The 'Add 2 Cart' Sunday Circular, Volume 1

Get in, losers, we're going shopping.

Jul 27, 2025

When I was first dreaming up this newsletter, I thought it would be more of straight-up shopping focussed, in the hope that I could channel the obscene amount of time and energy I spend poking around for new crap into something a bit more productive. While I’m allowing this venture to evolve, in the spirit of reconnecting to that original goal I’m going to share some things I’ve been eyeing lately, and hopefully turn this into a recurring-ish column. As in a recurring column in my own little made-up magazine where I’m both the editor and writer, trying to file in time for my own made-up deadlines!

So here goes. If you are rich and feeling generous you can always A.) subscribe or B.) buy them for me. Or you can just use these items as an a roadmap into where my mind is at right now.

Oakley Minute 2.0 Polished Black Frame Sunglasses $179.97

Contrary to popular opinion, most gays have awful taste. Case in point: I’m currently in Fire Island and so many guys out here are sporting these huge, oversize Oakley shield sunglasses that feel inspired by Angie from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. They’re bad, especially considering there are much sleeker, cooler alternatives available. My personal favorite is the Minute 1.0 or 2.0 which, from what I can tell, is not currently available through the brand, and must be procured via eBay. There are quite a few pairs available, at reasonable prices. This is my favorite right now.

Prada Re-Nylon Collapse Sneakers, $975

I think I accidentally influenced myself into wanting these. They first came to my attention in earnest this spring when I was writing this story on the trend for slimmer, sleeker sneakers replacing the bulkier styles of yore. Then, I suggested them to my dear friend’s husband as a potential birthday gift for her. Of course she loved them and sang their praises (she likes feeling low to the ground) which then led to my other dear friend buying them. So now I’m the only one left out of the Prada Collapse gang, wah. On top of that, Harry Styles looks so cuteeeeee in them. I like the gray a lot, but the yellow and black are also kinda perfect? If only I made enough money to buy multiples. And on that note, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and upgrade to paid!

Steven Alan Single Needle Shirt in Pacific Blue Stripe, $245

Every since that very normal, J.Crew-coded Dior show, I’ve had a hankering for a good old button-down, of which I don’t have many. Last fall, I reported on the king of button-downs, Steven Alan, re-opening his store in Chelsea, so I figured I’d do a check-in. Well, as fate would have it, he is still making some damn good shirts. While the Reverse Seam shirt was, I think, his calling card, I tried on a Single Needle and it was :::chef’s kiss::: It has a shorter torso and a sort of broken-in poplin, so it’s just a terrific casual shirt, made to be worn untucked. I am excited to wear it when things cool off in the fall. Even better, there’s a 50% off sale going on in store. It’s worth a visit if you’re in New York.

The New Normal: Luxury Enters Its J. Crew Era

Max Berlinger

Jul 13

Read full story

Madewell Pleated Carrot Pants, $49.99, down from $148

As I mentioned in my missive on sarongs, I’m in the market for some good pleated pants. I feel like everyone has an some that fits them just so, but I have not found my perfect pair … yet! Sad. Here’s what I’m dreaming of: Made from a light wool/wool-blend, with a mid-rise, a slight taper silhouette, and for them to be a 30-inch inseam (or, ideally 29-inch … I’m short!). Sadly that’s been harder than I expected. I think maybe these Madewell women’s ones could work? I’m not 100% sure—the waistband looks a bit lady, but at this price what’s the harm in trying?

Maximum Henry Studded Slim Belt, $165

I’m in the market for a belt. Right now, I only have one, thick brown leather one that I got a million years ago from J.Crew. It’s great, I love it, but I just think I need another one. Preferably black. A lot of people I know really like Maximum Henry’s belts, so I’ve been eyeing some on his site. I’d like something slimmer and with a little flair. The Slim 3 Piece seem cool, but maybe a bit too cowboy, and I like the Braided Slim too, but I could get a comparable one elsewhere pretty easily. The Studded Slim seems just enough to be distinctive but not too try-hard.

Miu Miu Cotton Knit Polo Shirt, $2,050

I think Miu Miu is the coolest brand on Earth right now. Miuccia is just cooking right now, and everyone is trying to keep up. For someone of my tax bracket, I’m on that website way too often, but there are truly so many things I’d buy there if I could. This whole list could be 50 Miu Miu things that I think would change my life for the better. I think a rugby striped polo shirt is top of mind, mostly because I think a knit polo and some low-slung pants might just be my fall uniform. This one is the perfect color (it would look good with navy pants, of which I have many) and is just … right. It’s the perfect polo! I need!

Vintage Comme des Garcons Blazer, $245

Stopped into Sorbara’s last weekend with my friend Doria (hot tip: trendy LA coffee shop Maru is opening up next door imminently) and tried on this CdG sport coat. A little boxy, made from lightweight wool, and in classic navy. It was a dream come true, the perfect light layer for cooler days ahead and a more polished substitute for a chore coat. If you’re in New York I highly suggest stopping in, there’s lots of great stuff in store.