With lounge access, built-in credits and many travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers.
It 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 is a use-it-or-lose-it credit, which will reset at the end of next month and start 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 are offering some bonus cash back or miles that can stack on Saks purchases.
For example, Rakuten is currently offering 15% cash back or 15 Amex points per dollar at various retailers. This has included Saks at certain points this week, though the rate isn’t displaying as high at the time of publication. (Check Cashback Monitor to compare up-to-date shopping award rates.)
Some airline shopping aggregator sites also have bonus mileage awards that would apply to Saks purchases right now and are largely timed with Mother’s Day.
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. Here are 12 more practical things in stock (at least at the time of publication) that you can buy at the retailer.
LSA Borough 4-Piece Stemless Glass Set
Elevate your next evening’s toast at home (or stash away an easy gift) with this four-piece glass set. Each glass holds 16 ounces and is also dishwasher-safe.
Buy: LSA Borough 4-Piece Stemless Glass Set from $45
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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 with tons of pockets and zippers, this 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
Dagne Dover Large Mila Toiletry Organizer
While the original Dagne Dover Hunter toiletry bags are routinely out of stock, consider this toiletry organizer with six adjustable compartments, one zip pocket, one carabiner clip, four elastic loops and a removable mesh insert.
Buy: Dagne Dover Large Mila Toiletry Organizer from $70
Harlem Candle Co. Dream Luxury Candle
The newest candle in Harlem’s Botanical Collection, its Dream candle, is back in stock. With lavender, pimento berry and bergamot, this 12-ounce candle is spiked with every flavor you need to fall asleep (just make sure you blow out the flame first). It’ll last over 80 hours.
Buy: Harlem Candle Co. Dream Luxury Candle from $48
Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress
Alo’s Courtside Tennis Dress is a staple summer wardrobe piece of TPG news reporter Caroline Tanner. She wears it on the court as well as around the city, to and from the pool, to Lake Michigan, and everywhere in between.
Buy: Alo Yoga AloSoft Courtside Tennis Dress from $118
Alo Yoga Match Point Tennis Skirt
If you are looking for a sporty look as you traverse the streets — or even the hot theme parks — this summer, consider Alo’s Match Point Tennis Skirt.
Buy: Alo Yoga Match Point Tennis Skirt from $68
Alala Barre Seamless Shorts
When the weather is hot, biker shorts are a must-have item. This pair from Alala comes in various summer colors, making for a vibrant barre-to-brunch look.
Buy: Alala Barre Seamless Shorts from $55
Head Sportswear Power Performance Shorts
Any type of athletic performance shorts are far better than those baggy mesh basketball shorts you’ve been wearing since the late ’90s. Consider updating your wardrobe with these shorts from Head. 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, these shorts from Public Rec are technically “designed for comfort and ease of movement” and perfect for most activities.
Buy: Flex Pull-On 7″ Shorts from $68
Vineyard Vines Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts
Looking for something for the kids? Coming in colors from khaki to “sailors red,” these shorts are a great addition to your little one’s summer wardrobe and cost less than $30.
Buy: Vineyard Vines Little Boy’s & Boy’s Cotton Stretch Breaker Shorts from $25.20
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 or a colorful tropical print. Plus, it’s machine washable for post-beach vacations.
Buy: Polo Ralph Lauren Boy’s Sea Bucket Hat from $33.75
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is perfect to use all year round. It’s an invisible, weightless, scentless primer with SPF 40, and it protects skin from the sun and blue light from phones and computers. For those with sensitive skin, this formula is oil-free and also reef-safe.
Buy: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 from $17
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 TPGers (including the author of this post). While not always under $50, some items from those brands are often discounted and fall within the $50-$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 that gives 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 final days, as items typically need to have shipped before your card is charged and the credit is used.
Until then, happy shopping.
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