A Relaxed Holiday Season
I’ve taken a little blogging break the past couple of days to chill and spend time with family and friends. On Christmas Day, we visited some good friends in Long Beach for “leftovers lunch.” (They had their big family celebration on Christmas Eve.) What I Wore, above.
On Monday, we’ll be hosting a family brunch. These relaxed gatherings are my favorite part of the holidays!
Wearing: Scarf (similar) | Sweater (similar) | Coat (similar) | Jeans | Shoes (similar)
Most of the pieces I’m wearing are older and/or sold out, so I’ve linked to similar styles. The red sweater is was purchased on sale last summer in London. The faux fur jacket (Madewell) is three years old, also purchased on sale.
Navigating The After Christmas Sales
When it comes to any sales, my advice is always, “don’t buy something just because it’s marked down.” It will only save you money if it’s something you’ll wear or use. A corollary to that is, “if you wouldn’t look twice at full price, walk right by it on sale.”
Shopping big sales can be overwhelming and disorienting. Here are a few more tips for finding value (as opposed to “bargains”) on sale:
- Stay focused. Make a list and check it twice. 😉 What are some of the wardrobe gaps you’re hoping to fill? What special occasions might be coming up in 2020 that you’ll need to dress for? What well-loved and -worn pieces in your wardrobe are on their last legs?
- Know your best colors and shapes, and stick to them. That gorgeous fuchsia silk blouse may seem like a bargain, but not if that color doesn’t suit you, or work with the rest of your wardrobe.
- Don’t be afraid to purchase out-of-season items. (I bought that red sweater in July, knowing that it would be months before I’d be able to wear it. Am so glad I did!)
Everlane is having a Choose What You Pay event and it includes some not-so-basic-basics, like this cashmere crew in a pretty pink that you can wear well into Spring. (A few other colors included too.)
Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale items
Aquatalia – 30% off sitewide with code NEWYEAR30
Black – 20% off all collections (through today only)
Chico’s – Semi-Annual Sale, up to 70% off
J.Crew – extra 50% off sale styles with code BIGSALE
Madewell – extra 30% off sale styles
Makeover Workshop – Progressive Sale, shop now for best savings. (I just stocked up on my favorite brow pencil and lipstick.)
Net-a-Porter – up to 70% off
Nordstrom – Half Yearly Sale, up to 50% off. (Lots of Eileen Fisher included.)
Talbot’s – extra 40% off sale items
And one thing that’s not on sale, still (IMO) a good value…
I purchased this set for myself earlier in the week. It includes a full-sized Charlotte’s Magic Cream, a (generous) travel-sized Magic Night Cream, and a silk sleep mask infused with lavender.
More picks from the sales…
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That is true. I plot gaps, but we do also have to be a bit lenient. I bought a bright red “healthy back bag” today during a no tax event (these never do on sale here unless there is a liquidation). It is not as orange as your red, which wouldn’t suit me. My similar baggallini bag was dying; especially the key zipper. I don’t buy leather bags, though I do (sometimes) wear leather shoes for climate reasons.
My sweet spot in all weathers is things I can cycle in, but also look professional if interpreting.
Xmas lights on the dock, by the water, this landlocked reader is soooo jealous.
and you look so relaxed and totally put together.
Good advice. In the past, I have picked up lots of end-of-year “bargains” in odd colors that hadn’t sold. And I learned there was a good reason no one else had wanted those colors. I couldn’t wear them either. (But they were cheap!) Hopefully now that I am more aware of my own color pallet, I can avoid future unwearable “bargains” that make me feel guilty (and a little foolish.)
Meanwhile, I love the pop of color in this outfit. And that jacket is delicious!
I like the texture of your shaggy coat better than the “similar” one. Is it warm? No, I don’t mean for -20c. Just wondering whether it is windproof. I’m happy to have a red bag; my last one was dark brown because a friend gave it to me (almost new; she bought a different model) and am happy to have some colour and be a bit more visible while walking or cycling (I’m about your height) – I also have clip-on lights. Enjoy the season and New Year’s!
Hi Lagatta, yes, it’s pretty warm/windproof. Probably not enough for below-freezing temperatures + wind, but for our winters, yes.
Was not looking for a -20c coat! I definitely have one of those! Looking for something new for Western European winters and transitional here. If it isn’t too bulky, it can go under a waterproof for the Netherlands. And yours is so cute. LA gets colder than I’d have suspected. I associate cold in California with windy SF, mountains and the far north of the state.
Hope you had a nice day visiting my hometown! Glad you bundled up in that cute coat, it was cooooold on Christmas Day! Just want to let you know how much I enjoy your blog and wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year.
Thank you, and yes, it was pretty brisk!
I love the way you’ve tied your scarf! Is that in one in one of the tutorials you did earlier this fall? (I can’t quite tell if it’s one of those, or something different.) It is fabulous! Happy New Year!
Hi Laura, thanks! I did this one in a post a couple of years ago, but am going to be including in the next video.
Have a great day! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday linkup party.
This is such a wonderful outfit on you. The pop of red near your face; the darker colors tempered by the light neutrals; the animal prints pulling it all together. The sunglasses work so well too! Love it and so glad to see you trying many looks and figuring things out. You have helped me more than you will ever know since I went back to work at almost 50 after take time off to raise my kids. I’m a cooler palette all the way so must translate the golds and browns to blues and grays but I appreciate all of your inspiration. Thank you! Happy 2020!