Give me wisdom, give me strength. I may no longer be reciting Biblical Psalms with a crowd at church, but I still need prayers to get me through the dog days of summer. Well, prayers and a very vivid imagination. So far those two combined have whisked my mind away to Mexico City, where every cool girl and her no swag-gap best friend are apparently living it up. Mentally I am also there, prancing through the streets with a hot pink Topologie Sacoche bag stuffed with very Virgo travel essentials, an assortment of trinkets picked up at La Ciudadela, and a bundle of piping hot churros shoved through the handy bottle compartment. My nails are a fresh set by Karin at next nail salon, brimming with odd shapes, whimsical textures and colours to match the fanciful architecture of El Nido De Quetzalcóatl—my stay of choice, of course. 

Then night falls: I slip into a sexy sparkling Miaou camo halter top to forget about the 75% humidity, slide my happy feet into a pair of leather wedge sandals from Paris-based brand JUDE, and head to an if-you-know-you-know speakeasy specialising in mezcals and tequila from around the country. (Send the recs my way!) If this CDMX daydream were trapped inside a magic lamp it would be this divine Palinode Lamp by Carson Teal, a modern artifact composed of stained glass, steel and visual fragments of spirituality. Three rubs and I could be walking through the doors of Mexico City International Airport. If only it were that simple. — Alyanna Raissa J. Payos, Senior Culture and Lifestyle Writer

• JUDE Yaga leather wedge sandals
• Topologie Bottle Sacoche Large in Pink and Crepe Pocket Sling in Canary Yellow
• Carson Teal Palinode Lamp 
• Miaou Natalia Top in Camo
• A manicure by Karin at next nail 

A staple black belt, a sardine top handle, and Mes Studio’s lovely flower arrangement 

The year has flown by. How many times have you heard it said? It feels surreal that we’ve reached the mid-year mark, and, for once, that’s not an expression of regret, but disbelief at everything that has happened in this short span of time. I’ve tried to pack the year with activities that take me out of my familiar grooves; I’ve said ‘yes’ to things with uncertain outcomes, and put my fearful mind through the wringer. And maybe, truthfully, at the end of the day, they are all distractions to make the year pass faster. Because it’s easy to frame a year as a neatly-wrapped package—the paper taut, the edges aligned, and the seams hidden from detection—to think that everything that happens in a certain year can be packed away when time is up. Can’t wait for the year to be over. But a ‘year’, much like trends, is just a human construct—its contents will inevitably spill into the next; its popularity will return in cycles. 

This is why I’ve been drawn to investment pieces that will last. Made in Italy, the Déhanché Hollyhock belt has become known as the “anti-logo” accessory. The silver-tone buckle and rows of rings bring an understated edge to any outfit. Loath to admit I don’t own this wardrobe staple yet. Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato weave is as synonymous with the house as it is with craftsmanship and elegance. I don’t know why but I love fish motifs, so this practically sized bag scratches all the right spots. I adore the crossed front straps of Lemaire’s tong sandals which curve up the ankle, and the stability and comfort bestowed by the ankle straps and block heel. A whisper of eternal summer, SIR’s chiffon set is covered in faded florals and framed by delicate blue ruffles. Amid this list of practical and sensible staples, this is the reminder to treasure every opportunity to soak in the sun and get on the dance floor. Tying it all up is a beautiful vase arrangement by Hong Kong’s very own Mes Studio, who arranges with an artistic eye. Flowers, I could never get sick of. — Karrie Lam, Culture and Lifestyle Writer

• Déhanché Hollyhock leather belt 
• Bottega Veneta Sardine Hobo Embellished Intrecciato Leather Tote Bag
• Lemaire Tong Sandals 
• SIR Cecile ruffled printed chiffon set 
• Mes Studio Vase Arrangement