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It's Labor Day weekend, and there are not only a lot of sales, but it's a sensible time of year to shop. I am shopping myself this time, and instead of music and reviews this year, I will just have reads and sale picks. I will focus my sale picks on where I actually am shopping this holiday weekend and what I am considering or would consider if I had a different budget. Let me know if you like this better than previous sale alerts, and I promise to have TV, books, movies, and music back next Saturday!
Weekend Reads
I was interviewed by Fashionista regarding clothing rental companies: Are your fashion rentals always getting cleaned? (Fashionista)
The popular podcast genre makes the generation of compelling conversation look effortless. In reality, it's anything but. (New York Times - gift link)
A powerful piece about why so few mental health professionals take insurance. (ProPublica)
Stacy London and Clinton Kelly to reunite for Amazon reality series 'Wear Whatever the F You Want.' (Variety)
The dress that swept Capitol Hill. (Washington Post - gift link; and here's a link to the dress)
I always forget that I'm old. (Another New Thing)
Written by a friend and featuring the company that redid my dressing table... 7 ways to get a colorful home without going gaudy. (Washington Post - gift link)
Oasis announces reunion tour after 15 years of brotherly war. (New York Times - gift link)
Solo travel is a bit different since you backpacked around europe in your 20s. (Jenny)
Can orgasms make you smarter? (Glamour)
30 years ago, one brave, queer teen changed television forever on 'My So-Called Life.' (Queerty)
PSA: It's never okay to comment on someone else's body-even if you have the best intentions. (Well + Good)
Merit Beauty sent me their new Great Skin Moisturizer and I have to say I am a fan. I have been using it for two weeks and like the effects. Two pumps and while it's still damp, apply your sunscreen. It makes skin look glowy solo, and helps makeup stay on longer.
The future of college in the asset economy. (Harper's Magazine)
The balloon drop at the DNC had more meaning than you might know. (Washington Post - gift link)
Can you tell which short story ChatGPT wrote? (New York Times - gift link)
'Humanity is failing': official report warns our chance to save the Great Barrier Reef is fast closing. (The Conversation)
Why women who dress up as 1950s homemakers are driving the internet insane. (New York Times - gift link)
I'm rural. I vote against my self-interest. (The View from Rural Missouri)
And for my local yokels... The WHFS doc is finally coming to your TV. (Washingtonian)
Sale Alert
If you are not shopping this weekend, feel free to X out now. But if you are and desire some inspiration, here is what caught my eye at places I may shop this Labor Day weekend:
ABLE: 25% off sitewide with code LDS25
For my thoughts, check out my ABLE Clothing review. I'm intrigued by the Maha Leather Jacket in brown, the new green Selam tote, and the Gloria Graphic Tee in red.
Aerosoles: 25% sitewide
Ann Taylor: 30% off sitewide and 50% additional off sale
Ann Taylor is one of the few retailers that has petites over a size 12, and thanks to that, has become a favorite destination for suiting and outerwear. I have found Ann's quality and style to have improved and I like the classic with an edge style.
I personally want this lace-collared shirt, this vertical stripe shell and matching skirt, this simple but not boring dress, this camel bomber that looks like it's from some edgy minimalist brand, this gorgeous coat that says it's plaid but its houndstooth, and these booties because leopard calfhair is back, baby!
Banana Republic Factory: 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off
I like Banana Republic Factory more than Banana Republic for wearable styles, better prices, and IMO better fit.
- A great work blouse that can be night out if you style with dressier trousers or dark denim. Tuck in or leave out.
- with these trousers and a really interesting belt or scarf as a belt. Citrine with cream or possibly blush or blue. Black with black or cream, snow with black or cream or blue.
- A decade ago, I had two short-sleeved sweater dresses from Banana. They were perfect except for this button at the neck. This dress is what I wanted then, and it's what I want now too.
CADDIS Appliances: Extra 25% off sale merch with promo code EXTRA25
Chico's: End of season sale with up to 60% off
Everlane: 25% off sitewide
Right now Everlane doesn't feel my vibe, but it can easily be yours as they have some chic stapes this season. And 25% off is nice! I think this off the shoulder sweater is so sweet and chic, and I really dig the unique shape of these jeans.
Gap: 40-60% off new and 60% off sale
I am rooting for Gap, now that Zac Posen is at the helm. I think he's so chic with a fresh positive perspective and I like what I've seen thus far. I think the best thing to buy this season from Gap is their denim. You keep seeing me repeat this, but denim is hot this fall and winter, and it's either vintage or else this edgy artistic sort of denim and Gap is doing it well.
Glasses USA: 40% off most and 30% off most of the rest
J. Crew: 40% off sitewide
Okay, what is best to buy during this J. Crew sale? Accessories. I'm talking jewelry like these badass earrings and this chunky link necklace. This oblong scarf which would make a chic belt alternative and this braided belt with an anchor buckle. This classic yet extremely modern that would elevate a simple slipdress or cocktail pantsuit. Every accessory or pair of shoes I've bought from J. Crew has been a good buy and has lasted well.
J. Crew Factory: 50-70% off sitewide and $49.50 jeans
School is back in session and you may need some good basics for yourself or your kids. J. Crew Factory is a place I have had success finding wallet-friendly basics that will stretch a closet without sacrificing style.
I like this lady jacket cardigan (all 3 colors are good), I think the factory denim jacket is better than the J. Crew one, is a nicely priced work or dress up denim blouse, I think these jeans look more expensive than their price, and this is a great classic cotton cardigan or for you or even your teen in chorus or who needs a layer for her sundresses or school uniforms.
J.Jill: 30% off jeans
One thing I believe J.Jill does really well is . No embellishments, stylish washes, and soft fabric that has bounceback. J.Jill offers XS-4X, XSP-XLP, and ST-XLT. I like the look of these high-rise flares.
Lands' End: 40% off sitewide and 75% off sale and clearance
Denim is big this season, going classic, street, western, 90s, Y2K, barrel, dresses, non-classic jackets, and denim on denim.
- For now and those in warmer climates, this Tencel dress could easily be from Madewell or Everlane. Style it this fall the way your kindergarten teacher wore it: with tall boots and a turtleneck. Feel free to switch out the self belt with a leather or metal one in your closet.
- This chambray dress is the perfect get 'er done dress. Wear at home with your house shoes, add a bra and some shoes or boots to leave the house and even pop the collar and it's chic.
- This denim dress looks high-end, though I can't tell if the fit will be good or awkward.
- This western shirt gets high ratings, is that faded color that gives good contrast to most washes of jeans, and looks soft enough to tuck in and tie in a knot.
- These barrel jeans because while I wouldn't think of Lands' End for trendy denim, I really like the wide legs I got last year as does my best friend who is also petite but has a completely different shape and wears a smaller clothing size.
This cashmere crew in Poppy or Dark Cloudy Blue Stripe or Fluorescent Green or Vicuna Heather Donegal.
This vest in Blushed Lilac to wear over the chartreuse and teal Athleta activewear I bought last year.
This fleece, because I liked the mixed fabric and I'm a sucker for anything the color of a highlighter.
If I didn't already own this packable raincoat in a previous season color (see me in it here), I would consider the Squall slicker and as for color, that's tough as they're all chic but likely the gray as I miss my old pale gray Universal Standard Derjon that was just too big for my 5'3″ self.
It's a struggle to find a well-fitting leather jacket when you're short and busty. And I can only imagine how welcome it would be to have a tall option as well. Lands' End does petite and tall outerwear on the regular; if this leather jacket came in petite I'd get the brown. And I'd wear the crap out of it so it molded to my body like the black moto jacket I wore back in high school.
I do not need another canvas tote, but if I did, I'd get this one in large, regular handles and open top and add my name and a crab. And I'd keep it in my car with some reusable totes inside to have ready for groceries and use it to cart things for beach and road trips.
L.L.Bean: 10% off your order
L.L.Bean rarely does sales, and this is one of those rare occasions. And in typical L.L.Bean fashion, it is an exclusive code to your email. So go sign up for L.L.Bean emails or check your promotions or spam folder to get that discount!
I personally own and recommend this sweater fleece, and this striped mariner top, and this sherpa pullover (size up), and these Primaloft leggings, and this cotton cableknit, and this similar cableknit from the men's department).
LOFT: 30% off new arrivals and sale styles starting at $12
LOFT has really leaned into the denim trend this fall with some utterly adorable pieces:
I am pleased by the unique modern prints and pieces LOFT has this season that would be great for a grown woman's night out:
Madwell: 25% off fall essentials and 50% off select denim
Paula's Choice: 25% off $90+ and 20% off everything else
Soma: Up to 60% off new markdowns
This Soma sale has up to 60% off bras, 5/$15 undies, and deals on sleepwear and lounge, and over 50% off swim. I'm crushing on this swimsuit, this silk robe, this dress in berry, and these Cool Night shorts.
Talbots: 20% off regular priced items and 70% off sale and clearance
Y'all know I love me some Talbots, and the New Arrivals contain a few gems. The things I either will get or want to get if I had a larger budget:
