From Talkeetna to NYC: Sandals, Siestas & a Surprise Adventure

Written By Lesli Olson

Hey friend,

This week wrapped up my 22nd year of teaching and immediately shifted into wine tastings, spontaneous road trips, and outfit changes that went from classroom to karaoke to Talkeetna chic. It’s officially summer break — and while I’m still running on end-of-year fumes, there’s already so much I can’t wait to share.

Let’s start with the outfits, shall we?

Read the full Weekly Outfit Recap | May 19–25 here

Where I’m Headed Next (Hint: It’s Beyoncé-Level)

I haven’t shared this anywhere else yet, but you’re my people — so here’s the first look:

My sister-in-law (who lives in NYC) called me out of the blue this week and asked what I was doing Wednesday. Turns out she had an extra ticket to see Beyoncé… and wanted me to fly in and join her.

Because of my incredible mother-in-law, I have standby flight benefits with Alaska Airlines this year — so I’m hopping on a plane Tuesday, seeing Queen Bey Wednesday night, and flying back Thursday morning just in time to zombie-walk into day two of a choir methods class I signed up for. My amazing mom even flew in from Texas to stay with the kids while I go. (The women in my life really are the best.)

Outfit planning is in full swing — I’m thinking black denim shorts, a tank, fringe booties, and an oversized denim fringe jacket I just ordered.
I might share a full look later, but for now… here’s a little sneak peek that you can also shop here:

Far North Fashion

A Last-Minute Yes I’m So Glad I Said

Danika was invited to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge this past weekend for a wine pairing dinner and an overnight hosted by Pursuit (they own incredible destination stays all over the world). At the last minute — on Thursday! — she asked if she could bring me along as her content creator guest, and they said yes.

Cue the scramble: my husband was out of town, so I quickly lined up sleepovers for the kids and hit the road Saturday afternoon.

And listen… it was magical. Warm weather, incredible wine, views for days, and that Anthropologie butter yellow dress I bought with Mother’s Day money from my mom? Chef’s kiss. I felt beautiful, grounded, and grateful to be right there in that moment.

Here’s a peek:

Want to Shop More of My Outfits?

Currently On Repeat

  • Sandals — From my TKEES to my Birkenstocks to a few new pairs I’ve added for summer, I’m basically building every outfit around them right now.

  • Siestas — I’m leaning all the way in to afternoon naps. I’m talking unapologetic, under-a-blanket, wake-up-at-5-pm naps.

  • Saving Food Reels — Instagram’s feeding me recipe inspo now that I finally have time to try them. Will I? TBD. But I’m ready.

  • Rosé — Still $12.99 (in my neck of the woods). Still chilling in my fridge. Still the best warm-weather sip I’ve found in ages.

Final Thoughts

This week had everything — from heartfelt endings to spontaneous getaways and one unforgettable invite I still can’t believe is happening. Summer is already showing up with stories, and I’m here for all of it — the cozy, the chaotic, and the completely unexpected.

If something this week resonated, or if you just want to tell me what your summer reset looks like, hit reply. I read every message. Always.

With love,
Lesli

Lesli Olson