4 Essentials To Get You Though Thanksgiving Weekend and 7 BF/CM Sales (+what to buy) Happening NOW!
If you need to self-regulate, I've got 1 INSANELY good TV show, 2 killer books, 1 at-home beauty project, and a slew of curated sale items that will help.
Hi everyone! ‘Tis the season for gift guides* and early Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, and while I haven’t made the former for this newsletter (yet), I do have a few thoughts and suggestions for the latter. BF/CM deals will be rolling out over the next week or so, but because retailers started the sales earlier this year, things are also moving faster, so if you see something you like? Commit.
Also Mercury will be retrograde starting on Monday, November 25th and lasting until December 15th, so keep that in mind whilst shopping, planning holiday travel, and trying to make elaborate (or even simple) plans with friends or family. You probably know this by now, but I’ve found the best way to ride out Mercury Retrograde is to simply take a little extra time and plan ahead. This is not the dream time to fly by the seat of your pants, and this is coming from someone who tends to be late enough to the airport that I have to sprint to the gate. During MR, I print out physical copies of my tickets and itineraries, double check all details, over-communicate, plan for delays, have a backup route, and just know that things are likely to go a bit pear-shaped.
One last thing: Before we get into the BF/CM of it all (or just scroll down if that’s what you’re here for; no shade), a few November recommendations for your pleasure. Hopefully.
*I recorded a gift guide episode for the Who What Wear Podcast with the team leads, and I think it’s pretty fab. You can read about some of the gifts, or listen to the whole thing here. We also made our first official Second Life gift guide, if you’re looking for thoughtful presents, from typically smaller businesses, all of which are led or founded by women. Also, if you need to catch up on older episodes of Second Life, everything's on Spotify.! PS: There are full transcripts on Apple Podcasts, if you miss anything.
FOUR THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
WATCH: Rivals on Hulu; streaming now
Sometimes help shows up when you don’t even know you need it. I was stress DMing with a British friend of mine—bless you for this, Emma Hill—in early November, and knowing my love for pulpy books like Scruples, she wrote: “Wanted to make sure that this genius new British TV series, Rivals, is on your radar…It’s based on the book by [Dame] Jilly Cooper—a national treasure and our version of Judith Krantz.”
I will be honest: I didn’t follow Emma’s recommendation immediately, which was wrong. Don’t make my mistake. This series is everything!!! If you need a deliciously insane, over-the-top ‘80s “bonkbuster” (as the British press calls the books) with an old money/new money work/life rivalry that is truly outrageous, this is your show. It’s a bit of phenomenal escapism, and the perfect comedown after a long day of extended family dynamics.
And if you’re already watching, please let me know! I feel like no one I know is talking about it, and I’m deeply obsessed and need to chat.
READ: Didion and Babitz ($26) by Lili Anolik
As an LA resident who majored in English, and a journalist with literary aspirations, it’s absolutely obvious that I would be feral about Lili Anolik’s new book, Didion and Babitz. (If you haven’t read Eve’s Hollywood or Slouching Towards Bethlehem, I’d start there; two good intros to Babitz and Didion, respectively.) Also I feel like a limited TV series about the two would be simply marvelous. Just saying.
Where Are You, Echo Blue? ($23) by Hayley Krischer
Need a juicy novel about a missing young actress (who is also a nepo baby and former child star) and the questionably behaved journalist who is trying to find her? Well have I got one for you. Where Are You, Echo Blue? has me so engrossed, I am literally counting down the minutes each night until my kids go to sleep, so I can race to bed and read it. I’m almost finished, and have started alternating reading Echo Blue with episodes of Rivals, because I don’t want it to end.
The novel is inspired by the life of Oscar-winning actress Tatum O’Neil, who had a notorious, talented, famous father and a legendary agent, just like the book’s protagonist, though much of the backstory is applicable to a number of young Hollywood stars. I also loved Echo Blue because of the way the journalism is portrayed; it really gets into the nitty gritty of how reporting happens, and how the fine line between being obsessed with the story and just being obsessed can get very blurry. Long story long: Perfect for disassociating on an airplane or in your childhood bedroom.
TRY Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System (regularly $379; currently on sale for $299)
Aside from BF/CM sales, it’s also the perfect time of year to work on getting your skin in check, so schedule your laser treatments now, y’all. But while re-surfacing is an in-office procedure, there are some things you can do yourself.
I’ve been casually testing Braun’s FDA-cleared, at-home hair removal device for the last two months, and I am here to say it’s an 11/10 recommendation for me. Some backstory: I’ve had a number of rounds of professional laser hair removal over the years, and also am a good candidate for it, due to having fair skin and darker hair. That said, while some areas seem to have been lasered for good, I have lots of places that need touch ups from time to time, like my armpits, but the process of finding a time and actually making it to Sev Laser for the appointment? Difficult, at the moment. So after reading a Wirecutter review of this device in September, I decided to buy and try.
So far, I’m impressed. It doesn’t hurt at all, it’s extremely easy to use, the process is super speedy, and it’s ideal to have on hand for touch ups. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in my remaining armpit hairs since I started using the Braun, and it has obliterated some stray bikini line hairs, too.
Even better: It comes with two attachments—a wider one for larger body parts, and a small one for precision targeting on the face—and can be used just about anywhere on your body, from your upper lip to your booty, according to the literature that comes with the device. Truly one of the best investments I’ve made this year!
BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY CHEAT SHEET
There are a number of sales that are going live this Monday, throughout the week, and of course next weekend, but why wait? I’m not. Here are a few of the BF/CM sales that I’m currently shopping, because I have the goal to be 100% done with holiday shopping by December 15th. Is that unrealistic? Absolutely. But if I’m even 60% done by that date, I will be 100% ahead of where I was last year. And that’s on math.
Joey Maalouf 1-Hour Zoom Makeup Session (normally $700, now $525 until December 24th)
I’ve mentioned this before, but if you haven’t booked your one-hour Zoom session with Joey, I very much recommend doing so while this 30%-off sale is running. The story I wrote about my lesson is my most-read newsletter issue of all time (she’s pop-u-lar), and that tracks. He gives you personalized tips and tricks to elevate your own makeup application techniques, and will send you custom recommendations for products that you need in your kit. When I tell you it’s worth every single penny, I mean it.
J.Crew
J.Crew’s BF/CM sales starts today, Sunday November 24th! From now until Wednesday, November 27th, you can get up to 50% off almost everything on the site, plus an extra 50% off most sale styles. Starting on Thursday, November 28th through Saturday, November 30th, the sale gets even better, with 50% off purchases, up to 40% off cashmere and suiting, and up to 60% off sale styles.
My shopping recommendations?
The Faux Fur Lady Jacket in Leopard Print ($159.50 now, which is 30% off) I posted earlier this week is an absolute winner. It’s incredibly high quality and just darling. I have a size small. It also comes in black, natural, and a deep wine color. Don’t like a shorty cut? Never fear; J.Crew’s also made a Faux Fur Peacoat in Leopard Print ($169.50 now, normally $348) that is rad.
The perfect year-round jacket is on sale too. The brand’s Relaxed Double-Breasted Blazer in Italian Flecked Herringbone ($169.50 now, which is 48% off) is dreamy and I get so many compliments on it. I have a size 6 and wear it with jeans, black trousers, and silky maxi skirts. She’s versatile.
I’m currently living out my secret Carine Roitfeld fantasies in J.Crew’s Pencil Skirt in Croc-Embossed Faux Leather ($84.50 now, 43% off), which I paid full price for and am not even mad about? I’ve been wearing it with one of the brand’s excellent layering pieces, the Tissue Crepe Turtleneck ($19.50 now, normally $39.50) and it is elegant and elevated if I do say so myself. I also bought a leopard satin wrap skirt, which also works really well with the turtleneck and feels somewhat Bridget Jones adjacent?
And finally for today, a reminder that J.Crew’s Cashmere-Blend Trouser Socks ($34.50 now, normally $59.50) come in a slew of colors and would make for a very fab holiday present.
Negative
If you’ve been on the fence about buying any of Negative’s wildly amazing whipped collection undies or long-sleeve shirts (truly two of my best purchases of 2024), I’m happy to say that the brand is having a 15% off site-wide sale starting Thursday, November 28th. Use the code BFCM2024.
As a reminder: I have the Boy Shorts ($85 for two pairs, normally) in a size M (though I will order a small going forward), Henley Shirt ($125 normally) in a size M, and Long Sleeve Shirt ($110) in a size M, and am shouting about them all from the rafters. The shirts are perfect going-out tops, layering pieces, or sleep shirts, and I adore their quality and versatility.
The Great
Okay, this is a great one! You all know I’m a huge fan of all things The Great, and the brand is launching their The GREAT. Big Sale on Monday, November 25th, going through Monday, December 2nd. The sale is 25% off and an extra 25% on already marked down sale items.
While some products are excluded from the sale (classic colors in Tees & Sweats, Cashmere, The GREAT. collectors, Birkenstock & Redwing collabs, select denim, Sleep Eyelet, Jersey Sleep & Sweatshirt Robe and finally, some small accessories) there is still a LOT to shop.
Also: The Great does amazing custom embroidery, and I have given their phenomenal sweatshirts to many friends and family over the years. I always go for the brand’s perfect varsity gray, but there are loads of killer seasonal colors that will be on sale! I also think the brand’s Little College Sweatshirts ($80 normally, 25% seasonal colors on Monday) are perfect for this, plus parents are appreciative of the custom embroidery, as it makes it easy to determine the owner of said sweatshirt, which invariably gets left behind at a party or school.
ROZ
Another one I’m really excited about. As you have read over and over again, I am Team Roz for life, and I’m thrilled that the brand’s BF/CM sale is live now through December 1st. They’re offering 20% off the entire site, plus all purchases +$100 get a free full-sized Willow Glen Pre-Wash Treatment Oil, which is bonkers.
I truly love everything Roz, but because I’m into brevity, man, I will say, if you’re new to Roz, get the The Foundation Duo ($65). It’s our family’s go-to product, as my kids love the Foundation Shampoo and Condition almost as much as I do. No joke; they ask for it by name. I also use the Milk Hair Serum ($52 normally) on myself and my daughter almost daily; it’s the perfect detangling, smoothing, defining product on damp hair, or you can use it on dry hair for smoothing and de-frizzing. So dang good.
Hanni
Give how much I write about it, you know that I’m all kinds of thrilled that my beloved Hanni is running a great BF/CM sale. Starting on Monday, November 25th, if you buy two products, you get 20%; if you buy four products, you get 30% off, and if you buy six products, you get 50% off! Also, if you sign up for the VIP Early Access sale, you can get up to 50% off, starting now.
Personally, I’m buying all my friends and loved ones The Fatty ($28, normally), which is Hanni’s super rich, non greasy, fragrance free, travel friendly, National Eczema Association approved solid moisturizing stick. (Act surprised when you get it, y’all.) I also am a huge fan of Hanni’s Shave Pillow ($24) which gives me a super close shave, can be used on dry skin whilst not in the shower or bath (!!), and doubles as a moisturizer. And yes, it’s vegan.
Weezie
Okay, this is a new one for me! You know that I’m a big fan of Matouk towels, but I recently have tried a handful of products from Weezie—I was influenced by the brilliant Will Kahn, who is deeply chic and has the best taste, of course—and I’m super into them. I’m also into the brand’s BF/CM sale, which is offering 20% off orders +$100, 25% off orders $300, and 30% off orders $600 from now through December 2nd.
What have I tried and like? Well, the brand’s Beach Towels ($78 normally) are truly divine, especially in the green stripe, and can be monogrammed. The Long Signature Robe ($185) is a heavenly terrycloth and can be monogrammed; I have one in a M and it’s replacing an ancient Frette robe, which says something. I also like the Large Signature Toiletry Bags ($60) in navy terry, which would be so cute embroidered with the words FAFO or secrets or drugs IMHO.
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'm been singing the praises of Rivals since it debuted. It's such a fun escapist series. I can't wait for season two!
Devoured Rivals. It was everything I didn’t know I needed. AND if you want more Aidan Turner, highly suggest Poldark. Totally different vibe but also SO good.