Good morning and happy Friday! And welcome to The Skinny, which will take you 3 minutes to breeze through and is the perfect Friday read. For anyone new here, this is a free weekly newsletter designed to entertain and save you time, which is everyone’s most valuable resource. As one of our subscribers told us: “You’re like my favorite magazine, without all the annoying pop-up ads.” 

What we’re covering: 

• ‘Coolcations’ are here to stay, and we rounded up the most chill spots in the U.S. this week

• Happy belated tequila day, along with a The Skinny guide to enjoying it

• Strawberry Girls’ return(?), and how to have your most berry summer 

• Dog days survival tools for ‘heat fatigue,’ several of which we’ve personally sweat-tested

• Plus: bandanas are the summer’s most chic accessory, all things Pilates, your must-have beach bag accessory & adult mac and cheese

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Hot take

The coolest spots in the U.S right now

The Skinny: Because it’s been 97° in 42 states and you’re legally allowed to fantasize.If you need a cool-down (or just a revenge-booking moment), here’s where temps are still in the 60s and 70s this week:

• Crescent City, CA: 66°F — redwoods, fog, coastal perfection

• Flagstaff, AZ: 75°F — mountain air, no humidity, sneaky good tacos

• Hood River, OR: 72°F — windsurfing, wineries, and chill vibes

• Telluride, CO: 70°F — wildflowers, gondola views, less sweat

• Bar Harbor, ME: 68°F — lobster rolls yes, heat stroke no

Bonus: Search Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” tool if you want the cheapest cool weather flight from your city. You’re welcome.

Double chill bonus: We covered “coolcations” as a top travel trend last year and as the idea is not yet on ice, we found a list this week on top U.S. hot coolspots, and this story on the chillest Euro destinations. However, for those who tire of the scorching temps and having to wait in line for a spritz or beach chair, Sweden—with its islands and wellness retreats—has quietly stepped onto the scene. 

Another cool spot to check out, which is not in Scandinavia (but almost): Sylt island, the “Martha’s Vineyard of Germany” and known for its “exquisite air.”

Cheers to tequila

Your guide to the ‘spirit’ of the summer

The Skinny: It’s July, it has been 97º in 42 states, and the idea of a cold citrusy tequila drink is not just appealing—it’s medicinal. While the world argues over who invented the ranch water (Texas, probably), we’re skipping the shots and serving up something more refreshing, adult, and slightly spicy.

Here’s your Skinny-approved ‘Tequila Day’ kit:

• The Skinny editorial dept “house tequila” 

  Additivefree, fresh and delicious. No hangovers!

• Most Expensive Tequila
  When you have FU money and you don’t care who knows. 

• Best Tequila Bottle 

  …that we have seen. Could have been inspo for Nicole’s tattoo, but wasn’t 

• Paloma Salt
  Sticky, salty, sweet, messy in the best way. Ideal for a party of one.

• Hella Bitters & Soda in Grapefruit
  Add a splash to tequila for a zero-effort cocktail with depth.

• Brightland Rapture Balsamic
  Trust us: a drizzle in your Paloma with basil is a revelation.

• El Guapo Salted Paloma 

  Juicy, bright, NOLA-made, galangal. What else do you need to know?  

• Fresh Victor Jalapeño & Lime mixer 

  So tangy, so fresh, and with the right amount of kick. Believe this for truth. 

• Trader Joe’s Ranch Water (Canned)
  Shockingly decent if you’re out of energy and limes.

Pro move:
Pour tequila over crushed ice, top with soda, a little lime juice, and rim the glass with Paloma Salt + Chamoy. Add a watermelon wedge or cucumber slice if you’re feeling like a person who has it together.

Weekend wellness

How to beat ‘heat fatigue’

The Skinny: Extreme temps spike cortisol, mess with blood sugar, and slow your lymphatic system—which means you may feel bloated, foggy, or weirdly sad. It’s not you. It’s science.

Scorcher Survival Tips:

• Morning movement — opt to skip intense workouts after 11am

• Magnesium + electrolytes — try Moon Juice Magnesi-Om or LMNT packets

• Cold rinse at night — improves sleep and resets body temp, try Skinfix Triple Peptide Lotion to help your body stay cool

• Hydrating foods — think cucumber, watermelon, chia, bone broth

• Say no more — literally, give yourself permission to do less

Strawberry Girls

Why is everything now a ‘fruit aesthetic'?

The Skinny: Ripe cheeks, flushed lips & a tote full of fruit.

If Tomato Girl was your breezy Italian summer friend in linen and Aperol, Strawberry Girl is her softer, sweeter cousin—berry-stained, with annoyingly perfect glowy skin, and showing up with a chilled fruit salad and no plans. She’s not about performative health or curated aesthetics, just warm weather perfection and a raffia tote. While Strawberry Girl was technically born in 2023, the aesthetic along with the signature red color is alive and well in 2025.

How to channel her energy:

• Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff for that post-beach flush

• A gauzy dress you don’t mind getting berry stains on

• Snacking on strawberries, peaches, or watermelon

• Something nostalgic in your tote (ring pop, this 3 pack of Lip Smackers, Lancôme Juicy Tubes or juicy lips in general, and our fave beach read)

• Fruit-forward skincare (for example: something with the benefits of blueberry extract) 

Extra style points for cutting up fruit for your friends.

Last Licks

This week’s newsfeed

• Oodles of Goodles: has anyone tried this mac ’n’ cheese? It’s pricey, but looks tasty and claims to be the first boxed mac and cheese to receive clean label certification. We were tipped off to it in fellow newsletter CPG Wire, and per the WSJ, it’s gaining share by marketing to adults (we’re in

• “Boatkin,” top clicked link no more! Our most-clicked link last week was the made in Italy comb from Fabio Scalia that is a must for your summer bag and beyond. Respect your hair health and detangle in style (plus, get 20% off with code THESKINNY). Runner-up: the five body parts you’re not washing enough. 

• Bandanas as summer’s most chic styling hack (for guys too—around the neck). Related: how to make “French girl” bandana bracelets.

• Pilates, pilates, pilates! Whether it’s the Lagree Method (described as not pilates, that we wrote about last week), Athletech News reports that gyms across the country are expanding their pilates offerings with new types of reformers and evolving “athletic-style” classes.

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