Confessions from the Top Drawer: My Favorite Unmentionables, Jewelry, and the Trip That's Still TBD

The lingerie that won’t let you down, the jewelry that starts conversations, and the travel plans that still need... plans.

Underneath It All
Let’s start where most style conversations don’t beneath the outfit. Because your clothes, no matter how well tailored or beautifully designed, won’t look their best if your undergarments are working against them. And after chatting with many of you in my DMs and on Instagram Stories, it’s clear we are all feeling a little lost in the lingerie isle. You’ve told me the same thing over and over again “Just tell me what to get.” So, I am.

Years ago, I stopped wearing thongs every day. I found a cotton brief I loved for sleep, and the comfort was so next-level that I slowly made the switch full time. They come in the everyday basics—black, nude, white, blush—and also fun cheeky versions like days-of-the-week pairs (on sale) or fun seasonal prints and cheeky sayings. (You can use code Holley15 for 15% off sitewide). They don’t bunch, they are comfortable, and they are more aesthetically pleasing vs your typical granny pants. They also stay put. Which sounds like a small thing until you’re walking into a meeting or onto a plane and not fidgeting with your outfit. They are 100% cotton, which is also key for health and hygiene. Honestly, they’re just good. OMG they even have seashell knickers and just did a sweet collab with one of my favorite clothing brands Marea. Not me adding to cart immediately!

I’ve been so loyal to my cotton knickers that I almost didn’t bother trying anything else. But I gave this new seamless pair I read about a shot, and honestly? It earned a spot in the drawer. Not a replacement an addition. These are seamless in every sense. They don’t move. They don’t shift. No VPL. They just quietly do their job and make everything you wear over them look that much better. They are perfect under all your white pieces. The inside has a gentle no slip grip (trust me!) that keeps everything in place. If you’ve been searching for that smooth look without reaching for a thong, this is the answer. The material feels light and barely there, and the cotton lining gives you what you need for comfort and health. I’m impressed! Give them a try. There’s room in your drawer too.

Now to be fair, I still own thongs. There are times when nothing else will do. But I’ve worn the same brand for 20 years and nothing has topped it yet. Correct me if I’m wrong—have you found one better?

Now, let’s move up a layer.

The Bra Files
I’ve always been an underwire girl. I need lift, shape, and structure. The bralettes that everyone raves about? I’ve tried. I’ve returned. The lift and shape just isn’t there for me. I am a C/D. Then I found the Relief Bra from Eby, and it changed everything. It gives you all the support you want with none of the traditional underwire discomfort. If you are like me and look forward to taking your bra off the second you get home, you need this bra. It’s that comfortable. The Relief Bra has removable pads (hello AC-friendly coverage) and it layers beautifully under white tees and fitted summer dresses.

Fun fact: every night before bed, I take off Gigi’s collar, and without fail, I picture her thinking exactly what I’m feeling—finally, some freedom. Dogs don’t wear bras, but collars have to be their version, right? That little exhale she gives me? Same, girl. Same.

I also picked up their Balconette Bra, which gives the same shape and hold but with a little extra flair for low-cut tops. It’s sexy without trying too hard and bonus it converts into a racerback. Prices are under $70 for the Relief and under $50 for the Balconette. And with their buy two get one free code (FREEBRA), I felt like I won the bra lottery. I don’t typically buy two of anything but for these bras I did.

And just when I thought I was done with my bra research, I spotted a Tempsync Cooling Bra, and it had me curious. While I’ve been lucky not to experience hot flashes yet, living in Charleston in the summer has its own version of daily overheating and boob sweat. This bra uses fabric infused with natural minerals that cool you down before you even start to sweat. Which sounds like science fiction, but also? Sign me up. If you’ve tried it, tell me everything. I was SOLD after reading the reviews. They had me at cooling sensation! This bra and site is 25% off 6/25-7/1 which is when I will be placing my order.

Shell Girl Summer
Let’s move from underneath to under the sea (see what I did there?!?) because shell jewelry is having a serious moment. But not the puka beads of your childhood. In 2025, shell jewelry has been rebranded and is chic and grown-up. It snuck up on me slowly and now I’m hooked.

When I think of shell jewelry, I think of the original - the OG of shell-inspired design-my friend Meg Carter. We met years ago when I was working part-time in a boutique in Old Town Alexandria, and even then, she was ahead of her time. Long before shell jewelry was having a “moment,” Meg was creating wearable art from the shoreline. Her very first design? Made from her son’s hermit crab shell. The rest is history. Her pieces have been sold in some of the most exclusive boutiques and resorts around the world, and I’ve proudly collected them over the past two decades. Honestly, many of the designs you’re seeing now feel like a delayed love letter to what Meg was doing years ago. When she’s in Charleston visiting family, we catch up over coffee and I always leave inspired by her creativity, her originality, and the fact that the rest of the shell loving world is finally catching on. I’m currently loving this necklace and this one too. And these non-shell earrings? (lots of colors available) Have been in my constant rotation for years.

If you’re just dipping your toes into the shell jewelry trend and want an easy under $100 way to join the party, start with these gold shell studs from Meeghan Mullin x Lisi Lerch. They’re simple, striking, and go with absolutely everything. Meeghan wears hers nonstop, and after admiring them on her one too many times, I finally gave in. Zero regrets. And if you’re a bracelet girl like me (and Meeghan), do not let this shell beauty (under $40) pass you by. It’s perfect on its own or stacked with your favorite gold bangles—because honestly, what’s better than that fabulous polished bracelet jingle? Consider it your personal power soundtrack. Let them hear you coming.

My first shell purchase of the year? This MG necklace I scooped up back in February thanks to all the Instagram ads I received and let me tell you, she started something. With hand-painted seashells, pearls, and gold accents, it gives total treasure-hunted-in-Mallorca energy. It’s bold, beautiful, and a guaranteed conversation starter. I’ve worn it countless times, and not once without someone asking where it’s from. Use code HOLLEY20 sitewide if you want in on the secret. Swoon worthy for years to come.

And then there’s Hart. Her scalloped shells and eye-catching cords have range. You can swap out cord colors, adjust the length, and layer on her signature charms to fit your mood. You know I love versatility. It’s like playing dress-up but with grown-up polish. Whether you wear one piece or stack them all, just know this: it’s officially a shell girl summer. And honestly? I hope it lasts forever.

No Vacation Plans (But Plenty of Daydreaming)

Besides a quick trip to Nantucket coming up, our calendar is surprisingly wide open and honestly, it’s throwing me. I’m usually that person with a color-coded travel doc, dream itineraries for May and September (you know, shoulder season queens only), and flights booked months in advance. But this year? Nothing firm. We even consulted ChatGPT and it fed us Carmel by the Sea (our original idea for 2025) and Charleston! Ha!

We’ve been lucky to have traveled often, to places we once dreamed about. Paris, Provence, the Cotswolds, Tuscany and the French Riviera. The kind of places that live in novels and films. And somehow, they’ve become part of our real life. We’ve celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, and just because weeks wandering cobblestone streets, discovering little shops, and returning to restaurants that remembered our names. That’s the magic of revisiting favorite places. They become part of your personal map.

But here’s the thing I keep circling: time. Time, vacation days, budget, and the number of able bodied, healthy years we get to explore the world. We’re relatively young, yes but not so young that we can ignore the math. Older friends have reminded us (more than once) that if you sit down and count out how many big trips you might realistically take in your best years... it’s not infinite. It’s actually kind of sobering. Which is why I sometimes feel a little guilty about repeating. When the bucket list is long, going back to the same place twice can feel like skipping something else entirely. But then again, there’s something special about returning. There’s ease. There’s comfort. There’s that one bakery you dream about for a year. And if you’re strategic, you can tack on something new like a side trip, an adjacent village, a different region and still scratch that curiosity itch.

Lately, I’ve been eyeing Capri and Amalfi. I want something with color, cliffs, sandals, and spritzes. Something that feels like a postcard before you even take the photo. Because as much as I love our go-to spots, I also miss the thrill of the unknown and the excitement of not knowing where to turn next. What to order, what language to stumble through. That kind of discovery is energizing. Like unwrapping a gift you didn’t know you needed.

Travel isn’t just a luxury for me it’s fuel. It recharges me creatively, resets my mind, and brings me closer to the people I love. So wherever we land, I know I’ll come back changed. And yes, I’ll have the right outfit. And the right bra underneath it.

Your Turn

Are you team “return and repeat” or team “go somewhere brand new while you still can”? What’s on your bucket list that you’re secretly afraid you might run out of time to see?

Tell me in the comments. Share this with a friend who needs a nudge to book the trip—or at least start dreaming again. Or a new bra and a pair of knickers!

If you made it this far—thank you for reading and wandering with me. If you loved it (or just really need that necklace), tap the little heart below so more curious, stylish, travel hungry readers can find this too. Sharing is caring... and also great karma for your next flight upgrade.