16-ish Summer Sale Shopping Tips, Tricks, and Picks That 0% Suck.
Plus some coveted discount codes + the tinted sunscreen I fell for (against my will)
Greetings and salutations friends, and thanks for coming back. Before launching into the heart of today’s story—strategic sale shopping—I wanted to share a few updates.
First and foremost, I’m happy to say that the dream team at Janessa Leone is extending our discount code! I remain devoted to the Tanner Hat Carrier Straw Handbag ($467 before discount) and the painfully chic Tinsley Wide Brim Raffia Straw Hat ($287 before discount) has been my go-to hat for three summers going, and is UPF 50. Use HILLARY15 for 15% off your purchase.
Also delighted to say the new, indie sunglasses brand Sardine is offering a 15% discount as well. I wear the brand’s Demi Sunglasses ($165 before discount) in Verde Palma, and get stopped by strangers every time they’re on my face. Use HILLARY15 when yor shop.
And finally, earlier this month I wrote about a new necklace I’ve been wearing every day by local LA designer Zoe Chicco, specifically the 14K 3-Prong Diamond Open Link Medium Rolo Chain Necklace ($1100 before discount), which you can now get for 15% off with the code (you guessed it), HILLARY15. In fact, you can shop the whole site with that discount, which is…dangerous!
UGH, IT’S PERFECT
As close readers know, I’ve been hunting for the perfect summer skin tint and/or tinted sunscreen, and have had good success with Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint ($36), which I have in Shade 5, Ciele’s Tint & Protect Medium Coverage Serum Foundation with SPF 50 ($44), which I have in Shade 04 Light Medium. Both are great; Milk’s is glowy and light, while Ciele’s feels closer to full coverage for me, and better for events or on-camera moments. I still wanted something that was more of an all-purpose daily driver, and I’m happy to say that I’m actually quite knocked out by Merit’s new The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($38), which I have in Shade 24. It’s incredibly lightweight, has an awesome blurring effect, and just melts into your skin. For the sake of transparency for anyone who doesn’t know, Merit was started by my Who What Wear co-founder, but I’m truly only writing about it because I actually like it. In fact, I’m almost annoyed that I like it as much as I do, ha!
SUMMER DESIGNER SALE
I know I’ve written about my sale strategy before, but just dropping some of my thought process here for context. When I’m shopping sales, I try to have a focused plan. I start by combing through my favorite brands, do a spin through high-ticket categories (bags, shoes, coats), and then look for wardrobe staples that I know I will get significant use out of. For me, this means always checking out leather skirts, because that’s an item that I don’t like to buy full price and know I will wear for decades. I also often look at evening bags, because I hate buying them, period, and definitely not at full price. Ugh. While these specific categories might not be relevant to you, my point is to think about whatever silhouette or item you wear most, or simply hate to invest in, and then see if there are any great pieces on sale.
I also look for one of two things: Timeless, logo-free pieces that will transcend eras and show-stopping designer pieces that are emotional necessities. Yes, that’s diametrically opposing advice, and I stand by it. Bonkers or subtle; there is no in between. But enough about me and my Virgo ways: Do you have a sale plan? Do you make lists of things you need to replace or upgrade? Or save items and stalk them them until the discount hits the right note? Or do you go in with a totally open mind and infinite patience? I’m truly curious; please let me know! And with that, here are a few of my current favorite on-sale pieces, across a range of retailers.
Toteme Bucket Bag (normally $1080; now $567) in black or white leather
A total stealth piece, great quality, and the best price I’ve seen.
Manolo Blahnik BB 70mm Classic Fabric Pumps (normally $795; now $357.75)
I love them in green, though admittedly the peachy tan might be more universal. The classic BB pump is always a good one to have in your closet, especially at a 2010 price.
Anine Bing Bar Silk Maxi Skirt (normally $400; now $210)
One of my most-worn pieces, I’ve written about it a thousand times. Great staple at a good price.
Chloe Gayia 55mm Square Sunglasses (normally $470; now $211.50)
Designer sunglasses have become outrageously priced. These are still spendy, but also chic as heck, and should be having a glam summer with you.
Aquazzura 50mm Leopard Bow-Tie Heels (normally $850; now $340)
Can’t write about shopping without something leopard. I love Aquazzura shoes, this style is super comfy, and the print is correct.
Gianvito Rossi Buckle Accented Glove Leather Boots (normally $1895; now $758)
I own a shorter version of these boots and they’re one of my most prized possessions. A moto boot of some variety will always be in style, and this is a great sale price.
Bettter Leather Waist Belt (normally $270; now $135)
Classic accessories are an overlooked sale category, but they shouldn’t be. I own this belt, love that’s a subtle statement without being a logo play, and this is a fair price for the quality. Khate’s more expensive version is also chic as hell.
Alaia Round-Frame Sunglasses (normally $430; now $129)
Super elevated and now 70% off. Honestly a dream sunglass at a stellar price.
Chloe Marcie Leather Top-Handle Bag (normally $2250; now $1012.50)
As someone who has owned Chloe bags for decades, I can assure you that they are really high quality and will last forever. This is an excellent entry-point designer bag at a good price, especially as you can wear it as a shoulder/cross-body bag or just by the handle.
Frame Le Jane Ankle Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jean (normally $278; now $168)
A perfectly universal, mid-blue, no distressing, cropped, simple, straight-leg jean is surprisingly hard to find, let alone on sale.
Vince Mid-Rise Flared Leather Midi Skirt (normally $1305; now $837)
An elegant silhouette looks a smidge edgier in black leather, which is why this midi is a must for me.
Aquazzura French Flirt 35mm Leather-Trimmed Suede Mary Jane Pumps (normally $825, now $413)
For the love of god these are so deliciously simple and elegant, please buy them. Or in pink tweed. Or silver and black. Or all black.
Anine Bing Logan Wool-Blend Jacket (normally $450; now $168.74)
Perfectly timeless. V. Chanel in vibes.
Chloe Lauren Leather Ballet Flats (normally $595; now $238)
I have a pair of these shoes and they’re extremely comfortable and always cool. The less femme (read: no scalloping) version is available in black.
Wardrobe.NYC x Hailey Bieber Double-Breasted Wool Coat (normally $2500; now $1500)
I know it’s impossible to think about coats when it’s literally days after the summer solstice, but I implore you to be a smart shopper and think about winter outerwear because the prices will never be better. Even pieces from The Row are 50% off.
Toteme Shearling T-Lock Leather Clutch (normally $1390; now $729.75)
T-Lock Toteme bags resell at nearly full retail price, just saying.
Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’m truly so glad you’re here. If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. (And if you have the time to like it, that would mean a lot to me!) All products mentioned are independently chosen, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated.
I bought the Chloe sunglasses to emotionally regulate myself from the news 😂😭
Amazing round up! And I have the same approach to sales #geminibehavior 😆 one note for my fellow short girls - I almost bought those Frame jane jeans the other day but the notes say they’re 29” long which is decidedly not cropped for me! Just a PSA before you add to cart!