In the holiday home stretch
I hope you had a lovely Christmas, if you celebrate. It was a quiet day here; I brought jeune homme over from his group home for a few hours. We had lunch, took the dog for a walk. He watched some videos on his tablet and I read a book.
This week between Christmas and New Year’s has always been my favorite of the holiday season. The pressure’s off, traffic is lighter, and I can start to wrap my head around plans and goals for the coming year.
Normally during this week, I’d be sharing some of my favorite outfits of the year. But most of 2023 was such a difficult time, and at the moment I just don’t feel up to revisiting it. Probably some of my favorite looks were from my London travel wardrobe, and you can see the rest of my outfits here.
End-of-season sale picks
The end-of-season sales are on, and if there are any items you’ve had your eye on, chances are good they’re now marked down.
These coated denim trousers have been one of my best buys of the year, and are finally marked down (and still available in most sizes). They run large, so I’d suggest going down a size.
Also in the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, a lot of great Vince, Eileen Fisher, and footwear.
Talbot’s just launched their semi-annual Red Door Sale.
This blue tweed jacket is a great dress-up-dress-down piece to wear now and later. This color should work for most Summers and Winters. In Misses, Petite, Plus and Plus Petite sizes, 30% off with code JANUARY.
The contrast stitching on this ivory blazer is the kind of subtle-but-interesting detail that I love. In Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes, it’s an additional 40% off the sale price!
Loafers can add polish and structure to your casual outfits. I love the brogue detailing on these in Navy. (Also available in Cognac and green.) These are also 40% off the sale price, and still available in most sizes.
Bloomingdale’s has up to 65% off select items. Many of you clicked on this cute knit blazer (also in Plus) when I first showed it, and it’s now 35% off. Most sizes still available. (If you prefer a longer style, this one has a similar look and is also marked down. Also in Plus.)
J.Crew still has select cashmere styles up to 50% off for another couple of days.
Madewell has an extra 30% off sale styles with code WINTER30
Eileen Fisher – 40% off sale styles
J.Jill – extra 40% off sale styles
Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale styles
Athleta – up to 60% off including select colors of the Endless pant.
I’m hoping to get out this week to do a bit of retail reconnaissance, will report back on my findings.
This week’s best-sellers
And on a personal note, I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who have hung in there with me the last few months, and have sent such kind thoughts and wishes. It means more than I can say. I feel as though I’m getting my focus back and have lots of ideas and plans for the coming year. I hope you’ll stay along for the ride, and if you haven’t yet subscribed for updates and exclusive content, you can do so by clicking HERE.
This article was previously published and has been updated to reflect relevant product suggestions.
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I’m sorry that you choose to advertise companies that exclude women of larger sizes, ie. Stories.com. The company only carries up to size large. It’s shameful.
With all do respect, Beth, Susan always offers lots of different options in her recommendations–different brands, price points, and styles. Some are petite-friendly, others have a wider size range, some shoe companies cater to wide feet, others to narrow, etc. I wouldn’t expect that every recommendation that she makes would be suitable for every single person. That seems to be an unreasonable expectation.
Agreed
Love the variety of these recommendations and especially the items that will work for those of us in a cold winter climate.
The fringed jacket of my dreams!
Love that longer fringed jacket — I’ve never seen a long version and it’s gorgeous. Very chic and timeless.
Happy New Year! ❄️❄️
Thank you for such a lovely blog! It’s truly one of my favorites. Although I may not be able to afford some of the items I get so much inspiration. The overall style feels attainable for my life. if that makes sense.
I wish you a new year full of peace, continued healing and happiness.
Be well and have a peaceful Happy New Year.
I am very glad you, your jeune homme, and your doggie were able to share your holiday. I marvel at how steadfast you have been during these last months in continuing to think of all of us. Thank you.
PS After scrolling and reading about the discussion about sizes, I have to thank you for constantly and quickly responding to previous requests not only for different sizing, but also adding more pricing options and how should I say it, including “shoes for aging feet with bunions.” My body shape and the climate I live in are quite different from yours, and yet I find things of interest and use. Thanks!
Well said, Marie. I agree that Susan is the most helpful and responsive blogger around for “women of a certain age.”
Susan, thank you for being the reliably charming and informative start for your readers’ days.
Wishing you peace and contentment in in 2024. I love your blog and your ideas for style.
Like you, Susan, I really enjoy this spell of quiet time. We decided not to fly to Alberta to spend Christmas with my husband’s family…weather can be a challenge and I’m past sleeping on a sofa! Times change as families evolve, with babies and wives parents wanting Christmas dinners, so the typical routines have changed somewhat. We have enjoyed having friends over to ours for dinners in the past week , and I enjoy the decorating and menu planning so much. I enjoy reading your posts, Susan, and have been so inspired by you. I know you’ll be continuing to send us great content next year.Thank you, and all the best going forward.
One of my favorite activities is reading your blog, and I just want to thank you for continuing to think of us during the difficult time you’ve had this past year. I admire your dedication and thoughtfulness. And your travel photography is better than most travel books. Hope you have a lovely New Year.
Sending New Year’s wishes for peace, healing and happiness. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement to express our individual style and have fun with fashion. Take care
Thank you for attitude and encouragement this past year. I think you have been outstanding. Please do not expect too much of yourself. This might be a time for you to just coast.
Thank you, Susan, for the YEARS of good ideas and encouragement to EXPLORE style. We don’t know until we try, and your willingness to share is a gift to your readers. My heart goes out to you and all who love le monsieur. I hope the new year brings good things to you and all who are in this online community, which is one of the most affirming groups I read. Your posts are so helpful! For instance, reviewing your style pages right now helps me think about options as the overwhelming tide of year-end sales sweep through my in-box. As I review the sales pages, I find myself thinking of my mother, who passed a few months ago, and how she always had a positive word for me when I walked through her door — that she liked my shirt or scarf — affirmations about small things that echo still in my mind. Clothing is a powerful way to connect to precious memories.
Susan,
I share your taste in many items and enjoy seeing other options I wouldn’t have thought about. I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation of your home.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. Grief is challenging so treat yourself with kindness and patience.
Warmly,
Jeri
This has been a trying time for you! Holidays are always tough when you have lost someone. My best wishes for the coming year!
Thank you, Susan, for the lovely and informative, blog that you write. I know that 2023 was a particularly difficult year for you and your family. I am sending best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful 2024 to you and to all your readers.
Happy New Year!
Christi
Thank you for your continued email posts even through your tumultuous year. Sending hope for a good 2024.
I have been a follower and fan of yours for many years and I will continue to be! From the time I started reading your blog, my home has completely changed (I live full time in Belize!), my body shape has changed (Hello, menopause!), and my wardrobe has changed, but I have bought many pieces over the years based on your recommendations and I continue to wear, use and love them. Thank you for being you and giving us style direction. I look forward to following you in the new year.
Thank you for continuing to provide lovely posts during a very challenging time. My hope is that you take time for yourself in whatever way is best for you. I love your positive and informative approach!
Susan,
Hugs to you from your many blog “friends” as you mark the holidays without Le Monsieur. It can’t be easy and I am sending thoughts of peace and comfort to you, and a big thumbs-up as you look forward to the new year with renewed and much-deserved joy.
I can imagine you don’t feel like revisiting 2023 posts. You are doing so well though. I admire you for that. You’re a trooper.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje! Let’s have a call soon…
I am very much up for that.