Browsing and some buying
The Black Friday deals I’m shopping and some other good sale finds.
To tell you the truth, I was torn on whether to do a Black Friday roundup or not. There are already a ton of Substacks covering what’s on sale, and I didn’t want to add to the pile to confuse you—or even worse, encourage you to spend money on something you don’t need.
On the other hand, while there are many great roundups out there, I couldn’t find one that really reflected what I was looking for/shopping for. So, I wanted to share my own roundup, but hopefully, do it in a way that feels personal (like I’m spilling to a friend what I bought on Black Friday) and genuinely helpful to readers who are already looking for something in particular. I did my best to include a variety in this shopping edit while keeping it somewhat organized and tight so as not to overwhelm.
Before going any further, I wanted to remind you that I shared some strategies I’m using for sale season in last week’s newsletter in case you missed it. Like I always tell my kids, “Listen to your gut.” If you’re already feeling overwhelmed or like you don’t need anything else, take it as a sign to stop reading and close this email to avoid any impulse purchases. Remember, shopping is meant to be fun, not stressful!
Accessories
Fréja New York has a friends and family sale with 25% off sitewide until 12/4. I’ve been admiring their minimal, sleek designs for months and finally caved on their Mini Chrystie bag in espresso.
I also finally caved on the Heaven Mayhem Julia necklace and Baby Knot earrings, both in silver and 30% off.
Photos: Heaven Mayhem / Aritzia Mejuri is having their annual sale with up to 25% off. In the previous years, I’ve taken advantage of their sale to buy a necklace and earrings. This year, their silver cuffs have caught my eye (this one and this.)
I’m obviously very committed to silver this year. I’ve been eyeing this leather belt with an oblong-shaped buckle from Aritzia and recently bought it on sale (for something more low-key, I like this, too.)
Their scarves are also so good right now. I had this cashmere triangle one in my cart but passed on it for now (because of, you know… budgeting).
Who knew Tory Burch had really cute watches?! They’re currently 30% off. I’m really into the dainty-looking styles, so I like this mini square-shaped gold watch, this mixed-metal oval-shaped one, and this one with a leather strap.
Photos: Tory Burch / H&M OK, I have to say I’ve never bought a bag from H&M before, but some of their most recent styles have caught my attention and I mean, you can’t beat the price. Right now, they’re 25% off. This crossbody bucket bag looks like it would be good for every day and going out. There’s this cylindrical bag that I’m pretty sure is trying to be The Row’s round 90’s bag. For something a little bit bigger, there’s this burgundy shoulder bag.
Tops/sweaters
This off-the-shoulder sweater from Aritzia is gorgeous and so soft. I bought it in red, which is unfortunately sold out, but I’ll keep my eye out for it to come back and throw it in the group chat if anyone’s interested (a customer service rep told me it should restock!) *Something to keep in mind about Aritzia is that sale purchases can only be returned for store credit with some items being final sale.
Even after all these years, I can laugh at some of Aritzia’s discounts but I’m still a sucker for them. I bought this black turtleneck on sale ($5 off, lol, but still a good price for a turtleneck in my opinion.) It’s so nice and light but not too sheer, so I can wear it on its own or under a white button-up.
For the first time ever, Skims is having a 30% off sitewide sale. I’ve heard good things about their tees and bought this grey relaxed t-shirt because I was buying a strapless bra and needed to add something to my cart for free shipping. Now that it’s cold, I plan on wearing the t-shirt underneath sweaters and blazers.
I didn’t know what to think of H&M’s premium line but after several fashion Substack girls I trust confirmed it’s worth it, I bought this oversized sweater, which is so soft and turned me into a fan. Their whole site is 25% off, and I like the shade of this dark brown cashmere-blend turtleneck, and this wool-blend cable-knit sweater, which would look so cozy with a pair of leggings.
Photos: Massimo Dutti Massimo Dutti’s Black Friday sale is up to 40% off. I love this v-neck wool jumper and this brown sweater with a scarf.
I dug through J.Crew’s sale (30% off with code SHOP30) and this charcoal sweater-jacket caught my eye. Looks like it would be a nice holiday sweater that you could wear as a jacket if you live somewhere with mild temps. I also like this dark grey woold-blend turtleneck sweater with white flecks and this black shrunken V-neck sweater I would wear with a white tee underneath.
Photo: Perfectwhitetee For more casual styles, perfectwhitetee is 30% off sitewide. This white cotton boxy crew tee looks like a good everyday staple and so does this black rib turtleneck. I also like this relaxed, grey crewneck sweatshirt that looks simple (no logos, no weird stitching or fit) and lived in—it reminds me of a similar sweatshirt I got from Arket recently.
Pants
I’m passing on buying satin pants right now, but so many of the ones I’ve been admiring are on sale. These Vince Satin Bias Pants are #1 on my wishlist—25% off for US customers with the code HOTELVINCE. These Reformation ones are also 25% off and come in a petite length, which is ideal if you’re on the shorter side (like me) and don’t want to bother with hemming. LESET is offering a little bit more of a discount with 30% off these satin pants that are a similar cream colour.
Another pair of pants I want but am holding off on for now are stirrup leggings. There’s limited sizing in the black LESET Rio Stirrup Pant, but a few more sizes are available in the chocolate colour. The Splits59 stirrup leggings—that everyone compares to the LESET ones—are 30% off on their site with the code HOLIDAY30.
Photos: LESET / Aritzia If you still don’t have them, the Effortless Pants from Aritzia are on sale. These trousers have lasted me years, and I’m still reaching for them. I just wore them this past Monday at a holiday lunch with an agency I work with. I want to eventually get them in brown, too.
Citizens of Humanity and Agolde jeans are also on sale at Aritzia. If you’ve got a tighter budget, I love their Denim Forum line. I tried these on last weekend and really liked how they fit (loose but not too baggy).
Shoes
Everyone’s favourite Jamie Haller Penny Loafers are 20% off with the code GRATITUDE20.
Cole Haan’s Black Friday sale is up to 60% off on selected items and an extra 10% off with the code HOLIDAY. I’ve been eyeing these waterproof leather Chelsea boots for when it’s wet and slushy out.
For those with petite feet, like me, Margaux carries smaller sizes and I hear their shoes are extremely comfortable. Everyone raves about their ballet flats in particular. Their whole site is currently 20% off.
Photos: Larroude / Reformation Something I’m missing is a nice pair of kitten heels for going out. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of black slingbacks or pointed-toe mules. These Larroudé patent leather pumps are so chic and currently on sale.
Reformation’s 25% off includes a really good selection of shoes and boots. I love the Wrenley Heeled slingback and the Wilda Kitten Mule, both in black suede. I bought the Remy Knee Boots last year and they’re on sale again. I personally love them, but they don’t have a zipper, which makes them tricky to take off. For something with a shorter heel and zipper, I like the Nancy Knee Boot. These ankle boots are gorgeous, too.
Photo: Reformation Another pair of ankle boots: the Staud Wally ones are on sale for 25% off at Shopbop with the code HOLIDAY.
Outerwear
OAK + FORT’s Black Friday sale is 40% off, including the oversized trench coat I’m always talking about. They also have this Vegan Suede Blazer and this Cropped Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket that stood out to me, especially considering their prices.
For really cold weather, I’ve always been a fan of Mackage. They’re expensive but I rarely buy winter jackets because they last me YEARS. They’re having a sale on selected styles, and I like this long down coat and this shorter style.
Photos: Aritzia If I hadn’t bought a coat last year, I’d probably buy one of Aritzia’s tailored coats that are on sale. My favourite is the Constant Coat, which looks so polished, but they also have the Slouch Coat if you prefer a more relaxed style. I have absolutely no need for this, but this leather trench is stunning.
One last piece of advice? Make sure you triple check the return policy for anything you buy so you don’t end up stuck with something you don’t love. Hope Black Friday is good to you!
*Essential Reads is a reader-supported newsletter and sometimes includes affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission. You can also support the newsletter by upgrading to a paid subscription, ‘liking’ this post or sharing it. Thanks for being here! x
Lots of great items on this!! I want to hear what you think of Freja! I've been eyeing their purses for a year now, but haven't made a decision (surprise lol). Can't wait to see how you wear it and style it!
Okay those Tory Burch watches are going on my noteworthy list. I've been casually thinking about getting a nice watch like the ones you listed. I had no idea they made any!
Also, I tried Reformation's Olina pant around the same time as Vince's pants and Vince felt superior. The way they draped against your body made the extra pricing worth it. I would definitely try in store, because it's possible it just didn't work with my body type. I am also biased because I finally have those Vince pants on their way to me 😅