WTF Is Going On With Reformation’s Bags? + My First Linen Pants Try-On + New Summer Beauty Essentials and more...!
Good stuff inside, I promise.
Hi everyone, thanks for coming back! Or for joining us for the first time! Either way, I’m so delighted you’re here. Before we delve into today’s newsletter, a brief shoutout to those of you who follow me on IG and have been weighing in on my “athletic walking” shoe saga. (I assume that there is overlap between social and this Substack, but I’m not actually clear on that, so forgive me if this is redundant.) This whole quest started because, in addition to my beloved The Ness trampoline classes, I’ve upped my number of outdoor walks recently, and realized that it might be time for new footwear.
I asked IG for recs, was given a great deal of amazing ones, and am narrowing things down now. In the process, I’ve realized that very stacked, spaceship-looking shoes are not my thing so much, as I like to feel the ground when I walk, which is apparently not the standard preference. I’ve also learned that the fact that my big toes always break through my go-to Adidas Ultraboost Shoes ($180) might be a mechanical issue with the way I walk, specifically hyperextension of the distal phalanx. Or maybe I need to cut my toenails shorter, buy wider shoes, or buy bigger shoes, or some combination of all of the above. Who knows.
Anyway, my point is that I’m working on this story, though perhaps it’s not worth writing about, as it will be specific to my short, wide, high arch, high instep feet that like to feel the ground and prefer a low-profile, non-futuristic aesthetic, which is definitely not the •thing• in sneakers at the moment. (Apologizing in advance because despite the very strong write-in support, I don’t think I’m a Hoka girly.)
And, per your recommendations, I am planning on going to two sporty shoe specialty stores this week to get my feet analyzed. To be candid, I’m a little unsure about it because I’m not sure what degree of expertise to expect, but I’m doing it for the plot, I guess? More to come!
Bought A Bunch Of Linen Pants; These Three Are My Faves.
Moving on! Let’s talk about linen pants because ‘tis the season, baby. Hear me out: What I like in a linen pant might not be what you like in a linen pant, so let’s discuss. I am not not Team Elasticized Waist, generally speaking; (J.Crew’s Stratus Pants ($109.50) are the exception to the rule because they’re silky and the elastic waist is understated.) And this was confirmed when I tried on a slew of linen pants from Shopbop this week.
So what didn’t work for me, but still is worth considering? Madewell’s The Easy Pull-On Linen Pants ($98), which have a flat-front waistband and an elasticized back. I liked them, especially because they’re lower rise and have a flowy leg, but ultimately not for me. I also tried Le Bop Camille Pull On Pants ($148), which have a narrow elastic waist, Stateside’s Linen Wide Leg Pants ($188) which have a wider elastic waist, and Posse’s Louis Trousers ($339), which are flat front, elasticized in back, and pleated, which makes them an odd hybrid of a more formal work pant in the front and a more relaxed style in the back, which I found confusing.
One of my favorite options was also one of the least expensive—a happy note!—the Lioness La Quinta Pants ($89) which have a hook-and-eye waistband, which I always like, as it looks sleek and feels secure, a longer inseam, and a generous leg. Very lightweight and ideal for summer office days, I think, and are easy enough for the park on the weekends. I got the navy pair, but I now see they’re available (at a lower price!) in black linen, olive green, and a few other colors. Mine are a medium and feel quite relaxed on; they run big so size down if you’re after a more fitted look.
Also really liked the very high waisted Apiece Apart Bari Crop Trousers ($345), which are quite cropped, which makes them great for showing off your shoes. They’re a heavier cotton and linen blend, which makes them feel a bit more substantial, in a nice way, and the front pleats are cool.
Finally, I’m going against all of my standard preferences and recommended Posse’s Ducky Pants ($270), which have a really fun, exaggerated, extremely comfortable paper-bag waist, that’s super stretchy and accommodating, which makes these the dream pant for a long dinner or a summer picnic. While I don’t love an elasticized waist, the exaggerated paper-bag silhouette is fab, and they also have a hook-and-eye waist closure, which again makes things look neat, at least to my eye.
WTF, Reformation Bags? Why So Good RN?
As a longtime fan of all things Ref, in no small part because of the excellent work the brand’s Chief Creative Officer, Lauren Caris Cohen, is doing (and yes, I think you should hear her episode of Second Life). I wrote about the brand’s excellent tanks last week, but I also wanted to give their entire handbag line a BIG SHOUT, because I’m kind of floored by how good they are? From the charming raffia Emma Mini Bag ($268) to the perfection that is the oversized, expensive-looking leopard Sofia Tote ($498) to the divine, final-boss good Rhea Hobo Bag ($448) to the heavenly suede Small Caterina Top Handle Bag ($348), that looks like something Kirsten Dunst would have worn in the early aughts, the whole selection is dangerously rad right now. Ref, you really don’t have to be this good, but I’m so glad you are.
New Summer Beauty Essentials
I’m always testing beauty products, and I’m happy to say I have a new face wash that I’m loving for summer, but will keep using all year round. To be honest, I’m a little surprised by how much I like it, but Goop Beauty’s Daily Detox Foaming Cleanser ($38) is one of the best new products I’ve tried in ages. A little goes a long way, it lathers up delightfully, and it takes off all my sunscreen, skin tints, and even mascara really easily and without stripping my skin. Really great for when your skin looks a little dull, in particular. I’ve also recently incorporated Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme ($24) into my routine after Marie Claire’s Nikki Ogunnaike told me to try it, and I’m not surprised it’s great, as Nikki has excellent taste, but I am thrilled nevertheless. Truthfully, I feel most eye creams are irritating, but this one is just a soothing drink of bouncy moisturizer, can be worn day and night, and doesn’t pill under makeup. It’s no bleph, but I’m impressed by the calm hydration it’s giving my tired eye area. And finally, I’m fine reapplying sunscreen on beach or pool days, but am less good about it in every other setting. If that sounds familiar, a gentle nudge that my beloved Supergoop makes a fuss-free (Re)Setting Mineral Powder ($35) that I have in translucent and love. It never breaks me out, keeps you from looking greasy, and gives you some sun protection. I’m not sure I’m supposed to do this, but I also use it on my part, almost like dry shampoo, and that works nicely too.
Oh wait, one more thing too. After mentioning that I’m liking Milk’s new skin tint last week, a number of you told me to try Ciele’s Tint & Protect Serum Foundation +SPF 50 ($44), which I have. I will be honest, the two are extremely different, which isn’t bad, but I somehow thought there would be more of a correlation. The Ciele is technically medium coverage, but it feels like medium-plus for me, as I’m not much of a complexion product person. That said, it’s stunning; I got shade 04 Light Medium, and I’m really impressed by the texture, blending capabilities, and the way it goes from a serum into a really natural finish foundation. I don’t love a dropper/wand, personally, but I like the sun protection and lack of smell, plus the product itself is really gorgeous. Next up trying Merit’s new Tinted Sunscreen ($38), and Tower 28’s version, which isn’t new, but new to me! Let me know if there’s anything else you think I should try.
Another Great (pun intended) Tank
You know that I’m Team The Great forever and ever, as they make the world’s best t-shirts, in my humble opinion. Everything I’ve ever purchased from their line lasts forever because it’s so well made and high quality, so it’s probably no surprise that I love their newest tank top, The Baby Rib Tank ($95). Is it a lot for a tank top? Absolutely. But it’s perfect. I wore it with my go-to undergarment—Top Secret’s Prop Top Bralette ($44), in black/medium, which is my ride-or-die bralette that I discovered when I was pregnant and is still my primary bra—and the straps hide the bralette perfectly. The neckline is also dreamy; low enough that you don’t feel like a prude, but high enough that you can wear it to lunch. It’s made in LA, 100% cotton, and is snug without feeling aggressive. I can already tell this will be the tank I sleep in, and then wear with flowy linen pants and sandals all summer long. Mine is black/medium, of course.
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 like Brooks for walking. Have tried Hoka’s and OC and agree with you I like to feel the ground. Buy a half size larger than usual. The “Ghost” are on sale at Zappos and come in 1 day.
As an Elder Millennial I would just like to say that I would totally welcome the sneaker story because as much as I think Hoka’s a cute on others I just can’t rock them personally (gives me flashbacks of early 00’s skater sneakers haha).