Best of the Blog + Weekend Sales

This week flew by as our family of 4 settled back into our “not-so-normal” work and school routines after the kids being “off” from school the prior week. Between work, re-stocking the pantry and cooking (anyone else so over cooking the meal prep and chicken?), monitoring the at-home school situation, decorating for Christmas, dealing with broken technology… (you get this idea), I had the opportunity to get out to Nordies and check out a few things in person, while doing a few quick exchanges and pick ups.

Given the current retail environment, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of merchandise on sale and price matched – including three of my favorite leggings, all currently 25% off: the Hue Wide Waistband Legging (now $27.00, PRESS HERE) and the Lysse Ponte Legging (HERE) and denim legging (HERE).

Speaking of faux leather leggings, after reading the rave reviews on the Camo Faux Leather Legging (I know, it sounds like a pretty crazy combo), I searched around and found a pair over at SPANX (Nordies was sold out) and picked a pair up at  20% off on Cyber Monday. Have any of you tried SPANX leggings? I’d love to know your thoughts.  I’ll be sure to share my musings when mine arrive. I did size up to a medium, after reading reviews on multiple sites.

Did you take advantage of any of the fantastic deals over Cyber Week? For me, I was super selective in what I purchased, only picking up items that I could wear NOW, around the house and a little out and about, like (THIS) $36.00 tunic sweater from Amazon which I’ve paired with everything from faux leather leggings, denim leggings to my patterned Zella workout leggings – with THESE Michael Kors Wedge Sneakers, now 25% off (PRESS HERE). Size Note: for reference, I sized down 1/2 a size in these.

This sweater is soft, cozy, a little boxy (but not too much so), available in 24+ colors, is legging friendly, and under $36.00.  Some reviews say to size down, though I went with my regular size and I am happy I did. This is supposed to be an oversized sweater, so if that is not your jam, maybe take a pass. Otherwise, (PRESS HERE) to check it out.

Featured last month on the blog, here’s a look at my Hasbeens 60’s boots. I’ll be honest, when I first tried these boots on, I thought NO WAY – too stiff and uncomfortable. But let me tell you, after one day of wearing them around town with socks, I didn’t want to take them off. Available in limited stock at Nordstrom (60% off HERE), (SIMILAR NEW VERSION HERE)  and Zappos (HERE).

When I’m not in my legging + tunic sweater look; you’ll find me in THESE amazing joggers. From Cuyana, I love the boatneck on THIS sweatshirt. I’ve worn them as a set as shown above, or as separates. One of my best purchases this season.

My long green puffer is from a boutique in Carmel-by-the-Sea and is sold out. But I did find a similar idea at Nordstrom from Zella. Also available in black, I am wearing a small in the dressing room photo below. I would for sure size down to an XS, which I never do. As for the walking jacket, I found her to run true to size.

Zella Green Puffer Vest ( PRESS HERE) | Zella Quilted Walking Jacket (TTS, on my wish list!) | in green and black (PRESS HERE)

Last up on the quilted front, I love MZ Wallace bags and this easy “Micro Metro” cross body caught my eye on the way out of Nordstrom. Perfect for a phone, mask, hand sanitizer, keys and money – it’s the perfect bag for 2020. Also available in silver metallic (PRESS HERE).

As a small business myself, I know most small business begin with a dream. And without the dreamers in this world, we’d miss out on the wow factor and magic of unique products, services, food, music, art, inspiration, and human connection they generously share with us, each day they open their doors.

Yes, we love the convenience – and discounts – of an online purchase from a big brand ( I shop ‘em too) but do you really want the world to ONLY comprise big brand retail? I don’t!

Did you know that many small business offer the same, or even sometimes lower pricing than big box retailers? For example, BLISS BEAUTY CENTER Los Altos (HERE), where I purchase many of my skincare products and gifts from, is offering 20% site wide, thru January 1. So consider this holiday season supporting your local small business’s, whether a physical visit, an online purchase from them or calling in a purchase. The survival and success of small businesses is CRITICAL to the fabric of our villages, towns and cities and they can only survive if we support them. What could you buy today that you might otherwise buy from a big box or online retailer?

In the spirit of traditions and coming together in new ways this holiday season, invite you to hop on over to this weekends Style Post featuring a special guest poster, my mom Cyndy Thomas. Get to know from two women who have inspired me in fashion and in life; my mom and Grammie Emma in the post Classic Clothes, Faux Fur and Trendy Fun (HERE)

Till next week…stay safe, stay warm, stay cozy,