Sifting Through The Sales
Well, it was another week that went sideways. That seems to be the theme this month, though I’m trying to roll with it and not regard it as a harbinger for the rest of the year. 🤣
Our remaining dog Coco who just turned 14 has had some health issues and has been in and out of the animal hospital since last Saturday. (First for a stroke, which she’s recovering from well, now for what may be a bout of pancreatitis. We’ll know more Saturday.) Thursday night I had my own severe bout of stomach malaise, which I’m still recovering from. (“It’s always somethin’…” – Roseanne Roseannadanna.) I’m just going to go on record here and say Thank Goodness for legal pot in California, which is the only thing that effectively settles my stomach.
January Sales: Travel Favorites
I’m working on an updated Travel Shoes post, but in the meantime, I didn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity to pick up my favorite brand of weatherproof (and comfortable!) shoes on sale. Aquatalia is offering 30% off sitewide this weekend with code WKND30.
I’ve been meaning to replace my black weatherproof travel booties with something more in my color palette, so have this pair on order to try. (But if you like black, it’s also available in black leather and suede.) I like that slightly squared-off toe which feels of-the-moment, but not so much so that they’ll look dated in a few seasons. While they are rather simple, the lack of metal adornment means they’ll be less likely to set off metal detectors when traveling.
Lands’ End has 40% off your order with code FLURRIES. If you’ve been thinking about picking up that packable down coat I mentioned here. it’s included in the promotion, and there’s still a good selection of sizes and colors available. Plus HERE.
In addition to the Pearl Crossbody bag I mentioned earlier this week, Lo & Sons has another of my favorite travel bags included in their Winter Sale. This is the O.G. 2, an updated version of the one I’ve often used as my “Personal Item.” It’s a nice balance between lightweight and structured, and has plenty of great organization including a padded laptop sleeve and a pocket for spare shoes or extra clothing. Select colors marked down.
Merino wool is one of my favorite travel fabrics. It’s comfortable in a range of temperatures, washable, and doesn’t pick up odors. This simple top has a little bit of shimmer to take it up a notch from Basic Black. Currently 60% off.
Ann Taylor – 40% off full-price styles with code BEST2020
Banana Republic – extra 50% off sale styles, 40% off regular priced items
Chico’s – 25% off full-price styles (including new arrivals), extra 50% off two or more already reduced styles.
J.Crew – 30% off purchase (some exclusions) with code LONGWKND
J.Jill – extra 50% off sale styles
Lands’ End – 40% off your order with code FLURRIES
Madewell – up to 30% off cashmere
Lo & Sons – Winter Sale, up to 50% off.
Talbot’s – 50% off all markdowns, code WOW
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I love your site! Always informative, down to earth and relatable. Stay well
Thanks so much, Paula!
HI –didn’t buy the boots but did buy 2 pairs of flats on the Aquitalia site
on sale!
thanks!
and as always fab site and fab recommendations!
I am a better person (re packing etc) because of you—
hope you get better soon!
?a post on where one can send unused but opened makeup–or does any one else know ???
Hi Mary, glad you found something you like. I’ll do some research on your makeup question and see what I can find out.
If you have a local battered women’s shelter, they will often welcome such donations. Hair products, also.
I also recommend Blondo for waterproof boots, at a friendlier price point than Acquatalia (which I also like). I bought a pair of black suede Blondo booties on sale from Nordstrom in late November for a NYC trip in December when snow was in the forecast, and my feet stayed warm and dry – without any damage to the suede whatsoever. Walked with comfort too!
Thanks, and yes, I’ll be including some Blondo styles in my Travel Footwear roundup! 🙂
I own many pairs of Blondo ( they are a Canadian company:) and can vouch for their waterproof comfort and style the only issue I have with them is I always have to size up a half size. I have owned the suede booties and shearling snow boots and always find them tight in my usual size. Another bootie that is comfortable, stylish, repels salt and is available in widths is Naturalizer’s Aqua College brand, I strongly suspect they are made by Blondo as well because of the sizing, the 9W fits but in Blondo I have to get the 9.5Reg. Lots of colours too. Both styles are as comfortable if not a little more than my 750.00 Aquatalia suede high boots( you’re crazy if you think I paid that much…direct from the Aquatalia site including duty+tax 250.00CDN.
What a deal!!)To my mind the La Canadienne line of boots are superior in every way to Aquatalia and at a slightly lower price point but not much. I think their ‘solde’was earlier this month but later in the season they have better prices too Oh I love my boots!
Wishing all of you better health.
Thank you!
So sorry you and the pup are under the weather. Get well soon.
I want to share something in the best way possible. I had subscribed with M M Fleur after seeing some of the clothes here. I enjoyed the items and purchased a few. However, recently they posted a really politically unkind statement right on their shopping page. I have unsubscribed. I wish vendors wouldn’t do that although it is their right to do so.
Instead, I applaud all those who stick responsibly to the art and craft and try to make a difference. Eileen Fisher, Everlane, and The Reset for example.
You have had more than your share of sick doggies. I really feel for you. We had to put down our old Boxer in September and now have a 11 week old black lab puppy. Crazy, right? Lucy is soooo much work but so adorable. Keeping us young at heart!
Am I the only one who doesn’t like the way boots feel around the ankle? They look so great in your column, that I was prompted to buy some shoe-boots for my last trip. I loved them. They felt much more stylish than my black walk-all-day oxfords. (Those are great for touring, but at dinner I’m glad they are hiding under the table.)
I hope you aren’t getting rid of all of your black pants. They are so fundamental to a travel wardrobe. Along with a pair of jeans, you are ready for anything. (And black jeans will do double duty.) As long as you have your color pallet by your face, the right scarf can instantly snap an all-black outfit into your season.
I hope you have recovered from your mal d’estomach. At least you are at home where it’s easier to cope with than when travelling. (Your “California remedy” isn’t legal in France, and you can’t buy Pepto Bismol there either!)
Sorry to hear you have been unwell, had the same on Tuesday and thought I was the only person in So. Ca.,
with this bug. Get well!!
Thanks, it was a brutal 18 hours 😉 , but I’m already feeling much better.
So sorry both you and Coco are “under the weather.” Best wishes to each of you for a speedy recovery.
Thank you!
Susan! You’re a doll! Such thoughtful and helpful posts! So far we’ve missed the flus and bugs knock on wood! I have been wearing booties from FLEXX no longer carried by Nordstrom. I’m a “winter” so black and pewter have carried me for nearly 4 years!! Time to update and will use your suggestions! Feel better!!
Sorry to hear about your week but glad you are better. Prayers for your little Coco.
Thank you for the heads up on the sales. I just ordered the Land’s End coat. I appreciate your recommendation on its quality.
Hi Susan,
Sorry to hear about your week but glad you found something that makes you feel better.
I like the Lo & Sons OG2. Do you recommend the medium or large for travel? They give the medium weight 2.6 lbs. and 3 lbs. for the large. I am wondering if by the time I add everything in there, it will be too heavy regardless of whether I choose the medium or large?
Hi Judy, thanks! I have the Large. I don’t find it too heavy but it really depends on what you pack and how much weight you can comfortably carry. I usually either set mine on top of my spinner bag or wear crossbody.
So sorry about your fur baby. We had to put down our 17 year old beagle in May and it was absolutely heartbreaking. He had pancreatitis at 15 and we were able to nurse him through it so here’s hoping Coco will recover too! We are now “dogless” for the first time in 30 years. I’m resisting the urge to adopt or shop as my girls are still living in Rome and don’t show any inclination to return. I visited them in October without worrying about my boy. I ‘m just not someone who feels comfortable with a pet sitter or boarding my dogs. I’m enjoying visiting friends now without worrying about rushing home for a feeding or an outside break. I still love dogs and who knows I may change my mind but right now I’m okay. People still try to talk me into adopting or fostering but at 65 I’m enjoying a bit of freedom.
Oh, I’m so sorry about your beagle. We always know that day will come but doesn’t make it any easier.
OOPS! Also, per your recommendation, I purchased the OG 2. I LOVE it. Perfect for a trip but especially for a weekend. Husband brought his carryon and I just brought this. At5 ‘2″ I thought it was a perfect size to carry too.
Susan, I’m interested in the OG2 bag, but wonder how a fully loaded Emme bag fits inside? Does it leave much room for other stuff?
Here’s what I’ve fit into my OG bag: laptop, tech accessories (charging cords, adapters, small Bluetooth travel speaker), EMME bag (full-sized), TSA liquids bag, dry cosmetics bag, small purse with wallet/documents/phone, packaged snacks, cashmere travel wrap, sleep mask, change of underwear/socks, extra t-shirt, and a few small things I can’t think of at the moment.
I really hope Coco is OK now. xoxox.
Thanks, Lisa! She’s home and has mostly been sleeping, but at least seems to be comfortable (and is eating) so we’re hopeful.
So sorry to hear about Coco. Hope you’re both feeling better soon!
I so appreciate all your fashion & travel recommendations and your efforts to help locate sales. I just snagged a pair of black Aquatalia Falco Leather Chelsea Boots on the on T.J. Maxx website, of all places. They were the last pair, so they reduced to just $79! That style retails for $395, which is way out of my price range, even on sale, so I couldn’t pass these up. I’ve been wanting to try the brand ever since I first read about them here a few years ago. And if they don’t work for my temperamental feet, I can easily return them to the local store. (If I had money to burn, I’d snatch a pair of those gorgeous Marilisa snakeskin booties in cognac & black – I doubt those will ever make it to T.J. Maxx or Nordstrom Rack!) I’ve done really well with sales this year – got the old model OG in grey with black leather for $88.50 and The Pearl in a nice shade of camel (“Sand”) for $99.20 (plus tax & shipping) last summer. Going to Florida next month for a few days with two of my oldest friends and am looking forward to trying them both out. Keep the recommendations coming!