5 Things I'm Actually Excited About This Week + Questions For You, As Always
And the book giveaway winner, revealed!
Hi everyone! First and foremost, congrats to Ellen Fischer, the winner of the summer book collection, and thank you to everyone who participated! I forgot how much I love doing giveaways, and am going to work on another one for my birthday next month. If you have any requests for what should be in it, let me know? But was thinking an assortment of my favorite beauty and clothing essentials would be fun? Maybe a super soft Negative shirt, some Roz hair care essentials, the magical sheets I never stop yapping about…you know, YCOHO products. Also: Should I pick a second book giveaway winner? Let me know in the comments below!
In other news you didn’t ask for, I’ve been searching for a house to rent for a week next month, maybe in the Santa Ynez area (mostly because I want the proximity to The Lucky Hen Larder, which I’m well aware is an insane way to craft a casual holiday), and have been struggling to find options. Yes, this is partially my fault for waiting so long, but I tend to be a last-minute holiday planner and I am keeping the faith. I’ve had success with finding interesting homes in the desert via Travlr, and was hoping to stumble upon a similar type of site for this; if you have one, please let me know. Other sites that have been recommended to me are One Fine Stay, Kid and Coe, Boutique, and Plum Guide, but if you have any other ideas or suggestions, I’m all ears.
Also: Now officially into week two of using Westman Atelier’s Eye Activator Serum ($120) and while I know it’s too early for final results (the brand’s studies were based on daily use for a month), I’m already happy with how it’s working. I had it on last week ahead of recording an episode of the Who What Wear podcast with the brilliant Molly Gordon (her new movie, Oh, Hi! is a must watch, very funny, suspenseful romantic comedy, which made me actually laugh and squirm with delight), and I got unprompted compliments from everyone I ran into that day. Seriously. It’s the first thing I put on in the morning, followed by serum, moisturizer if needed, and then my new favorite sunscreen (more on that below). I also use it at night after washing my face, before the rest of my skincare routine.
Too Much (Netflix; available now)
Full confession: I feel like the show Too Much was engineered in a laboratory for me, and I couldn’t not watch it if I tried. I have a long-standing affinity for all things British (I’ve been an Anglophile for decades; the show is set in London), Meg Stalter (her character on Hacks is truly a gem, and she’s the star of Too Much), and like most women, I have a deep love for the show Girls (which was created by Lena Dunham, as is Too Much). Fun fact: I’m married because of the show Girls, kinda. (My husband was one of the show’s music supervisors and I was—and remain—a huge fan of his work, which I told him very animatedly when we met.)
Also, I like messy things. Specifically: Complicated, messy, romantic stories that center women, so it’s probably no surprise that I was predisposed to liking Too Much from the jump. The show pays tribute to all the great Working Title romantic comedies, think: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Notting Hill to name a few, while still being a thoroughly moderns story about Jessica, a broken-hearted line producer (played by Stalter), who moves from New York to London in the wake of a breakup, and meets a charming British musician on her first night in town. Does it feel loosely inspired by Dunham’s own story? Sure, but you forget about it as soon as episode one hits.
The cast is a treat as well; Dunham plays Stalter’s sister, who is in the middle of a messy divorce (from former Girls co-star Andrew Rannells), The White Lotus season two’s star Will Sharpe is Stalter’s love interest, Rita Wilson and Rhea Perlman are the family’s matriarchs, the brilliant Richard E. Grant is involved, as is Emily Ratajkowski, and there are so many fun cameos. I’m only a handful of episodes in, and happy to recommend it to you all.
Dr. Idriss Major Fade Disco Block Discoloration Treatment SPF 50 ($38)
Frequent readers know that I am a huge fan of all things Dr. Idriss. I’ve religiously used her Major Fade Hyper Serum Dark Spot Treatment ($68) daily since it launched, and truly believe it is a key reason why my skin tone is the most even it has been in my whole life. I keep a mini Soft Wash Jelly Cleanser ($12) in my travel bag at all times, reach for her moisturizer almost every day, and just really believe in the products and the person behind the products.
So when she finally decided to release her new SPF after three years of development, I was absolutely elated. No one cares more about sun protection than Dr. Idriss, and I knew the SPF would be good, but honestly it’s even better than I imagined. I’ve been a longtime Supergoop and Elta MD sunscreen buyer, but I’m all in on Dr. Idriss’s version.
The texture is so easy and dreamy, not greasy, it’s a little glowy, but subtle so you don’t look like a sparkly vampire, it doesn’t make me breakout (I also do a Dr. Idriss-approved trick of spraying my face with Tower 28’s SOS Spray ($12) before reapplying her sunscreen), and is formulated with Hexylresorcinol to reduce and combat hyperpigmentation aka dark spots! All in all, she’s a real winner and I’m deeply into it. One note: I’ve had best results by waiting 10-15 minutes after applying the sunscreen before going in with makeup, which is true for my other favorite sunscreens too.
The Great The Big Bandana ($75)
While I’m team cardigan for life, sometimes a proper sweater feels like a bit much, especially in the summer. But I want a layer that’s lightweight and interesting, and finding the right thing is honestly rather annoying. So you can imagine my delight when I realized that my beloved The Great—makers of the best t-shirt, lounge pants, and sweatshirts on the planet—have created the perfect third piece: The Big Bandana. It’s available in two colors (I bought almost black, no surprise) and truly the coolest, unexpected option for your summer (and life) dressing needs.
(PS: I also just bought The Day Dress ($425) after seeing The Great’s co-founder Emily Current wearing it, and it is en route to me right now. It has been so hot this summer, I just want to wear clothes that don’t touch my body, you know? Also I think it would look chic layered over a bodysuit and paired with tights and boots come fall. Not that I’m thinking about fall; I’m present, I swear.)
A Emery The Millar Sandals ($220)
While I love a Khaite shoe, and agree that the brand’s studded leather sandals are possibly the coolest cool girl option for the summer, I can’t figure out a way to justify the price to myself. At least not today. But you know what I can keep justifying? A.Emery sandals, yes, the same brand I wrote about last week, which have been my go-to style for two summers now, as they’re cool and have a squishy-comfy molded footbed.
But that footbed might not be for everyone, and for those who are looking for a shockingly easy-to-wear sandal with a slightly more formal, elegant construction, I would like to recommend the brand’s The Millar Sandal. It comes in five options—I have hazel suede—and if you are someone who has a medium-to-wider foot, this shoe is absolutely for you. The leather footbed has an extended detail around the edge, so your foot is beautifully centered, not spilling over or pushing right up against the edge. I also prefer an ankle strap with a buckle to a tie, as they stay put so much better for me, and who wants to fuss with retying something? Not me, not ever.
To me, this style is even more versatile because of the leather footbed, and can be worn for daytime and also tastefully works with your silky pants and easy dresses for evening. And did you know that the sandals are handmade using sustainable leather? I didn’t, but I like it!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I’m shocked and delighted that the professional-sized 900ml versions of Roz’s cult-favorite Foundation Shampoo ($95 normally; now $67) and Foundation Conditioner ($102 normally; now $72) are a part of the sale. These pink and green Adidas SL 72 Sneakers ($100 normally; now $79.99) are cute and a highly recommended pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 31 Running Shoes ($165 normally; now $109.95) are at a great price. I always have my eyes peeled for great black jeans, and Levi’s Wedgie High Waist Bootcut Jeans ($98 normally; now $64.99) are too good to pass up. As someone who loathes paying full price for luggage, I was pleased to say the super high-quality Tumi V4 Collection International Expandable Spinner Carry-On ($750 normally; now $524.99) and Away’s Flex 22-Inch Bigger Spinner Carry-On ($345 normally; now $257.99) are both on sale. We have similar styles, and honestly I love them both.
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 love beginning my Sunday with your recommendations! And as a fellow Virgo, I say yes to a birthday giveaway! 💚
Always look forward to starting my Sundays with you. Yes please to a second book giveaway! And birthday too. Let’s celebrate you in style!