7 Early Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales To Numb Out To, Plus Cozy Travel Clothes, Better Cooking Utensils + A 20%-Off Code For Your Pleasure.
We can disassociate shop mindfully, while getting our holiday presents handled, because we contain multitudes!
Hi everyone, and welcome back. Today’s newsletter is going to be a smidge abridged, due to the fact that we are painting the inside of our house, and I didn’t fully understand the scope or extent of this project? Whoops! So needless to say, my normal life/closet/photo situation is anything but, and I didn’t plan appropriately.
While I might be off my game in some areas, I do have some good updates and info for you today. But let’s start with some bad news, just to get it out of the way—ha! You remember how I thought I found an inexpensive replacement for everyone’s beloved, much missed American Apparel deep v-neck t-shirt? Well, I spoke too soon, and this is why I test things. I found what originally seemed like a good option, and ordered a few sizes to wear and wash. Unfortunately, my best lead is just not it. Despite the fabric comp being the same as the original AA shirt, the replacement shirt’s material is not as thick, its v-neck is too prim, and it shrinks like crazy when you wash it. Even worse, it seems to shrink to the same size, no matter the starting size. So like even the large ends up a small, which is not the vibe. Anyway, I’ve gotten a lot of follow up about it, so wanted to say the best affordable option I’ve found so far is a fail. Onto the next!
Cooking Utensils
Like many of you, I read The New York Times article on black plastic cooking utensils, and the research that shows they aren’t the best choice for your health. As someone who is trying to divest from a number of things right now—like Amazon, for a variety of reasons, including my desire to support local, smaller businesses—I’m also trying to exclude plastic whenever I can, especially for things like water bottles, kids’ toys, food containers, et cetera. Happily, the majority of our cooking utensils are already wood, many of which were my grandmother’s or were picked up at garage sales, thrift stores, and other indie stores over the last couple of decades. That said, I am missing a couple of things, namely a good spatula. Obviously I’m not suggesting you need to mindlessly replace all your kitchen tools, but if you are looking for better options, here are some recommendations y’all sent in.
Material (currently up to 40% off)
The number one, most mentioned brand? Material, by a country mile. I had the good fortune of interviewing Material’s co-founder and CEO Eunice Byun for Second Life back in May 2022 on how and why she pivoted to this business after a successful career in corporate America at places like Goldman Sachs and Revlon, where she was the VP of Global Digital Marketing. And after you listen, check out her brand’s wood, metal, and silicone cooking tools, especially as they’re up to 40% off now.
My recommendation is The Cook’s Toolset (normally $155, now $118), which includes six of the brand’s essential tools.
Other Picks: Chef friends flooded my DMs to rave about GIR, specifically the brand’s silicone spatulas, like this three-piece, greatest hits set. Also got a number of messages about Hawkins New York; they have so many stunning pieces, it’s crazy. Earlywood (beloved by Bon App and Food & Wine too) is another brand that came up a lot; their cult-following products are made in Montana, and ship from the brand’s site within 24 hours after you place an order. I ordered The Trifecta ($43), but have my eye on the Scraper Spoon ($41) too.
More Cozy Options for Travel
Last week’s newsletter about what to wear for Thanksgiving travel and dinner sparked a number of reader suggestions! I included a chic, slouchy pair of Leset pants in Japanese-made satin, but also want to spotlight the brand’s Lauren High Waist Maxi Skirt ($160), which is honestly my new 365 pick and is also available on Net-A-Porter. I’m not Team Stretch Jersey generally speaking, but for travel, casual weekends, and daytime holiday hangs? Absofuckinglutely. In fact, I would recommend anything made from this material from Leset because it’s so damn cozy and lovely. I have the skirt in a M, but tbh I have sized down for my next order; it’s really just up to you and how you want to wear it, because it’s pretty forgiving and wonderful in every size.
Would also be remiss if I didn't highlight Quince’s Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants ($40), which are beloved by a wide range of my friends, influencers, and cool moms. They come in four different inseams, are available in XS-XL, and are raved about from folks who travel all the time. Also got an influx of votes for Old Navy’s High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide Leg Pants ($40), which come in six colors and are available in sizes XS-4X. If you don’t want a wide leg, the brand’s High-Waisted Pixie Straight Leg Pants ($40) are a similarly good choice with a shorter, cropped hemline.
Sunglasses
Last week y’all made me laugh because I made an IGS warning the trolls who keep pestering me that I would name and shame the most abusive, whilst wearing a new pair of sunglasses. I got the most amazing responses that ran something along the overall lines of: “I love this FAFO side of you! Burn it down, girl. But also, who makes these sunglasses?” We contain multitudes! The sunglasses in question are Thierry Lasry’s Murdery Sunglasses ($605) in Havana Tortoiseshell. They come in 12 different options (I love the pink, too) and are so luxurious and substantial, it’s crazy. The kind team at Thierry Lasry has also offered you all a discount code, if you’re interested: Use HILLARY20 at checkout on the brand’s site for 20% off your purchase.
EARLY BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY
Madewell: On Thursday, November 21st, Madwell’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale will start, with 30% off sitewide (save for a few exclusions) through December 3rd. I’ve loved their jeans for ages—my friend Jane Herman’s recent interview with the woman who leads Madewell’s denim program, which made me fall in love with the brand even more—and will buy another pair of black The ‘90s Straight Jeans next week, and maybe some cuffed superwides, too. PS: Jane’s story made me buy the Madewell x Kaihara Denim Super Wide Jeans in Karney Wash ($198) because I know they won’t go on sale.
Lands End: The sheets—yes, theeeee sheets that I’m still obsessed with, that are Annie Meyers-Shyer, Nancy Meyers, and The Strategist approved—are on sale now. Our standard order is the full set, queen size 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Sheets (normally $210, currently $126); it’s currently 40% off, which is nice.
Bloomingdale’s: Since we’re talking home goods, my favorite Matouk Milagro Towels ($69 normally, now $55) are currently on limited-time sale at Bloomingdales. My beloved Matouk Montreux Down Comforter ($750 normally, now $600) is also on sale. We have the all-weather weight, and it’s wonderful. Worth every penny.
Hermes @ Bloomingdale’s: In a wild twist, whilst poking around the Bloomingdale’s sales, I noticed that the retailer has over 1300 “pre-owned” Hermes bags on sale (which I cannot link to directly for some reason, but I assure you, they’re there)? And that sale ends on Sunday, so if you’ve got that oligarch money lying around, put it to good use, I guess? And since you’re an oligarch, if you feel like sending me a 24 Constance or even an 18, I wouldn’t be mad?
J.Crew: So much good stuff is up to 50% off at J.Crew right now, including my new favorite Collection Sheer Wool-Blend Long Sleeve T-Shirt (normally $70; now $40), beloved Relaxed Double-Breasted Blazer in Italian Flecked Herringbone (normally $328, now $164.50), and my favorite bitchy little boots, the New Stevie Knee-High Pull-On Boots in Suede ($328 normally, now $249.50). I like the espresso brown suede, but you are free to do as you wish!
Milk Makeup: Starting today, it’s 25% the whole site with no exclusions. As a longtime fan of the brand’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint ($24 normally; now $18) in Burst and Hydro Grip Primer ($20 normally; now $15), I’m going to shop for myself and pick up some stocking stuffers too.
La Coqueta: My biggest indulgence is buying my daughter dresses and velvet mary janes from La Coqueta (okay and socks, coats, and sweaters), and they’re having a 25% off sale that’s already started. I’m buying her the next size up in her favorite olive green velvet mary janes and a pink dress for Christmas, as she’s obsessed with the color. One note: Everything I’ve owned from this brand is super high quality, so while expensive, it also lasts and makes for amazing hand-me-downs.
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 read that article and the week before my husband watched a movie about Teflon and all of a sudden we were replacing half the stuff in our kitchen. 😆 we have a small kitchen so keep a small collection of pots, pans and utensils, but we went full force with stainless steel and already had many wooden utensils. Still trying to perfect cooking on stainless steel, but we’re getting the hang of it.
Hillary- I have been following you since the first Target WWW days, eclipsed only by my love affair with Second Life as I was leaving my corp job to become a founder. Just love you, your tone, and your authenticity. Sometimes content creation can feel like shouting into the void, so I wanted you to know that you - and what you make - is a true delight. xx