7+ Summer Essentials You Need for Memorial Day Weekend + The New YCOHO Bikini Top That's Changed My Life (No Joke)
Gummies, the dream hat, and the pool-to-party dress (on sale!) you need for a no-fuss, high-style long weekend.
Is it the long weekend yet? Because friends, my brain is already OOO, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. I am ready for the emotional start of summer (yes, emotional because technically summer doesn’t start in the northern hemisphere until June 20th, people), and specifically have been going through my closet and thinking about what I need to refresh. I figured you might be on the same wavelength? Hence today’s story. But first! A few bits and bobs.
I wanted to share a surprising new find I wore to Marie Claire’s incredible Power Play summit in Atlanta this week, which I recommend highly. Figuring out what to wear was a wee puzzle. The event didn’t have a strict dress code, but of course I wanted to look pulled together without being in full-on business formalwear. Ha, that sounds funny, like you’re going to a work prom. Anyway, I ended up wearing a Banana Republic Linen Midi Skirt ($120) in Yellow Tie-Dye Print to the event, and friends, I’m here to formally recommend it for your summer consideration.
First of all, it comes in two other colors—black or a yellow citrus tile print—if the tie-dye version isn’t your thing. Secondly, it’s super lightweight linen, which felt divine in the Atlanta humidity. And thirdly, the paper-bag waist is kind of dreamy, as you can customize the skirt’s fit. Mine is a small, and I love her. I also wore it with a cream BR short-sleeve cashmere polo (several of the colors are on sale right now), my Jamie Haller low bitchy heels in maroon suede, and my standard Khaite denim jacket that I’m certain everyone is sick of except for me. I also threw on an older cream cashmere sweater around my neck because the a/c was flowing, and I’m a sucker for an additional piece to make an outfit look slightly more interesting. (PS: The floral Marni dress I wore to dinner the night before is currently 40% on Net-A-Porter. It’s a good silk staple to have with great pintuck details.)
Also, in case you missed it last week, just one last reminder that if you’re in the Santa Barbara area, I’m interviewing fashion and beauty exec—and now author of Of My Own Making—Daria Burke at Godmothers in Summerland THIS Thursday, May 22nd at 6 p.m., and I hope to see some of you there! If you can join us, please RSVP via Godmothers, as this is a ticketed event. All details are on the store’s website, and I’m linking here. Trust me when I say that Daria is truly a phenomenal individual, and deserves all of our support.
And finally, as you’re well aware, I’ve been on the road a lot over the last few weeks, and have some questions. Can I just say that I didn’t realize that Celine accessories had completely taken over Manhattan? It seemed like half the girls in the East Village were wearing a Celine belt or a petite Celine bag. I was truly shocked by the sheer numbers! How long has this been going on?
On that note, I was intrigued to note that Hoka and On sneakers were pretty much the only shoes in sight in the entire Atlanta airport, on both men and women alike. Yet another trend I just simply missed, and is much more shocking to me than the Celine supremacy, though I admittedly know nothing about sneaker culture. Are you a wearer of either Hokas or Ons, and if so, why do you like? I’m so interested. Please educate me!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ESSENTIALS!
THE SUIT: Left On Friday Sandy Top ($95)
Okay, I know I know I know, I talk about Left On Friday all the time, it’s my YCOHO swim brand, and I specifically call out the Sunday Top ($95) and Hi Tide Bottoms ($95) as my preferred suit combo. And I love these two pieces, I do, with my whole heart, and I stand by that recommendation. But you know how your heart can expand, even when you think it’s at capacity? Well that has happened, and I have a new suggestion to add to the mix. And it’s a considered one, because I’ve tried a wide range of the Left On Friday options, and this is the first time I’m giving a new style a shout.
My new recommendation is the Sandy Top, though to be truly honest, this style is not going to be for everyone, and for that I am sorry. Here’s what I like: It’s a simple, low-coverage top that gives an extremely lifted look without any padding or underwires, and it totally stays in place. I was so gobsmacked by the hoisting powers of this top, I raced to my text messages to spread the word. Plus, it has a really thin back strap—no hooks, no ties—that always looks extremely chic and French in my mind. (The latter is not based in reality, FWIW.) Plus, I think that this is a phenomenal piece to have in one’s wardrobe, as it could be a great item to have on hand if you’re wearing something low-cut or slightly sheer, because it’s very sturdy, but sleek. I often use my LOF Hi Tide Bottoms when I’m wearing a sheer skirt, as they’re more comfortable than a trad brief or shapewear, and I am certain I will use this top in a similar fashion.
And for the record, this brand’s swim holds up extremely well. I’ve had pieces for years that I still wear on a regular basis, and truthfully can’t tell if a suit is new or older, because they’re that good.
THE EASY PIECES: J.Crew Contrast Stitch Midi Skirt ($76.50 on sale now) and Linen Cutwork Dress ($148.50 on sale now)
Easy chic is the name of the game for MDW, and that’s why you’re going to be able to find me in these two J.Crew pieces all weekend long, both of which are currently 40% off! I have the midi skirt in navy in a small, and it’s just dreamy on; it hits at the natural waist and flares out in a dramatic but practical way, and I’m going to wear it with a striped t-shirt and the A.Emery sandals I write about below. The linen cutwork dress is shockingly chic on, and I love that you can style it kaftan-style and loose, or belt it for a more body-skimming vibe. Plus you can wear it as a pool or beach coverup, or style it with delicate strappy sandals for dinner to get maximum wear out of it. PS: I also love these linen and leather espadrilles that are currently on sale; a good price and an excellent style, especially in khaki.
THE BOOK: Great Big Beautiful Life ($24) by Emily Henry
Like many of you, I will buy anything that Emily Henry writes, and picked up her latest on my way home from New York last week, which I then devoured. At the risk of sounding like the middle-aged douchey white guy who liked Thickfreakness and Rubber Factory better than everything that came after it (cough: I do), I am personally of the belief that Beach Read is the ideal Emily Henry book, and have been chasing that high ever since. That said, I found this book a slightly slow start, but by the end I was racing through it with joy and tears. Long story long: Worth your time and money.
Also/while you’re at it, I think you should pre-order Katie Sturino’s debut novel Sunny Side Up ($28), which debuts on June 24th. Pre-orders are really meaningful for authors, and I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Sunny, and it’s an absolute delight. I loved it so much I messaged Katie from my pool lounger over spring break to beg/demand that she come back on Second Life to talk about her new life as a novelist and everything amazing that’s happened at Megababe since her original episode in early 2020. So yeah, watch this space for that ep, and in the meantime please order her funny, horny, delish novel
THE HAT (AND BAG): Janessa Leone Tinsley Wide Brim Raffia Straw Hat ($287)
I am fanatically loyal to Janessa Leone hats because I truly believe they are the highest quality for the price, plus Janessa’s values around sustainability are absolutely worth supporting (by 2030, 80% of the materials used will be created with regenerative materials and the brand as a whole will be carbon neutral). Also, her shit is just good. I bought her Tinsley hat a few years ago and it remains my favorite as it’s deeply stylish, UPF 50+, and her sizing is generous (I wear a large and it’s dreamy on my big noggin). If you’ve been considering buying, now is the time, plus you can use the code HILLARY15 for 15% off. And while you’re there, just a wee reminder that the amazing hat-carrying Tanner Bag ($467) is also deeply cool.
THE GUMMIES: The High Confectionary Chill Out Gummies ($52) and Sleep Gummies ($50)
Friends, sometimes you need a little help chilling out and/or sleeping—or at least I sure do—and in those moments, I very much recommend The High Confectionary. Their products are delicious (and I’ve tried everything), and very well formulated. tThe Sleep gummies are made with a blend of CBD, melatonin, CBN, and a small amount of THC, while the Chill Outs are made with CBG, CBD, and a small amount of THC. I don’t drink a lot these days, but each formula reminds me a bit of a single glass of wine; takes the edge off, but doesn’t zoot you to the moon. Even better: Now through May 27th, the brand is running a buy two, get one for free sale, using the code STOCKUP. I’m taking advantage! (PS: I like the lime chill out and the apricot sleepies.)
THE SANDALS: A. Emery Jalen Suede Sandals ($220) in Army Green Suede
Last summer, I bought this exact pair of sandals in gray leather, and I absolutely adore them. They’re polished enough that I will wear them to the office with a midi skirt, but also casual enough I can wear them to the beach or on daytime errands on the weekend, plus they’re comfy as hell. So it’s probably no surprise that I’ve ordered the same style in army green suede, as we all know that this shade of khaki green is a neutral. Not as hot as black, but more interesting to my eye than brown, plus slightly unexpected, this green-adjacent sandal is it for me. Plus how cute will it look with a Rouge Casaque pedicure? Very!
THE BEAUTY: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($18) + Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($38) + Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain ($32)
I don’t want to fuss with my beauty routine on a long weekend, and since said weekend is usually spent in or next to a pool, I also don’t want anything that’s going to melt off my face. My recommendation? Clinique’s sleeper hit lower-lash mascara, which is totally transfer-proof and also works brilliantly on your upper lashes. I love the tiny wand because it allows you to really get every individual lash, and trust me when I tell you this formula stays put and comes off easily with water and pressure. I’m also always Team Supergoop for life; Unseen Sunscreen is the only formula my kids don’t yell about, and I wear it every day too. And finally, I love a lip stain for warmer weather, and have been quite pleased with this hydrating formula from Clarins. I have the red water version, and adore that’s really buildable, so you can have just a whisper of color or a shout, depending on what you like.
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 a Hoka girl, but not for fashion, alas! My orthopedic surgeon made me do it, and he wasn’t wrong!
I have worn On and Hoka! Ons tread wore out a lot quicker, and Hoka was recommended by my foot doc! Gen Z and youth don’t know how good they have it to be able to wear comfy shoes for going out ! millennial me wore too many heels for “da clerb” and now have sad feet.