Summer Books & Looks
Ever been so immersed in a book that you wished you could step right into its world? Good stories have their own style, and we're sharing four of our favorites for summer. These immersive novels explore themes of female friendship, food, empowerment, intrigue, and sharp observations of humanity—one even narrated by an alien with delightfully dry humor. To top it off, quite literally, we’ve paired each book with looks that echo their spirit, from baroque brooches fit for Renaissance Italy to buttery hues, chic French-girl touches, and out-of-this-world accessories.
Datura Scrunchie Top | Miista Butter Ballerinas | Ganni Graphic Tee
Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton
This slow-building but deeply satisfying novel simmers with insight and sharp commentary. Inspired by a real-life case in Japan, the story centers on Rika, a journalist investigating Manako Kajii, a woman accused of seducing and murdering men with her cooking. But as Rika digs deeper, what she uncovers isn’t a simple crime story—it’s a layered exploration of misogyny, loneliness, body politics, and the complicated relationships women have with food, men, and each other.
The first half takes its time, but once it hits its stride, it’s hard to put down. Both Rika and Kajii are fascinating, complex characters who feel incredibly real, flawed, and full of contradictions. And the food! Yuzuki’s descriptions are absolutely mouth-watering—creamy omelets, rich stews, fragrant rice dishes. It’s impossible to read without getting hungry. But the meals also carry meaning: desire, control, comfort, rebellion.
Butter is a bold, thoughtful novel that uses food as a lens to explore the expectations placed on women and the quiet ways they push back. It’s unsettling, deliciously indulgent, and surprisingly empowering.
Kitty Joseph Iridescent Top | Rachel Comey Hoop Earrings | Matter Matters Sunglasses | Jill Sander Ankle Boots
Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino
A novel about an alien that I somehow wouldn’t consider science fiction, Beautyland follows extraterrestrial Adina Giorno as she grows up as a human girl on Earth, using a fax machine to report back observations to her home planet. Such observations include:
“Human beings, Adina faxes, did not think their lives were challenging enough, so they invented roller coasters. A roller coaster is a series of problems on a steel track. Upon encountering real problems, human beings compare their lives to riding a roller coaster, even though they invented roller coasters to be fun things to do on their day off.”
You’ll finish the book feeling the breadth of human emotions, understanding that life is fragile and that we are resilient—and also sometimes ridiculous.
Ciao Lucia Neroni Dress | Rachel Comey Mini Web Bag | Loewe Mesh Pumps | Beaufille Gold Brooch
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
A twisty, totally absorbings story set in Renaissance Italy, The Marriage Portrait follows Lucrezia de’ Medici, a teenage duchess caught in the deadly politics of court life. When she’s forced into a political marriage with a powerful duke, things quickly go from glamorous to dangerous as she starts to suspect her new husband is planning to kill her. Yikes.
O’Farrell’s writing is lush without feeling heavy, and the descriptions of Florence and Ferrara, Italy, feel so vividly immersive that it’s easy to get lost in the setting. The story balances beauty and menace in equal measure, with an undercurrent of suspense that keeps the pages turning. It’s not just about art and royalty—it’s about power, survival, and the limits placed on women. The kind of historical fiction that’s smart, beautiful, and also just really fun to read.
Caramel Oxford Beret | A.P.C. Striped Tee | Rains String W Jacket
Kate and Frida by Kim Fay
An absolute pleasure to read, Kate & Frida is formatted as a series of letters written between the two namesake characters. Set in the '90s, Kate is a bookseller in Seattle who receives a request for a book recommendation from Frida, a soon‑to‑be war correspondent living in Paris. The twentysomethings are growing up and finding themselves in a world full of wonder as well as heartbreak, and their letters contain supportive, sage advice for each other. My favorite is the following:
"We owe it to the people who are suffering to savor every good and beautiful thing we have in our lives. Not that we should deny bad things or turn our backs on them. But if suffering is contagious, then why isn't joy? Which virus do we want to spread? We don't help someone who's miserable by being miserable, we only add to the world's misery."
On top of that, this is another novel with luscious descriptions of food, so expect to take some snack breaks. Personally, I also loved the descriptions of Seattle (my hometown), transporting me back to the rainy sidewalks of Capitol Hill.
Quite honestly, I didn't expect to adore this book as much as I did, but it's truly a love letter to female friendship that often left me in happy/sad tears. If you enjoy reading about women uplifting each other, with flavorful food scenes and a nostalgic backdrop, this one’s a treasure.
