Meet Lindsey Mills (@veryverostyle), our third Postcards from Summer feature. Lindsey calls Vero Beach, FL home, where she owns Maison Cousineu Fine Jewlery (opening this September!). Through her Instagram, she shares elegant style, beautiful travels, and glimpses of family life.
This summer, she’s taking us to one of her favorite destinations: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Known for its storybook cottages, art galleries, and breathtaking coastline, Carmel is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
Read on as Lindsey shares what makes this coastal town so special, her can’t-miss restaurants, and the Helen Jon pieces she’s packing for a chic West Coast getaway.
1. What do you love most about spending your summer in Carmel?
I love how laid-back Carmel feels while still being so beautiful. You can spend the morning walking through town with a coffee, pop into all the little shops and galleries, then end the day watching the sunset on the beach. It never feels rushed, and there is so much to explore. That part of California is truly magical!
2. What does a perfect summer day here look like?
My perfect day in Carmel starts with breakfast at Katy's Place then wandering through downtown before spending a few hours at Carmel Beach. Lunch at La Bicyclette is always a must (their pizza and spinach Parmesan gnocchi are to die for!), and if you’re looking for dinner, Il Tegamino is one of our favorite spots for authentic Italian. Before heading back, we always grab ice cream from Revival Ice Cream and a bottle of wine and take it down to the beach for sunset. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
3. What are your must-pack summer essentials for this destination? Any favorite Helen Jon pieces you’ll be bringing along?
Carmel weather is all about layers, even in the summer, so I always pack a cozy sweater and a light jacket.
One of my favorite pieces this trip was my Belted Bandeau One-Piece because it worked for so much more than the beach. I first wore it with my Valentina Crochet Dress Cover-Up —I love the beautiful details, especially the scalloped hem and lace-up neckline—for a relaxing day by the water. Then I swapped the cover-up for linen pants, and the swimsuit doubled as a bodysuit for dinner at Pebble Beach.
I love packing clothing that can take me from the beach to dinner without having to completely change, and these pieces did exactly that.
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From leisurely mornings spent exploring charming streets to sunset picnics overlooking the Pacific, Lindsey’s Carmel itinerary is a reminder that the best summer days are the ones that unfold at an easy pace. Ready to pack for your own getaway? Shop Lindsey's favorite Helen Jon styles, along with our full collection of swimsuits and apparel, to find versatile pieces for your next vacation.
Stay tuned for our next Postcards from Summer destination as we continue following inspiring women to the places they return to season after season.
Until next time...