You may have noticed that our regular deals editor, Sam Daly, has been on vacation this week, so I’m on deals duty, and it feels good to brush the cobwebs off my sales-hunting abilities, honed over the last six years of working at the Strategist. And one thing I know is that early summer is a bit of a weird time for sales. There’s always a lull after the blowout of Memorial Day discounts — but that doesn’t mean there’s a total drought. We’re catching the last days of some good Father’s Day sales (which is this Sunday, June 19, in case you need a reminder), and a few other brands are getting a head start on Fourth of July sales.
The result is a fair number of deals on things that’ll add a bit of oomph to your summer plans, like casual dresses, essentials for outdoor entertaining (including a bug repeller and a must-have margarita-maker), and weekend bags for both over- and underpackers. If that still isn’t enough, sign up for our email newsletter to get five more deals, picked just for our subscribers.
Just yesterday, one of my co-workers sent me a DM asking where we’re buying casual summer dresses. My answer is J.Crew, and right now, you can take an extra 50 percent off already-on-sale styles — including this gauzy popover dress.
I recently bought the black version of this dress for a rehearsal dinner and received loads of compliments, so I’m considering getting it in this brighter coral-y color, especially with this deep discount. The dress itself is well constructed, with thick, adjustable straps, and it was easy to dress up even though I just threw it on.
If you’re looking for something a little more cottagecore, I found this peasant-y maxi dress at Urban Outfitters.
I also like these preppy chinos that look more Brooks Brothers than Urban Outfitters (and aren’t too low-rise).
Never have I ever been so charmed by an implement for cleaning your bathroom.
If you need something with a bit more cleaning power than a toilet brush, here’s a discounted Dyson V10. It’s not the newest model, but it’s still incredibly powerful with up to 60 minutes of run time.
Jeremy Rellosa, our writer who covers outdoor gear, never goes into the backcountry without a LifeStraw water bottle with a built-in filter that traps bacteria, dirt, and microplastics — basically all of the nasty stuff you don’t want in drinking water.
One of our top-selling Father’s Day gifts (that happens to be Tom Colicchio’s favorite meat thermometer) is still on sale.
This countertop ice-maker can make ice about as quickly as you’ll use it — 26 pounds of cubes in 24 hours — making it a must-have for summer entertaining.
For a party trick that’ll really impress your guests, consider splurging on this deeply discounted margarita-maker from the king of Parrotheads himself.
Those frozen margaritas will taste even better from these vintage-looking glasses that I found in West Elm’s clearance section.
If your weekend plans are closer to the bed-rotting end of the spectrum, you might also be the type of person to enjoy this bath caddy.
For just a hint of linen on your bed.
With Summer Fridays in full effect, and long weekend trips hitting their peak, you might’ve realized it’s time to upgrade your weekend bag. Fortunately, Lo & Sons is having a sale through this weekend on some of its best styles — including our pick for the best weekender for light packers.
If you’re more of an overpacker, this Catalina Deluxe weekender is probably a good choice. It has a larger capacity than the OG (40 liters, as compared to 25), and it has a separate compartment for your shoes.
Here’s a classic Adidas silhouette for him in a less-obvious burgundy.
This portable mosquito repeller is “a bit more involved than your other mosquito repellents,” according to Sierra Tishgart, founder of Great Jones and a chronic mosquito victim. But it’s completely odor-free and has a 15-foot protection zone, so it’s worth the extra effort.
There’s a bunch of these “seasoning” bundles on sale at Click & Grow, but I’m partial to this combination of thyme, curly parsley, and coriander.
The best sale of the weekend is Tatcha’s Friends and Family sale, with a 20 percent discount across its site. It’s the best time to try out some of the brand’s cult-y (and often pricey) products, like this essence that our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton says offers “amazing plumping, softening, and hydrating effects.”
Rio also says that this is the skin mist to try. It’s so dewy that “on rushed, no-makeup mornings, I sometimes use this as the only step in my routine.” (Leave it in the fridge and spritz your face throughout the day for a nice cooling sensation, too.)
I’ve been using this cleansing oil for over a decade, and it reliably takes off all my makeup in one easy swipe and leaves my skin feeling fresh and moisturized, never tight.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
