving ANY digital footprint outside of my own account’s posts. What has happened in a person’s life that compels them to be a stinky little internet troll?? But then, I write entire newsletters about why I don’t think soup is a summertime meal. But longform hating is classy.

BEST TRANSFORMATION: Dave shaved his beard and sported only a mustache for maybe a week this summer and it was a VIBE. He also recently bought a couple pairs of shorts with a 3-inch inseam. I am finally getting to date the 1980s private investigator of my dreams. // WORST TRANSFORMATION: Going from a two-dog home to a one-dog home. : (

BEST STYLE CHOICE: Matching sets. I can’t get enough of a matching top and bottom, and I’ve accrued a few in the last year. I don’t wear many dresses; however, two clothing items that match is an ideal outfit to me. As a very short person, a two-piece set breaks up the color or pattern just enough to not let the stripes or zebra illustrations eat me alive. // WORST STYLE CHOICE: Denim. I am simply falling out of love with jeans and jorts. Perhaps I’ll find a new brand or fit that will work better on me, but I’m just not feeling them anymore. As I slowly transition into your favorite wacky art teacher, denim does not seem to be part of that journey.

BEST PURCHASE: Inflatable raft with oars. I bought this for Dave last Christmas, but we obviously couldn’t bust it out until this summer. It is such an uplevel from our innertubes. We can bring snacks and bluetooth speakers and just row around the lake. // BEST THING I DIDN’T PURCHASE: This whimsical shelving unit picture below. I just didn’t feel like throwing down the money or convincing Dave. But sometimes I daydream about how it would look in the dining room with the perfect wallpaper behind it.

BEST FOOD: I can confidently say that the best food I ate this summer was made by people I love, or myself. Dave made some really unforgettable burritos and chicken caesar wraps. Abbie got very into her baking zone. Anything from Jessica’s garden turns into gold. And I really brought the heat with a tomato tart, homemade sundaes, and thee strawberry pretzel jello salad. WORST FOOD: Anything I paid too much for. I love Chicago’s dining scene, but you grow weary of spending $150 on a meal and drinks — especially when there are amazing under-$30 options everywhere.

BEST CHICAGO DAY: It’s impossible to choose a favorite. It could have been Father’s Day: Dave and I went to a Cub’s game, discovered Wrigley Field’s best footlong hot dog, and drank frozen glögg at my favorite dive bar during a street fest. It could have been Monica’s birthday: Cupcakes and natural wine on a big patio with pals, a jump in the lake, a nice walk home. Maybe my first day at Morgan Shoal/Pebble Beach with Jessica and Lacy: Getting lattes en route, swimming to the wreckage, meeting my new best friend, and having a perfect little picnic. 

I will not counter this with the worst Chicago day, because that’s foolish. Even the crummy days had great little moments. If nothing else, I always had coffee on the balcony with fruit and peanut butter-filled dates, and a good book. (Also: This was the summer I learned how good peanut butter in dates is with a little sea salt.)