J.Crew's Summer Sale Is So Good, It Feels Illegal*. 10 Shockingly Good Pieces at Jaw-Dropping Prices.
*yes, like in a PinkPantheress type of way. Plus some more essential summer reads and hostess gifts!
I’m busy. You’re busy. No intro today, let’s just get into it, shall we?
Hostess Gifts
There are a few reasons why I’m decent (read: usually excellent) at giving gifts, much of which comes down to just paying attention to the recipient of my present and tailoring it to them. Radical, I know. But sometimes it’s just because I batch presents when I find something I like.
For example, and I think I’ve mentioned this before, every school year, I figure out what my kids’ friends are going to get that year—yes, different grades get different presents—and then that’s the formula for every party. Or at the holidays, I tend to give all my besties the same thing, with small tweaks for things like color preferences and sizing.
While hostess gifts are not always a super-pressing category, I do think about it more at this time of year, when we tend to entertain and travel more than usual. Top of my list as of late are these insanely darling fruit and veggie candles from local LA business Happy Organics. Particularly enamored with the cherry birthday candles, which come in a cute little fruit basket. I also remain crazy about all of Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato products; the handsoap is a lovely little luxury, as is the customizable, personalized olive oil. (Also how cute is this spicy set of honey, salsa, and olive oil?!?)
I’m also smitten with these Wrap trays that are handmade in Sweden for the London-based brand, and illustrated by the Mexican artist Elena Boils. The mini rectangular tray with cherries is simply a treat and a half, and a nice price too, plus it’s dishwasher and food safe.
Oh and last, but not least, if you’re not fucking with Dalkin & Co’s unbelievable flake salt, you should be. And yes, I keep multiple in the house for a last-minute hostess gift. Pairs nicely with flowers; just saying.
Summer Books
Friends, it’s time for my favorite topic again: What are we all reading for summer?
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino: I know you’re sick of me yapping about it, but too bad, I’m still on one about Katie Sturino’s Sunny Side Up. If you want more details about how the Megababe founder decided to write her first novel, I highly recommend listening to our second episode of Second Life, which was a total treat for me to host.
Sunny Side Up is available now at Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.
Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum: I also just got the latest from one of my newer favorite authors, Emma Rosenblum. I adored her two previous books too; Bad Summer People is a perfect summer read, and I loved Very Bad Company to pieces. If you haven’t read those two, please buy now. Her newest one is called Mean Moms, it comes out July 29th, and I’m telling you to pre-order it now (because pre-orders help authors, and authors deserve our love!). I don’t know about you, but I love stories about fancy Manhattan moms and their weird power dynamics, and Emma just gets all the details so very very right.
Mean Moms available for pre-order at Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org.
Set Piece by Lana Schwartz: Every time the geniuses behind 831 Stories publish a new novel, I immediately buy it because their authors just hit a homerun every single time. Of the entire canon, I think the newest book, Set Piece by Lana Schwartz might be one of my favorites? Or my complete favorite? And it’s not just because of the chic pink and green cover, though that totally helps. It’s a smart story set in Hollywood, featuring a hot British actor and a cool American production designer. Just delish.
Set Piece is available now at Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.
Square Waves by Alexandra Romanoff: Hot off the presses, the second book in 831 Stories’ Big Fan series just arrived in stores this week, and honestly one of the best things you can do with $15. The story involves a high-school nemesis and an enemies-to-lovers plot, which might be one of my favorite constructs?
Square Waves is available now at Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood: While I loathe the cover and think her books deserve better, I am a long-time fan of Ali Hazelwood’s steamy STEM-centered romances, including her latest, Problematic Summer Romance. It’s primarily set in Sicily—in Taormina, yes, of The White Lotus season two fame—and features less science than your average Hazelwood novel, which is a neutral note from me. It’s just a fun, escapist story with a slow-burn romance, and pairs very nicely with warm sun, cold rose, and sandy feet.
Problematic Summer Romance is now available at Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.
I realize it has been a minute since I’ve done a book giveaway, so let’s do one now? You know the drill: Subscribe and comment below, don’t be weird about it, will pick a winner next week!
J.Crew High Summer Essentials Currently On Sale
Friends, I think that J.Crew is like the mafia. Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in. This time, it’s their End of Season Sale, and dear lord it’s excellent. Like, shockingly good. Truly excellent products and gasp-out-loud prices. Here’s what I have purchased and/or already own. PS: If you bought all 10 pieces listed below it would cost you a grand total of $227.90. How crazy is that?
Fine Rib Camisole ($11.60 on sale with code EXTRA)
Look, I’m pretty slutty about tank tops and have a wide range that I like. J.Crew’s delicate cami is definitely at the top of my list. I have it in black/white/gray in a size small, but note that it runs on the smaller size, so if you don’t want it fitted or are between sizes, go up. It’s got adjustable straps, which I like, and is a great layering piece.
Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt ($14 on sale with code EXTRA)
As someone who owns the black and white, as well as the ivory and navy, I truly adore the wonderful weight of this shirt. I bought mine a few seasons ago, wear/wash it all the time, and it just keeps getting better.
Linen-Cotton Blend Tie-Back Midi Dress ($24.30 on sale with code EXTRA)
If you don’t take this easy breezy, simple and chic dress to some seaside location this summer—or a lake!—that will be a true miss. I have a medium and it’s relaxed and nice.
Vintage Jersey Scoopneck Tank ($10 on sale with code EXTRA)
I’M SORRY THIS QUALITY AND THIS PRICE IS UNREFUSABLE. Like, how could you pass this up? Classic colors! Timeless cut! Do yourself a favor!
Stratus Side Stripe Pant in Textured Satin ($41.20 on sale with code EXTRA)
My favorite casual pants are now on sale in ivory for a pittance. These should be your cool post-pool hostessing pants! Wear them with a bikini top and a tan! Style it with a gimlet on the rocks! Enjoy your damn life!
String Bikini Top in Reversible Dot-Stripe Print ($9 on sale with the code EXTRA)
I bought this bikini (with the matching bottoms) for spring break, and I’m delighted to see every size is still available. It’s two suits in one! The price is bonkers for the quality. Wear them with the matching briefs or just pair with your favorite black bikini bottoms, as I do. Try it as a bra under a sheer tank for summer dinners. The world is your oyster.
Heritage Cotton Relaxed Cardigan in Stripe ($35.20 on sale with the code EXTRA)
Do you love a beach sweater as much as I do? Maybe this is a condition of growing up on Windansea Beach, but I always had a cotton sweater in my car for post-dusk beach time, and this one is probably the chicest version available. Would also look great with white jeans, and the camel color will transition into fall!
Cabana Oversized Sunglasses in Cream Tort ($24 on sale with the code EXTRA)
I don’t care that the trend has been little sunnies for a while. Rachel Zoe is returning to Bravo, and my trend-forecasting brain says that means BIG SUNNIES are going to swing back into style. Also they’re just better for shielding your actual eyeballs. Buy ‘em.
Chiffon Slip Skirt in Painted Daisy Print ($24.40 on sale with the code EXTRA)
The ‘90s silhouette and print of my dreams, which back then I would have styled with a baby tee and black chucks or combat boots. Come to think of it, that’s not far off from what I’d do now. She’s perfect, just trust.
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt ($27.20 on sale with the code EXTRA)
I know the lace-trim shorts trend is really having a moment right now, but if you’re not as interested in wearing essentially tap pants—a.k.a. the sleep shorts I wore through high school/college/my 20s/maybe still now—out and about, this skirt gives you that vibe, but in a slightly more grown-up way. Very nice!
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 really like how you don’t link Amazon. Keep it up! Just put holds on a lot of the books recs. Thank you!!
I always enjoy the newsletter but you’re particularly funny today