The Big Summer Edit
11 joyful moodboards filled with pieces from my wardrobe, treasures from my wishlist, Milan-inspired style, colourful tableware ideas, and books that have stayed with me lately.
Hi my dear readers,
we finally made it to summer….and I couldn’t be happier.
It’s not too hot yet, nature is at its greenest, roses are in full bloom, we’re drinking rosé in our gardens, the kids are running through the sprinklers, and the days simply feel a little lighter and longer after a very long and rainy winter.
As many of you may have seen, I spent a few days in Milan this spring during Milan Design Week. And, as always, I came home thinking the same thing: Italians simply do it better.
Their lifestyle, their attitude, their laughter, their food, stylish bike rides through the city and, of course, their effortless sense of dolce vita — nothing quite compares to Italian style.
I returned home with endless inspiration after watching so many chic Italian women stroll through the streets of Milan, and I’ve tried to fill this newsletter with some of that Italian joy and elegance. Think colourful prints, effortless yet sophisticated dressing, Prada and Miu Miu accessories, La DoubleJ feather tops, and that unmistakable Italian ability to look polished without ever appearing overdressed. Never boring, always individual, and always perfectly on point.
My hope is to inspire you to wear more of those special pieces in your wardrobe — not just for occasions, but from day to night, wherever you live, as if it were simply another beautiful day in Milan.
While many of us are already dreaming of our summer holidays, most of us still have a few weeks of summer at home ahead of us. So I’ve put together a mix of city looks for warm days, elegant yet playful evening outfits, and a few holiday pieces that you can start hiding away in your suitcase while you dream of sunnier destinations.
I’ve also included some of my latest reads to inspire your summer reading list. If you end up reading any of them, I would love to hear your thoughts.
And, as promised, I've also put together a moodboard filled with interior inspiration for a beautiful summer table. Full of colour, character, and little details to make your next dinner party or just your every day family meal in the garden or on the balcony feel extra special.
Lean back, relax and enjoy!
A look I would happily wear at home in Cologne from day to night, keeping the heels in my handbag until after walking the dog and doing the school run.
A pair of cat-eye sunglasses instantly makes any outfit feel a little edgier and, if you ask me, makes every woman my age look a little younger too ;) They’re my favourite accessory at the moment.
The white linen top is one of my everyday summer staples, whether worn with jeans or a summer skirt (I’m wearing a size S). The blue embroidered one is already sitting in my cart (do we need the matching skirt as well?).
And when I picture the easy, affordable navy dress paired with a red lipstick and those gorgeous red heels, it’s becoming increasingly difficult not to add those to my cart as well.
As we all know, green is my favourite colour, and in my opinion, we could all do with a little more of it in our wardrobes.
Earrings like these, paired with a matching ear cuff, are part of my daily uniform. (An ear cuff has a similar effect to the cat-eye sunglasses I mentioned earlier — somehow they instantly make you look a little younger ;)).
I also love a really good belt, and this one is exactly that (I’m wearing a size S).
Massimo Dutti leather blazers are always a winner: great quality, an affordable price, and incredibly soft and comfortable to wear.
And while Chanel slingbacks seem to make every outfit look better, they’re often difficult to find in stores. If you’re looking for a pair, I’d recommend searching for pre-owned styles in excellent condition on Vestiaire Collective like these.
This set is one of the best investments I have made this summer, and I haven’t regretted it for a second. It is perfect for summer evenings and fits beautifully, while feeling feminine, flattering, and modern at the same time.
I originally ordered the top in a size S, but found it quite fitted and exchanged it for an M. The skirt fits perfectly in an S.
A raffia Chanel bag is always difficult to find, and this pre-owned one is particularly beautiful. If you’re considering spending the money, I wouldn’t wait too long.
My dear friend Dorothée puts so much love and care into every piece of her jewellery collection, and I am a big fan of her beautiful new shell pendants. I wear all three on a simple white leather cord, but they work just as well on almost any necklace and can be mixed and matched however you like.
If you’re based in or around Cologne, you can now book a personal shopping appointment with her at her beautiful new atelier, which happens to be just around the corner from my home.
A beautifully curated cookbook filled with relaxed French and Italian recipes that instantly transport you to the Riviera. Perfect for anyone dreaming of long summer lunches and Mediterranean evenings.
Mélanie Masarin is the founder of Ghia, a non-alcoholic drink, and is known for her modern, effortless take on Mediterranean living and entertaining. She is also writes a fun Substack newsletter by the way!
I bought my La Double J feather top in Milan a few years ago, and it remains one of the most fashionable pieces in my wardrobe. It’s a real showstopper: Special, playful, and unmistakably Milanese.
They just restocked my old one in yellow and blue in all sizes too!
I love how versatile it is: paired with denim, it feels effortless enough for daytime, while black trousers instantly transform it into the perfect evening look. (I’m wearing an XS/S.)
I bought this set at COS, tried it on, and couldn’t believe how flattering it was. It is such a great holiday look at a very reasonable price. If you prefer the skirt not to fit too tightly, I would recommend sizing up. The top fits true to size. I took an M in the skirt and an S in the top.
The apricot-coloured bangle is the first one I’ve found that actually stays where you put it instead of constantly sliding down your arm. I discovered it at Antonia, one of Milan’s most stylish stores, and was happy to find it online as well so that I could share it with you.
A classic linen dress like this is my number one staple during the summer months. It is always elegant, never too hot, and works just as well during the day as it does in the evening. Whether you’re in the city or at a beachside restaurant, it always feels appropriate.
Dress it up with the right accessories and you can easily wear it to a dinner party too.
I love Sézane when it comes to affordable, easy, and beautifully designed summer sets, and I have been wearing the pieces above on repeat over the last few weeks.
The wooden bead bag is an updated version of the one I bought last year, and I still absolutely love it. It feels special, relaxed, and effortlessly cool.
The Prada raffia bag has been sitting on my Vestiaire wishlist for weeks now, and if you don’t buy it, I just might... so let’s see who gets there first :)
Do you remember my beloved golden talisman from my Christmas Holiday Edit? Mine comes with a pendant loop, and I wear it on different necklaces or even as a bag charm most days of the week, especially when I feel I need a little extra emotional support.
It has become a true treasure that I wouldn't want to be without. In fact, I'm thinking of giving one to my daughter when she starts school in September, as I think it makes the most beautiful gift for someone you really care about.
You can find out more about it’s meaning and my wonderful friend who created it here.
Another great white linen dress for hot summer days. It is easy to wear, elegant, and fits true to size.
When it comes to summer parties, I don’t think there’s anything better than a beautiful matching top and skirt set. Effortless, comfortable, and always chic.
The necklace is handmade by a dear friend of mine. If you would like your own bespoke piece, simply send her a DM on Instagram to place an order.
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Ava liebt noch’ is an honest and compelling novel exploring desire, family life, personal freedom, and the contradictions of modern womanhood. I couldn’t put it down.
This is exactly how I imagine my Italian alter ego heading to a beach party somewhere along the Italian coast.
And if you’re looking for a great holiday read, this book is for you. A thoughtful and atmospheric novel exploring family dynamics, long-held secrets, love, and the choices that shape our lives.
A Toteme pyjama top like the light blue one above is one of those pieces that cool girls everywhere seem to own, or at least dream about owning. This version is made with red stitching, which makes it especially pretty.
I bought the rosé-coloured blouse in a size S and, like so many Jacquemus pieces, it feels effortlessly French and elegant. At the same time, its unique cut gives it a modern twist and makes it feel far more interesting than an ordinary blouse.
’Strangers’ is an honest and compelling memoir exploring marriage, family, trust, and what happens when a life you thought you knew suddenly changes completely.
What makes it even more remarkable is that it is a true story. I found parts of it genuinely shocking and couldn't stop thinking about it long after I had finished reading.
It had been far too long since I last included an interior moodboard in one of my edits, and I had so much fun putting this one together.
When it comes to tableware, I am a big believer in mixing, matching, and embracing colour.
I would happily place every single piece on my own garden table this summer. Colourful glasses for long lunches and warm evenings, little garden flowers arranged in beautiful vases, mismatched cushions on the chairs, water poured from a charming pink jug, and martinis served in the prettiest green and yellow glasses.
I started with the tablecloth and the spoons, but I’m hoping to add a few more pieces month by month throughout the summer.
Well, I think that’s it for today, lovely readers!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edit as much as I enjoyed putting it together. If something caught your eye, I would be incredibly grateful if you chose to order through my links. It’s the only way I can continue creating this newsletter and keeping it free. As always, it won’t cost you anything extra.
If you enjoyed reading, please leave a little heart and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or send me a message on Instagram. It always makes me so happy to hear from you after sending out one of these little pieces of work.
Before the holidays begin, I’ll be back with a special Summer Feel-Good Edit featuring my favourite beauty products, wellness rituals, healthy habits, recipes, and beach essentials to take you through the season.
Until then, enjoy the sunshine, take things a little slower, and enjoy browsing this colourful edition with me. It might just be my favourite one yet.
Lots of love,
Laura x
Laura Koerver is a cookbook author, creative mind, and mother, writing her Substack newsletter from her home office in Cologne. She previously worked in fashion marketing in Berlin before opening her health food restaurant Laura’s Deli in Düsseldorf in 2015, which she successfully sold in 2022. Along the way, she published two healthy cookbooks.
Today, she dedicates her work to creative writing, mood design, and content creation around fashion, design, culture, travel, and a fun yet healthy lifestyle — which she shares on Substack and Instagram @laurakoerver.
Omg!!! Einfach die wunderschönsten Sommer Looks 🐚 mit so viel Liebe bis ins letzt Detail 👌🏻✨
absolutely gorgeous. Thank you Laura❤️