Summer days are best spent in a statement strapless dress and kitten heels at The Hamptons, according to Concetta Ciarlo
What’s your essential summer purchase—and why do you love it?
As someone prone to instant tan lines the moment I step outside, I love an easy-on strapless dress. I’m in the process of slowly purchasing Oddli’s First Date dresses in every color, because they’re equally as comfortable as they are flattering.
What’s a beauty product that everybody should get their hands on—and why?
I love a full beauty beat, but I can’t cope with a full face of makeup in the summer heat. One of my best friends, Bella, put me onto my new holy grail: Colorscience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection® Face Shield Flex SPF 50. It has all the benefits of an SPF and foundation in one—the liquid formula adjusts to your skin tone as you massage it into your face, completely abandoning any annoying white cast of other products and covering up any skin imperfections (and I assure you, I have acne-prone skin). For a little extra help, I go in with Jillian Dempse’s spot stick concealer, and Ole Henrikson’s banana-bright under-eye stick.
What’s a place you love to visit—and how do you spend your time there?
I’ve gone my whole life growing up in the NYC area without ever having gone to the Hamptons—this summer, that’s changed! I’m by no means a regular, but if I can manage to get out to East Hampton for a day trip or a long weekend, Monte’s at the Manor is unspeakably delicious… make sure you try their homemade pasta and family-recipe sauce!
What’s the one summer shoe you can’t recommend enough?
I hate to say it, but I’m kind of over mega high heels (unless there’s a supportive platform). For summer, I love a barely-there kitten heel sandal—my favorite picks are all from Reformation, and I packed two pairs for Vogue World: Paris.
What’s one accessory you can’t do without—and why?
In my bag at any given time there are always three things at the ready: a lip product of some kind (if it’s not a liner, its Dior Addict lip glow), a hair clip, and a rechargeable pocket-sized fan. Repeat after me: Hair clips do not have to be boring, and can elevate an outfit! My current favorite in regular rotation is an eco-friendly cherry blossom clip by Hannah Anna—though my longstanding secret weapon for cute hair accessories when home in New York is C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries—their selection is adorable.