With lounge access, built-in credits and many travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers.
The card also has various lifestyle benefits that increase its worth and offset the sting of the annual fee. For instance, you can get up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits awarded every calendar year — up to $50 of which is awarded from January to June and another up to $50 of which is issued in the year’s second half. (Enrollment is required.)
This use-it-or-lose-it credit resets at the end of this month and starts fresh July 1 for the second half of 2024.
If you’ve yet to use your credit, now might be a great time to do so. Several shopping sites offer bonus cash back or miles that can be accumulated toward Saks purchases. Some airline shopping aggregator sites also have bonus mileage awards that apply to Saks purchases.
If you don’t regularly browse the aisles at Saks Fifth Avenue, you might be afraid the racks are only filled with $1,000 sequin dresses and the like. Fortunately, that’s not the case.
Here are 14 of the best (and most practical) things that you can buy at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Villeroy & Boch Purismo Red Wine Glass, Set of 4
If you’re a wine enthusiast and appreciate European red wine, you might enjoy these red wine glasses from Villeroy & Boch. Developed in partnership with European sommeliers Purismo, this classic crystal collection of four has a timeless design and is suitable for your next dinner party or special occasion.
Buy: Villeroy & Boch Purismo Red Wine Glass, Set of 4 from $49.99
Harlem Candle Co. 22K Love Cocktail Glass Candle
Harlem Candle Co. is a favorite among some TPG staffers and Saks shoppers, so much so the brand’s products are often out of stock. This cocktail-inspired glass candle is handcrafted with a top-grade soy blend. Create a sense of comfort and luxury by burning the candle’s cotton fiber core wicks.
Buy: Harlem Candle Co. Love Cocktail Glass Candle from $65
Glasshouse Fragrances The Hamptons Candle
If you prefer to spend less than $50 on candles and are partial to the Hamptons in New York, Glasshouse’s Fragrances Collection is worth considering. This particular candle is inspired by the Long Island getaway and features notes of teak, iris and petitgrain.
Buy: Glasshouse Fragrances The Hamptons Candle from $50
Le Creuset 1.8-Quart Rectangular Dish
Nothing says you’re an at-home chef like Le Creuset. The brand’s newest line of stoneware purports improved performance and now has longer handles designed to make each item easier to carry. Le Creuset also claims that the dishes’ enameled bases make them less likely to absorb moisture.
Buy: Le Creuset 1.8-quart Rectangular Dish from $56
Dagne Dover 365 Neoprene Ace Belt Bag
Dagne Dover belt bags are a fantastic addition to a travel — or around-town — wardrobe. Made out of water-resistant neoprene and studded with tons of pockets and zippers, this bag is a great way to keep your hands free and still carry the stuff you need without getting weighed down. You can keep an iPhone, a small wallet, keys and a couple of other odds and ends in there without a problem.
Buy: Dagne Dover 365 Neoprene Ace Belt Bag, from $95
Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress
Alo Yoga’s Courtside Tennis Dress is a staple summer wardrobe piece of mine. I like to wear it on the court, as well as around Chicago (where I’m based), to and from the pool, to Lake Michigan and everywhere in between.
Buy: Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress from $118
Alala Barre Seamless Shorts
Biker shorts are perfect for hot weather. This pair from Alala comes in various summer colors, making for a vibrant barre-to-brunch look.
Buy: Alala Barre Seamless Shorts from $55
Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Brief
If you are a woman and have yet to try Natori, please listen. These everyday pima cotton panties are as soft as can be, still look chic and have a stretch lace trim. Maintain the lifeline of these beautiful briefs by hand-washing them.
Buy: Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Brief from $20
Head Sportswear Power Performance Shorts
Any type of modern athletic performance short will be far better than the baggy mesh basketball shorts you’ve been wearing since the late ’90s. Consider updating your wardrobe with these shorts from Head Sportswear. The brand is known for its premium, high-performance equipment and apparel for athletes and players at all levels.
Buy: Head Sportswear Power Performance Shorts from $65
Public Rec Flex Pull-On 7″ Shorts
If you’re looking for a sportier pair of shorts to wear, consider these shorts from Public Rec. They are designed for comfort and to easily move with you as you enjoy various activities.
Buy: Flex Pull-On 7″ Shorts from $68
Vineyard Vines Little Boy’s & Boy’s Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts
Looking for something for the kids? These shorts, available in colors like khaki and “sailors red,” are a great addition to your little one’s summer wardrobe. Best of all, they’re priced at just over $30 a pair.
Buy: Vineyard Vines Little Boy’s & Boy’s Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts from $33.60
Polo Ralph Lauren Boy’s Sea Bucket Hat
This Polo Ralph Lauren Boy’s Sea Bucket Hat is reversible, making it a great versatile summer essential. You can choose a solid cotton chino design or a colorful tropical print. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it ideal for post-beach vacations. It’s currently on sale for less than $30.
Buy: Polo Ralph Lauren Boy’s Sea Bucket Hat from $27
Herschel Supply Co. Kid’s Heritage Recycled Backpack
Though it is summertime, plan ahead for the school year by purchasing this Herschel’s Heritage backpack, designed for little ones between 3 and 7. This backpack features a striped liner, a zippered closure and padded shoulder straps to take your kid from school to playdates to extracurricular activities and everywhere in between.
Buy: Herschel Supply Co. Kid’s Heritage Recycled Backpack from $45
Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses
Is there anything cuter than little kids in sunglasses? These mirrored navigator sunglasses from Babiators are impact and shatter-resistant and offer full ultraviolet protection. Plus, they’re currently on sale for less than $17.
Buy: Babiators Original Navigator Sunglasses from $16.80
Bottom line
If you are still looking for some ideas, consider New Balance, Tretorn and Beyond Yoga, all of which are sold at Saks and are popular among TPG staffers (including me). While these items are not always prced under $50, some things from these brands are often discounted and fall within the $50 to $100 range. Additionally, you can try the Saks sale section and sort from low to high prices to see items that start at $8.
When shopping at Saks, don’t forget to double dip by starting your purchase at a shopping portal, which can give you bonus points for every dollar spent.
If you haven’t used your Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit for the first half of 2024, be sure to do so soon before it resets July 1. And remember: Don’t wait until the last few days, as items typically need to have shipped before your card is charged and the credit is registered on your statement.
Until then, happy shopping.
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