Maybe it’s just me, but the Black Friday sales seem to be getting better year after year. Not only did they seem to start earlier than ever for 2022, but the discounts are deeper, and we haven’t even hit Black Friday weekend yet. If you’re not planning to shop the sales this time around, then you may want to skip this post. I’ll be sharing a rundown of items I own on sale, along with mini reviews.
CLOTHING
25% off at Jenni Kayne (use code MADEMOISELLEJAIME25) | In the last 12 months, Jenni Kayne has become one of my most worn – and most loved – brands. The price point is a little more on the expensive end of the spectrum, which is why this sale is such a good one. It’s sitewide, too. Knitwear is definitely their specialty, and there are three favourites I wanted to highlight.
The cashmere half zip; I have this in size S. Perfectly slouchy, though if you want the collar to sit more open across the shoulders, size up. Lovely and soft, it’s also a nice weight for tucking into trousers and the like. Another cashmere favourite is the cashmere cocoon cropped cardigan. I also have the regular length and prefer the cropped one just as it’s ideal for tucking into denim (worn as a deep-v sweater). Go with your usual size for a relaxed fit. Final one I wanted to highlight is the cotton-cashmere crew neck. It’s made with recycled cashmere (which we love!), and has a super slouchy fit. Looks great with jeans, trousers, skirts etc. I wear a size S but if you’re petite you might like to size down.
Everlane re-cashmere mock neck sweater | Mostly one I wanted to add to my closet for the moss green hue; a nice starter “colour” for those who tend to wear mostly neutrals. I have this on in the size S and you can see it’s a relaxed fit on me. You’ll find that recycled cashmere yarn isn’t as soft as its virgin wool counterparts, but I don’t find it itchy/scratchy against my skin.
House of Dagmar cropped pants | Another one of my most worn that I couldn’t miss off this list. Tactile elements within my clothing is something I look to heavily; it’s a simple way to add visual interest, but also, it just appeals to me. Being a cotton boucle they’re a good year-rounder (layer with heat tech in the winter), and also wash well. So important. I wear them in a size 36, and the style also comes in a regular length.
Sir the Label ribbed maxi dress | One I actually purchased on sale, and there’s now an extra 20% off. This is so comfortable, and I love that it can be worn both with the deep v in the front or in the back. Also a great layering option, too, with a chunky knit over top. The long ankle-skimming length feels so chic and effortless. I wear a size 1.
Gentle Herd wool-blend trousers | Sitting up there as one of my most worn items for the season, are these trousers from Gentle Herd. Fluid, wide leg drapey trousers are very much at the centre of the current fashion zeitgeist, and these are an affordable option which wear well. So important when you sometimes are laundering the same item twice in the one week. My only niggle is that there’s some slight pulling at the button on the waist. Yet they’re not tight. Easy enough to disguise with a belt though. I wear these in a size S and have a little room at the waist, but said belt helps.
Marle white ribbed tabbard | One of those pieces that crosses over well for both work and weekend. This has the loveliest cotton ribbed texture, high mock neck, and dropped shoulder. I tend to wear this mostly loose over a longer slip style skirt, but it works well tucked into skirt too (or, carefully tucked into trousers with a long rise). I have the NZ8 and would say it fits true to size.
Blanca Studios shirt | Kind of obsessed with this shirt at the minute. The cotton is soft and fluid, so despite there being a lot of fabric I find it tucks well into trousers and skirts. Personally, I like to wear it with the cuffs loose so that they can hang over my hands. The blue has a medium saturation point, and is in a classic hue. Would work for the office, if you’re in a creative environment. I wear the XS/S which is a very generous fit.
Everlane a-line denim shorts | My favourite pair of shorts, hands down. So much so, that I own them in four (four!!) different colours. And I wear them all. That’s when you know you’re onto a good thing. I find this style does fit a size large. I’m usually a 26 in jeans and wear a 25 in these shorts. What makes them so good? The a-line silhouette, longer length, and wide leg opening. Also love that they’re 100% cotton so feel robust without being too structured or crunchy.
H&M white ribbed tank | Already a cheap and cheerful purchase, but one I had to mention because it’s a great basic. It’s a ribbed cotton, so it has subtle texture. The style is a simple racerback so a good classic, especially as we head into summer down under. For me, this is one of my layering faves; I’ll often start an outfit with this piece. I wear my usual size S.
Andie Swim one-piece swimsuit | As someone with a long torso, I can’t even tell you how challenging it can be to find a one-piece that fits me right. Which is why it’s always such a bigdeal when one does. I took this one with me down the coast recently and just loved wearing it; felt so good, well supported, and the low back with criss-cross detail is adjustable to customise your fit. I wear my usual size S.
Frankie Shop blazer | The oversized blazer trend is a bit of a marmite one. You either love it, or you hate it. I’m in the former camp. On heavy rotation in my closet is The Frankie Shop bea blazer; a wardrobe addition from earlier this year. I’ve made no secret that I think you can get the same look at a much lower price point. But this one is nice if you wanted to splurge. Mine’s held up well – no pulls, no loose threads etc, and the fit is pretty good. Also love that it seems to be appropriate regardless of the context. Work, travel, dinner, weekend. It’s one of those ultimate wardrobe staples. I have it in size S but could have sized down to an XS.
FRONTROW blue trousers | Little dashes of colour have slowly started creeping into my closet, and I especially love this pair from FRONTROW, currently an extra 15% off with code BF2022. Made from a nylon taffeta, these are lightweight and have this nice movement to them. Also love the wide fit through the leg, and the matching belt. I wear them in a size S.
SHOES & BAGS
Lemaire croissant bag | A bag that tends to elicit quite a few questions. If you’re open to earthy tones, then you can snap this up on sale. For a bit of a mini review? Honestly, it’s not my favourite bag. I have the small size and it truly is a smaller style bag, fits just the essentials. If you overstuff it, then it sticks out considerably against the body which can look a little awkward. I also find myself wishing it had an interior pocket. The things I love though? The croissant design, puffy pull tab, smooth zip, incredibly supple leather, how it tucks in against the body. It’s more casual too, which suits my lifestyle more these days. Quality is outstanding; above and beyond some of my more expensive bags.
Jil Sander sandals | Simple, strappy, pointed toe sandals. The point of difference being the t-bar and cross strap across the toe. I adore these shoes, and they’re damn comfortable too, even for a gal with wide feet. First time I wore them I went on a pretty big walking mission and didn’t get a single blister – a huge win! I find they fit true to size. Only point to note is that being a pointed toe, they’ve already started to succumb to what I call the “Aladdin slipper” effect, where the toes curl up slightly. Otherwise, they’re perfect.
VIVAIA knee high boots | The boots I’m planning to wear on repeat next winter with mini and midi skirts. Being a sock boot, these have such a flexible fit, while being very comfortable. They hug the calves and don’t slip down (you’ll need to adjust them ever so slightly if you bend over though). I find the shaft comes up a little high on me so I fold over the top slightly and it stays put. Solid block heel which gives a lot of support, and they’re comfortable enough that you can literally run in them. Tried and tested! I have wide feet and a bunion so I went up a full size to an EU41. Use code JAIME at checkout for a discount!
By Far nude mules | Barely there, strappy sandals don’t get better – aesthetically – than these from By Far. The architectural heel is quite hefty which gives you a sturdy base to stand on and makes them quite comfortable. I have the patent pair and find they rub ever so slightly when worn for considerable periods of time so would recommend the leather or suede if you’re tossing up between options. These fit true to size and I wear an EU40.
