19 Must-Shop Pieces from the Labor Day Sales + The Chic Kitchen Stool 100s of You Recommended
And I get emo, because it was my birthday and that's what I do!
Over the last 10 days, we’ve had my daughter’s birthday, the kids have gone back to school (one kid is shy, which makes this time of year slightly more fraught), and it was my birthday. It makes a person feel a lot of feelings, especially if that person runs on the very sentimental side. Ahem. Rather than actually sit in said emotions, I obviously did the thing that Virgos are wont to do, in both times of stress and at the start of a new school year: I cleaned my closet, and the kids’ too.
That helped make me feel a bit more in control, but I still felt unsettled. So I started writing a newsletter that’s in part inspired by my podcast, Second Life. If you listen to the show, you know that at the end of every episode (there are nearly 500 of them!) I ask my guest what advice they’d give their younger self.
I’ve written a story like this before—11 Things I Wish I’d Known At 30 was my very first newsletter, actually—but it was more focused on big picture things, generally speaking. This new version includes more specifics, ranging from the genetic screening test I wish I’d done before getting pregnant to why the best bathing suits for little girls are a long-sleeve rashguard and classic bathing suit bottoms. It’s still a work in progress, but hopefully coming soon.
And because I can’t write about something without asking for your thoughts on the matter: What advice would you give your younger self? Is there a recipe that is essential? A trick to stop centering the male gaze in your life? A scheduling hack that’s made you a better colleague and friend? The best water filter pitcher—made from hand-blown glass, in an elegant Scandi style—that made you finally ditch plastic bottles? (That one’s for you, Rory.) Drop me a comment below and may all our boats rise together on the tide of our collective wisdom!
Speaking of collective wisdom, before we get into the true topic of today’s newsletter, a moment for the humble kitchen stool, and the incredible knowledge of community. In my frantic pre-school re-org, I also found myself ruthlessly going through our kitchen pantry and spice cabinet, which in turn required me to break out our mostly serviceable (it’s missing a foot, so a little woggly) stepstool.
Serviceable, but sad.
So I asked on IG: “Who makes a chic kitchen stool?” I was not prepared! The influx of answers! The volume of respondents who were equally desperate for an answer!
The number one, most recommended option is actually technically a step ladder: The Japanese-designed Hasegawa Lucano Ladder, which is available in a number of height options (one to four steps) and colors. According to New York Magazine, the three-step style is the way to go, and that was the overall winner, as well.
The Lucano 3-Step Ladder ($283) is available in mint green on Amazon; there’s also a wider version in black for $290 and the 4-Step Ladder ($310) in black, white, orange, or red. There’s a more design-y range of colors available over on Food52, where the 3-Step Ladder ($372) is available in black, white, mint, dusty mint, peach brown, mustard yellow, and crystal gray. Food52 also has the one, two, and four step versions in that same range of colors.
Other contenders? Ferm Living’s Up Step Stool ($179) was mentioned by several in-the-know folks; I like the forest green one. Also received a number of votes from fashion folks who said the Wood Kitchen Step Stool ($50) from Hearth & Hand at Target was a surprisingly great buy. It’s currently available in natural or black, and is made from rubberwood, which is not an engineered wood (as I assumed), but is part of the maple family and is considered an eco-friendly medium-density hardwood.
Though pricey, I annoyingly loved the Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co two-step stool, which is handmade from sustainable solid white oak in New York. There’s a natural one in stock at Nickey Kehoe ($1085) right now in natural or black.
LABOR DAY SALES
Mini Boden (25% Off)
I have really fallen in love with Mini Boden’s dresses for my daughter, and have been super impressed with everything I’ve purchased from the brand over the last year or so, including their swimwear. I’m going to grab a long-sleeved rainbow stripe dress ($29) for her, and maybe the vintage pink bunny version too? (Also: I wish the vintage pink toadstool jacket came in me sizes.) A favorite rash vest and swim bottoms are on sale now too. She’s going to love the lined anorak with kitties, but I’m more interested in the bright polka dot fisherman’s jacket for her.
J.Crew (40% Off)
My go-to decade-old J.Crew camo field jacket is slowly dying on me, so I just bought this men’s style ($159.50), which is on sale and the perfect green. @MegStrachan, I think you gave me this idea? Either way: I’m crediting you, so thanks!
Also in my cart: A black satin lace-trimmed slip skirt ($100) that has a similar cut to my essential pleated one, which is also on sale in black and navy for only $64 right now: Bonkers! I know the contrast lace look has been around for a couple of seasons, but this feels like the right piece at the right price for me. I also love a bitchy little heel and these snake-embossed leather kitten heels look vastly more expensive than they are.
Gap (40-60% off)
As always, I’m rooting for the Gap, and love what’s going on for fall. This cable-knit cropped sweater ($27) is the perfect martini olive-meets-brat green, so that’s a yes for me. Also: It’s 100% cotton! On the flip side, I also purchased the oversized boyfriend sweater in olive green, because we contain style multitudes. Gap’s Merino Sweaters ($35) are divine, and I’m shocked they’re on sale for such a great price. I got another black and a gray in a small, and you should too. Because I’m obviously in a mid-life style evolution (crisis?), I also bought the denim cargo jumpsuit, which feels extremely out of pocket for me, but why the heck not.
Also this isn’t on sale, but the Oversized Icon Denim Jacket ($99.95) is a dead ringer for my much more expensive Khaite jacket.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Okay, I know I keep harping on this, but there are some once-in-a-lifetime sales on Valentino right now, and I’m just overwhelmed by how many incredible pieces are available, some of which are 50% retail prices. It really feels like an opportunity to own a piece of history.
Beds + Bedding
I will never not remind you that the phenomenal Lands’ End sheets I write about—as discussed here and here—are on sale right now for 40% off the regular price. Normally a queen-sized set of sheets and pillows is $209.95, but right now it’s $125.97; pretty good! If you haven’t committed to this gloriousness, now’s the time.
The mattresses I love are on sale too; everything at Naturepedic is 20% off, including our kids’ Verse Organic Mattresses ($799 now).
Also worth noting: Some amazing Matouk items are on sale right now, including my go-to Milagro Towels, right now. Normally a bath towel is $69; today they’re $40.99. Also: My beloved Matouk Montreux Comforter is on sale too; right now it’s $600, which is $150 off the regular price.
PS: I am really excited that Sezane is launching a line for kids—Petit Sezane—today, September 1st. Happy shopping!
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 keep looking at the pleated skirt every time you post about it. But I barely wear the skirts I have!
Happy birthday Hillary! I don’t know how you do it all ♥️ love reading you always!