Jenni Kayne, the designer behind her eponymous label, spent the summer at her picturesque home located along the shores of Lake Tahoe—a place she’s been visiting ever since she was a child.  Here, she shares a postcard from her months-long getaway filled with picnics by the lake, naps in the hammock and quiet, evening swims.

Destination you traveled to:

Lake Tahoe.  It’s located along the border between California and Nevada.

I love it here because:

I grew up coming to Lake Tahoe every summer with my family.  It feels very nostalgic and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I want my kids to have a place to grow up that’s outside of Los Angeles. Tahoe has amazing energy. From the mountains to the lake, it doesn’t get any more beautiful or relaxing….and I get to take a needed break from reality!

Who did you go with:

I’m here for the summer with my kids.  My husband, and different groups of friends, have been visiting every weekend, which is really fun.

Where you stayed:

We have a home in Glenbrook, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.

Places you ate:

We mostly cook at home. For restaurants, we like taking the boat at night to the Lone Eagle Grill in Incline. For health food stores, I love Grass Roots and New Moon, which both also have a small selection of prepared foods. The tapioca pudding from New Moon and the pizza from Grass Roots are delicious.

Local delicacy you feasted on:

We have been eating lots of fish and shrimp tacos, not to mention tons of fresh veggies and salads. For dessert I’ve been making peaches with coconut cream.

Cocktails you sipped:

Venica white wine, Red Car rosé, and we have been making delicious tequila cocktails!

Books you read:

I just finished Sharp Objects and now I’m on to Dark Places—both by Gillian Flynn.

Games you played:

Badminton, frisbee, basketball, and soccer with my son Tanner.

Music you listened to:

My iPod on shuffle: Neil Young, Stevie Nicks, Agnes Obel, Nicole Simone, and Cat Power.

Your uniform there was:

I trade off between jean shorts, worn with a Jenni Kayne collared shirt and Bensimon or Tretorn sneakers, and an African muslin-sarong over an Eres bikini. I pair both with Ray-Ban aviators or cat-eye sunglasses from The Row—and I always have my Patricia Underwood for Jenni Kayne straw hat.

Brand of luggage you traveled with:

I drove a car full of Filson duffel bags and L.L.Bean totes.  We brought far too much luggage!

Items you packed:

I brought a few flannels and chambray shirts from Isabel Marant, an Isabel Marant poncho, Isabel Marant linen cropped trousers, and a vintage dress, which is one of my favorite pieces.  I also packed lots of MyLine for Jenni Kayne muscle T’s and classic crewnecks in solid and stripes, a Jenni Kayne sleeveless shirt-dress, Jenni Kayne shorts, Jenni Kayne stripe button downs, and plenty of Jenni Kayne rib cashmere cardigans. Also in my suitcases were a Ralph Lauren chambray shirt, a cashmere sweater from The Row, Imogene + Willie high-waisted white jeans, vintage jean shorts, Acne high-waisted jeans, and Monrow sweatpants.  For shoes and accessories I brought Celine espadrilles, Tretorns, Bensimon sneakers, Birkenstocks, Eres swimwear (bikinis and one-pieces), and African sarongs.  For protection from the sun I packed the J.Crew Panama hat, a J.Crew stripe rash guard, a Patricia Underwood for Jenni Kayne straw hat, and a few African farmer’s hats. For exercise and hiking I brought a pair of New Balance running shoes, and black pants from Lulu Lemon.

Beauty essentials you brought:

I always make sure to pack Terri Lawton Stem Cell Cream, which is my all time favorite moisturizer—it’s incredibly hydrating without making me break out. I also brought Cosmedix Pure Enzymes, which is great to travel with in between facials. CosMedix Rescue balm is another product that I use when my skin is feeling really dry.  I always use Elta MD sunscreen on my face, and I made sure to bring my favorite cleanser which is CosMedix Clarity. Laurel Eye Balm is a must-have eye cream—I really like the consistency. CosMedix Clear Mask is wonderful for preventing, and treating, breakouts. Tammy Fender Epi-Peel is a great mask and scrub combo—I always have it when I’m traveling. I also packed coconut oil—I put it on in the shower right before I get out—it’s super moisturizing and allows me to skip the process of applying lotion. I can’t live without Jurlique hand cream—I have it in my car, my purse, and by my bedside table. The Jurlique sunscreen is also great—I love the way it smells, plus it lacks chemicals. The lavender lotion from Jurlique is one of my go-to summer staples—perfect to use at the end of the day just before bed. For my hair I always bring Phylia de M. Shampoo and Conditioner.

Secret only a local would know:

Take a boat to Emerald Bay for a picnic and swim.

Favorite place to find local treasures:

I like stopping at antique stores on the drive up. But once I arrive I don’t shop.

During the day we:

After I wake up, I do yoga, take a long walk with my dog, and play on the lawn with my kids.  In the afternoon I take naps in the hammock or read a book.  I also always take the kids down to the beach to play, paddle board or enjoy a canoe ride.

And at night we:

I finish off the day by taking an evening swim with my dog as the sun is setting.

First time visitors must:

Take a boat ride, paddle board, and take hikes in the unspoiled wilderness.  A walk through Taylors Creek is pretty, or a hike at Spooner.