Last Sunday, I hurt my neck. I couldn’t say how. I woke up feeling normal and lounged in bed for some time. But when I was ready to actually get up, I gasped in pain. I spent the rest of the day hobbling around, barely mobile. I made it through thanks to Advil, a heating pad, and frequently dropping to the floor in a desperate cow-cat pose. There’s really nothing like being in pain on all fours to make you feel like an animal. Very primal stuff. When is the farmer coming to put me out of my misery…
On Monday, I was feeling slightly less creaky and thought a long, slow walk would do me good. My absolute favorite place for a stroll is the Fort Tilden beach, and so off we went. Like an ill Victorian cousin, I needed a visit to the seaside to regain my strength. To be honest, this is true even when I feel fine. For me, there’s nothing better than a beach day. By this time of year, I’m desperate for a tan, a plunge into cold water, a collection little treasures.
Coincidentally, I’ve watched two films recently that have really gotten me in the mood for a beach day, Otto Preminger’s Bonjour Tristesse (1958) and Éric Rohmer’s A Tale of Summer (1996). Although maybe it’s not a coincidence? Maybe I’m trying to manifest something? Not the plotlines necessarily, thankyouverymuch. But the style of an insouciantly elegant French beach day. Yes, please! After all, Fort Tilden is the closest thing we have to France here, if you think about it. Just don’t think about it too hard.
So let’s dive in to some beach looks ;)
First, Bonjour Tristesse —
Striped shirt with a boatneck and some kicky short shorts? A perfect look! Of course the show stopper is Jean’s pixie cut, which I can only admire and never replicate.
One of my favorite small details in the film is that Jean’s character, Cécile, is often wearing one of her father’s shirts — you can tell from the small monograms on the breast in medium shots. A silent example of their entwined codependency. But! It’s so chic! Along with the white jeans and the straw bag. Mwah! And now David Niven in the short shorts? Hottie alert! Too bad they’re off to ruin some lives!
On to A Tale of Summer —
Bucket hat, check! Tortoise shell sunnies with a keyhole bridge, check! Sporty red bikini, check! This look has it all! Perfect for catching the eye of a cagey troubadour!
A little black dress and a dark wash chore coat? Didn’t think that could be a beach look, did ya? But it can and it is and it’s great!
Ok, so this is actually how I dress for a beach day. Big Where’s Waldo vibes. I love to see myself represented on screen.
See you at the beach, my friends!
<3
Great haul!
Jealous you got to the beach! I need to watch those movies 🌊