Meet Kara (@secretsnstyle), our latest Postcards from Summer spotlight. Splitting her time between New York City, Palm Beach, and East Hampton, Kara is known for her timeless style and thoughtful storytelling, sharing the moments, places, and traditions that inspire her life.
For Kara, summer has always meant East Hampton. It’s where her family traditions began and where she returns each season to slow down, reconnect, and savor the simple moments that make summer special.
Read on as Kara shares her favorite local traditions, her perfect East Coast summer itinerary, and the Helen Jon pieces she'll be wearing all season long.
1. What do you love most about spending your summer in this location?
I’ve spent every summer in East Hampton — quite literally since before I was born. It’s where I learned to swim, where our family traditions began, and where I still look forward to spending every summer. What I love most is the rhythm of the season: mornings by the ocean, afternoons spent outdoors, farm stands overflowing with flowers and fresh produce, and evenings watching the sun set over the bay. Life naturally slows down here, and even after all these years, it still feels like coming home.
2. What does a perfect summer day here look like?
A perfect Saturday begins with an early swim in the ocean before heading to the East Hampton Farmers Market for fresh flowers, seasonal produce, and warm bread straight from the bakery. Most days, I’m living in a swimsuit with a pareo tied around my waist, making it easy to go from the beach to running errands without ever changing.
After a lazy afternoon by the pool or the ocean, I’ll throw on the Claudia Crochet Midi Dress over my bikini, hop in my Jeep, and head to Duryea's in Montauk for lunch. My favorite way to end the day is with a sunset swim at one of East Hampton’s bay beaches. The water is calm, the light is magical, and it’s one of those simple traditions that never gets old.
3. What are your must-pack summer essentials for this destination? Any favorite Helen Jon pieces you’ll be bringing along?
When you spend your summer in East Hampton, versatility is everything. I practically live in swimwear, pareos, and effortless cover-ups because they take me everywhere — from the beach to the farmers market, lunch in Montauk, or an impromptu sunset by the water.
This summer, I’ll be packing Helen Jon’s Navy Tortoise Halter Bikini with the matching Hipster Bottom for long beach days, along with the White Tortoise Ring Plunge One-Piece, which pairs beautifully with the Nola Tunic for lunch or strolling through town. I’ll also be bringing the Chloe Maxi Dress to throw over my bikini for afternoons at Duryea’s or relaxed summer dinners. These are the pieces I gravitate toward year after year — they’re timeless, beautifully made, and effortless enough to carry me through an entire day in East Hampton.
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For more of Kara’s timeless style inspiration and everyday moments, follow along with her on Instagram at @secretsnstyle.
Ready to pack for your own summer escape? Shop Kara's favorite Helen Jon styles, along with our full collection of swimwear and apparel, to discover pieces designed for wherever the season takes you.
Stay tuned for our final Postcards from Summer destination as we continue following inspiring women to the places they return to year after year.