Today, I gathered up a few items that feel different. Not the same old basic but rather pieces that will elevated the simplest moment without busting your budget this holiday.
What to Buy at Banana Republics Black Friday Sale
Once again, sale items this year are flying off the shelf because they started with limited inventory.
If you plan on spending a day, or a few days, hanging around your house over the holidays, why not make it glamorous? Turn on the fire and sip a mimosa while the kids run wild around you and imagine you’re someplace actually relaxing. I ordered these in the Zebra (above); there is also a pretty navy option in XXS – XXL. These would make a lovely gift too.
In recent weeks my loungewear has taken a nosedive. To say I need a few fresh pieces is putting it kindly. (What I need a spa day to get plucked, waxed, and painted back to my usual self). For now, an updated sweatsuit will have to do and I love this polished set. It’s available in regular and petite, in XXS – XXL. Buy each piece separately,Sweatshirt, $29.75 and Pants, $34.75 , but wear together or mix and match with other casual pieces.
One thing I learned about our readership this year is that anytime I can highlight an updated sweatshirt, it’s a winner. This one is so, so pretty with a waffle-knit texture, oversized turtleneck and full sleeves. You can wear it with everything from joggers to jeans to straight-lined pants. Comes in Blush, Ecru and Navy (above) in XXS -XXL.
Sales are also a fantastic time to pick up a statement piece, like a coat. I LOVE coats. L.O.V.E. This Coccoon coat reminds me of something from Eileen Fisher: simple, elegant with a gorgeous drape. It’s available in Grey (above) and a Cherry Red. But unlike EF, this version is about a quarter of the price. In sizes regular and petite from an XXS – XXL.
Missed a Post?
Be sure to check out the top sale picks from all our favorite stores below:
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
We’re heading to Nordstrom for today’s What to Buy at.
Nordstrom starts their Holiday sales early this year, with a week-long Cyber event featuring discounts up to 50%. I spent a few hours going through their inventory. There are hundreds of pages of things you truly don’t need, like a spaghetti strap party dress or another floor-length cardigan.
Even I was getting bored, so I started searching specifically for pieces I know you’re looking for, like winter layers, coats and cold weather shoes.
What I found is a short list of some of our favorite brands that will help you get out the door if you live in an area already in a wintery mix.
What to Buy at Nordstrom for Cyber Week
Please keep in mind because these are deeply discounted, they will sell out quickly.
Typically, I pick up a few seasonal sweaters this time of year to perk up my standard jean and ankle boot outfits. So I ordered this sweet sweater (in Kelly Green, above) to wear either the night we pile in the car to buy the tree or the night at home we decorate it. It’s under $50, and comes in six colors in sizes XXS – XXL.
This is a fantastic price on a high-quality, stylish coat that will keep you warm and dry by Cole Haan. You’re not going skiing in this, but you are running to the grocery store or taking the dog for a walk. Available in Black (above), Forrest and Mauve, in regular and petite sizes. Runs small, so size up.
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Today starts a short holiday week, and thank goodness, because my kids restarted virtual learning this morning, and I don’t know if we’re going to make it, lol. (Side note: If you are a teacher, GOD BLESS YOU.)
With holiday shopping looking very different this year, sales are going on everywhere. I thought it would help to narrow down the best options from your favorite retailers in a week-long What to Buy at feature, starting with LOFT.
So, I went through our last few months of analytics to find the retailers you love the most and all of your requests to pinpoint the categories I know you are looking for at the best possible prices.
And the prices are fantastic. I don’t know what the post-COVID retail landscape is going to look like or how mainstream retail is ever going to go back to selling inventory at full-price. But for now, we can take advantage of a few deals to help fill some voids in our wardrobe.
*Please keep in mind that inventory will sell out fast in many of these categories, and prices are subject to change.
What to Buy at LOFT for the Holidays
LOFT has grown on me over the last few seasons. It’s one of my favorite, most dependable resources. I still prefer to shop them online. I never see anything I like in the store, then I go online and order a dozen things.
Right now, there are some fabulous options, especially if you want to make a low-key holiday at home a little more special. Most items are an additional 50% off with code THEBEST.
This multi-color flecked sweater reminds me of something you would find at a little boutique, or Anthropologie for much, much more. It’s unique yet easy to wear, just throw it on with dark jeans and ankle boots. It’s boxer than it looks and works well with a higher waisted bottom. Available in XXS – L.
This Fair Isle sweater is gorgeous with a lovely bit of shimmer. It has a pretty “shirt tail” hem so it looks finished when worn out but is thin enough to tuck in (or half-tuck). Wear it with jeans, or a skirt with high boots. Available in regular, petite, and plus from a XXS – 24/26.
Long time readers know my affection for holiday pajamas. While I don’t go as far as to make my entire family match, we all love wearing them all season long. These are adorable, available in regular, petite and plus. Note, the bottoms are suppose to be cropped.
Are you thinking about finally trying a moto jacket? Give this one a try, marked down from $130 to just over $40, in regular and plus sizes. Available in plum (above ) and tan. I just ordered the tan option to wear with black pants or dark jeans. This is the kind of piece you can wear now, and well into the Spring when life (please God, fingers-crossed) is back to normal.
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Our What to Buy at Series has become our most popular post. Here, I round up the best of the new arrivals’ at all the popular mainstream retailers to make shopping easier. And because the goal here at The Well Dressed Life is to help you create a chic and functional wardrobe, I use many of these pieces throughout the season, so you have multiple, mix and match options for any occasion.
To create an interesting, classic, and modern look, it’s important to avoid one brand dressing. Instead, mix a combination of affordable items with splurge-worthy basics and add some personal accessories while focusing on fit.
Boden is one of those retailers with a look so specific you can spot it a mile away. If you wear it head to toe, you will look like a walking catalog.
When I shop Boden for myself and my readers, I focus on what they do best: dresses, basics, and lush novelty fabrics. (Also coats, but I’m featuring them in a coat round up later this week!)
What to Buy at Boden
If you’re scrolling through the Boden website, it can be overwhelming and a little confusing. The prints aren’t for everyone, and the way the outfits are styled may feel outside your wheelhouse. So much so I think many women skip right over the retailer entirely.
But underneath all the over-styled photos and excessively preppy mix and match prints are some fantastic, workhorse pieces you can wear to work, weekends and holidays.
Price-wise, they are a little more expensive and haven’t offered the kind of 2020 discounts we’ve become accustomed to. However, they have a few items right now that are worth checking out.
I love everything about this dress, from its long sleeves to its pockets, the fact that it’s lined, and it’s inclusive size range. It’s SO GOOD. You can take this to the office with a pair of pumps or pair it with knee-high boots for Thanksgiving. However you wear it, it’s incredibly versatile, travels well and will hold up for season after season.
One of the most popular tops on the blog is this Boden Long-Sleeve Breton. It sells out constantly, especially in the Spring.
I feature it all the time because of its timeless classic style. Wear it in the summer with a pair of shorts and sandals or dark jeans and a blazer in the winter.
You have many color/print options here, but I suggest sticking to either the navy and ivory or the black and ivory traditional stripe. Available in sizes 2 -22.
Even though this Holiday season isn’t going to have all the big parties and gatherings we’re used to, we’re still dressing up to celebrate. This blouse is currently sitting in my shopping cart, waiting to check out. It’s gorgeous. I’m going to wear it pretty much like in the image above, right down to the bold red lip and with these Birdie velvet loafers.
Another velvet top option, this one has a more relaxed body and bell-shaped sleeves. Instead of wearing it with a special occasion skirt, like in the image above, I would keep it super simple and wear with your favorite slim-lined black pants and some fun statement jewelry.
Finally, I couldn’t resist including this velvet blazer. How fun!? I don’t know where we’re going, but at this point in a year that feels like 10, maybe we just get dressed up for absolutely no reason. Pair with jeans, black pants, or a black skirt. It will elevate pretty much anything you already have in your closet.
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
This time of year, when we naturally cozy-up at home more, it’s nice to have relaxed options in your wardrobe that maintain some polish. That’s why J. Crew Factory is one of my go-to stores for casual and fill-in pieces. Not only do they always have what I’m looking for, but their sizing is inclusive, and you can’t beat their prices. So when they have a storewide sale, like right now, where everything is 60% off, I stock up.
Here’s the deal, I don’t recommend wardrobing yourself from any one store. You’ll look like a walking catalog. There’s a lot I like here, and there’s a lot I skip. For example, I don’t buy jeans or dress bottoms from Factory; there are better options elsewhere.
I also avoid their seasonal prints and graphic tees because you’ll see yourself coming and going and their dresses are hit or miss.
What I always buy are their pajamas, layering pieces, loungewear, and sweaters. And, if you have littles, their children’s department always has some sweet options.
What to Buy at J.Crew Factory
Right now, in addition to the site being 60% off, use the code YAYEXTRA for an additional 10% off.
Technically, these are simple velvet pull-on pants, but the casual drape and tapered leg remind me of a jogger. I picked them up to wear all season long since so much of the holidays will revolve around entertaining at home. Pair it with a silk blouse or turtleneck and these velvet loafers (highly recommend). Available in regular and petite up to a size 24.
This Reader Fave is just under $20 with the additional 10% off. I featured this in September, and it quickly became a best seller. Any time you can upgrade a sweatshirt, we tend to love it around here. You can wear this on its own, or layered over a collared shirt or long sleeve tee shirt. Pair it with jeans or joggers, and you can do pretty much anything, from Zoom calls to Target runs. Available in XXS – 3X in three colors.
Could there be a shopping round up in 2020 without featuring pair of joggers? For under $20, these are a steal. They’re ideal for lounging at home or staying with family. Skip the pink and grey options, and go for this black bottom; they are more versatile. You can pair it with this popular long sleeve tee and a jacket and sneakers for when you’re ready to run out the door.
By far, one of my favorite pieces is this funnelneck pullover. It’s like wearing a blanket as a top. So it’s great if you are in super cold weather, but a big pass if you get easily overheated.
I fall into the category of “always freezing,” so this guy is delightful. It’s also ideal for wearing on a snow day or changing into after a day of skiing. Size up because it runs small and shrinks a bit after a few washes. Available in XXS – 3X.
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Post and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Sephora is the only retailer I prefer to shop in person. I love their in-store experience.
Give me a few hours, and I can get lost, walking up and down the aisles. And don’t get me started on the pure joy that is their checkout line that snakes around, wrapping you in sample sizes of everything you never knew you needed.
When I leave, with my glossy black bag filled with goodies, I’m convinced for a brief moment that when I use these new products, I will emerge as a better, more beautiful version of myself. Lol.
But 2020 is the worst, so even Sephora is different. Space is limited, areas blocked off, and you can’t use the testers. So online shopping is our only option.
And since we’re all emotionally hungover from the past week (and year), it might be time to revamp our beauty/skincare/self-care routine.
Right now is the Sephora Holiday Sale, marketed specifically for their “Insiders.”
What does that mean?
Nothing special, you just have to sign up for their rewards program. If you’re not a Sephora Insider, sign up on their site before you start shopping. It’s easy, it’s free and they don’t bug you about anything.
This sale is different in that the discounts vary based off your Insider level, and your Insider level is determined by your annual spend.
If you’re just getting started you’re called an Insider and get 10% off, if you’re VIP you get 15% off, and if you’re what they call Rouge you get 20% off. The more you spend annually, the greater the discount you’ll receive.
Regardless of which level you are, use the code HOLIDAYFUN at check out.
My Favorites
For today’s post, I literally stood in my bathroom and looked up all of my favorite products to see if you can grab them on sale. Most of these you’ve heard me talk about countless times, others I started using a few months ago and am happy to recommend.
Please note, unlike all of my other posts, I am not including the price of these because the sale price will vary based on your discount and part of our regulation as bloggers is that if I post the price, it has to be as accurate as possible.
Also, I hope this goes without saying, while I do spend on better beauty products, I don’t buy all of these at once. Some products I have to replenish every month, most require only once or twice a year.
Below, I broke this down into Skincare, and then Makeup, Fragrance and Tools.
Skincare
If you’ve been following for any amount of time, you know I spend a lot of time focusing on keeping my skin healthy. I’m 40 years old, with sensitive skin, and dealt with terrible cystic acne – as an adult – for many years.
Skin issues profoundly impacted my self-confidence. It wasn’t until I got my skin issues under control that I felt confident enough to put my face on the blog, so I am more than happy to spend here and save in other areas.
Now, my skin has never looked better. (Another reason why I’m so loyal to these products.)
Sephora’s Spring Savings: Skincare
I’ve recently become a big fan of the double cleanse, which means you wash your face twice, first with an oil-based cleanser, and then follow up with a gentle gel-based one. For this, I use:
Tatcha Oil Cleanser – By far, my favorite gentle cleanser. It quickly removes makeup and cleanses skin without stripping it of moisture. For sensitive skin, it’s a dream. I’ve been using this for years.
Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser – I’ve been using this for six months, and it’s fantastic. You get a deep clean, again, without stripping your skin.
Other Skincare:
Drunk Elephant Waterfacial Mask – I discovered this “Waterfacial Mask” while researching night creams. It’s not a mask at all. Instead, it’s a thick (but not too thick) ultra-hydrating cream you put on right before bed. It’s not sticky, and it doesn’t clog pores. It just leaves my skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
Drunk Elephant Night Serum – When I ordered the above cream, it came with a sample size of this “Night Serum.” Not one to ever let a product go untested, I followed the directions and applied it to my skin before bed, layered right under the “mask.” It has helped even out my skin tone and softens some acne scarring. My skin looked noticeably brighter the very first morning after I used it.
Drunk Elephant Sunscreen – Using sunscreen on your face separate from your moisturizer is more effective. I use this simple SPF 30 every day, no matter what. It’s effective and fast-absorbing.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream – The upfront price of this is steep, BUT it lasts almost a year, which is just about when it would expire. This is another long time favorite of mine. After consistent use, the lines around my eyes are minimal, and what is there has softened.
Goop Morning Skin Super Powder – I put two of these packets in my water every single morning. It’s filled with vitamin C and E, CoQ10, and many other ingredients that are good for your skin and general health. I actually buy them from the Goop website and have them on auto-delivery. I know, I feel you rolling your eyes; it’s okay, I know.
Beautyblender -Beautyblenders are expensive (usually $20 for a little sponge), so if you use them regularly, pick them up here.
Caudalie Detox Mask – This is the one mask I go back to time and time again. It’s affordable, gentle, and effective. I use it a few times a week because it only takes 5 minutes to do, so you feel like you indulged, but you didn’t waste any time.
Makeup, Fragrance and Brushes
One of the many benefits of focusing on skin health is you don’t require much in terms of make up. You’ll never see me “baking” or conturing to an inch of my life. I like to see my skin come through, freckles and all.
You have seen all of these on here before. These are my everyday, go-to, 5 minute face essentials.
Sephora’s Holiday Sale: Makeup, Fragrance and Tools
Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick – I use this foundation stick every day. What’s great about it is that it isn’t heavy or cakey. You can build for the kind of coverage you want (use a BeautyBlender for easy application). The best thing about Bobbi Brown is the array of skin tones. You can be pale as a ghost (like me) or have deep and dark skin. It’s truly inclusive.
Sephora Collection Brush Set – They call this the “uncomplicated brush set.” How perfect is that? It’s under $50 and has everything you need to get the most out of your application.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer – I have been using this bronzer since I was in my twenties. For my skin tone, it looks natural. If you want a healthy glow, you seriously don’t need any other product. And it lasts forever.
RMS Beauty Signature Set – I have two of these compacts, one lives in my bag, and one lives in my bathroom. It has everything you need for a quick, natural face and is ideal for touch-ups on the go.
Jo Malone Peony and Suede Blush – This has been my signature scent for several years. It’s just lovely, and I am forever complimented on it.
Benefit ka-Brow – Brows are EVERYTHING. They shape your face and make you look youthful, happy, and healthy. As I’ve aged, my eyebrows have disappeared. This product helps you quickly define them in a very natural way. I use it every single day.
Wander Beauty Mascara – Get super natural-looking, long lashes that don’t smudge or look ridiculous.
Bobbi Brown Face Primer Moisturizer – I don’t use a primer every day, especially right now, but when you need your makeup to go on and stay in place, a layer of primer first will help.
Kosas Lipstick – I adore this non-toxic, high pigment lipstick from Kosas. “Electra” is my go-to red, and “Rosewater” is a feminine pink-based neutral I like for every day.
Other posts you may like: I broke down my nighttime skincare routine a while ago; you’ll see many of these products featured. However, the point was to discuss the best order to apply your products – so use whatever works best for you.
Our Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
Faux leather leggings are all the rage. In 2019, they were in our top 10 best sellers for the entire year. For months I heard from readers who stepped out of their comfort zone, gave them a try, and LOVED them.
Today, I’m showing you how to wear faux leather leggings even more ways, with a casual 2020 spin.
And take your time with this one because there are so many good, wearable items in the post.
For today’s looks I created three easy ways to wear these leggings in your real life. You’ll recognize some of these pieces from past posts (remember, we’re trying to build a mix and match wardrobe over time), others are new and worth taking a peek at.
While last year we focused on dressing these up, this year is a little different. You can add instant style to a weekend outfit by swapping out your basic leggings for your faux leather ones with a few simple tips.
First, keep your color combinations sophisticated, like the camel and black combo above. Or, work with all black, grey and black or winter white and ivory.
Everyone’s “normal” looks so different right now, depending on where you live in the country (and the globe, frankly). Maybe you’re out and about, back in the office, meeting a small group of friends for lunch … whatever you’re up to, celebrate it by getting dressed.
Next, boots. If you are wearing an ankle book you want leg of the legging to fit into the boot. Don’t show any skin between the bottom of the leg and the top of the boot. Instead, have them create one continuous line. This will help keep the eye moving, giving a long lean look.
The one thing that has saved my sanity over the last few months have been date nights. The second our restaurants opened back up (locally, restaurants are at 50% capacity indoors), Bri and I were there to support them and give us a break from the relentlessness of daily life.
Last weekend, we celebrated our anniversary (17 years!) with dinner out and I wore heels for the first time since early March. It felt glorious.
So if you’re going out, get dressed up, if only to feel like yourself again.
Below is a picture from last November. I dressed them up for my 40th birthday party with a pair of black heels from Sam Edelman and an ivory sweater with some metallic threading.
Sadly, this was the last time I saw all of my friends in one big group!
Here’s hoping we’re back to normal soon so we can get dressed up and celebrate together because I’m really starting to miss fun.
Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist View Post and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
