don't miss these juicy trends
heirloom tomatoes, cottage cheese wraps, ironic wear, summer berries + more tantalizing trends
Ilze here. And summer is almost here too. Well, almost. Definitely not in the Netherlands yet. Nevertheless, this time of year, us singles tend to get a bit cheeky—hence the term "summer flings." So, I dusted off the apps tucked away in the “Extras” folder on my phone.
While the general trend is that people are leaving the dating apps [TIME article here], they’re still an effortless second-screen option while Netflix-ing. But I definitely use them more sparingly than a year ago. When I was living with my then-single roommate, scrolling through profiles was such a part of our routine that we even coined our own term, the “Jesse effect” (explanation below).
We thought we were so hilarious that we needed our own podcast. Groundbreaking, I know. Like the world needs another podcast from best friends.
As a fan of jokes-gone-too-far and an advocate for less talk, more action, fast forward a year, and now I’m stuck with two brand new mics. Anyone want to kickstart their podcast career? Best deal. Only for you, my friends.
P.S.
Relatables: Here’s a besties podcast that's exactly that: two Aussies just giggling away and swapping dating stories. Nothing serious, just pure fun. Best consumed as short-form videos. [Their Instagram]
The latest IRL, online fixation report:
Dress like Adam Sandler. With jorts, short-sleeve button-ups, oversized tees, and above-ankle socks being in, it makes sense that Adam Sandler has become the new fashion icon. Big, lazy slay.
photos via (left to right): [Twitter]; Ilze [personal archives]; @Betches [Instagram] If you fancy more athletic fashion icons, here’s a list of the most swanky football players. Might encourage you to switch on UEFA Euro 2024.
Cottage cheese craze. The high-protein warrior has gained a prime spot in our fridges particularly now when we’re thinking of creative ways to trick our ice cream cravings. Cottage-cheese based ice creams, edgy monikered as FroCo, have exited TikTok kitchens and become a retail item (picture below). But the new TikTok viral recipe is baking cottage cheese and using it as a wrap [TikTok recipe here]. Things we do for that extra dose of protein!
photos via (left to right): @eatsmearcase [Instagram]; @victoriaminell [TikTok]; We’re not done in the grocery trends yet. Tomatoes are trending big-time. Particularly the bank-account-draining heirloom tomatoes.
Last week the internet went bonkers on a post on X where an heirloom tomato was captured looking "so Loewe”.
But the brand is already one step ahead with their Tomato Leaves collection kicking off soon, with perfume, soap bars, candles and room spray - no one can deny that the juicy fruit is the summer obsession.
photos via: Loewe It’s only a matter of time you’ll get a Tikkie* for a tomato.
*Dutch money transfer request
P.S
Speaking of money transfers, there’s this whole iOS18 Tap to Cash update where you can tap phones to transfer money (check out all the new things in iOS18 if you’re interested)
There's a new trend of coconut caffeine drinks that seems to be creeping in. It’s not just as a alternative to milk - a base of coconut water in your coffee makes for a refreshing twist on an Americano, and a splash of coconut cream can elevate your drink to the next level. Inspired by Vietnamese coconut coffee and other coconut drink obsessions in South East Asia, these coconut concoctions are a must-try for your next caffeine fix this summer.
photos via (left to right): @vuive.eats [Instagram]; @coffeeholichouse[Instagram];[Pinterest] The good ol’ Spanish grating plates are changing lives. These ceramic graters all the way from around the 11th century are being rediscovered by people online for their ease of use (and how aesthetically pleasing they can be). I guess grate things take time? You can grate so much: garlic, ginger, nutmeg, and even - after a thorough wash and dry - chocolate! Plus, the plate is perfect to make some loaded
olive oil (new viral recipe alert) to go perfectly with bread.
photos via (left to right): SweetArtAttackEllen [Etsy]; grateplate.com Communal crafting is the latest social craze! Whether it's with colleagues, friends, partners, or even strangers, getting together to create is becoming the go-to way to bond. Options are endless, from jewelry making and ceramics (Ashe made pigeons with their boyfriend—see pic below!) to the classic paint and sip nights. Sip ‘n Paints, crafts nights, painting each other, making matching bracelets, and going to creative workshops are booming as we all find solace in shared creative activities. As Gen-Z may say, we’re community-maxxing.
The sexiest thing you can serve with a cocktail are gildas – a type of Basque pintxo made from skewering a green olive, a pickled guindilla pepper, and an anchovy together. Gildas are booming, taking over vibey bars and chic home cocktail parties.
Gildas at LE CORNICHON bar in Paris @lecornichon [Instagram] 
FYI, The World's 50 Best Restaurants list was released this week, and Spain’s restaurants are snagging the top spots. Spanish cuisine is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Sense of humour is in fashion. Literally. Everyone’s flaunting their sense of humor by swapping colorful Ralph Lauren polo caps for ironic captions. Even better if they’re two-tone caps, those are having a hell of a summer too. Maybe this is connected to the ironic t-shirt pandemic.
photos via (left to right): Ilze [personal archive]; @justinhchann [Pinterest]; Ilze [personal archives] Men are loading up the bling. Stacking rings have become so prevalent that even Zara is doing a collab with the Barcelona-based men’s jewelry brand, TwoJeys, for a cowboy-esque collection [see it here].
photos via: Zara España Maybe combine the rings with a cropped t-shirt* - cause we’ve heard its the hottest thing a man can do.
*bonus points if it’s mesh or crocheted
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browserWord on the streets of Warsaw…it’s berry season and the best way to appease your sweet tooth is jagodzianka - an airy pastry stuffed with blueberries. Yum!
@elizabetek [Instagram] That’s all, see you next week. Maybe to talk more about The Boys Season 4 episodes that come out today (13th). And apologies for the tummy rambles!
+ for those with summer splashing coming soon, here’s a wholesome TikTok trending rn that’s teaching you how to acclimatize into chilly waters.
