July 4, 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Friday. Skimm HQ is closed to observe the Fourth of July, but we’re still here to keep you informed. So we’re bringing you three things to know today before we turn it over to our commerce editors, who are sharing what they’re buying from this weekend’s sales. To put it bluntly, things are feeling dire out there. I, too, have woken up with a stress headache every morning for the past, oh, two-ish years. But when the doomscrolling gets to be too much, I’ve been putting down my small screen, firing up my medium screen, and engaging in some low-stakes, high-reward purchases. Retail therapy may not be the most effective form of therapy, but wow, does it feel good sometimes.

So while I’m sitting directly in front of my AC this weekend, here’s what I’m adding to my cart:

• This rarely-on-sale cleansing oil that I will never stop evangelizing about. It just feels nicer and works better than any other cleanser. 

• A pair of charming pinstripe trousers to lean into my “Frazzled English Woman Summer,” the one summer aesthetic trend with which I feel spiritually aligned. 

• A high-quality lemon zester for all the dips and salads I’ll be arranging this summer, because my oven will not be turning on until September.  

• A pack of hydrogel eye masks that specifically target under-eye circles (self-explanatory).

Find more good stuff on sale ahead. You deserve the nice thing.

— Caroline Goldstein / Senior Commerce Editor / New York, NY

• In politics: Instead of grabbing burgers for a July 4 BBQ, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) spent the week flipping the final GOP holdouts on the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” On Thursday, the House passed President Trump’s sweeping legislation by a razor-thin margin, delivering him a major legislative victory. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will slash almost $1 trillion from Medicaid — which could leave nearly 12 million Americans uninsured by 2034 — while locking in tax cuts, mostly for the wealthy, and adding $3.3 trillion to the deficit. The bill now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. Here’s a closer look at how the "BBB" affects reproductive rights. 

• In the economy: The June jobs report beat expectations, giving Wall Street a boost on Thursday. The US added 147,000 jobs last month — slightly more than May’s total — and the unemployment rate dipped marginally to 4.1%. But while the job market remains steady overall, growth has been cooling compared to last year, with most new jobs concentrated in health care, hospitality, and local government. Economists point to Trump’s trade fight, immigration crackdown, and general economic volatility as headwinds for hiring. The Fed, meanwhile, is watching for any signs of a slowdown as it weighs possible rate cuts.

• In retail: The Fourth of July is all about celebrating American independence — but it seems we can’t do that without China. Around 97% of the US’s fireworks were imported from China last year, and with Trump’s tariffs back on the table, costs could jump in the years ahead. Some retailers stocked up early to keep prices stable this summer, but by the US’s 250th birthday in 2026, higher costs could mean smaller shows.

✨ 25% off a pair of teardrop hoops you can wear with your swimsuit.

😎 A free pair of retro aviators when you buy another pair.

☀️ 40% off a butter yellow shoulder bag if you’re still all in on the trend. (Use code SUMMER15 for an extra 15% off.)

🤍 30% off a white dress perfect for bridal events.

🌊 41% off a pair of high-waisted leggings in our favorite shade of blue.

🧸 30% off a pair of cozy Boston Birkenstocks we never see on sale.

Until July 6, Brooklinen is taking 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off when you bundle. Here’s what we’re buying from the sale.

“I was a staunch duvet person my entire life…until I started sleeping with the Washed European Linen Quilt. It’s lofty, cuddly, and — most importantly — doesn’t require that I do the dreaded dance of getting the comforter into the duvet. For summer, I like this lightweight cotton version. I love the stitched detailing, and this pistachio color feels artsy but elevated.” —Caroline Goldstein   

“Even in the dead of summer, give me a blanket. Sitting on a couch without one actually makes me feel naked, so I’m eyeing the Dreamweave Waffle Bed Blanket. I typically like to keep something at the foot of my bed, and then use it while watching TV. Something about having a king-sized blanket on the couch to wrap up in feels so elite.” —Alexandra Napoli

“Changing out plain sheets for printed ones is such an easy way to refresh your space without having to execute (and spend a ton on) a complete overhaul. I’m currently eyeing this European linen striped sheet set. They’re classic, while still adding some flair.” —Margo Ghertner

“I got my dad this waffle robe for Christmas, and since I’ve heard him sing its praises every time I’m home, I think I’ll finally grab one for myself. He loves the wide waffle knit that soaks up splashing water, and he says it gets softer with each wear. Plus, the yellow is so cute.” —Martha Upton

Hedley & Bennett Chef’s Knife

Caroline here. I’ve tested dozens of knives over the years, but this Hedley & Bennett Chef’s Knife is the only one I reach for daily (and love so much I insisted we give it an award). The balance feels natural in my hand, and it’s perfectly sized — not intimidatingly large like some chef’s knives, yet substantial enough to tackle healthy bundles of kale and tough butternut squash with ease. After about two years of constant use, it’s still plenty sharp, which honestly surprised me. While I know in my heart that I should hand-wash it, most days I simply have to throw it in the dishwasher (on the top shelf). It’s held up perfectly well. Today, you can get it for 20% off with code SUMMERSALE.

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

Use code EXTRA to take an extra 70% off sale items at J.Crew. We’re eyeing this linen T-shirt as an elevated alternative to all our cotton ones.

With Madewell’s sale section up to 60% off, we’re grabbing a pair of summer trousers and a sweater tank for our new office uniform. Use code SUMMERTIME.

Hill House Home dresses are rarely on sale (use code HAPPY4TH to take 20% off). The midi version of the Nap Dress is a warm-weather staple that’ll never go out of style.

If you’re itching to refresh your home, shop up to 70% off at Wayfair. We’d buy a non-boring TV stand and a couple of Adirondack chairs for patio sitting.

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.