5 Things You Should Read, Shop, Watch, Buy and Try Right Now (July 2023)

Late July really puts me in my feels. The excitement of early summer has faded, but the melancholy of late August hasn’t hit, and the result always feels a bit like present-tense nostalgia for me. Like those moments after dinner when my kids ask for a dance party in the living room, and I look at my family bouncing around and realize that I’m making a deathbed-montage memory at that very second? I know I’m not the only one who does this—you’ll see “core memory” all over the comments section of any happy TikTok—but it’s been happening a lot since I had kids. Or maybe just getting older? Either way, that’s July for me.

Wait, am I just describing what it’s like to be present? Ha.

My much meandering point is this: This is the moment I’m leaning into all of the most summery of cliches, and honestly it’s pretty great. Beach and pool days, cooking 87% of our meals on the grill, and of course the great summer tradition of shopping all the sales. TBH I haven’t been as thrilled by said sales this year, but there are a few pieces worth considering, which I’ve rounded up for you, below.

In addition to the sales, I have a few other treats for this installment of 5 Things, including a book that feels Sally Rooney-adjacent in a really lovely way, a collab from a designer who deserves way more hype, my most-worn (and asked about) summer purchase, and a recipe suggestion that falls into the only category I care about: high-impact/low-fuss. Hope you enjoy! 

---

READ: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

I’m an unabashed sucker for a coming-of-age story, and if it’s set in Ireland or the UK? I’m toast. Just toast. So for all my fellow Normal People fans, lovers of delicious messiness, and folks who appreciate all of the relationship geometry that happens in one’s youth, The Rachel Incident is an absolute must-read book.

Also, Gabrielle Zevin (author of everyone’s favorite Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow) loves it, which counts for something. 

SHOP: Summer Sales

Nordstrom: This is a really obvious suggestion, but there are always gems in the Nordy’s anni sale, and this year is no exception. What would I spend my money on (or already have)? A few things: the incredible luxury travel company Tumi has a few pieces on sale, which rarely happens. I’m currently eyeing the brand’s V4 Collection 22-Inch Carry On Expandable Spinner Packing Case ($524, down from $750), which comes in forest green, my preference, and silver. (The larger, 28-inch version is also on sale.)

Also: I don’t love buying clutches at full price, but on sale? Absolutely. So I’m quite pleased that one of my go-to recommendations—Cult Gaia’s Eos Beaded Acrylic Box Clutch—is available in the sale, in three colors: Pink, slate, and tahdig.

Net-A-Porter: There are some 14,000 items on sale at NAP right now, including a selection that are eligible for an extra 20% off at checkout. While there are limited sizes on some key items, there are so many options overall, it’s worth a leisurely peruse. One piece that caught my eye? Patou’s embellished wicker bucket bag, which is very much a nod to the recently departed fashion icon, Jane Birkin. I have a hunch there will be a surge of these wicker bags in the next year or so, which makes this one an exceptionally prescient purchase. 

WATCH: Barbie

On Monday morning I went to a press screening of Barbie—prep for an upcoming Who What Wear Pod episode with the film’s lead hair and makeup designer, Ivana Primorac, who is a delight—and to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting much? 

Sure, I love Greta Gerwig’s work (she wrote and directed Barbie) and yes, I was excited for the cast, especially Margot Robbie, who also produced the movie. But like so many think pieces have discussed, I had some conflicted feelings about a movie based on a toy/brand, not to mention a complicated relationship with Barbie herself. 

I was shocked. In the best possible way.

It’s funny, thoughtful, poignant, layered, stunning, and honestly just an absolute yes from me. Did I tear up multiple times? Yes. Did I guffaw multiple times? Yes. Is Ryan Gosling amazing? Yes (but don’t let anyone tell you he stole it). Also, it made me realize how much I miss seeing Issa Rae on screen, in these post-Insecure times. 

As I’ve DM’d many folks, it’s PG-13 but mostly due to adult concepts (like sexism and the patriarchy, which sadly even little-littles will be somewhat familiar with), so I think it would be appropriate for many younger viewers.

BUY: Dissh Cass Linen Asym Midi Dress ($180)

Of all the things I’ve purchased lately, this is probably the sleeper hit: A casual, sophisticated, simple linen dress that slides off of one shoulder. It’s available in black (my choice) and white (chic, if you don’t have small children), and is a remarkably versatile dress. I’ve mostly been wearing it with a slightly sculptural Isabel Marant tan leather belt, but I think it would look cool and a little more casual with a braided or woven leather option. (Gap makes a classic in black, though I like a brown option too.)

Laura Vassar of Brock Collection x Reformation

I’m a longtime fan of everything designer Laura Vassar does, and admired her work with Brock Collection, which was beloved by fashion insiders and the recipient of numerous awards from the CFDA, as well as winning the Vogue Fashion Fund in 2016. Earlier this summer, her first solo collab with Reformation came out (a small collection of 18 items), and just a couple of days ago, she dropped her new denim pieces with the brand. 

I just bought the Magnolia Mid Rise Bow Jeans in Taos, which is a gorgeous medium blue, and the Juniper High Rise Wide Leg Jeans in Cody, which is either super dark blue or black (couldn’t quite tell; totally don’t care). Okay fine: I bought a couple other pieces too. My point is this: Vassar is really wildly talented, and I’m thrilled she’s back on the scene. 

(Also, I feel like Vassar really knows her denim. I remember going to a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund show at the Chateau back in 2016 where she was presenting Brock Collection, and she wore the most perfect white bustier with absolutely flawless jeans. I realize this is not *technically* proof of denim savviness, but it’s good enough in my book.)

TRY: Melissa Clark’s Grilled Skirt Steak with Herbs

Full confession: This marinade is amazing, and it only improves with time, so if you can get a full 24 hours in, I would suggest that. I threw everything into our blender without taking the time to chop the garlic or pepperoncini, and it was just fine. Also, lemon thyme is not something I have on hand, nor remember to shop for, so I made it without, and feel confident that you can follow in my forgetful footsteps without ruining it.  

Isn’t she sweet?

---

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. All products mentioned are independently chosen, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated.