Summer Sale Edit: what's actually in my cart

Finally in a shoppy mood — good thing there's plenty of good stuff to get into.

May 23, 2025

I’ve been a bit apathetic about shopping lately, but after swapping out my closet for warmer weather, It’s quickly become obvious that I’m missing a few key styling items. It’s funny to peer at your clothes with a fresh set of eyes and wonder “why is it that my only tops are button-downs and ribbed tanks?” Since this weekend kicks off a whole slew of sales, I’ve finally been taking the time to cherry-pick a few new things to add into the mix. In fact, dare I say I’m feeling shoppy??!

First a few rules for sale shopping:

I go in with a plan — there are already a few holes in my current lineup that I’m trying to fill, so that’s where I’m putting my energy (ie. cute work tops that aren’t button-downs, dressy but walkable shoes)
I also think about what I have coming up — I’m going camping later this summer, hence the outdoor gear included on the list. Since I don’t have any weddings this summer, I’m less worried about wedding guest dresses, but I still always have that as a backup reason I may need something new and fancy to wear.
I try to ignore the discount and think of the sale price in terms of real dollars — yes, its 50% off, but would I normally pay $1000 for a skirt? Probably not. Skip!
Don’t buy anything final sale that I’m on the fence about.
If I’m torn, save it, sleep on it, and buy it if it’s still on my mind the next day.

Now, the good stuff…

Alex Mill

Albertina cardigan (70% off, $50) A lightly nautical summer cardi for throwing over the shoulders or wearing to the movies where it’s always like entering an ice cave.

Flamingo Estate (use BATHHOUSE15 for discount)

Tomato hand soap ($48) I’ve gotten my entire family addicted to Flamingo Estate products and so I’m stocking up not only for my bathroom, but for upcoming gifts too.

GAP

Apron-Neck Tank (50% off, $14) A little tank for layering and styling with long swooshy summer skirts.

Long Denim Shorts (50% off, $34) Still available in a few sizes, the ideal cool-girl relaxed fit.

J.Crew (use code Shopsale)

Hyacinth top (42% off, $47) Flowy, but not too cottagecore. Dressy, but not stuffy. The perfect summer top.

Eyelet slip skirt (41% off, $70) A delicate, sheer skirt for throwing on over a swimsuit or styling with light summery layers for a glass of wine at Rhodora.

Moda Operandi

Alemais rafaela skirt (40% off, $234) bright, playful and beachy. I’m a sucker for the side ties and the Angel’s Trumpet print (the matching top is on sale too).

Escavido mini dress (40% off, $540) A little color for summer parties. I’ll wear it with heeled flip flops.

Ben Amun cord necklace (40% off, $72) I have a thing for soft cord necklaces this summer, perhaps layered with something chunkier or my turquoise strand.

Net-A-Porter

Ayede boat shoes (40% off, $267) I’ve held out on the trend so far but I’m into this more minimalist, elevated take on the boat shoe.

Bode polo shirt (40% off, $315) A few smalls and larges left in this cute little knit piece that’s delightfully nautical.

Toteme leather ballet flat (50% off, $315) I’ve been on the hunt for a sleeker, square-toe flat - something with a hint of loafer while still skewing more minimal and these definitely do the trick.

Lauren Manoogian smocked pants (50% off, $15) The cuteset little beach pants that I also envision as my summer alternative to sweats for days when I’m working from home and want to be comfy.

REI

Janji running shorts (25% off, $50) I’ve written about these before, they’re great for summer runs and hiking, not so short that they ride up, but not so long that I worry about tan lines above the kneecap.

Smith polarized running sunglasses (25% off, $123) A great pair of no-slip running sunglasses quickly justify the cost since I end up wearing them multiple times a week for tennis, jogs, hikes etc.

Nemo reclining chair (25% off, $119) This chair is my savior for days at the park, it’s easy to set up, comfy for reading and enjoying a glass of wine in, and makes it so I don’t have to sit on the ground for hours on end. Money well spent.

Savette

Symmetry 19 (30% off, $1435) It’s still a splurge, but as someone who has admired Savette’s sleek silhouettes for years now, a 30% discount is still something I take very seriously.

Ssense

Colleen Allen victorian tank (26% off, $455) There’s just a couple left, but this top (and the matching bloomers) have been on my mind since I first saw them months ago.

Bode Dahlia tank top (44% off, $242) Lots of good Bode on sale, including a wedding dress… but I’m partial to this sweet little tank (there’s just one left).

Dunton Ellercamp earrings (44% off, $112) I’m in a silvery mood this season, and these funky little hoops are an easy addition to the lineup of cool earrings I’m curating.

Baserange vein t-shirt (10% off, $90)Made in small batches in France, Baserange is one of my favorite brands for basics, including their perfectly stretchy tees. Tons of good options on sale right now, including lots of neutrals.

Auralee maxi dress (46% off, $400) After my trip to Japan, I wish I had come home with more Auralee, so I’ve kept my eye on the brand. Plenty for sale right now, including a lot of really good trousers, but this dress feels particularly nice for summer in the park.

MNZ scrunchie (37% off, $43) I have a lot of hair and as soon as the weather gets hot I want it up and off my neck at all times.

The Real Real

Proenza Schouler tie-dye skirt (30% off, $179) Work appropriate but easy.

Miu Miu floral minidress (20% off, $364) A floral print that’s not overly girly, plus I’m loving this rich blue color.

Chanel slingback (60% off, $530) Another contender in the walkable fancy shoe category.

Tory Burch

Paisley satin skirt ($599) Another one of the dress-it-up, dress-it-down easy pieces I’m trying to build out my wardrobe with. A pop of color, but nothing crazy.

Pierced slingback heel ($279) I still love the little bit of edge that Tory’s pierced shoes add to either jeans and a tee, or something like trousers and a button down.

Veronica Beard (use MDW2025 for additional 25% off)

Faith Top ($239) I wore a lot of VB on my recent trip to Italy and really loved the fit of their pieces. I’m on the hunt for elevated shirts that aren’t a button-down, and this black tailored piece fits the bill.

Additional discount codes/info:

If you’re still feeling shoppy too, I have a few personal discount codes for you to use as well. I’m listing other sales that might be worth checking out too, and may add notes if anything good comes along.

Aurate: Aemilia20 for 20% off

Merlette: Aemilia15 for 15% off

Madewell: Longweekend for 25% off

If you end up getting anything good, let me know in the comments.