The Real Chic Life

I’m really enjoying the comments on our Ulta Giveaway so far, there are some great ideas for fun summer plans and I love that for our readers. Many people have been more stressed than usual lately, and we’re all for embracing both joy and slow, intentional living to avoid stress overload. That’s why I’m also excited to see that “Jam Girl Summer” is picking up steam across social media and in real life. Jam Girl Summer takes the concept of grandma hobbies a step further- it’s a lifestyle that is a delicious blend of nostalgia, softness, and intentionality we can all aspire to.

What Exactly Is Jam Girl Summer?

Jam Girl Summer was inspired in part by Meghan Markle’s recent launch of raspberry jam through her lifestyle brand, but this isn’t just about fruit preserves. It’s about preserving a slower, more meaningful way of living—one spoonful at a time. Jam Girl Summer is less about labels and more about living. It’s a mindset rooted in simplicity, sweetness, and soulfulness. Think homemade items, long mornings, picnics, breezy dresses, thrifted baskets, and embracing rituals that nourish both your body and your creativity. It’s a warm rejection of hustle culture in favor of something slower and more chic in its softness.

This summer, being a Jam Girl means:

• Picking berries at a local farm

• Making your own jam (or at least buying small-batch from a farmer’s market)

• Wearing breezy dresses like linen or cotton sundresses

• Hosting small, meaningful gatherings—complete with floral tablecloths and mismatched teacups

• Savoring the moment, whether it’s your morning toast or a lazy afternoon with a good book

The Jam Girl Aesthetic

If you’re craving a visual, picture this: soft-focus countryside, sunlight filtering through gauzy curtains, vintage floral prints, freshly baked bread, handwritten notes, and that one perfect jar of jam you made from scratch. This is the heart of The Real Chic Life—where elegance meets intentionality and joy.

Fashion-wise, Jam Girl Summer is about understated romance:

• Puff sleeves, breezy dresses, and straw hats

• Minimal makeup with a fresh berry lip

• Comfort meets charm

How to Have Your Own Jam Girl Summer

You don’t need to move to a cottage or grow your own berries (unless you want to!). Here are a few easy ways to embody the Jam Girl vibe:

• Make your own jam (I’ve included a simple recipe below)

• Host a weekend brunch with fresh pastries, preserves, and vintage plates

• Create a “slow morning” playlist and build a quiet, intentional start to your day

• Visit a local farmers market and chat with the growers

• Take your journal outside and let yourself daydream

• Do something with your hands—bake, sew, paint, arrange flowers

Jam Girl Summer isn’t about having the ultimate summer body or the most luxurious vacation. It’s about holding the warm, sticky moments of life with two hands and saying: this is enough. This is beautiful.

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A Simple Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fruit (berries, peaches, plums, etc., chopped if needed)
• 2–3 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste and fruit sweetness)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (helps with setting and flavor)

Steps:

1. Prep the fruit:
   Wash, hull/pit, and chop if necessary.
2. Combine ingredients:
   In a large pot, mix the fruit, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Cook:
   Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently and mash the fruit gently if you like smoother jam.
4. Simmer until it thickens:
   This takes 20–40 minutes. Test doneness by placing a spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
5. Jar it (optional):
   For shelf-stable jam, pour into sterilized jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, store in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

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What are your thoughts on Jam Girl Summer? Do you have any tips for slowing down and living intentionally? Let us know in the comments.

Xo,

Courtney