As the dog days of summer begin to wind down, I can’t help but reflect (no pun intended) on what made July so memorable. From trying a delicious new Venice restaurant to my go-to UV-protective zip-up, it was a month of new finds, organization, and inspiration. These Founder Fixations are a glimpse at everything I loved, reached for, and couldn’t stop thinking about this month.
Where I Ate: Companion LA
I took a friend to dinner at Companion for her birthday, and we loved it! It’s a daytime cafe that turns into a nighttime trattoria in Venice with a laid back vibe offering sophisticated food. They serve Italian comfort food like delicious woodfire pizza, classic pastas, and homemade focaccia with a memorable vinyl playlist (not on the menu).
What I Did: Reorganized My Entertainment Cabinet
As a Type A cook, baker, and hostess, a well-organized entertainment cabinet is non-negotiable. This month, I emptied mine out, reorganized every shelf, and refreshed it with a few new essentials. These included crisp white linen napkins from Hudson Grace and new recycled drinking glasses from Nickey Kehoe, so I’m prepped and ready for my next din party.
What I Listened To: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an icon, so a podcast where she sits down with equally iconic women is a recipe for magic. Every episode blends wisdom and wit, with guests ranging from Ina Garten and Michelle Obama to the late Catherine O’Hara and Jane Goodall. It’s thoughtful, funny, and a show I can’t help but keep coming back to.
What I Read: "Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen" by Luca Dotti
I love a good cookbook, but this one is so much more. Audrey Hepburn has always been one of my greatest idols — for her elegance, grace, and the way she dedicated her life to helping others. So I couldn't wait to read the book her son, Luca, wrote about her. Part cookbook, part memoir, it's filled with family stories, beautiful photographs, and the recipes Audrey passed down through the years. I flew through it and loved every page.
Where I Shopped: Laurel Supply
If you know me, you know grocery stores are my happy place, and Laurel Supply is a foodie paradise. This new luxury market in West Hollywood has been compared to Erewhon, with everything from smoothies, sushi, and wood-fired pizza to gelato and an incredible hot bar. I could easily spend hours wandering the organic produce, artisanal baked goods, and beautifully curated pantry and wellness aisles.
What I Watched: "Skywalkers: A Love Story" Documentary
We all saw the couple who risked their lives scaling the Empire State Building for a fake proposal performance. So when their 2024 documentary started trending on Netflix again, I had to watch. It’s equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking, and I found myself completely riveted by their story while simultaneously questioning every risk they took and the law they broke to make it all happen. I always have a soft spot for a love story.
What I Wore: Coolibar Sun Protective Hoodie
As I mentioned in last month’s roundup, I’ve been taking regular walks with a close friend, which means spending a lot more time in the sun. I wanted something lightweight that would actually protect my skin, and this UPF 50+ hoodie in white has been such a great find. It’s breathable enough for hot days and gives me extra peace of mind without sacrificing comfort. Of course, this is not in lieu of sunscreen, but another layer of protection.
Come back to The Smish on the last Sunday of every month for the latest in our new Founder Fixations series.
