My Cyber Monday Recommendations

I'm a little late with this post, but there are some amazing Cyber Monday deals that I just have to share. Most of my recommendations are pieces that I either own or have tried on.

Retailer: J.Crew

Promo: 40% off your purchase with code MONDAY plus free shipping on all orders. 

This is a great time to pick up a classic coat (or two!) and other pieces that rarely go on sale. Don't forget to use Ebates for an additional 10% off!

Coat picks: 

- Nordic parka (I have last year's version in navy, see my review here)

- stadium-cloth cocoon coat (own an older version, one of my favorite coats)

- double-cloth lady day coat with thinsulate (own, runs small)

- icon trench in Italian wool cashmere

- icon trench coat (own, runs small)

- denim jacket in Tyler wash (own, one of my most worn pieces!) 

Other picks:

- perfect shirt in stewart plaid (own)

- tuxedo-inspired long-sleeve t-shirt (new purchase)

- faux-leather pleated mini skirt (ordered!)

Retailer: Nordstrom

Promo: Extra 20% off selected sale items.

Plenty of goodies to be found here, but it'll take some digging. Don't forget to use Ebates for an additional 6% off!

My picks:

- Sam Edelman Petty chelsea boot (own in black and putty suede, ordered in saddle)

- Nike Pro Indy Dri-FIT sports bra (my favorite sports bra but don't recommend for bigger than C cup)

- The North Face Denali 2 fleece

- Hunter original high gloss boot

Retailer: L.L.Bean

Promo: 20% off when you spend $50.

Perfect time to pick up some Bean boots or a thick flannel shirt. Don't forget to use Ebates for an additional 4% off!

My picks:

- Women's L.L.Bean boots, 8" Thinsulate

- Kids' Bean boots, 8" Thinsulate (own, good for ladies with small feet)

- Women's Scotch plaid shirt, relaxed (own, very warm but boxy, size down)

- Women's Scotch plaid shirt, slightly fitted

Retailer: Cole Haan

Promo: 40% off everything plus free shipping on all orders.

I'm tempted to pick up another pair of my favorite flats. Don't forget to use Ebates for an additional 5% off!

My picks:

- Tali bow ballet flat (own, runs small)

Retailer: LOFT

Promo: 50% off plus free shipping on all orders with CYBERMONDAY.
I'm a sucker for pretty lace, even though LOFT usually doesn't fit my body type very well.
My picks:
- long sleeve lace top (ordered)

Happy shopping! Let me know if you find any other sales worth sharing.

Jackpot

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you splurge on? Let's assume all of the responsible stuff was taken care of already: paying off debts/loans, putting aside money for retirement/kids, buying a new house, car, etc. I was thinking about this question the other day and realized that I have quite a few items that I really admire but can't afford. Even though they're out of my price range right now, they could eventually be within my reach if I put aside a portion of my clothing budget every year. In the long run, I'll probably be better off saving for these reach items instead of buying disposable fashion on a whim.

Most of the items on my wishlist are high value and high wear: shoes, coats (my major weakness), and bags. In order from least expensive to most expensive, here are my top 5 most lusted after pieces:

1. Ferragamo Vara Pump - Retail: $550

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I never wear heels. I like the way they look, but they're just too uncomfortable for my day-to-day life. That's why I really like the Ferragamo Vara pump. It has a small block heel, so it adds some height while still being comfortable. I have a vintage navy pair that I bought on eBay, but I would love to own a black pair (which I could also wear for interviews) and a nude pair (visually elongating). If anyone is interested, Target is currently selling a faux-leather dupe for only $30.

2. Canada Goose Trillium Parka - Retail: $900

I would buy this down coat in a heartbeat if I lived in a place with harsh winters. It really is the gold standard for cold-weather outerwear. I tried it on in-store last year, and it's one of the lightest/warmest coats out there. If the Trillium is out of your price range, the J.Crew Nordic parka is a good alternative (see my review from last year). I own it in navy, and it's held up well so far.

3. Valentino Rockstud Cage Flats - Retail: $995

These flats are not the most practical, but my, they are gorgeous. I'm sure they would need a significant break-in period since they have such pointed toes. I'm not sure what color I want. Black looks the coolest, but I also like the contrast of a softer color with the edginess of the studs.

4. Burberry Wool Duffle Coat - Retail: $1,195

Of course Burberry is famous for their trench coats, which are undeniably beautiful. However, I find that I almost never wear trench coats, so adding a designer one wouldn't be practical (even in dreamland). What I really admire is their wool coats, in particular the classic duffle. The tailoring of this one plus its attention to detail really differentiates it from other coats.

5. Chanel Boy Bag - Retail: ~$5,000

I'm not sure I could ever pull the trigger on a designer bag without guilt (they're just so expensive!), but if I did, it would be definitely be the Chanel boy. I love how structured it looks and the versatility of being able to wear the strap multiple ways. I think it's classic while still being a little edgy at the same time. Everyone knows Chanel prices are ridiculous (they seem to grow every year), so I'm not sure if I will ever be able to get one. In the meantime, a reasonable dupe is the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag, which I own/like and costs about 1/20th of the price.

What designer pieces would you buy if you won the lottery?