As a single child, I know my mother more than anyone else on the planet and vice versa. Years of shopping for each other and shopping together made us seasoned professionals in each other’s sense of style. And while it’s safe to say we each have very different tastes, as proven by the years of changing-room bickering sessions, there are moments when our opinions on fashion converge. After all, I am my mother’s daughter.
It’s deeply important to understand that style isn’t rooted in youth. Yes, the fashion industry loves to put young 20-somethings on billboards, runways, and advertisements, but fashion is an art form that’s passed down from generation to generation. Before influencers, celebrities, and designers, there was Mom’s closet. She may not have appreciated my ripped jeans in high school, and I may have classified her boho blouses as cheugy, but as adults, we both agree that nothing beats a classic, budget-friendly, and quality-driven wardrobe. Well-made knits, quality footwear, elevated basics, and fitted pants are top of mind for me and my mom. But being the girly girls we are, we do enjoy a fun scarf or some sparkly earrings now and then. Below are 30 items under $150 that we both adore.
We don’t mind a lovely olive green.
A sleek black turtleneck is a need.
How posh is this merino wool half-zip?
Endless outfit potential with a glossy satin top.
Buttery soft leggings for an unbeatable price.
Goes perfectly with some elevated basics and wedge boots.
For going to work in style.
Pure silk for under $100 is a crazy-good deal.
These flare pants are effortlessly stylish.
Stay cozy with this relaxed-fit poncho.
You can never own enough scarves during winter.
Everlane won with this gorgeous down vest.
The asymmetric neckline is just *mwah*!
If you’re not a fan of bulky coats, try this lovely, lightweight fleece jacket.
Hope you have the sweetest dreams in this breathable cotton pajama set.
This shoe marries style with comfort. This polished shoe has orthopedic technology made to make your walks both fashionable and comfortable.
Stay dry with the utmost style.
The smartest suede gloves.
Weather a storm with these!
Ideal for layering.
The perfect dark-wash jeans.
I’m mesmerized by the purplish-blue color of this sweater.
In case my ensemble needs a little sparkle.
Love an A-line silhouette.
This pair def has a “cool college girl” vibe to it.
Behold, the trusty and comfy button-down.
I adore puff sleeves, as they add texture and drama to a look.
All fashion lovers, regardless of age, appreciate an adorable pair of ballet flats.
French style is, at its core, super simple, but it’s also very particular. Think of what the quintessential French muse might have in her weekly rotation, though, and a few mainstays are guaranteed—the best jeans one can get their hands on, an assortment of essential tees to pair with jeans and relaxed trousers, put-together cardigans and sweaters, blazers and tailored coats for layering, and comfortable shoes made for walking. Basically, it’s everything you’re bound to find on a trip to J.Crew’s website.
Everyone’s favorite anti-trend trend—the pieces that emulate Parisian style most—are seasonless staples you can almost bet will never go out of style. I’d say that just about sums up almost every J.Crew purchase I’ve made. Currently, the brand’s online offering has everything from embellished sweaters and cropped cardigans to tweed dresses and enough striped tops to lose count, which is all very French, if I must say. I rounded up my favorites below, just in case you were looking to restock your wardrobe with a few tried-and-true styles.
Earlier this November, I felt downright giddy when I realized my Australia trip was right around the corner. A sunny reprieve in the middle of winter (okay, I live in California, but still)? Yes, please!
I was so blinded by my own sunny outlook that I chose to ignore my Australian relatives’ warnings. November, they warned me, was more akin to spring, and rain was far likelier than beach days. “Totally,” I agreed as I spread bikinis out on my bed.
Here’s the cold, hard truth: Melbourne is chilly. Weather-wise, it’s got the moody marine layer of San Francisco with a healthy dash of Seattle fog. It’s a gorgeous city but a gray city nonetheless! Your girl was freezing, her dreams of returning stateside a sun-kissed goddess dashed. Ever the optimist and buoyed by a daily diet of piping-hot meat pies, I chose to look on the bright side. I was 11 hours ahead of home, putting me in the unique position of living in the future, baby! With newfound zeal, I hit the streets, credit card at ready and a keen eagle eye trained on what the cool Melbourne girls were wearing.
When I think of people with elegant style, Kate Middleton instantly pops into my head. Given that she’s a princess and all, it’s to be expected that she’d have the most polished wardrobe on the planet, but it’s a modern kind of elegance that she has. Much of what she wears could quite easily be replicated by non-royalty, which is undoubtedly part of why we’re all so obsessed with what she wears. Not only that, an elegant, “quiet luxury” wardrobe is a major theme in fashion right now, as you know.
If it’s effortless elegance you seek when shopping, a good mantra to keep in mind is, What would Kate Middleton wear? I did just that while scrolling through J.Crew and H&M, and it worked. I found the most elegant pieces that both retailers stock in one fell swoop—everything from outerwear to shoes are present and accounted for. Keep scrolling to add them to your own elegant, Kate Middleton–inspired wardrobe.
As soon as J.Crew’s Creative Director Olympia Gayot posted about an extra-special new cashmere sweater on her Instagram Story earlier this fall and an entire J.Crew campaign featuring members of the New York City Ballet wearing said sweater, it’s a given that a swift sellout soon followed. The sweater in question is J.Crew’s Brushed Cashmere Sweater.
J.Crew’s design team spent a year developing the special fabric, which is made of long cashmere fibers that are specially washed to give them a light and fluffy finish. The result is the softest, fluffiest cashmere sweater you’ve ever seen. It was originally released in oversize V-neck and polo versions (which there are currently a few sizes left in). People went crazy for the V-neck sweater and it flew out of stock in every color. But lo and behold, I just noticed that J.Crew has restocked it in a crewneck version, in three perfect colors (oh, and there’s a hat too). I’m sure that as soon as shoppers catch wind of this it too will sell out but in the meantime, keep scrolling to add your favorite to your cart.
Each winter brings an of-the-moment coat trend that comes to define the season. Years past have brought us statement puffers, scarf coats, and shearling styles, but this year is all about the maxi hemline. Designers like Saint Laurent and Max Mara sent models down the F/W 23 runways in gorgeous floor-skimming coats of various colors and fabrics, so we knew this was one to watch. And now that the season has arrived, extra-long coats are absolutely dominating the current trend cycle.
I took a browse through some of my go-to retailers in search of the standout maxi coats and found that Shopbop, Nordstrom, and J.Crew currently have the best assortment. Whether you’re looking for a modern trench or statement-making leather, these retailers have great options at a wide range of price points. From boxy shoulders to structured silhouettes and classic tailoring, below I’m highlighting the best long coats for winter that feel both right on trend and perfectly timeless.
Sweater weather is something I spend half of the year looking forward to and the other half embracing. But what about the humble cardigan? I have a theory: Winter comes and goes, but cardigans don’t have a particular season. Excluding the sartorial necessities of extremely hot or cold days, a cardigan is a versatile piece you should always have on hand. I always have one draped over my office chair and never forget to stow one in my carry-on with a water bottle and a good book—they have that much staying power, regardless of color, material, or style.
One of my favorite types is the collared cardigan, a versatile and timeless iteration that comes in a number of styles, from zip-up and button-down to fitted and loose. Some of my most coveted collared cardigans have pointed collars, while others have dainty Peter Pan collars. Suffice to say: The options are endless. To help you narrow down your options, I curated a list of my favorites.
The only thing better than transitioning to sweater weather is when it’s finally time to change shoes, swapping out sandals and sneakers for boots. One or two pairs could suffice, especially if you don’t live in a place where snow is a concern. But in my experience, it takes at least three styles of boots to get through winter and fall in style.
Chelsea boots top the list as an essential wardrobe staple because they go with everything, are easy to walk in, and look totally timeless. Invest in a well-made pair, and keep them looking pristine with shoe polish, waterproofing, and regular sole maintenance, and they’ll last for seasons to come.
Next are flat, lace-up ankle boots. These run the gamut from sturdy snow shoes to cool combat boots and can be found in an array of materials from leather to nylon. Opt for a chunky sole, or look for a combat-boot style with buckles and embellishments. It’s a subtle statement shoe no matter how you wear it.
Finally, the prettiest boots in our closets are often knee-high heeled boots. They’re not always practical but are guaranteed to take any outfit to the next level. Choose a stacked heel for maximum comfort, or try out a short heel in stunning suede to wear with a mini or midi skirt. And don’t forget boot inserts or hangers to help the tall shaft keep its shape while in storage.
Ready to complete your capsule wardrobe with a new pair just in time for the holidays? We’ve pulled several versions of each style that demonstrate the versatility within each category. The only hard part is choosing which new boots to break in first.
As an avid RealHousewives fan, I’ve gotten used to seeing women in splashy outfits. Logo mania looms large in the Bravo universe, which makes it the perfect form of escapism. My own sartorial tastes are decidedly more sedate. While I’ve never shied away from color or texture, I grew up in a household where the saying “take one accessory off before leaving” is gospel, and while I believe rules were made to broken, you have to admit that restrained dressing is becoming more and more of an art form.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this year, the terms “quiet luxury” and “rich mom” dressing aren’t novel to you. But the French have been doing it for ages and doing it well. They know that dressing expensively doesn’t require draining your bank account, just discerning taste, smart investing, and pairing pieces well.
Read ahead to see how French women fake it (and by “it,” I mean money in their bank accounts).
I love the holidays. Even in Los Angeles, where we’re currently oscillating between moody gray days and blistering heat, I’m feeling festive! Maybe I’ve been bolstered by a relatively drama-free Thanksgiving, or perhaps it’s the siren song of holiday parties yet to come. Whatever it is, I’m feeling the cheer.
This holiday season, I’m trying to toe the line between treating myself to some frivolity while getting ahead of my style resolutions. For an impulse shopper and self-proclaimed procrastinator (yes, I have been driving around with donation-bound bags of clothes in my trunk since, uh, let me get back to you on that), this is a big deal. It’s a delicate balance to strike, but years of e–window shopping (aka filling up and abandoning carts) have paid off. I’ve scoured three tried-and-true online shopping meccas for the finds that will have you looking fabulous at all your holiday soirées and beyond.
If you, like me, are a born-again J.Crew fan with bad habit for spending money you don’t have, today’s your lucky day. So many of the cult brand’s viral items and trend-forward pieces are on sale. Until tomorrow, December 14, almost everything on the website is up to 50% off. Yep, you can pick your jaw up off of the floor now.
J.Crew’s sneaky sale comes right before the holidays, too, with a slew of adorable holiday pieces and formal wear. You can probably cross off an item or two from your wish list before best dressed season officially ends. I won’t keep you for any longer, though. Run, don’t walk, to add these delicious items to your cart before prices go back up tomorrow. Happy shopping!
Whether or not you’re looking to do a total wardrobe refresh, it’s impossible to overlook J.Crew’s current winter selection of luxe basics and special, splurge-worthy items. From the brand’s cult-favorite cashmere sweaters to structured bags and statement jewelry, there’s at least one dazzling, designer-quality piece that will make its way into your shopping cart.
But where to begin? Whether you choose to double down on timeless turtlenecks or invest in the most elegant-looking outerwear, it’s impossible to go wrong with classics of this quality. That’s basically what it comes down to: If you want to create a richer-looking wardrobe without going broke, then invest in well-made basics from a reliable source.
Ahead, we’ve picked out a mix of clothing and accessories that reflect the quiet luxury aesthetic at more affordable price points. Once you slip on a piece of J.Crew cashmere, there’s no going back—your wardrobe will never be the same again.
Love the “quiet luxury” aesthetic but not the four-figure price tag? Same, honestly. That’s why I’ve simplified my shopping criteria this season to chic, classic items that will stand the test of time.
Building a smart, simple, and stylish wardrobe is easy when your go-to places for elevated basics are more affordable retailers like H&M, J.Crew, and Madewell. Right now, that looks like quality cashmere, unique necklines, and a bit of sparkle for the holiday season.
But with pages and pages of merchandise, ever-changing inventory, and surprising sale-on-sale deals, shopping smart requires a certain element of speed and style savvy. So, we’ve selected 36 supremely chic clothing, shoes, and accessories to kick off your pre-holiday shopping spree. Whether it’s a new classic coat or the perfect pair of party shoes, we’re sure you’ll find something to add to your wardrobe that will help elevate any outfit this season.
Holiday party season is upon us, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you must bust out the pumps. This season, we’re taking a cue from the French and incorporating stylish flats into our winter wardrobes.
From sleek and simple ballet flats to shiny metallic versions, there’s a pair of flat shoes out there that are guaranteed to amp up any outfit. Pick a pair to wear with more casual looks like denim and a structured jacket, or opt for something with a little more pizzazz if you want to add a sparkle to your outfit.
Whether you want to pick up a few pairs for $50 or $60 each, or go all out on a single designer pair for a few hundred, you really can’t go wrong with the array of flats available to shop this season. Keep scrolling for 13 of our picks that are giving serious French-girl vibes, and the rest of the outfit will follow.
As a plus-size editor, I know a thing or two about online shopping. It’s practically thing I’m most qualified to do, often parsing through hours of online sales section and scrolling through endless pages to find chic clothing items that are both size-inclusive and affordable. With the holiday season upon us, I’m finding myself with more free time than ever, meaning my late-night shopping sessions have gone into overdrive. Horrible for my wallet, incredible for you all.
During a midnight scroll through Mango, J.Crew and H&M, I was shocked to see a slew of timeless basics, elevated essentials, and trend-forward pieces come in larger than a size 12. Even though these retailers make up the majority of my closet, I’m not going to lie when I say I don’t get a little bit giddy inside when I see an item I love being offered in my size.
Below, shop all of the chicest plus-size clothing items, whether brand classics or hot new arrivals, from Mango, J.Crew, and H&M. If you end up buying everything on this list, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Oh, you thought you could take a break from sale shopping just because Cyber Month ended? Same. Then I stumbled across J.Crew‘s very quick, appealing 40%-off sale that’s only running until 11:59 p.m. EST tonight, leaving me with no choice but to drop everything and look for deals before it’s too late and everything shoots back up to full price at the stroke of midnight. We can’t have that, can we?
I spent the last hour scrolling through this sale’s offering, hand-selecting the best deals and adding pieces into my cart that I simply have to bring into 2024 with me, from Lady Jackets to satin camisoles to “dripping in wealth” outerwear. Now, it’s your turn. Use the code GOSHOP at checkout to unlock 40% off on select items at J.Crew today. Trust me—this is one sale you won’t regret spending time (and money) on.
If there’s one thing that I can’t say no to, it’s a simple Lady Jacket. Popularized in the ’60s by oversize gold buttons, bouclé and tweed detailing, and sharp, cropped silhouettes, the retro outwear style was the jacket of choice for both It girls and high-society women alike. With famous wearers like Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, these jackets have seen a huge surge in popularity recently, especially among the stylish Paris set.
Even though the timeless silhouette was once only associated with older stylish women, modern twists like slouchy cardigan iterations and minimal buttons have kept the jacket style feeling fresh over the years. Below, shop out the Parisian uniform of choice along with some other jaw-dropping Lady Jackets, bouclé jackets, and tweed jackets French women have been wearing for decades.
I’ve seen a lot of collaborations in my day, but as I sit here typing away, I’m finding it difficult to think of one that rivals J.Crew‘s latest team up in terms of overall good looks and buy worthiness. On Tuesday, the brand on everyone’s lips in 2023 dropped a 18-piece holiday collection with Ukrainian label Anna October, a move that will surely lead to some of the chicest party looks of the season.
The collection, which spans from dresses both long and short to separates and even jewelry, is designed with feminine grace and confidence in mind, culminating in a mix of sheer sequins; stringy, red maxis; delicate feathered accents; and subtly sexy off-the-shoulder moments. Basically, it includes all of the trends I’ve been scouring the internet for to write about ahead of the season of nightly holiday parties—all in one place. Below, shop all 18 pieces from the just-launched collection. And don’t wait. I have a feeling that every last one with sell out.
This time of year, about three-fourths of my closet space is taken up by my sweaters. It’s a collection I’ve been slowly and patiently building for my entire adult life. Everything good takes time, and knits aren’t a wardrobe area to cut corners on—ever. I have $10 cashmere from my local Goodwills, $100 knits accumulated over the years from various sales, and a $1000 sweater that took a significant amount of courage to press purchase on. I wear them all equally, and one look around New York City tells me that I’m not the only one.
My sweater collection isn’t unique, and that’s okay. I see many of the knits I wear on repeat all across the city, from uptown to downtown. Like you do when you drive past someone in your same car, there’s usually a subtle moment of recognition between me and the other person. They’re in on the ultimate fashion secret. The guide below allows you to be in on it too. From affordable offerings at Nordstrom and J.Crew and lavish investments from Khaite and The Row to fashion-insider picks like Almina Concept and Almada Label, everything you need to build a sweater collection people will stop you on the street about is one scroll away.
The collection draws heavily from Anna October’s signature slip dresses, which the designer has made a key part of the brand, along with classic tailoring, chic bralettes, and asymmetrical silhouettes. And while the collaboration feels like a departure from the over-the-top holiday styles we’re used to seeing from J.Crew, it does feature sequined styles for the shimmer fans, including a slip skirt, which comes in black and pink, as well as a beige-toned mini dress.
