Weekend Reads #298 (& The Best Labor Day Weekend Sales)

It's Labor Day weekend, and there are not only a lot of sales, but it's a sensible time of year to shop. I am shopping myself this time, and instead of music and reviews this year, I will just have reads and sale picks. I will focus my sale picks on where I actually am shopping this holiday weekend and what I am considering or would consider if I had a different budget. Let me know if you like this better than previous sale alerts, and I promise to have TV, books, movies, and music back next Saturday!

Weekend Reads

I was interviewed by Fashionista regarding clothing rental companies: Are your fashion rentals always getting cleaned? (Fashionista)

The popular podcast genre makes the generation of compelling conversation look effortless. In reality, it’s anything but. (New York Times – gift link)

A powerful piece about why so few mental health professionals take insurance. (ProPublica)

Stacy London and Clinton Kelly to reunite for Amazon reality series ‘Wear Whatever the F You Want.' (Variety)

The dress that swept Capitol Hill. (Washington Post – gift link; and here's a link to the dress)

I always forget that I'm old. (Another New Thing)

Written by a friend and featuring the company that redid my dressing table… 7 ways to get a colorful home without going gaudy. (Washington Post – gift link)

Oasis announces reunion tour after 15 years of brotherly war. (New York Times – gift link)

Solo travel is a bit different since you backpacked around europe in your 20s. (Jenny)

Can orgasms make you smarter? (Glamour)

30 years ago, one brave, queer teen changed television forever on ‘My So-Called Life.’ (Queerty)

PSA: It’s never okay to comment on someone else’s body—even if you have the best intentions. (Well + Good)

Merit Beauty sent me their new Great Skin Moisturizer and I have to say I am a fan. I have been using it for two weeks and like the effects. Two pumps and while it's still damp, apply your sunscreen. It makes skin look glowy solo, and helps makeup stay on longer.

The future of college in the asset economy. (Harper's Magazine)

The balloon drop at the DNC had more meaning than you might know. (Washington Post – gift link)

Can you tell which short story ChatGPT wrote? (New York Times – gift link)

‘Humanity is failing’: official report warns our chance to save the Great Barrier Reef is fast closing. (The Conversation)

Why women who dress up as 1950s homemakers are driving the internet insane. (New York Times – gift link)

I'm rural. I vote against my self-interest. (The View from Rural Missouri)

And for my local yokels… The WHFS doc is finally coming to your TV. (Washingtonian)

Sale Alert

If you are not shopping this weekend, feel free to X out now. But if you are and desire some inspiration, here is what caught my eye at places I may shop this Labor Day weekend:

ABLE: 25% off sitewide with code LDS25

For my thoughts, check out my ABLE Clothing review. I'm intrigued by the Maha Leather Jacket in brown, the new green Selam tote, and the Gloria Graphic Tee in red.

Aerosoles: 25% sitewide

The Aerosoles site usually has the best price and the best selection of colors, styles, and widths. I own these and find them quite comfortable. These would be cute with denim dresses and these look far more flexible than a lot of Mary Janes this season.

Ann Taylor: 30% off sitewide and 50% additional off sale

Ann Taylor is one of the few retailers that has petites over a size 12, and thanks to that, has become a favorite destination for suiting and outerwear. I have found Ann's quality and style to have improved and I like the classic with an edge style.

I personally want this lace-collared shirt, this vertical stripe shell and matching skirt, this simple but not boring dress, this camel bomber that looks like it's from some edgy minimalist brand, this gorgeous coat that says it's plaid but its houndstooth, and these booties because leopard calfhair is back, baby!

Banana Republic Factory: 50-70% off everything + extra 20% off

I like Banana Republic Factory more than Banana Republic for wearable styles, better prices, and IMO better fit.

• A great work blouse that can be night out if you style with dressier trousers or dark denim. Tuck in or leave out.
• This top with these trousers and a really interesting belt or scarf as a belt. Citrine with cream or possibly blush or blue. Black with black or cream, snow with black or cream or blue.
• A decade ago, I had two short-sleeved sweater dresses from Banana. They were perfect except for this button at the neck. This dress is what I wanted then, and it's what I want now too.

CADDIS Appliances: Extra 25% off sale merch with promo code EXTRA25

I am an eyewear snob, I'll admit it. I appreciate a fun pair of glasses and appreciate variety, but I love a well-balanced pair of solid frames and CADDIS Appliances makes them. From the sale collection, I own the Miklos and both my husband and I find them to look good on us. I personally dig the Blacksmith and the Side Hustle.

Chico's: End of season sale with up to 60% off

This Chico's sale is 60% off sale, but Chico's sale department is always chock full of really good buys and items to wear now and into the upcoming season. And Chico's excels when it comes to interesting but easy care knit tops. Things nicer than a t-shirt that look cute with jeans and shorts. My picks are this badass poncho to glam up a tank or camisole, this graphic cap sleeve top, this stunning turquoise top with interesting sleeves and neckline, and this cool graphic tank that's under $20.

Chico's also has excellent denim; these high-rise wide leg jeans look expensive; they also come in black. And beyond these two categories, this dress is made from drapey moisture-wicking wrinkle-resistant fabric that packs into nothing and has pockets.

Everlane: 25% off sitewide

Right now Everlane doesn't feel my vibe, but it can easily be yours as they have some chic stapes this season. And 25% off is nice! I think this off the shoulder sweater is so sweet and chic, and I really dig the unique shape of these jeans.

Gap: 40-60% off new and 60% off sale

I am rooting for Gap, now that Zac Posen is at the helm. I think he's so chic with a fresh positive perspective and I like what I've seen thus far. I think the best thing to buy this season from Gap is their denim. You keep seeing me repeat this, but denim is hot this fall and winter, and it's either vintage or else this edgy artistic sort of denim and Gap is doing it well.

• This dress is so pretty and it's nice to be available in petite and tall
• For toppers, this subtly acid washed trench is awesome, this classic with an edge jacket is cool and timeless, and I like this belted jacket in the darker wash.
• Wide yet soft jeans, and so ridiculous they're cool jeans

Glasses USA: 40% off most and 30% off most of the rest

I recently placed an order with Glasses USA. I was able to find the Ray-Ban prescription frame I liked for less than anywhere else. Code LABORDAY gets you 40% off sitewide, excluding Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Costa Del Mar, Oliver Peoples, and sale-tagged items. Can include up to one premium pair with the code. And then code ICON30 gets you 30% off Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Coasta Del Mar.

J. Crew: 40% off sitewide

Okay, what is best to buy during this J. Crew sale? Accessories. I'm talking jewelry like these badass earrings and this chunky link necklace. This oblong scarf which would make a chic belt alternative and this braided belt with an anchor buckle. This classic yet extremely modern silver bag that would elevate a simple slipdress or cocktail pantsuit. Every accessory or pair of shoes I've bought from J. Crew has been a good buy and has lasted well.

J. Crew Factory: 50-70% off sitewide and $49.50 jeans

School is back in session and you may need some good basics for yourself or your kids. J. Crew Factory is a place I have had success finding wallet-friendly basics that will stretch a closet without sacrificing style.

I like this lady jacket cardigan (all 3 colors are good), I think the factory denim jacket is better than the J. Crew one, this is a nicely priced work or dress up denim blouse, I think these jeans look more expensive than their price, and this is a great classic cotton cardigan or for you or even your teen in chorus or who needs a layer for her sundresses or school uniforms.

J.Jill: 30% off jeans

One thing I believe J.Jill does really well is denim. No embellishments, stylish washes, and soft fabric that has bounceback. J.Jill offers XS-4X, XSP-XLP, and ST-XLT. I like the look of these high-rise flares.

Lands' End: 40% off sitewide and 75% off sale and clearance

Denim is big this season, going classic, street, western, 90s, Y2K, barrel, dresses, non-classic jackets, and denim on denim.

• For now and those in warmer climates, this Tencel dress could easily be from Madewell or Everlane. Style it this fall the way your kindergarten teacher wore it: with tall boots and a turtleneck. Feel free to switch out the self belt with a leather or metal one in your closet.
• This chambray dress is the perfect get ‘er done dress. Wear at home with your house shoes, add a bra and some shoes or boots to leave the house and even pop the collar and it's chic.
• This denim dress looks high-end, though I can't tell if the fit will be good or awkward.
• This western shirt gets high ratings, is that faded color that gives good contrast to most washes of jeans, and looks soft enough to tuck in and tie in a knot.
• These barrel jeans because while I wouldn't think of Lands' End for trendy denim, I really like the wide legs I got last year as does my best friend who is also petite but has a completely different shape and wears a smaller clothing size.

This cashmere crew in Poppy or Dark Cloudy Blue Stripe or Fluorescent Green or Vicuna Heather Donegal.

This vest in Blushed Lilac to wear over the chartreuse and teal Athleta activewear I bought last year.

This fleece, because I liked the mixed fabric and I'm a sucker for anything the color of a highlighter.

If I didn't already own this packable raincoat in a previous season color (see me in it here), I would consider the Squall slicker and as for color, that's tough as they're all chic but likely the gray as I miss my old pale gray Universal Standard Derjon that was just too big for my 5'3″ self.

It's a struggle to find a well-fitting leather jacket when you're short and busty. And I can only imagine how welcome it would be to have a tall option as well. Lands' End does petite and tall outerwear on the regular; if this leather jacket came in petite I'd get the brown. And I'd wear the crap out of it so it molded to my body like the black moto jacket I wore back in high school.

I do not need another canvas tote, but if I did, I'd get this one in large, regular handles and open top and add my name and a crab. And I'd keep it in my car with some reusable totes inside to have ready for groceries and use it to cart things for beach and road trips.

L.L.Bean: 10% off your order

L.L.Bean rarely does sales, and this is one of those rare occasions. And in typical L.L.Bean fashion, it is an exclusive code to your email. So go sign up for L.L.Bean emails or check your promotions or spam folder to get that discount!

I personally own and recommend this sweater fleece, and this striped mariner top, and this sherpa pullover (size up), and these Primaloft leggings, and this cotton cableknit, and this similar cableknit from the men's department).

I'm digging this striped 100% cotton quarter-zip sweatshirt, and I am intrigued by these jeans in the rinse wash. Will they look dorky or will they look classic? And how effing decadent does this look?

LOFT: 30% off new arrivals and sale styles starting at $12

LOFT has really leaned into the denim trend this fall with some utterly adorable pieces:

• This classic with a twist jacket
• This bow jacket and matching jeans
• I love this tie-neck blouse

I am pleased by the unique modern prints and pieces LOFT has this season that would be great for a grown woman's night out:

• This long-sleeved off the shoulder top
• This shirtdress that would look great styled with block heel sandals in a color or print not in the dress
• This halter top is hot hot hot
• This slip dress with one of these edgy unusual denim jackets this season
• This black metallic dress with bow shoulders. Feel free to add a belt: something vintage with pearls or velvet, a contrast color, a metal…

Madwell: 25% off fall essentials and 50% off select denim

You an find the 25% off merch at this link, and the sale denim at this link. Personally, I want these coveralls and covet this leather skirt.

Paula's Choice: 25% off $90+ and 20% off everything else

Paula's Choice is no-frills effective skincare with quality ingredients. I like Paula's niacinamide and RESIST SPF 50 and am intrigued by the new lactic/mandelic acid exfoliator and this Vitamin C SPF 50.

Soma: Up to 60% off new markdowns

This Soma sale has up to 60% off bras, 5/$15 undies, and deals on sleepwear and lounge, and over 50% off swim. I'm crushing on this swimsuit, this silk robe, this dress in berry, and these Cool Night shorts.

Talbots: 20% off regular priced items and 70% off sale and clearance

Y'all know I love me some Talbots, and the New Arrivals contain a few gems. The things I either will get or want to get if I had a larger budget:

• This sweater in dark teal with this skirt
• This ponte top and skirt in navy
• This adorable denim dress
• This chic ponte dress
• This striped sweater that I would wear with high-waisted dark denim, brown boots, a scarf as a belt or some interesting leather belt, and a tomato red lipstick similar to color in the sweater.
• These chic heels that would look great with most any leg opening and length of pant, and well as knee to midi skirts and dresses in a ton of colors and also prints.
• I'm a fan of Talbots scarves so I'd get this silk neckerchief knowing I'd wear it off and on for years and years.