Sun, sand, and sea - what else could one need for the perfect summer afternoon?
Well, certainly a bottle or two of AIX Rosé wouldn't hurt!
Designer, art collector, and philanthropist Sterling McDavid is forever on the go, hopping between New York, Miami, Aspen, Texas, you name it! So her time spent out at her beautiful Bridgehampton home is a very welcome slow-down from her usual buzzing pace.
Curious to see how the Hamptons' most stylish aesthete spends her season out East?
We caught up with Sterling to chat all things à la plage, from her beach bag essentials to her biggest weekend indulgence and more...
What do you most look forward to about summertime in the Hamptons?
It's everything about the Hamptons experience, I can't pin it down to just one thing. I love everything from the sense of calm I get from the empty, open beach walks I take every morning to the Sunday cook outs by the pool we host at our home for friends. Simply put: it's the perfect place to recharge.
What's your tip for escaping the crowds and relaxing out East?
One of the best kept secrets is watching the sunrise on the beach and walking the beach as early as possible. It is truly majestic, especially when no one else is around. Last week, I witnessed a whale breaching close to shore on my morning walk - it was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen.
How would you describe your Hamptons style?
During the day I am often relaxing in a cashmere sweater and shorts and in the evenings I am typically in a white or navy dress for drinks and/or dinner. There is not one way to describe my Hamptons style, but if I were to try to describe it I would say "beach chic."
Which beach is your favorite to visit?
Our home is in Bridgehampton, so you can find us frequently at Scott Cameron Beach.
What are your beach bag essentials?
A good book, a bottle of AIX Rosé, Necessaire sunscreen, my signature round Chanel sunglasses and a chic beach towel is really all I need.
What beach reads have been on your list lately?
In the summer, I often read fiction classics, so currently I am reading 'The Fountainhead' again. Next on the list is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho which was recently recommended to me by a close friend.
Any chance we'll catch you out in the water?
No way! Feet in the water, of course, but I prefer a good beach walk over diving in.
Are you a rosé any time of day type of person?
When in the Hamptons, absolutely, especially when it's AIX Rosé, the purest possible expression of what rosé can be!
Have any guilty pleasures you reserve just for the weekends out East?
Shopping at Round Swamp is my guilty pleasure. In what other scenario would I ever spend an arm and a leg on prepared food? It is just too good to resist!
Would you rather an early morning stroll in the sand or a sunset bonfire on the beach?
Both! These are two of my favorite activities when out East.
In your professional opinion, what's a chic, non-cheesy way to bring beachy vibes into a Hamptons home?
I would say neutral colors in a Hamptons home and lots of textures are the key design details to incorporate. I love rattan, rope and linens to create a sophisticated beachy feel.
What are you most excited for as fall approaches?
Spending time apple picking and eating apple cider donuts out East!
[Photos by Greg Kessler for Guest of a Guest]
[SPONSORED BY AIX ROSÉ]