I’m in two minds this July. On the one hand, I’m excited to be packing for the Hamptons – sundresses, swimsuits, and a fresh bottle of Hampton Sun’s Bronze Sunscreen, which is, frankly, non-negotiable. It’s one of those products that everyone out East seems to have in their beach bag – light, chic, and infused with their signature scent, inspired by the lush privet hedges that line the lanes from Southampton to Montauk. It’s clean, clever beauty: rich in vitamin E and aloe vera, the ultra-fine mist hydrates, soothes, and protects in one very elegant sweep. (niche-beauty.com)

On the other hand, while I can’t wait to go away, I’m secretly thrilled to be spending part of the summer right here in London. When the city empties out for the school holidays, it becomes a little quieter, a little slower, and somehow even more magical. There’s something about long light evenings, warm pavements, and the freedom to fl it between exhibitions, rooftops, and last-minute dinners that makes staying put feel like its own kind of escape.

Holidays always bring out my inner child – the one who wants ice creams at odd hours and ‘just a little treat’ with every coffee. I’m trying not to completely fall into a sugar spiral, so instead, I’ve decided to wear my sweet cravings. I just picked up the most charming little ice cream cone necklace by Sydney Evan, the LA-based jewellery designer best known for those iconic nameplate and ‘Love’ pieces. (net-a-porter.com)

Of course, strolling around town in the Hamptons is non-negotiable – which meant finding a pair of new, walkable-but-wonderful espadrilles was high on my pre-holiday checklist. This season, the most beautiful ones I’ve seen are by Penelope Chilvers. She’s played with rich textures – velvet and cotton – and embroidered them in a gorgeous, painterly palette that feels both timeless and totally of the moment. They’re comfortable (crucially) but still statement enough to elevate even the simplest sundress. I fully intend to give them a second life on the London pavements when I get home, too. (penelopechilvers.com)

The obligatory holiday read this month is How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast, daughter of feminist icon Erica Jong. It may sound heavy, but it’s a deeply moving reflection on maternal bonds, grief, and the ache of absence. Jong-Fast delves into the complexities of her relationship with her mother, who is battling dementia – a journey that resonates deeply with me, having experienced my father’s own battle with the disease. (Pan Macmillan, £16.99)

Back in London, I’ll be raising a chilled glass to La Famiglia, the beloved Chelsea restaurant that is celebrating 50 years this summer. I’ve been eating there for 40 of those years; my kids have practically grown up there. With its unusually large garden and rare sense of real community, it’s the kind of place that holds memories in the napkins and joy in the pasta. (lafamiglia.co.uk)

I’ve just watched Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius on the BBC and, honestly, it’s one of the most compelling programmes I’ve seen in years. With insight from Helen Fielding, Greg Wise, and Kate Atkinson, it brilliantly explores Austen’s sharp wit, radical spirit, and enduring cultural influence. She died over 200 years ago at the age of just 41, yet her legacy feels more alive than ever – and I couldn’t resist following that spark of inspiration.

Which brings me to the picturesque village of Castle Combe, in the heart of the Cotswolds, where the beautifully restored Manor House hotel is offering a Jane Austen– inspired escape to mark what would have been the author’s 250th birthday. The one-night stay, bookable through Exclusive Collection, includes breakfast and tickets to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath – a city rich in bonnets, wit, and elegant rebellion. There’s even a themed afternoon tea, complete with pastel-hued pâtisserie that’s almost too pretty to eat. (exclusive.co.uk)

Coming home after a holiday or mini break always feels a little flat, but I’ve softened the landing with something indulgent: a set of exquisite Pratesi sheets from the Treccia collection, rumoured to be Lady Gaga’s current obsession. The Italian heritage brand dates back to the early 1900s and has counted Chanel, Hemingway, and Elizabeth Taylor among its fans. I didn’t opt for monogramming this time – though I was tempted. Bed linen is something of a family passion; my father was a retail draper, so I suppose it’s in the blood. (pratesi.com)

Martine’s Musts