Sunday Scoop - Retail News, Polka Dots and Beauty Trends
Summer Fridays gets a significant investment, a breakdown on why polka dots are trending and more fashion & beauty news plus items I've been testing.
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Retail News to Know
I’ve been waiting to see if Summer Fridays get acquired, but their next step ended up being a “strategic growth investment” from TSG Consumer Partners. The brand is expected to do $200M in revenue this year up from $150M LY. This investment allows Co-Founders Hewitt and Ireland to take some cash off the table and the focus for going forward is continued global expansion, growth in the skincare category and investing in the team and potentially adding to the headcount. (I absolutely LOVE this product. It has really changed the area around my eyes. Smoother and softer. The first eye serum that has really made any impact for me.) More details on the investment from WWD here.
I do not think this will play out well. Downtown San Francisco’s Saks Fifth Avenue is going to appointment only. (thank you to reader
for directing me to this news.) SF has really struggled with theft and to manage the high theft and decrease staffing hours, they are changing to appointment only shopping on August 28th. What will be important here - personal shoppers and sales associates building relationships and getting their best customers in to shop. Since window shopping and strolling in will no longer work, partnering with hotel concierges to send in tourists, events for local offices and executives and hosting events for VIPs will possibly help to drive more personal shopping and bigger purchases. I’m curious how much of choosing not to close but to switch to appointment is based on a real estate contract/commitment. Macy’s is still planning to vacate downtown SF but Mayor London Breed is working hard to change this decision.Is under consumption on your radar as a trend? I see it as a backlash from being influenced by so much and also sustainability. But at the same time it feels like influencing to other items (ex. try this for simple skincare.) Curious, what do you think?
Teen beauty trends are nothing new - The NY Times published a fun look back at the tween and teen trends from the 1940s to today (gift link to read behind paywall.) Think Aqua Net, Lip Smackers, Caboodles (!!), Home Perms and more.
What was your favorite teen beauty trend? Would you rock it again now?
Pop culture, but also relevant in retail, NY Times states “You Can’t Escape This Color” (gift link to read behind paywall) and if you are online at all you already know it is “brat green.” I like to point out that
first called this color slime green and talked about the trend in February 2024! I think this color will continue to trend later this summer, be around with the election cycle now that it is also being attached to Kamala Harris’ campaign, and I think it will help forest green/army green trend in the Fall.
Spotted in style - the Polka Dot Trend
First, why are polka dots trending?
Mood boosting - this is a fun trend that makes us smile.
Easy to understand - just like we love stripes, polka dots sit well with the classic stripe, have a bit of nostalgia from when they’ve been in trend before too.
Super versatile - from playful (and colorful) to black and white or navy and cream classic.
Pop culture and celebrity moments - I can immediately think of those moments with Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and Princess Diana at the Royal Ascot. More recently we’ve seen Kate Middleton (perhaps inspired by Princess Diana) mini Princess Charlotte getting in on the trend and Margot Robbie most recently at Wimbeldon after announcing her pregnancy.
Spring & Summer trend - great print to wear to tennis matches and polo matches which are often happening during this time of year.
Connect the Dots: A polka dot edit
A couple of great work or event options: Zimmermann Midi Dress, La Ligne’s silky shirt dress, Rixo’s shirt dress and this Veronica Beard beautiful red shirt dress in lightweight stretch silk.
Rixo has two other dress options I absolutely love! This dress would be great for an event, and I personally don’t wear leopard print but OMG, this dress might make me! I love the silhouette and the cut of the mismatched prints is so cool and fit together despite the mismatching. As someone who is petite, I love that they offer petite sizes too.
This skirt looks great with a white t-shirt or layer with a navy sweater for later in the year.
For more of a party look I would go with these for day time: Self-Portrait (it has pockets! and removable spaghetti straps. note it runs small), La Ligne slip dress, this Posse dress has a string detailed open back and this Zimmermann has major Pretty Woman feels.
Evening party looks: Doen long, Doen short and festive (with a removable capelet), this lace detail Reformation is available in petite too.
Polka dots looked great in the Maryam Nassir Zadeh x J.Crew collab. While the slip dress quickly sold out (but keep watching because I bet returns start coming back this week), the bikini is still available (for minis too) and a fun cheeky moment.
Beauty - testing, trying…and enjoying
The ultimate pair - I have been using InnBeauty Project’s Elastic Skin x Extreme Cream* combo and it is super moisturizing and calming for my skin. My face is dry in some spots and sensitive. These two products haven’t bothered me one bit and I still feel dewy in the morning. I use only at night. (PSA - on InnBeauty Project’s website right now you can get a free Power Up ($26 value)
with your purchase of $60+ through end of day Sunday 7/28/24.) Marketing wise I think it is a cool detail that the vegan snail serum, Elastic Skin, is lavender and then the bottle has an iridescent lavender shade to it and the box matches that too. Makes it super instagrammable too.
I have loved following Melanie Simon’s skincare routine - I mean her skin is unreal! She’s been featured on Into The Gloss (can we talk about how good ITG is again?? They were paused for awhile but they are SO BACK!) I also love Simon’s Violet Files content and videos. Ziip reached out so I could try the Halo* and I’m loving it as part of my skincare routine. It is so relaxing and I see results as I use. I’m using it with this gel. (Use code RETAILZIIP for 10% off. The code is valid on full-price pieces only, excluding collabs, sale, heritage, home & lifestyle.)
I ordered the Rhode lip balm and blush duo in Sleepy Girl + Salty Tan. It is the first time I tried the lip balm and it is great. I like the consistency and color. The tube felt a little smaller/thinner to me than the others I’m usually using. That was fine but just surprised me at first. The blush I like - has a nice pigmentation, goes on smooth and the color (mauve) is great for me. This shade is currently sold out but I also want to try Freckle.
YSE Beauty sent a few items for me to try, and the Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser* smells incredible! It feels like a treat every time I use it. Gets my face clean and it never feels dry when I use it. I also love the on-the-go aspect the marketing of the YSE Overachiever eye masks promote through the copy on the directions and how others are wearing on Instagram etc. I have put them on, thrown on my big sunglasses, and worn while I am on the go in the morning and they don’t slide around like other eye masks and perk me up. Both of these are items I’m really enjoying and glad I had the chance to try. (Use code SARAH-15 for 15% off)
Wearing no mascara has been a trend, but there are often times I still want to wear to make my eyes look more open. I’ve been wanting to try a brown mascara vs black that I typically wear so when Sweed reached out I took it as a great opportunity to try. The Lash Lift Mascara* has a skinny wand that puts the just the right amount of mascara on to not be overwhelming. I do like the subtle brown color too. The Sweed mascara also stays on, doesn’t smudge and washes off easily (I like this eye makeup remover** that I’ve used for years.)
Fashion Finds
Studs are my weakness. On a ballet flat or mary jane and I’m a goner.
JW Anderson Puffin Clutch is the new pigeon.
I’m starting to round-up the suede items as I think this will be an early Fall trend. This east-west tote from Métier is a great option as the lighter shade can be worn in summer and fall.
Previously I skipped the barrel leg denim trend. I was worried I was too short or it was a bit much for me. But I loved it so much on others. Let this be a lesson, try the thing that scares you a little. I tried on the Low Slung Barrel* from Frame and I love the fit. I can totally wear this and can’t wait to style. (Use code SARAH15 for 15% off non-sale + non-exclusions.)
Loving the rugby and Sports Fan items from Left on Friday.
PSA
If you are in or visiting the Bay Area, Fashioning San Francisco at the de Young Museum closes on August 11th. It is a fantastic exhibit will some incredible historical pieces. Highly recommend a visit.
The Margaux Wrap Sandal is back in stock. It comes in 6 shades (the gold is really nice) and is a great comfortable sandal. I think Margaux shoes have incredibly comfortable shoe beds and I can easily wear all day long for walking around. I also love that Margaux has sizes 3-14 and comes in medium, narrow and wide. (note a few sizes are made to order and have a longer lead time.) The Woven Mary-Jane is another Margaux flat I love.
Before it sells out, I received my recent Donni order and I am so impressed with this material. It feels even more luxe than I was expecting. The Bubble Shirt and matching Simple Crop Pants (Not at all cropped on me fyi - I’m 5ft 2 and I’ll hem these this week so I can wear ASAP. Right now they are on the floor for me and too long.) These are perfect for travel, lightweight summer pants, the top can be worn as a cover-up too, I’ll wear to WFH and I’ll wear to kids sports on the weekends. I get really excited when I find something I know I’ll wear a ton. (Use Sarah10 for 10% off at Donni)
You can save on your Shampoo & Conditioner at Roz (in the aluminum bottles or the refill pouches) - Save 25% on the best-selling The Foundation Duo and Refill Bundle when you use code SUMMERSHOWERS at checkout.
🛍️ Quick note: I write a lot (too much good stuff to share!) so if you’re reading via email only, you may need to click through to the web version or read on the Substack app. I promise it will be worth it. 🛍️
Substacks to Scroll
Looking for fun Olympics vintage finds? As always,
has us covered with vintage treasures for the moment. “Olympic collection”Another vintage styling treasure,
was featured in ’s Cup of Jo this week with her “A Week of Outfits.” I loved learning more about Erika and her style is so personal that I love hearing her details.Love that
rounded-up fellow Substackers’ favorite summer reads so far. I shared mine. I’m reading The Husbands now as another fun one (I know it has mixed reviews - but I went in not expecting much and it is a silly quick read.) The book most mentioned in Grace’s round-up I plan to read soon and can’t wait. It will likely be the last book I read this summer. Wonder what I should be reading this Fall?Shout out to
who guessed my hint on Polka Dots as my latest trend spiral when I posted in Substack Notes on Saturday. I love catching up with her writing and this week’s “How an Interiors Collection Refreshed My Summer Styling” doesn’t disappoint.- wrote for paid subscribers all about The Row and Ashley & Mary Kate Olsen. This was commissioned by Us Weekly as they recently relaunched under editor-in-chief Dan Wakeford and published a 16 spread story on the Olsen twins and The Row. It is super in-depth but here are a few key points:
Secrecy as a success strategy: The Olsens' commitment to privacy and The Row's low-key approach have been key to the brand's success. By avoiding public exposure and traditional marketing, they've created an air of exclusivity and mystique that has made The Row one of fashion's most influential labels.
Hands-on creative direction with a vintage twist: Mary-Kate and Ashley are deeply involved in the design process. Their approach of starting each collection with vintage pieces from various eras, rather than themes, reflects their appreciation for timeless style and quality. This insight into their creative process would be fascinating for fans of the brand.
Exceptional quality justifies high prices: The Row's focus on exceptional craftsmanship and materials justifies its high price points. The brand applies couture-level techniques to ready-to-wear, setting a new standard for luxury in the industry. This commitment to quality, combined with their design aesthetic, has led to explosive sales growth, especially since the pandemic. (Note, perhaps we exclude the Mara jelly flats from the quality conversation. No judgements if you still chose to wear and love, I just don’t want anyone to think of this as still high quality since they keep breaking and can’t be repaired.)
Did you read The Times “Meet the queen of the ‘trad wives’ (and her eight children)”? I thought it was a tough and sad read.
Enjoy your Sunday Scoop. xx
Sarah Shapiro
What’s Next
I’m watching the Olympics coverage and so intrigued with the fashion moments. See Vanessa Friedman’s NYTimes Review for the big fashion moments at the Opening Ceremony (gift link to read behind paywall.) I’ve also listened to Lauren Sherman’s Fashion People podcast interview with John Ourand on the Olympics, Fashion & Media. The competition so far has been amazing. I loved watching Bacon & Cook win Silver in synchronized diving (plus their friends & families outfits were amazing to support & cheer on. I mean, Bacon & Cook and they are best friends!!)
Tuesday’s send will have mini brand crushes and be a part of the paid content. Thank you to everyone who has upgraded so far. So thrilled for what is to come.
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Items marked with * have been kindly gifted by brands. Thoughts, selections, and reviews are my own.
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The beauty trends timeline was such a fun scroll! Lip Smackers were my Pokemon cards growing up!
Obsessed w the Julia Roberts dot dress 🤎🤍!