Hi everyone, and welcome back. As always, I’m so glad you’re here. Before we jump into today’s story, I have a favor to ask about bachelorette parties, of all things. One of my besties recently became affianced and thrillingly asked me to be her right-hand woman and lead the festivities. (For the record, I would like to remove maid or matron of honor from the lexicon and update it with Best Woman or Best Person. If you have a better idea, I’m all ears.)
I will be honest: It has been a minute since I planned a group trip where I wasn’t making 90%-100% of the decisions, let alone one that accommodates a range of budgets, activities levels, interests, food preferences, and more. I feel extremely up for the challenge, and want it to be spectacular, as I’m hyper competitive and want to shower the bride-to-be with all the joy in the world, but if you have any thoughts on planning, tracking, and/or organizing a group trip, please leave me a comment with your suggestions. I feel like there must be some sort of app for these occasions, no? Also, I didn’t have a bachelorette party, so if there was something you did that was particularly meaningful (or awful!), I’d love to know that too. One last thing: If you have merch ideas or vendors, please share!
(And yes, I have already been working on my speech—which I have not technically been asked to give—and it’s so good I made myself cry.)
The Perfect Year-Round Casual Jacket: Alex Mill Painter Jacket ($250)
If you’ve been low-grade smitten with the blue The Row jacket that Harry Styles has been wearing for the last year and a half, and wondering if you need a similar piece—inspired by a French chore jacket that was first popularized in the 1800s—I’m here to say: Yes, yes you do.
If your name is Jeffrey Bezos (ew), you could buy one of The Row options on eBay at considerable prices, but I think this is a perfectly acceptable time to go for a dupe. After all, the original is technically a designer dupe that’s based on a workwear classic, right?
The iteration that I’m quite thrilled about is from the brilliant brand Alex Mill, and honestly it’s truly exactly what I wanted. Made from a sturdy, soft cotton and with an oversized cut, it’s the perfect shape to wear whilst traveling (plenty of pockets make it ideal for the plane), on dog walks, styled casually with slouchy linen soft pants, or even dressed up. Harry sometimes wears his with slutty shorts, which I think would look peachy, too. I have a medium, which honestly feels a little too big, so would recommend sizing down, unless you like a really oversized fit.
Workout Clothes I Don’t Hate:
Rhone Revive Sports Bra ($48) + Vuroi Elevation Racerback Sports Bra ($68) + SYS ButterFlow All Day Bra ($68) + SYS ButterFlow High Rise Legging 23” ($68 on sale now from $98))
As someone who despises shopping for workout clothes, I have been challenged, as of late. My go-to workout pants are disintegrating and covered in weird bleach stains (my fault), and I can’t replace them because I’m no longer shopping the site where they’re from, and my reliable Target sports bra that was cheap and good enough has been discontinued. Sigh.
And while I still like my Free People Movement square-neck sports bras, my preferred style is a racerback that doesn’t have zips or hooks and is sturdy enough for my trampoline shenanigans. So a whim, I bought a couple of styles from Nordstrom, and lo and behold I actually love them both. My go-to is the one from Rhone, which feels very moisture wicking and fancy, but the Vuori one has a sporty higher neck that I also really like and is a softer knit that feels less synthetic (it’s not).
I also recently tried a newer-to-me brand called Stretch Your Story, which is a workout gear that was created by top South Korean athleisure brand, Andar, for the US market. Friends, the fabric is phenomenal, and I’m thrilled about the workout pants in particular, which are extremely flattering, a phrase I hate but is apt, and feels quite expensive. They are one of the best fancy workout pants I think I’ve ever tried, which is saying something. I love the ButterFlow High Rise Legging 23” ($68), as they have a wide waistband that compresses you nicely without making you feel squished. Also, they make these leggings in a handful of colors, two different inseams, and they also come in an Asia fit. Totally worth it, especially on sale, as they are now. As always, I take a medium in everything, which is standard for me.
Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale
Took a quick spin through Nordy’s sale and here’s what I think is worth it: Jimmy Choo’s Romy 85 Suede Pumps ($477, now 40% off) are excellent, timeless heels in a great dark navy, which is very hard to find! AGOLDE’s 90s Pinch Waist Straight Leg Jeans ($166; 30% off) is the dark, clean wash that will work for the office and for date night. Celine’s Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses ($368; now 33% off) are universally flattering and in the best red. Perfect pop of color for every summer to come forever. Staub’s 11-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Traditional Skillet ($179; 33% off) is the pan I use the most in my kitchen. It’s truly a dream piece and cleans so easily. Also available in a cheerful yellow and they have a ton of other great pieces on sale, too like this little tomato dish! Also, the Toteme Medium Day Suede Tote ($1155; 30% off) is just a perfect simple suede bag.
Father’s Day Gifts
For this year’s Father’s Day roundup, I took both the lazy and smart route and asked my husband to make us a list. In addition to having the coolest job—he’s a music supervisor for film and TV, and has worked on some of my favorites projects of all time, including Girls and currently Nobody Wants This—he has really amazing taste. Truly. So with no further ado, here are 10 great gifts for guys, brought to you by the one and only Jonathan Leahy.
Malbon Cart Bag ($448)
If you’ve got a golfer in your life, you’ve got someone who’s interested in Malbon. They make tons of great apparel but maybe my favorite thing in the lineup right now is this classic, super premium bag. Tough choice between the green and black colorways, but it’s a can’t-miss either way.
NN.07 Black Linen Aden Straight Leg Chino Pant ($250)
My new favorite and most versatile pants. Fit is great, and the fabric is comfortable and luxurious. Wear them with loafers, wear them with sneakers, wear them in the recording studio, wear them on the golf course. Pictures online don’t do them justice, these are killer.
Telepathic Orchid ORC-1 Synthesizer ($649)
I love how modern tools are making it more and more fun to pursue music creation as a hobby, as a joyful thing you can do with your spare time. One of the coolest new instruments to come along is the Orchid ORC-1 which was designed in part by Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, which makes it fun and inspiring for anyone to sit down and create music from scratch.
Todd Snyder Silk-Cotten Ribbed Sweater Polo ($248)
Take your pick with this brand, you can’t miss. If there’s one person who I trust with expert advice (aside from AHEM my wife) it’s Derek Guy, who co-signs in a big way here. For me a regular pique polo is kinda boring, but Todd Snyder has a ton of great knits that make things way more interesting, like this option.
HK Note: I started buying this brand after interviewing stylists Wendi Ferreira and Nicole DeJulio for the Who What Wear podcast. They dress the likes of Jacob Elordi, Chris Pine, and Seth Rogan, so I figured they would know, and I was right. Todd Snyder makes great stuff for guys.
Socks Upgrade: ROTOTO + Anonymous ($30)
I’m in the old-man phase where I care about socks. When I open that drawer I want to be faced with a bunch of high quality, great-looking options. These two Japanese brands are my favorites right now, tons of styles and colors to choose from.
Garrett Wade Japanese Set of 4 Saws ($154)
If your favorite woodworker hasn’t tried a Japanese style hand saw, this affordable 4-piece set makes it easy to give it a try. Super satisfying workshop upgrade.
Moscot Glasses
I went to the Masters golf tournament this year and wore my prescription Lemtosh frames with clip-on sunglass shades, and everyone wanted to know what they were and where I got them. Moscot is an old American company with great history behind it, making tons of options I love– but probably my favorite frame right now is the Dahven ($340).
HK NOTE: Jamie Haller Men’s Loafers ($725)
Jonathan wasn’t going to put this one in because he acknowledges that they’re spendy, but we both agree that these are incredibly lovely, admittedly splurgy shoes. They’re handmade in Italy, the Sacchetto construction fits the foot like a glove, and they feel incredible on. Jon says to take your regular size.
WATCHES
Casio GA2100-1A1 Watch ($110)
Sometimes called a “Casiok” because of its resemblance to the classic Audemars Piguet design, this all-black version is a super clean, super tough timepiece that could go on any wrist.
Timex Automatic E Line Reissue Watch ($299)
Miyota 8215 mechanical movement, 80s budget-luxe style, fun nostalgia trip even for guys with much more expensive watches on the nightstand.
Seiko Prospex SPB317 Watch ($900)
Aesthetics won’t be for everyone– but if your guy aspires to look like Martin Sheen in the 70s, or has strong feelings about the Toyota SR5 Xtra Cab pickups from 40 years ago… this might be the one.
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.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.