50% Off at Banana Republic and How to Use It

The Banana Republic Friends and Family Sale is in full swing through Monday, August 19. The on-site promotion is 40%, with exclusions. But, if you know the magic code, you can actually get a full 50% off with no BR merchandise exclusions. The trick? Use code BRFAMILY to get the bonus deal. If you order $100 or more, also use code BRSHIP for free 3-5 day shipping.

Not sure how to best make use of this limited time only promo code? These five timeless minimalist picks are all sure things, especially at this great sale price.

The new Japan Exclusives collection at Banana Republic is fantastic. These are easily some of my favorite BR pieces in years. But, caution: they were sized for the Japanese market, so you may need to size up. This high-neck black blouse is my absolute favorite.




→ Buy the Banana Republic Japan Exclusive Mock-Neck Blouse, $44.75 with code (was $89.50), at bananarepublic.com.

Under $100: Coach Summer Sale Finds

The Coach Summer Sale just got better. All the remaining sale items are now marked a whopping 50% off original prices. There is still a lot left to choose from, including shoes, clothing, accessories, and a ton of handbags.

The best part of the new reductions is that there are now a bunch of fabulous finds for under $100. A handful of my favorites are here. Plus, don’t forget that all orders within the continental US come with free shipping and returns if you use code FREESHIP!


I’ve never thought of Coach as an edgy, rock-and-roll kind of label, but they are full of surprises lately. Their recent collab with iconic LA nightclub The Viper Room resulted in some fun pieces, including this now sale-priced pouch.




→ Buy the Coach Viper Room Turnlock Pouch 26, $32.00 (was $65.00), at coach.com.

3 Sale-Priced Club Monaco Sweaters to Buy During the Heat Wave

It’s hot here in Northern California. Like, really hot. There’s nothing like a heat wave to make me want to buy cashmere sweaters. You too? That must be because we both know that the best time to score a big deal on cozy winter clothes is during the hottest part of the summer.

Club Monaco is currently offering an extra 30% off already reduced sale items. That means some of their most interesting sweaters are available at a fraction of regular price. I sorted through all the sale-priced goods and found three sweaters – two cashmere and one wool – that are gorgeous, timeless, and marked way down. Check out my fabulous finds:

This 100% cashmere sweater pairs a slim fit with a draped cowl neck for a dramatic silhouette. It would look sleek with trousers or a pencil skirt for work, but it would also pair nicely with slouchy cropped denim for the weekend. It’s available in heather grey (shown) and cream.




→ Buy the Club Monaco Amarynth Cashmere Sweater, 139.30 (was $249.00), at clubmonaco.com.

The 5 Best Things On Sale at Vince Right Now

Do you love classic minimalist style and cozy knits with a light dusting of laid-back California vibes? Vince might just be your new dream brand. Unless, of course, you are already a huge fan like me. Either way, now is the time to snag a few deeply discounted Vince pieces, whether they’ll be your first purchases or just the latest in a long string of well-loved items.

The Vince online store just marked down lots of sweaters, pants, jeans, dresses, and more. Since the markdowns are fresh, there are still plenty of color options and sizes to choose from. Here are the five best pieces on sale at Vince right now, in my opinion.

This wool-cashmere blend funnel neck sweater features wide sleeves with a button-fastening detail. The slouchy fit and directional knit make for a modern silhouette, and it’s available in both this light heather grey and a beautiful deep indigo blue shade called “coastal.”




→ Buy the Vince Button Sleeve Funnel Neck Sweater, $219.00 (was $365.00), at vince.com; shipping and returns are free.

25 Top Finds From The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

The holiday season is nearly over, but the sales are just getting started.

Nordstrom kicked off their amazing Half-Yearly sale this week and the discounts are deep. You can get up to 50% off a selection of over 2000 items. It's a bit overwhelming, really.

Rather than diving in head-first, why don't you sit back and browse this selection of 25 perfect sale finds that nicely combine a minimalist-leaning aesthetic with an excellent sale price. Here are our 25 favorite markdowns from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale.

Sale: Nordstrom Cashmere Sweaters $58

I find sale-priced cashmere very hard to resist. Just in time for holiday gifting -- for others or yourself -- Nordstrom has put two classic cashmere sweater silhouettes from their Halogen house label on sale. This is about as good as it gets in cashmere sweater land.

The Relaxed V-Neck Cashmere Sweater has a kick-back look that is weekend-ready and perfect for layering. It comes in twelve colors, including two neutral striped options that look straight out of a how-to-dress-French guidebook.

For a more refined look, the Crewneck Cashmere Sweater is an appealing option. It has a side slit that makes it a bit more interesting than a plain crewneck, but it’s still 100% work appropriate. It comes in fourteen color options, including two colorful striped patterns and a very pretty navy blue Donegal-look knit.

Both sweaters are available in sizes XS to XXL regular and XXS to XL petite, although some of the more popular size and color combinations currently have very limited inventory. Shockingly, very few combinations are sold out. Shipping and returns are both free.

→ Buy the Halogen Relaxed V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, $58.90 (was $89.00), at nordstrom.com.

→ Buy the Halogen Crewneck Cashmere Sweater, $58.90 (was $89.00), at nordstrom.com.

Loving This Week: Faux Leather Leggings + Pajar On Sale

Check out my favorite online shopping finds for the week…

1. Halogen High/ Low Turtleneck Sweater, $79.00
The low, curved hem of this cotton blend chunky turtleneck gives it an elegant silhouette. And who doesn’t want a sweater that covers their bum occasionally? It’s available in five colors, including the dark grey heather pictured here and a beautiful forest green.

Sale: Marni Glossed Leather Brogues 55% Off

I’m so glad fall is finally here. I deeply love all of the cold-weather items you can’t get away with wearing in the summer, even here in the perpetually chilly Bay Area. I’m excitedly unpacking cashmere cardigans and wool turtlenecks, over-the-knee boots and Chelsea boots, parkas and knit caps. And day dreaming about a just-right pair of menswear-inspired brogues.

These sale-priced Marni brogues will do nicely. The leather upper is the ideal state of shiny – somewhere just above ordinary black leather, but well below patent leather territory. I'm just not ok with patent leather during the day. The charcoal grey laces feel more luxurious than the skinny, barely-functional laces you normally see on a women’s brogue. The visible stitching around the sole, where glue might be used in a down-market option, instantly signals a shoe that’s quality made. Finally, the shape has a vintage vibe that feels straight out of a Charlie Chaplin silent movie. The whole look is well put together in a way that reminds me instantly why investment clothing is a real thing.

Wear these stylish brogues with everything from workwear suits – I’m really feeling cropped plaid for fall – to jeans and chunky sweaters throughout the cold weather months. I’d even try pairing them with beautiful socks and cropped pants for fashion-forward look. Even on sale, they’re still quite an investment. But, they are significantly more affordable than they’d be at regular price, and sure to last for many seasons with good care.

→ Buy the Marni Glossed Leather Brogues, $384.00 (was $855.00), at theoutnet.com; get 15% off your first order with code FIRSTTIME15.

Sale: Theory Demitria Wool Suit Pants Under $100

Long before Theory was known as one of the cornerstones of American minimalist fashion, the label made a name for itself as the suiting go-to for the young, chic, and upwardly mobile. When I was a baby attorney in the early aughts there was an unwritten rule: partners wore Armani, but partner-track associates had a closet full of Theory. The contemporary label may have broadened its base since the heyday of minimalist suits, but that doesn’t make their stretch wool suiting separates any less appealing.

These Demitria 2 Flare Leg Stretch Wool Suiting Pants come in both black and navy, and both colors are on sale for under $100. These exact same pants are on sale elsewhere in the upscale online shopping world for $221, marked down from $295. *cough* Saks *cough*

Beyond the fact that this is an excellent sale price, these wool trousers are a classic investment piece that will anchor your closet for years. They can be paired with a Theory stretch wool suit jacket for the business-professional look. Pull on a slim sweater and block-heel pumps for a less formal, yet still dressy office ensemble. A satin blouse and strap sandals make them perfect for a night out. The options are endless.

→ Buy the Theory Demitria Wool Suit Pants, $99.97 (was $295.00), at nordstromrack.com.

Classic Work Shirts Are 2 for $50 at Express – Time to Stock Up!

When was the last time you shopped at Express? I was a big fan through my mid-twenties, but at some point, I stopped being a regular. Given the excellent selection of club-appropriate clothing, it’s easy to write off Express as a store with an expiration date. But, truth is, they have a great selection of affordable workwear staples.

Work shirts – 191 of them – are marked two for fifty dollars at Express right now. It’s a great sale for stocking up on work week layering options. These are the shirts that are going to look amazing with your suits, under a winter sweater, or just paired with your favorite pencil skirt.

I’ve posted a few of my favorites here, and you can check out the full work shirt sale selection over at Express.

This Portofino button-down shirt comes in 16 colors, in sizes XXS to XL, and it has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating with over 200 reviews. Picking this up in a couple colors is a smart way to take advantage of the 2 for $50 sale.




→ Buy the Express Original Fit Portofino Shirt, 2 for $50.00 (was $49.90), at express.com.

Here’s What to Buy at the Banana Republic 40% Off Sale

The entire Banana Republic site is 40% off this weekend. Well, maybe not the entire site. The crazy sale doesn’t apply to cashmere and leather apparel, but everything else is 40% off. That’s still a lot of sale goodness. Here are my picks for the best items to pick up during the sale.

1. Banana Republic Logan Trouser Fit Wool Pant, $72.00 (was $120.00)
This mall staple store has had its ups and downs over the years. But, through it all, they’ve managed to regularly turn out great wool trousers. These straight leg pants are a classic choice and perfect for work. You can pair them with the coordinating Long and Lean Fit Blazer for a full suit look.

Sale: Hunter Adjustable Rain Boots Under $100

When you factor in summer music festivals and vacation destinations like Edinburgh where rain is always in the forecast, Hunter rain boots have become a year-round fashion staple. Given this season-agnostic popularity, I’m always excited to find Hunter boots in a minimalist color and a wide range of sizes on sale.

These waterproof wellies feature Hunter’s classic rubber construction, round toe, and lug sole. But, with an upgrade. The adjustable side on this “Norris Field” model makes it perfect for those of us with wide calves. Finding a full-length rain boot that is wide calf-compatible is hard. Finding one that’s also stylish is nearly impossible. That makes this Hunter boot is a smart buy at regular price, and a do-not-miss buy at this summer sale price.

They’re available in both black and slate, in whole sizes 6-11, at this reduced price.

→ Buy the Hunter Norris Field Adjustable Rain Boots, $99.97 (was $160.00), at nordstromrack.com.

Sale: J Brand Frayed Denim Jacket $62.99

It’s a classic denim jacket with a few well-worn details, and an excellent sale price.

This cotton/ Lyocell blend jean jacket from designer denim label J Brand features a spread collar and button front with chest buttoned-flap pockets. It’s machine washable and available in sizes XS to L. Wear it now paired with a cotton tank top and chino shorts for an all-American summer vibe. When fall rolls around, pull it on over a lightweight cashmere sweater for an extra layer of warmth.

Regularly priced at $378.00, it’s marked down to $104.99, plus you can score an extra 30% off with coupon code JEANIUS. That makes the final price a very reasonable $62.99. Such a great deal.

→ Buy the J Brand Frayed Denim Jacket, $62.99 (was $378.00), at saksoff5th.com.

Sale: Ray-Ban Flat Top Sunglasses Under $100

Witness, the rare current-season sale on a wardrobe classic. Sale finds tend to fall into one of two categories: off-season merchandise (e.g., cashmere in July) or trendy items with questionable multi-season staying power (cold-shoulder top, anyone?). These sunnies are both on-point for the summer and a classic style that will serve you well for many years.

These flat-top Ray-Ban sunglasses are the cool younger cousin of the iconic Wayfarer, featuring gradient lenses with 100% UV protection set in square matte black plastic frames. Through July 11, they are marked an extra 30% the existing sale price, which makes for an especially great deal. Also through July 11, you can score $50 in Last Call cash by placing an order of $100 or more before sales tax. So many reasons to shop.

→ Buy the Ray-Ban Flat-Top Square Sunglasses, $97.30 (was $143.00), at lastcall.com.

Sale: Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette 50% Off

Urban Decay’s Naked eyeshadow palettes have been a makeup bag must-have for years, starting with the original sellout palette and going through to the half-dozen options available now. I distinctly remember standing in line at the Starbucks on the corner of 6th and 42nd with former Stiletto Jungle contributor Pearl discussing how we were going to get our hands on the recently released Naked2 palette. Back then, it was a minor miracle if you could snag a new Naked palette in its first run. Glad those days are over.

Each Naked palette is a mix of neutral, or near-neutral, shades around a color theme, such as the rose gold tinged Naked3 or the amber-hued Heat. This palette, from the well-curated and appropriately named Basics range, offers a completely different set of shades from the Naked Basics and Naked2 Basics palettes. The twelve colors in this set cover a range of neutrals, including warm and cool options. And they are all matte, making them perfect for work or other daytime pursuits. Makes total sense that it was an Allure Best of Beauty winner. Doesn’t make a lot of sense that it’s marked half-price. But, hey, our win.

→ Buy the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette, $24.97 (was $54.00), at nordstromrack.com.

Sale: Botkier Trigger Leather Satchel Under $200

I know what you are thinking. Two white handbags featured in two weeks, really? How many white leather handbags does a person need? I get it. But the Botkier Trigger bag is my all-time favorite, so I couldn’t resist sharing this wonderful sale find.

This creamy off-white satchel features all the zips, pockets, and pulls that are the hallmarks of the original Botkier design. My first Trigger was a black leather “Trigger Clyde” purchased from the now-shuttered South Coast Plaza outpost of So Cal fashion institution Ron Herman. I was instantly in love. Over the years I’ve acquired three more Triggers, but not one in white!

This convertible Trigger satchel comes with both 6.5” drop top handles and a removable 15” drop shoulder strap. It’s good to have options. The top zips closed to keep all your goods packed up tight, while the exterior zip pockets let you put the necessities where you can get to them quickly. The quirky geometric pattern lining is icing on the cake.

→ Buy the Botkier Trigger Convertible Leather Satchel Bag, $199.50 (was $348.00), at lastcall.com; this item ships free with code LCSHIP.

Sale: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote 40% Off

Nothing says summer quite like completely impractical white leather. This modern classic Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote comes in putty white and includes the updated side zip gussets of recent seasons. Like all RM bags, this tote comes with plenty of pockets and organizational spaces, including an external zip pocket, interior zip pocket, and smartphone pocket. Unlike most totes, it also has a top zip. Handy, right?

This smart handbag will go with just about anything your summer wardrobe has to offer, including business professional office-wear. Just be sure to use a waterproof protectant spray before taking it out in the wild. I suggest Collonil, which has never let me down.

→ Buy the Rebecca Minkoff MAB Leather Tote, $176.98 (was $295.00), at nordstrom.com; free shipping.

Sale: Yosi Samra Foldable Ballet Flats 66% Off

Perfect for travel. Or backup on a night out in killer heels. Or just because. Really, who doesn’t need a pair of chic little flats that can be easily packed away into a handbag or carry-on?

These foldable leather ballet flats have all the bells and whistles that make for super comfortable shoes, like an elasticized collar, cushioned insole, and non-slip pads at the sole. They’re also marked down to an unbelievable sub-$30 price. While they last, these classic black flats are available in sizes 5 to 9.

→ Buy the Yosi Samra Samara Ballet Flats, $29.99 (was $89.00), at c21stores.com.

Sale: A Posh Bally Crossbody Bag 72% Off

The Bally label is known for sleek silhouettes and a subtle luxury that is only obvious to close followers of high-end fashion. With that attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a classy brand, it’s no wonder the Swiss label can command $1,200 or more for its full-size leather handbags.

This rare sale find is a real steal. Regularly priced at over $700, this 10” x 10” x 0.85” slim leather crossbody in timeless black leather is massively marked down. It features an adjustable strap, interior zip pocket, and interior mobile phone pocket, and comes with a dust bag.

→ Buy the Bally Vyna Leather Crossbody Bag, $199.97 (was $708.00), at nordstromrack.com; this item ships for free.

5 Under-$50 Steals From the Macy’s Sneaker Sale

Sneakers of the non-gym variety have become such a vital part of a fashion-forward wardrobe that they are now even acceptable street style-wear in Paris. I never thought that day would come. So, how’s your sneaker wardrobe looking these days?

If you are feeling a little sneaker-light, I have the sale for you. Right now you can snag a wear-everywhere sneaker from one of the big three labels – New Balance, Adidas, or Converse – for under $50 at Macy’s. My top five favorites are presented here, but there are plenty of other styles available.

New Balance is my sneaker of choice, and I have a pair very similar to this 555 that I have practically worn out. I really like the ultra-neutral dove grey/ cream/ gold color scheme.




→ Buy the New Balance 555 Sneaker in Cream/ Gold, $64.99 $33.74, at macys.com.