You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
This week, I’ve been all-in on early Prime Day deals, which are really starting to ramp up now that we’re just mere days away (it’s next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16 to 17). My fellow writers have also been rounding up the best early deals on tech, sleep gear, and kids’ stuff, and Dominique Pariso has found lots of early deals under $50. The deals are (finally) actually quite good, so I’ve included some of the best ones below.
Meanwhile, Target’s Circle Week sale began earlier this week, and it’s not bad! Some highlights: cute-and-inexpensive bedding, AirPods, and the now-even-cheaper “perfect summer shirtdress,” according to writer Diksha Basu. It ends on Saturday, though, so take a look soon. And fashion writer Ambar Pardilla rustled up some under-$35 deals from Everlane’s somewhat extreme sale. (Is everything okay, Everlane?)
Some other sales of note: Madewell’s End of Season sale is somehow still going (it started almost two weeks ago), and there’s plenty of stuff still in stock, including our newly crowned best-in-class jean jacket. Skims is also having a rare-ish sale on some basics that’ll get you through this heatwave. (I really want to get the shorts.)
And as always, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter for even more sales coverage — including extra deals each Friday hand-selected by yours truly.
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle - 32 Ounces
This dorm-room staple is on sale in a handful of colors, though the cherry-red shade is the biggest discount.
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag - Cocoa
Baggu’s now-ubiquitous Crescent crossbody bag is on sale at Shopbop in two nice neutrals that will transition easily to fall: Cocoa (pictured here) and Seaweed.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Kit - 20 Treatments
I was extremely surprised to see these best-selling teeth-whitening strips on sale at Prime Day–level prices — several days before Prime Day.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
This is the cheapest price I’ve seen in a while on our best lengthening mascara (that also moisturizes lashes).
RMS SuperNatural Radiance Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
All RMS Beauty products are 20 percent off at Nordstrom. I was especially excited to see this mineral-based sunscreens that Strategist contributor Mbiye Kasonga said leaves her skin dewy and radiant.
RMS Beauty Luminizer
I like RMS’s highlighter-like Luminizer, which gives you a lit-from-within glow without being too glittery.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
All IT Cosmetics products are 20 percent off at Nordstrom, too. We like this under-eye concealer that one makeup artist says is a great buildable option for mature skin.
Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand
The Solawave, which writer Diksha Basu says is responsible for giving her better skin than she had in her 20s, is $50 off right now. “My face glows and my eyes look much less tired than they feel,” she wrote in her ode.
Volo Beauty Hero Microfiber Hair Towel
According to Strategist writer Dominique Pariso, those with very thick or long hair should pick up Volo’s microfiber hair towel, which is designed to absorb ten times its weight in water.
Port and Polish Pillbox
Our best-overall pill organizer is 20 percent off in gray (which I own!), mint, blush, and limited-edition lavender.
Boll & Branch Signature Vintage Washed Sheet Set - Queen
Boll & Branch, who makes some of our our favorite sheets, is offering 20 percent off orders over $275 with code SUMMER24. Our home writer Lauren Ro tested out this long-staple organic-cotton sateen set and reports that they feel “incredibly soft and lived-in” and have a “slight crispness that’s very appealing.”
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
If you’re not in the market for new sheets but do want an extra-restful snooze, I love this pillow mist. It’s formulated from a blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetiver essential oils.
Slip Contour Sleep Mask - Rose
A silky sleep mask that won’t disrupt your eyelash extensions.
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Tri-Stripe Plaid Wipeable Rectangular Tablecloth
Target’s Circle Week sale ends on Saturday night, so don’t dillydally. I found tons of discounted cute décor from Magnolia, like this summery tablecloth. (I’ve rarely seen Magnolia go on sale lately!)
East Fork Breakfast Bowl - Seconds - 4-Pack
Nearly all my dishware is from East Fork, and I purchased nearly all of it during one of the brand’s “seconds” sales. There are quite a lot of options in stock right now (mostly in recent seasonal colors). I love the little breakfast bowls, which I use for yogurt and snacks.
Quiet Town The Orient Sun Shower Curtain
Quiet Town’s Sun Shower curtain is “the rare vinyl shower curtain that looks good enough to use on its own,” according to writer Erin Schwartz, who awarded it the No. 1 spot in our best-in-class shower curtains guide. This dual-tone version is just $34 right now, which is the cheapest I’ve ever seen it.
Baina Martha Organic Cotton Bath Mat
Pair your brand-new curtain with this equally stylish bath mat from Baina.
Zara Striped Pet Topper
Love this striped pet cushion from Zara’s (surprisingly good) home section.
Everlane the Supima Short-Sleeve Poplin Shirt
The sale going on at Everlane right now is a bit crazy (in a good way). This nice-looking button-up is over 70 percent off.
Skims Raw Edge Cami Bodysuit
Skims doesn’t have sales too often, so run, don’t walk, to get its Strategist-approved shapewear and loungewear. This square-neck, low-back bodysuit comes in three colors and is still in stock in sizes medium through 4XL.
Skims Signature Swim Plunge Bikini Top
A bikini top that would look good under a button-up.
Skims Boyfriend Loose Boxer
My PJ drawer is haranguing me to buy these boxer shorts.
Skims Fits Everybody Assorted Boyshorts - 5-Pack
Nordstrom also has some Skims stuff on sale, like this cute boyshort set.
Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Cinch Waist Maxi Shirtdress
Diksha Basu tipped us off to the wonders of this no-fuss, delightfully soft Target shirtdress — and it’s already earned a spot in the Strategist 100.
Banana Republic Factory Poplin Mini Dress
I love the single-button detail on this mini dress that New York deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff tipped me off to yesterday.
$100 at Banana Republic Factory
Toast Tiered Asawa Check Linen Dress
She also told me about the excellent sale going on at Toast, and I want this gingham dress right now.
Toast Clara Wide Brim Straw Hat
For the truly sun-averse.
J.Crew Embroidered Tank Top in Linen
Also considering this embroidered linen tank that fashion Ambar Pardilla found in J.Crew’s sale section. It has “I’m vacationing in Portugal” vibes for just $33.
Madewell Button-Front Denim Jacket
Madewell’s “end of season” sale is still going — and good. Already-discounted products are an extra 30 percent off with code COOLDOWN through Monday. Junior writer Brenley Goertzen noticed this slightly cropped jean jacket from her brand-new best-in-class guide is over 40 percent off.
Marni Market Mini Stripe Crossbody Bag
Zhuzh up any ho-hum outfit with this snazzy purse from Marni, which is a whopping 50 percent off.
Crocs Unisex Bistro Work Clog
These ultra-comfy Crocs — originally recommended to us by Chloe Coscarelli, founder of the restaurant chain By Chloe — are half off in white at Walmart. If you want classic black, they’re $40 and available in men’s size 9 and up at DWS.
Vans Classic Slip-On Pastel Mono Shoe
More slip-ons: monochromatic Vans for just $40.
Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Cotton Twill Ball Cap - Baby
There’s nothing cuter than a periwinkle-blue ball cap embroidered with the Polo bear.
Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This Atsuko Okatsuka-approved humidifier — which is on sale in neon green and bright orange — would look cute in a kids’ room.
Crane Air Penguin 1-Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier
This penguin-shaped version makes a very compelling argument, too.
Ergobaby Omni 360
Our best overall baby carrier — which at least two Strategist staffers own and love for its versatility, comfort, and durability — is over 30 percent off.
Tucker + Tate Kids’ Pull-On Jersey Shorts
Comfy lounge shorts for kids that you’ll want to buy in multiples. (Good news on that front: They come in eight colors.)
Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack
I know it’s early July, but we’re already starting to see back-to-school sales. Backpacks are your best bet right now, like this one from Under Armour that works for school or as a gym bag.
Shark MessMaster Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re on the hunt for a vacuum that can tackle mega-size messes, this is for you. “Its built-in attachment storage and the fact that you can line the interior dust can with bags you already have at home make this vacuum a solid tool for heavy-duty cleaning,” writes Strategist contributor Amelia Mularz.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
