As we are now in the throes of summer, we’ve asked several accomplished women of style whom we admire to come up with their Sweet Summer Indulgences for the season. This week we invited Stacey Bewkes—Founder of Quintessence, a luxury lifestyle blog. After seventeen years as an art director in New York City, Stacey left the corporate world and continued her love of design through the creation of Quintessence, an award winning online guide to the best in style and substance. From art and architecture, interiors and design, fashion and jewelry to books and movies, food and wine, travel and more, Quintessence has become a trusted source for well-researched, original content in the online world. She is also the co-creator, with author Susanna Salk, of the popular design video series. And, Stacey has contributed her brand of fashion commentary to Women’s Voices over the years.—Ed.

Favorite Summer Destination: I’ve been going to Nantucket every summer for over 30 years. Each year there is something to discover: a new little lane, new shops and restaurants, and new friends. Yet, there is a timeless New England charm that is carefully preserved on the island.

 Image by Michael Galvin via Flickr (Creative Commons License)

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Favorite Hotel: A new favorite is the Hotel Miramare in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy where my video partner Susanna Salk and I stayed last October after filming the antiques fair in Parma. With a beautiful setting, attentive friendly service and well-appointed rooms with magnificent views, it is a wonderful location from which to explore the glorious Italian Riviera. Take the time to do the five kilometer walk to Portofino. It’s amazing!

The beauty of Hotel Miramare in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

Favorite Restaurant: I actually don’t eat out all that much. Both my husband and I like to stay home and cook. But, I recently ate at the new Ralph Lauren Polo Bar in New York where the food was fabulous (amazing Dover sole) and the decor is chic, quintessential Ralph.

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Favorite Boutique: I’m not sure I can narrow it down to one, but I like shopping in smaller stores and boutiques where there is unique merchandise that is artfully displayed and the sales people are well informed and helpful, but not hovering.

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Current Summer Reading:  I am about to start The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert.

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Current Film on Your List to See this Summer: I’m a sucker for most things related to Sherlock Holmes. So I’m looking forward to seeing Ian McKellen in Mr. Homes as the nonagenarian detective. While my kids aren’t sure I’ll like it, I think I have to see Amy Schumer in Trainwreck (read Women’s Voices’ review). Lastly, if you haven’t seen it, put Alex Garland’s Ex Machina on your list—a thought-provoking and suspenseful statement on the future of technology and the human condition.

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What to Wear to a Summer Party: For most summer parties, I wear white pants or jeans with a longer patterned lightweight top. I have a selection from sleeveless chiffon to tunics. For a dressier affair, I’ll wear a long dress in a solid color.

Cap Sleeve Cady Gown by The Row; Luce Chiffon Tunic by Madeline Weinrib

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Preferred Summer Accessories: My favorite accessory, no matter the season, is big bold jewelry. In the summer, I frequently wear a long vintage carved ivory necklace. Large thin matte gold hoops are my summer staple for earrings. I also have a rather large collection of summer sandals, from strappy gold toned heels to comfortable wedges. It’s always the hardest thing for me to narrow down when I’m packing. I also like long cardigans. Everywhere seems to be over-air conditioned, so I like to have an extra layer that I can drape or tie around my shoulders if it gets too warm.

Stuart Weitzman, Sweeper Chain Cork Demi-Wedge Sandal

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Favorite Summer Fragrance:  My longtime fragrance, Hermès Calèche Eau Delicate, was recently discontinued. So I now have a selection from their tailor-made nomad set and I’m  trying out a few new ones. My current favorites are Un Jardin Sur Le Toit and Le Jardin de Monsieur Li.

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Necessary Summer Indulgence: Ice cream!

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Favorite House Gift for a Summer Weekend Invitation: I love trying to find something appropriate and personal for each person but a go-to gift that is always appreciated is flowers in a beautiful vase that can be reused. My favorite that goes with everyone’s decorating style is Frances Palmer’s Shane Pot.

Shane Pot by Frances Palmer

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Favorite Summer Entertaining Tips: Keep it simple. Grilled steak or swordfish, barbecued chicken, or marinated and butterflied leg of lamb are what we usually serve with a selection of salads so there’s something for the vegetarians as well. And keep the chilled Rosés and light red Burgundies flowing.