It happens to all of us. Sometimes our summers don’t go exactly as we planned. The big trip got canceled due to a stomach bug. The weekends filled up with yardwork faster than expected. Or perhaps you’ve traveled, but you just can’t shake the desire to get one more change of scenery onto the calendar before the fall. Good news: there’s still time to savor the season, and there’s no reason you need to hop onto a plane to do it.
In today’s journal, we have a few last-minute ideas to help you wring out the last moments of summer, giving you one more chance at a sweet summer memory that doesn’t include going through the TSA line. Slip into your favorite summer kimono wraps and try on some of these last-minute summer ideas for size.
Photo by Ashley Streff
Backyard Dinner Party Magic
You don’t need a reservation at a five-star restaurant to have a spectacular meal. Your own backyard (or balcony, or rooftop) can be a dreamy summer dining room without the wait. String up twinkle lights, put fresh flowers in mismatched vases, and set the table with your prettiest handcrafted plates. As the host, lean into your own sense of occasion by wearing a plus size duster kimono robe over a soft slip dress or linen pants. Choose washable silk to add some function to the elegant look, and tie the belt at the back to create a look that’s effortless and breathable. Remember, you don’t need to turn into Julia Child. Simply bring out chilled pitchers of sangria, an easy grazing board with some veggies, and maybe turn on the fire pit for roasting marshmallows at the end of the night. Easy and effortless can be extraordinarily memorable.
Photo by Ashley Streff
A Hotel Weekend in Your Own Town
There’s no rule that you have to jetset to feel like you’re jetsetting. Book a night or two at a boutique hotel or a charming bed-and-breakfast within driving distance of your home. The key is to look at your surroundings with fresh eyes. Wander aimlessly, eat at restaurants you’ve never tried, grab the concierge’s recommendations for things to do in the area, and lounge in the pool as long as you want. Hotel life naturally cosigns a little more indulgence, like slipping into a silky robe you can wear while enjoying breakfast in bed. If the hotel has a spa or sauna, pack a beach cover up kimono robe as your luxurious outer layer. Our kimono robes are light enough to slip on over a swimsuit, yet elegant enough to wrap up in and head straight to the lobby lounge for a glass of champagne afterward. It’s amazing how different a place can feel when you’re looking at it through vacation eyes. Even the streets you’ve driven down a hundred times can suddenly feel romantic when you’re strolling them with no agenda and no rush.
Photo by @mariacalderon.art
Last-Minute Concert or Festival Tickets
End-of-summer shows have a special kind of last hurrah energy. The nights are warm, the crowd is buzzing, and the music seems to stretch the season just a little bit longer. Check local venues for last-minute tickets — whether it’s an outdoor jazz concert, a music festival, or an international headliner. See what last-minute tickets you can snag for a spontaneous night of music and flow. For a look that’s equal parts comfortable and cool, layer a botanical kimono wrap over shorts and a tank, or wear a silky robe as a statement outer layer. The flowing fabric not only keeps you breezy but also moves beautifully when you dance. Pair with comfortable sandals, a crossbody bag, and maybe some bold earrings to complete the festival-ready look. Bonus: A lightweight robe is easy to fold and tuck into your bag if the night gets hot and you want to feel the air on your skin.
Photo by Maria Del Rio
One-Day Meditation Retreat
Sometimes, the most restorative thing you can do is nothing at all. Or at least, an intentional nothing. Look for a one-day meditation or mindfulness retreat in your area. Many yoga studios, wellness centers, and even retreat houses offer peaceful day-long programs. This is your moment for pure comfort and serenity. A plus size duster kimono robe layered over soft leggings or wide-legged pants can help you feel held and grounded as you move through gentle stretching, breathing, and quiet sitting. The drape of the fabric becomes part of the ritual, like a physical reminder to slow down. If you can’t find an organized retreat, you can create your own: choose a quiet space (even a shady backyard corner), turn off your phone, and spend the day reading, journaling, meditating, and sipping tea. Slipping into your kimono wraps will make the whole experience feel like a special, self-honoring event.
Photo by Ashley Streff
Make Your Own Spa at Home
One of the best-kept secrets of luxury? You can create it without leaving your house. Fill your bathroom with candles, play soft music, run a warm bath, and add your favorite salts or essential oils. Do a full body scrub, a hair mask, and a face treatment. Even if you’re creating your own spa regimen, it still feels incredible (if not more so because you’re practicing self care). The final touch: stepping out of the tub and into a kimono wrap or a plus size duster kimono robe. The fabric against your skin after a long soak feels decadent, and wrapping yourself in it signals to your body and mind that this is your time. For a truly immersive spa day, keep your silky robe on as you lounge, drink herbal tea, and flip through your favorite magazine or book. The best part? You control the music, the scents, and the schedule.
These last-minute summer plans are proof that summer doesn’t have to be grand to be great. The season’s magic lives in the little things, the warm evenings, unexpected adventures, and laughter with friends that carries into the night. Slip into your favorite silky robe, open yourself to the moment, and let the final days of summer become a beautiful memory you’ll carry into fall with these end-of-summer activities.
