y’all, it’s crunch time! t-minus eight little days until christmas! if you’re still searching for perfect gift for the fashionista in your life (even if that fashionista is YOU!), i’ve rounded up some of my favorite items from my two favorite stores -both of which just happen to be having sales through monday. just use “LATEBIRD” to score 25% off at madewell and “HOLIDAY” for up to 40% off at j.crew.
madewell favorites:
arrowhead lodge funnel sweatshirt || perfect for those weekends spent on the couch binge watching real housewives of wherever but not so overtly “pajama-y” that you couldn’t throw it on over a pair of jeans and run to the store to replenish your snack supply. for a lazy day at home, i’d pair it with some cozy sweatpants, patterned socks, my favorite snuggle partner, and a big bowl of popcorn (preferably this brand).
silk lowlight lace-inset midi dress || we all know blush is having a moment this season. in a sea of sequins and plaid, this dress would be a standout at a new year’s eve party. i’d style it with a metallic heel, a chunky cardigan, a carrie bradshaw bun, and a glass of champagne, of course!
the oversized jean jacket: the sherpa edition || every time i see a sherpa-lined jacket i immediately think of an abercrombie & fitch catalog which i suppose isn’t exactly a bad thing. the quintessential 90’s staple is back in an updated version and i must say, i’m a fan. i’d pair this bad boy with black skinny denim, suede booties, a striped tee, and a slouchy beanie.
southfield mockneck sweater || maybe i wore too many holiday-themed ones as a child but i’m very turtleneck averse. there are some people who look so effortlessly chic wearing them but i am unfortunately not one of them. but this mockneck sweater might be a viable alternative. i’m loving the mauve and moose shades (and also the fact that there is a color called “moose”) and would throw it on over a pair of high-waisted denim boyfriend jeans with velvet flats and a wide-brimmed hat for the perfect effortless winter ensemble.
denim midi shirtdress || forget LBD, it’s all about the LDD -little denim dress. much like black, denim is essentially a blank canvas that can be dressed up, down, and everywhere in between. i’m loving how this particular version almost looks like separates. the silhouette is definitely a fresh take on a classic staple. for a parisian-inspired look, i’d pair this dress with these ankle-strap heels, a bandana tied around my neck, and a flirty red lip.
wide-leg crop jeans in true black: drop hem edition || the wide-leg bandwagon drove by and i’m proud to say i hopped right on. i already own this pair and this pair of wide-leg pants and i’m looking to add a cropped version. i love the idea of snagging them in a black denim (as opposed to blue) since i always feel a bit fancier in colored jeans. i’d keep things neutral by pairing them with a cognac leather loafer, a simple white tee, a chambray tied around my waist, and a gold necklace.
be sure to use the code “LATEBIRD” at checkout to score 25% off all of the above items
j.crew favorites:
edie top in textured clip dot || true story, this is on its way to me as we speak. what can i say? who am i to resist a top with two of my favorite things -polka dots and ruffles? it’s also available in black on black, but i love the classicism of black and white. for the office, i would pair this blouse with a pair of cropped wool pants in charcoal and add a pop of red with a sassy suede lace-up flat. to transition it to evening, i’d swap out the pants for a tweed pencil skirt and the flats for a leopard calf hair pump.
ruffle-trim shift dress || shift dresses can occasionally be a bit matronly but the ruffle detailing on this one definitely adds some whimsy. again, you can never go wrong with black and white. it’s a color combination that truly works for all four seasons. add a pop of color with a heel or perhaps a touch of shine with these metallic beauties. to cut the winter chill, i’d throw on this adorable (and very jackie o) cropped jacket.
taffeta skirt in neon buffalo check || over the past year, i’ve really tried to weed out the items in my closet that read too “little girl-y” (peter pan collars and i finally broke up and i believe it’s for the best), but you guys, this skirt is SO fun. i challenge anyone to wear this skirt and not have a smile on their face all day long. since it’s definitely a statement piece, i’d keep the rest of the outfit pretty neutral. a simple chambray is always a safe bet or even a cashmere sweater in cream or black. accessorize with ballerina flats and a bib necklace to finish off the ultra feminine look.
dreamy cotton pant in stripe || real talk. i love a good sweatpant. and for how often i wear them and subsequently, how often they go through the washer and dryer, i tend to have to replace them a few times a year. after retiring my beloved abercrombie & fitch sweatpants at the end of the summer, i actually picked up a pair of these dreamy pants myself and they definitely live up to their name. they are the perfect lounge pants and if its possible for pajamas to be flattering on your backside, these definitely are. who knew? complete a sleepwear set by adding in a fleece lined sweatshirt and these cozy moccasins (hot cocoa and a roaring fire optional).
shoulder-tie one-piece swimsuit || i know, i know. who buys a swimsuit in the middle of december? the well-prepared do. or the ones who are fortunate enough to go somewhere sunny and tropical for the holidays. early winter is a great time of year to stock up on some of your summer essentials like bathing suits, especially when they are offered a big discount. having a longer torso, i usually have a tough time with one-pieces, but i’d be willing to throw caution to the wind and try this one on since it’s so dang cute (and still very sassy). given my love for bows, it’s no surprise that i love the shoulder detail. after a day at the beach or spa, this suit could double as a top for dinner. just throw on a pair of these striped tassel pants, grab your sunnies, and slide into these simple sandals and voila -from the beach to the dinner table in two seconds flat.
italian wool-blend striped hat || and from a warm weather staple back to a cold weather one, this beanie would be the perfect gift for a loved one who, as opposed to us southern california folk, experiences winter to the fullest (i.e. snow and sub-zero temperatures). i love the tan and pink version with the festive pom pom on top. i’d play up the soft tones by pairing it with a pink sweater, some high-waisted mid-wash jeans, a belted trench coat, and some adorable all-weather boots.
while i would never call myself a procrastinator (quite the contrary, actually), i will say in this case, good things can come to those who wait [’til the last minute]. there are just a handful of the amazing things to be scooped up at a hefty discount so get out there and shop (or do like i do and stay in your pj’s and shop online).
just a friendly reminder:
for madewell items, enter “LATEBIRD” at checkout to enjoy a 25% discount
for j.crew items, enter “HOLIDAY” at checkout to enjoy up to a 40% discount
happy (last-minute) shopping!
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