I’m getting right into the good stuff today because I have two newsletters for you next week (saving you a ton of cash on the good stuff), so we’re getting into popular requests.
And don’t worry—I’ll do a whole lineup for Prime Day shopping (what’s worth it and what you should pass on) in time for the big event.
I know I’ve covered laundry whitening and brightening at length in the past (will recap briefly below), but I got a question from someone about their fabrics never rinsing well. And there are two main culprits I expect.
First, the machine itself may need a good cleaning. This is a five-minute project (tops!).
Empty/rinse the machine trap drawer (every 2 weeks, takes just a couple of minutes). These little drawers overfill and trap all sorts of junk faster than most people realize, and when they do, they tend to push gunk back into the main basin.
You may have hard water. More people have hard water than they realize, and mineral build-up leaves fabrics feeling stiff and unclean while also fading colors quicker than ever. If your black tees turn to a sort of fuzzy gray-black after a few washes, this is likely one of the issues.
Get an entire house water softener (expensive, a few thousand dollars and requires experts to install)
or
Switch detergents (and use a bit less than you think you need).
This ‘Hard Rock’ detergent that is unscented. It’s difficult to find unscented options in the mineral-fighting detergent space, and this one ticks all the right boxes. Built and designed specifically for hard water with the most intense anti-binding agents. Rinses clear and clean!
This specific Tide powder. Higher alkalinity than other detergents on the market, lots of anti-binding agents and added enzymes. Widely available at bulk retailers like Sam’s Club as well!
Charlie’s for sensitive skin. Less anti-binding agents than the first two, but a good choice for those with sensitive skin thanks to a clean-rinsing, low-residue formula.
Another good thing to have on hand:
Washing machine cleaning tabs (under $2 each). Once a month is enough to remove buildup, stinky smells, residues, etc.
Not related to laundry, just the other goodies you know I love to share!
This denim midi dress by Spanx creates a seriously smooth silhouette and is absurdly comfortable to wear. Currently on major sale and with lots of sizes left. I’m wearing it here. And I’ll probably wear it another 900 times this summer so be polite if you see me in it repeatedly. IT’S A NEAR PERFECT OPTION FOR THE ALAIA DRESS (and that one is about $2k).
A close friend of mine turned me onto this Dedcool perfume that smells like a very sexy pile of fresh laundry. I don’t wear it every single day, but I do like the occasional spritz and OMG it’s delightful. Every time I wear it people stop me to ask what I’m wearing. FYI, they also sell it at Sephora but it’s WAY more expensive there.
ELF Lip Stain sets are about $11/free shipping right now. Great, neutral shades and under $3 per stain! Very similar to Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil (those are $20ish each).
Cotton swab 500-packs are under $2.50/free shipping right now. Early Prime Day stuff and limited quantities. I guess a replacement option for Q-tip, but who even cares? Just useful and on sale and everyone can use ‘em.
This balm cleanser is $32 for a large size container and exceeds the very similar Elemis Cleansing balm ($72) everyone loves thanks to added algae-based additives that support skin health and turnover rather than just removing makeup with simple oils. There are a few other goodies from this brand, but more on that at another point.
I made a whole video about Trader Joe’s beauty dhoopes that may serve as a sort of cheapie bible. And a part 2 with even more dhoopes!
I am unsure of how this came to be, but apparently everyone in NYC is wearing these absurdly-priced sweatshirts right now. They’re expensive, but damn, they’re soft. I don’t have a dhoop, just letting you know what the girls are doing for the sake of journalism.
Little Green Machine cleaners are under $80 right now. Free shipping.
Take 32% off Redken but only for today/tomorrow. This includes the curls line, anti-frizz lines, lengthening/growth promoting and more.
If you didn’t see my newsletter/video about the shoes I can easily do over 20k steps a day in, it’s time to remind you of these 100% leather loafers that look much more expensive than they are… and these hands-free Kiziks that require no tying or bending down. I’ve done 40k step days in these as recently as last week.
The luxury bed toppers I mentioned in newsletter #35 are in demand again! This Waldorf Astoria topper dhupe is under $80/free shipping and this down topper is a very close match to the Carlyle/Rosewood property ones (but at $160/free shipping).
Rankings of the best mattresses by type, price point, etc. from newsletter #48. Please don’t buy junky foam or overpriced innersprings!
Here’s how you’re going to get super cheap tretinoin (click here) and then watch this explainer video.
This Lands End Supima cotton towel bundle was my favorite overall value from newsletter #42 and is currently on sale under $85. Features 650 GSM, several pieces per set, loads of color options and excellent customer service/returns. And you can monogram!
If you’re new here and missed my Aritzia/Old Navy and The Row/Eileen Fisher/Jenni Kayne/Quince pipeline content from a couple weeks ago, let me just put you on the tell you about the Reformation connection as well! Last week’s Doen dhupes newsletter is also a good resource.
I keep newsletters open and free for the first month they’re published, but after about 4.5 weeks, they end up in the paid-access-only archives (this prevents bots and copycats from stealing my work, which, yes—has become a bit of an issue… bleh).
And because I know so many of you have been so generous, I give a bit of extra access from time to time with bonus content.
It would mean the world to me if you hit the “restack” button, though <3
This topic has come up SO many times and the weather is finally demanding cooling options, so let’s discuss. Let’s start with the basics.
Most “cooling” mattress toppers do not actually cool you. They either help heat escape, reduce heat buildup or wick away moisture. The best ones do this passively through materials rather than gimmicks—and that has a value. They do make you feel a bit cooler throughout the night.
The most affordable options are at the end, so feel free to skip ahead if that’s what you’re looking for.
Why it’s good:
Naturally breathable with an open-cell structure
Doesn’t trap heat like memory foam
Durable (often lasts 8–15 years)
Doesn’t develop deep body impressions easily
Best for:
Hot sleepers
Combination sleepers
People who want pressure relief without the “stuck” feeling
I like Talalay better than Dunlop for cooling and temperature regulation, so please keep that in mind if you’re looking in stores at latex options. If you missed my mattress newsletter that explained the types of latex foams and why they’re good, here’s a refresher.
This GOLS-certified organic talalay latex topper (under $200/queen) or this Adagio topper ($549/queen) which is honestly GREAT but may just be worth it to invest in a new mattress if you’re spending that much. My overall choice for a temperature-regulating mattress is this Helix model
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