We hope that people in the US are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. If you’re in the mood to shop, there are sales and bargains galore. Below are my top pick suggestions, many of which have been tried and tested on my clients and friends. Make sure you browse the colour and size options.
1. Assorted Items
- Ann Taylor Floral Crew Neck Sweater: This is for Team Lilac and Red and 100% cotton. Punchy. Feels lovely against the skin
- RAILS Isla Floral Embroidered Elbow Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan: Short sleeved sweaters make sense in the right climate, and this olive and light blue darling is pretty. The puffed sleeves are subtle.
- The Hadley Relaxed Buttondown Shirt by Pilcro: Velvet Edition: KILLER stunning velvet shirt for Team Cool Moody Colours. I danced a little dance when my client came out of the dressing room. The shirt comes in grey snakeskin and lots of solid colours.
- By Anthropologie Flocked Menswear Pants: These are full length pants unless you are very tall. They are ink blue and absolutely AWESOME. A velvet burnout design is combined with a subtle navy windowpane check. Very unique and runs one to two sizes big. Has a blazer to match.
- Adjustable Notch Belt: Chunky Silver Belt Fabness. Comes in black and brown.
- RAILS Hunter Plaid Button-Up Shirt: A super soft and comfy plaid shirt for Team Purple and Blue. Nice drape.
- Everlane The Cocoon Crew in Alpaca: The sleeves on this Christmas red sweater are more elegant in person. Lovely drape, and can work well on petites. Comes in thirteen colours.
- The Avery Elastic-Back Trousers by Maeve: These pleated brown checked pants are dramatic. They have a back elastic waist, and are super soft and comfortable. They drape well, and are easy to hem shorter. Lightweight. Works on a range of body types. You can adjust the waist position to whatever rise length you prefer. Comes in other plaid palettes if you do a search on the site.
- J.Crew Featherweight cashmere-blend long-sleeve polo shirt: Best sweater for skirts. Looks luxe and chic. Tailored, so size up if you want a roomier fit. It's short so it works with pants with a higher waist. Comes in colours. I have the navy, which I bought to wear with a bright red BIG swooshy skirt to wear for the holidays. I'm extremely pleased with the "Relaxed Glam" combination.
- J.Crew Toscana coat in Italian stadium-cloth wool blend: J.Crew does a version of this coat every year. This season the fabric is from Italy - and it shows. It's stunning and beautifully made. Comes in colours and there's a long version too. I chose the cream as my new oatmeal coat that filled a big wardrobe hole. It's a workhorse already.
- Rag & Bone Logan Bleach Splatter Wide Leg Jeans: Acid Wash '80s Fabness. 100% cotton, very soft and comfy, and drapes like a dream. Size down. Deep discount. I may, or may not have these.
- Maeve | Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve: Faux Leather Edition: The faux leather Colette wide crops are a winner on many of my clients. It fits a range of body types and launders well. Very comfy, and quite warm. I have one in orange from a couple of seasons ago and it's held up beautifully. Might need to size up a size. Comes in nice colours, including lilac.
- Boden Tulle Blouson Sleeve Top: Dressy Dotty Fabness. The lining of this blouse is jersey so it's very comfy. Tailored, but not too tight. The green is darker in person. Comes in black and navy.
- Boden TBar Chain Necklace: Dainty, yet chunky, and glams up a look in a relaxed way.
- Ann Taylor The Jayne Trouser Pant: These trousers are MID RISE. Their rayon component makes them drape well, and they feel great against age skin. Comes in regular and curvy fits, and in eight colours - including tangerine, teal and dark purple.
- Nic + Zoe Waffle Stitch Sweater: The textured waffle fabric, fit, and feel of this sweater is gorgeous. Lovely quality. The puff of the sleeve is sculptured and lies quite flat. Comes in muted pinks.
- Nic + Zoe Starburst Long Sleeve Top: A v-neck knit top that is thick and drapes really well. Super yummy feeling fabric against the skin.
- MASAI COPENHAGEN Otilo Leopard Velvet Jacquard Long Sleeve Layered Midi Dress: A fluid, versatile, relaxed, and comfortable party dress that works on a range of body types. Its textured top layer is a break from solid black and has a playful integrity. Dress it up or down.
- MASAI COPENHAGEN Cotton Shirtdress: Seafoam Cotton Dress Fabness. Comes in neutrals. Works on a range of body types, and is very easy to wear. 100% cotton.
- MASAI COPENHAGEN Trina Water Resistant Leaf Print Coat: Teal and Earth Toned Patterned Raincoat Fabness. Great subtle architectural shape. You can layer a thin puffer vest or jacket underneath for extra warmth.
- Ann Taylor Floral Drop Shoulder Sweater: Cotton-rich patterned blue and grey boxy sweater that looks good with black bottoms and blue jeans.
- Michael Cosmo Kitten BootieWomen's: These are my new festive boots and I love them. I can just manage the heel height if I'm not walking around a lot. They come in solid neutrals and gold, and have a 1.5 inch kitten heel. They aren't too narrow, but if you need a roomy toe box, I vote pass. I don't find the kitten heel unstable, but others might. Make sure you can walk in them.
- Cashmere Zip Hoodie - Exclusive: Bloomies cashmere tends to be well priced and good quality. It has a great reputation of not piling. This hoodie is lightweight, warm, versatile and great layered under a blazer if you like that vibe. Comes in neutrals and a dark teal green.
- Stripe Quarter Zip Cashmere Sweater - Exclusive: A sporty classic that is comfy, fluid, polished, and sharp. Great for Team Long Neck, and works well on petites. Not too long. Fab under a blazer or jacket too.
- Cashmere Travel Wrap - Exclusive: A versatile and deliciously cosy wrap that works as well as a scarf. Not too bulky. Great price and comes in 16 colours.
See the collection page if you would like to see the items alongside the descriptions.
2. Fab Find: Athleta Puffers
Athleta’s puffer jackets and coats are impressive this season. They vary in thickness, colour and silhouette, and are well made. You might need to size down a size, and make sure you layer correctly underneath the outerwear before committing to a size.
Notably, the Sateen Long Puffer is a gorgeous shade of rich purple-burgundy. Its shine makes it look luxe. The side vents are very handy. There are straps on the inside of the coat so that you can carry it like a backpack if you overheat. It comes in black and does not have a hood.
The Downtown Puffer is shorter, less bulky, and has a removable hood. It looks sporty and comes in white, red, black, and murky dark green. The side zippers on the hem add practical pizazz.
The Summit Cropped Shine Puffer is super short and cheeky. It works particularly well over skirts and dresses, and does not have a hood. It comes in lemon, red, iced blue and black. I liked the red.
3. Fab Find: Talbots Audrey Patterned Cashmere
The Audrey from Talbots is my favourite PATTERNED cashmere sweater, and many of my clients enjoy them too. They are dressy in a comfortable and relaxed way, and easy to create interesting outfits with.
Every season Talbots provides a wide assortment of patterns in a classic fit cashmere sweater in petite, regular, plus, and petite plus that are well worth a look. Size up if you prefer a roomier fit. There are neutrals, non-neutrals, and lots of patterns. I bought one last year, and can attest to the quality. It hasn’t pilled and feels heavenly. I bought another pattern this year because they make me happy. Cheerful and unique.
These are my patterned Talbots Audreys, which I bought in a petite size because I preferred the way they fit. They are an excellent match with my light blue specs:
4. Hair And Beauty Products
- Urban Decay Grindhouse Double Barrel Pencil Sharpener - Ulta Beauty: This is the best make-up pencil sharpener I've used because the pencil tips don't break when you sharpen them.
- OUAI Anti-Frizz Crème - 3 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: This is my favourite hair product at the moment because it moisturizes the dry bits of your hair very effectively. Apply it to wet and dry hair as needed, and as often as twice a day. A little goes a long way.
- K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 0.5 oz: This product comes highly recommended by my hair stylist who uses it a few times a week to repair her damaged hair caused by dying and heat tools.
- invisibobble Extra Care Traceless Spiral Hair Ties - Pack of 3 Crystal Clear - Strong Elastic Grip Coil Hair Accessories for Women - No Kink - Gentle for Girls Teens Toddlers and Fine Hair: If you're after a hair tie that is invisible and versatile, this one is great for fine hair. Your hair stays put, and looks neat and tidy. It doesn't damage your hair either. There are versions for thicker hair too.
