Of The 30,000 Pieces On Sale At Saks, I Found 6 No-Brainer Investments.
Plus! My "Athletic Walking Shoe" saga continues! With some good early results!
Hi everyone, and welcome back. Happy Father’s Day to the dads out there, but only the good ones, of which I am lucky enough to know a few, including my own (hi Pops!) and my husband (hi babe!), who is truly the better parents of the two of us, which is weird to admit, but true! So what am I doing for Father’s Day for my dad and my husband? Donating to CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles), as well as a few places that are making meals for folks who can’t leave their homes right now and families that have been separated, including Feed The Streets and Mad Collective. And yes, I know the mere mention of where I am donating will cause a bunch of folks to leave me horrific DMs, comments, and unsubscribe, but I don’t support what ICE is doing to our communities right now
SHOE SAGA PART 29 (I STOPPED COUNTING; WEIRD NUMBERS ONLY FROM HERE ON OUT)
Quick update on my “athletic walking shoe” quest. This week I accomplished part two of my search, and went to Fleet Feet in Burbank to get my feet scanned and see what was on offer. Next week I’m going to try Road Runner Sports to see if they have different ideas. While I wasn’t knocked out by the store or the selection, the fellow who helped me was great, and I liked the process. You stand on a plate while your feet get scanned, and then you walk across a pad to get data about where you put pressure on your feet when you walk.
The results were interesting, though not surprising. As discussed here and demonstrated by the scan, my feet are silly. My left foot is a size 5.9 and my right is 6.5, and yes, this half size difference has annoyed me forever and makes wearing certain shoes tricky; hence my love of a slingback. My arch and instep are as high on the chart as possible, and when I walk, my arches barely register on the floor, so in theory I need some support there, though I am lucky enough that they have been pain-free my whole life. I tried on a number of shoes and ended up walking away with a pair of Asics GT-2000 13 Shoes ($140) in a 7 wide, because apparently you often need to size up.
I also went to my local New Balance store, which was a much more boutique and elevated experience, and they also have a version of the foot scanner there too, but not the walking pad. While they didn’t have the shoe I’d wanted to try—the Minimus TR v2 ($120), which is meant to feel more like a barefoot shoe, which I like more than the giant pillow clouds that are in style—they did have a pair of the 990v6 Sneakers ($200), which are part of the Made in USA collection, and come in standard, wide, and x-wide. I got a 7D (that’s wide) and while they are technically a “lifestyle” shoe, I’d like to remind you these sneakers are for me doing a three-mile walk in my neighborhood. I’m not training for a marathon. I also tried, and very much liked, the New Balance 2000R v1 Shoes ($145), which are technically men’s, but billed as unisex. Men’s shoes are fundamentally wider than women’s shoes, so the 5.5 fit me really well. Again, a lifestyle shoe, not a performance, but I don’t have foot problems currently, and am not doing anything so insane in my workouts.
Next time I’m going to try some On styles, Brooks, Saucony, and maybe Mizuno too, which has a small but extremely vocal (Sali, I’m looking at you!) group of supporters in my DMs. As always, if you have a suggestion of a shoe that looks more old-school and vintage (like this one) and less puffy futuristic, I’m all ears.
On a side note: My beloved Reformation is having a surprise sale! It’s mostly in-season pieces (which rarely go on sale in season, obvi) and most stuff is returnable (also unusual). Definitely worth checking out! I spied some of the cute bags I wrote about last week are in the sale, so go check it out now!
SAKS SALE
I didn’t realize what a good sale Saks was having until the other day, and honestly I think it’s worth spending some time perusing. There are almost 30,000 items currently on sale across fashion, accessories, kids, home, jewelry, handbags, and accessories. What do I think is worth your time?
Gianvito Rossi Gaeta 45 Suede Sandals ($537 on sale 40% off)
No excuses, no regrets, I’m buying these perfect, elegant—yes of course they’re leopard—sandals. Friends with normal to wider feet: Gianvito Rossi is one of the more accommodating brands and work really well for my feet.
Valentino Rockstud Bucket Bag ($1170 on sale 40% off)
As someone who is admittedly weary of the insane pricing on bags these days, this classic bucket bag feels like a good investment. I personally will always love a pyramid stud, I think they’re classic, and I like that you can remove the shoulder strap to give the bag versatility. Not for you? Well there are almost 50 other Valentino bags on sale, most of which are 50% off, so I’m guessing you’ll find something you like.
Burberry Double-Breasted Belted Trench Coat ($1794 on sale 40% off)
As someone who has owned a couple of Burberry trenches for the better part of two decades, trust me when I say that I’m always on alert for a good Burberry sale because it doesn't happen often. This trench comes in the beige flax color or black, and is a buy it once/wear it forever piece. I’m also equally enamoured with the Long Cotton Trench Coat ($1734 on sale), which comes in a dark olive green that you know I find hard to resist.
Cult Gaia Tallulah Acrylic & Glass Wristlet ($261.45 on sale 47% off)
This one might seem odd at first glance, but hear me out. One of the best things to buy on sale is an evening bag. Evening bags last forever, you invariably need one, and when you need one they’re never on sale and always annoyingly expensive. Hence my recommendation of this unusual and interesting option from Cult Gaia. Also worth noting: While black is on sale, the pearl version would also make a really good choice for a bride. Just saying…
Nili Lotan Shon Pants ($225 on sale 40% off)
If you’ve ever wanted to try the Nili Lotan Shon Pants ($375) that I love so much, but were looking for a deal, I’m shocked to see that there is one colorway on sale right now at Saks. The Shon Pants ($225) in rust are excellent, and I think this is a great transitional color that will look great all summer long and then is perfectly excellent for fall and winter. Size down.
(On the flip side, I’m also here to inform you that the brand finally listened to the inside of my brain, and recently released a leopard-print version of Shon Pants ($475), and they are devastatingly good.)
Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me @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.
You must look at Altra running shoes. Great athletic shoes for feet that need extra special support.
I live right by Nili and was SHOOK to see the leopard colorway the other day- they are fab!!