Sun-drenched diaries

Taylor Nicole Hayden

Creator, model, and photographer—her summer days are filled with simple rituals like morning coffee on the porch, beach swims with her family, and sunset walks.

Describe your ideal summer day.

My ideal summer day starts slow with a coffee in hand, barefoot on the back porch, soaking in the early morning sun before it gets too hot. We’d head to the beach as a family to swim, nowhere to be for hours. Dry off, hair in a salty bun, throw on something linen. Lunch would be something simple but fresh, maybe a good Italian sandwich and some fruit. Iced latte run after that. Always! Later, I’d sneak in a little flea market run (because I can’t resist). Then we’d end the day with a sunset walk talking about dreams we haven’t said out loud yet, good music, and dinner grilled in the backyard with some friends over. That is my happiest summer day.

What's in your beach bag?

Straw basket filled with the goods. 1 sand cloud towel as a blanket. 1 regular towel. 1 sarong for toddler naps, throw on for easy changing if I’m shooting something, or wear as a dress after. Hair clip, phone, water with electrolytes, fruit or chomps, sun hat, and sunglasses!

  • “An excuse to be outside every minute of everyday and stay present.”

    The meaning of summer self

What does your summer self mean to you?

My summer self to me means freedom. A free’d up schedule. A free’d up mind from layers, expectations, and routine. Confidence to experiment with color and new pieces in my wardrobe. An excuse to be outside every minute of everyday and stay present. Fresh healthy food. Authenticity. A stripped down version of me that doesn’t need much polish.

Do you have a signature scent you wear in the summer?

Yes!!! Besides the literal ocean, I love Beach Walk by Replica. The smell floods my mind with summer memories.

What does the beach mean to you?

Surrender. It’s so vast and it makes me feel so small. In a deep and healthy way. Surrender of self, surrender to the Lord, and surrender of problems/expectations. Just free to swim around, lay in the sun and be in my thoughts.

  • “Natural. Intentional. Undone.”

    Her style in three words

Dream sun-drenched vacation?

Bouncing around islands all over Italy with my little family & a few good friends!! Hoping it happens this summer!

How do you describe your style in three words?

Natural. Intentional. Undone.

What’s Something you couldn’t live without?

I’m not materialistic so I can do just fine without much. Probably my husband. No seriously.

Taylor's Favorites