023: What a bunch of people with good taste bought today
023: What a bunch of people with good taste bought today
Black Friday, as told by those who know best.
I stated pretty boldly that my last send—a comprehensive guide to the only good early Black Friday deals—would be the only BF write-up I'd distribute, but it turns out I lied.
Earlier this week, I shopped my own list (most excited to receive this MNZ skirt and this Pleats Please dress, plus I impulse bought an IRL pair of Jil Sander Mary Janes), but as today progressed, I realized what I really wanted to know was what all the well-appointed folks in my circles were buying themselves on BF proper. (What did they know that I don't?)
The simplest solution was to ask.
On super short notice, here's what a bunch of stylish, intentional, and often mysterious people I admire (and have just harassed for our mutual benefit) bought today, in their own words:
Melanie Masarin, Ghia founder + CEO, all around unimpeachable good French taste
I'm trying more and more to be a sustainable shopper—most of my clothes are second hand and if I buy something new, I try to buy it directly from the designer, or from my friends' stores.
I have been on this long journey of trying to make my house plastic free for the past year, so the first sale I'm shopping is Package Free Shop's. They're doing 40% off sitewide. I bought the scrub brush + dish soap and even the shampoo + conditioner bars. I also bought the zero waste boxes for the Ghia office so our team members can recycle things from their home that wouldn't otherwise by recyclable.
I indulged in a second Semi Hoop from Kimai. There is no such thing as clean supply chain for fine jewelry unfortunately. Kimai uses recycled gold and lab grown diamonds that are made using renewable energy, and I had bought the first one when we launched our Ghia Spritz back in the spring.
I also got this little necklace from Eliou for my mom for Christmas, I have it and she loves it and since she's in France and far from me, I like that we'll both be wearing it.
Last but not least—I got these martini glasses from Sophie Lou Jacobson. I've loved them since she teased them being in development a few months ago, and have been waiting for them to launch. Looks like they'll ship in a few weeks but they're 20% off pre-order today.
Tyler Bainbridge, 1/3rd of Perfectly Imperfect newsletter
I've been candle-pilled by fellow PI Editors Alex Cushing and Serey Morm who swear by Diptyque. After catching a whiff last weekend I decided to buy the "Fig" scent, which Alex tells me is the best.
I purchased a Dial Dan Hat to support Dan Allegretto's rlly great podcast. It's a nice hat.
After shouting it out in the 2021 Perfectly Imperfect Gift Guide I finally bought my favorite Whit Stillman film, The Last Days of Disco (1998), on Criterion Blu-Ray after seeing it on sale for 50% off. Chloë, witty dialogue, NYC, disco, and nightlife, what more do you need?
I finally got a classic L.L. Bean Boat & Tote (w/ the Zip-Top). I have a million totes already, but I have very high hopes that this will be the tote that I pick up when running out of the apartment. No more picking which brand I want to endorse, just a classic, basic, blank, and durable as hell tote every day.
Corbin Chase, photographer, occasional charcuterie artist, C&B Singles’ Day host
I’m cashing in on the 25% off sitewide Black Friday sale at Todd Snyder for their newest collaboration with J. Press.
The new collaboration features a stunning classic chore coat I’ve been eyeing since they released the lookbook—and today is the only day to take anything off the pre-order.
It’s an everyday wear as a coat in these November temperatures and as “winter is coming” it’ll be a perfect layer—in eye catching orange—just under a big puffer.
Emma Louise Swanson, photographer with an enviable client list (including Thom Browne)
Okay cool… well I already got into the Brooklinen BF sale (20% off). Got their down comforter (which all 2021 lists claim to be the best! Lol) and ochre linen sheets (a bright marigold, much to the annoyance of my boyfriend) that I’ve wanted forever. I’m probably going to get something from Mondo Mondo (20% off)… I love their Hysteria perfume, probably going to get some small jewelry for a work friend. I’ll try to think of stuff I need at B&H… they have really good deals but I forget to wait. Will at least get some some external hard drives (very exciting!) Otherwise I kind of feel like the BF sales have been weak this year? RealReal sales mean the items are nonreturnable so I’m skipping. Was really hoping for some good deals on Khaite out there but of course there are none.
Best Black Friday deal so far was definitely the stock market/ crypto which crashed hard today!
Also obviously the best deal is Emily Dawn Long… strongly considering buying a second I contain Multitudes sweater! 30% off… and I’m spent!
Nicola Fumo, writer, blasphemously undercredited in the wired headphones discourse
I took advantage of Glossier’s rare discount to restock the stuff I use year round (Boy Brow, Lash Slick, Skin Tint) and try the Oil Mist bc i’m trying to be better about body moisturizing but do not find joy in rubbing lotion all over myself.
Another restock/trying something new—CUUP. I resisted this omnipresent bra brand til i finally tried the balconette bra and, well, it became my favorite. So I got one of those on sale and also scooped up the swimwear version along with coordinating bottoms.
Haven’t pulled the trigger yet but thinking of copping one of Mansur Gavriel’s candy bags. A few colors are on sale for like $350 and it seems like the kind of bag i’ll reach for all the time, for many years.
Susan Alexandra, the woman behind the bags and owner of NYC’s most optimistic storefront
I’m buying a new bed from Leesa bc it’s time to start a new chapter in my life. It’s a queen because those are the vibes I’m channeling for 2022. I’m also buying the best liquid eyeliner to ever exist (Mac Point Black) because it’s 30% off and finally, two pairs of Vari Lab pajamas which we happen to carry in store. They’re hand made in Argentina by a tailor and they are the most proper, wonderful pajamas I’ve ever tried. Wes Anderson would wear.
Lindsey Solomon, PR deity, invented the list
Okay so I went to @colbo.nyc, a new menswear shop on Orchard, and bought a pair of camel knit pants and a matching sweater. I’m trying to shift my wardrobe in some more elevated basics.
[Laura’s note: We just interviewed Tal from Colbo last week, read about it here.]
Lissie Chappell, a very clever girl pulling strings behind the scenes at CUUP
This time of year can be really difficult not only for disordered shopping habits, but also people on a budget who feel pressure to make purchases that they don't actually need in the moment. Overall, I think sales around holiday times (Memorial Day, etc.) should be just a reasonable opportunity to repurchase go-to, tried & true items. Along with maybe a one-time purchase for a larger item that doesn't need replenishment. During past holiday promotions, I have purchased things like the Molekule air purifier and a mattress. This year, I'm going for:
A COUPLE GO-TO's
Furtuna Skin FW21 Sale: on homepage offers savings based on spend. I religiously use the Replenishing Balm daily on top of my skincare and extra around my eyes. It's more expensive than what I like to spend on skincare, so since I tried the travel size last year, I like to replenish with a promotion.
Gil Rodriguez Beachwood Sweatpant in Banana Cream: I have loved and supported Eliana's thoughtful brand since day one. I wear the tanks, tees and sweatpants the most. I normally wear the XS sweatpant for 5'1" frame, but picked up Banana Cream in size Small for a little more relaxed fit. Certain styles are on sale right now.
Bombas: I am obsessed with their quarter socks for performance running & hiking. I typically pick up three or so new pairs around holiday. All 20% off right now.
1 LARGER PURCHASE
The Windmill AC: I have wanted to try the AC unit from this startup since they launched. And that little extra $50 off right now pushed me to finally try. I have lived in New York City for 8 years and the AC units I purchase from Home Depot always give me grief, don't fully seal around window sill, are loud, require 1-2 repairs and then die at 2 years old. Excited to see how this easy to install, quieter, more eco friendly unit does.
Elizabeth Cardinal Tamkin, Man Repeller alumni ever proving clothes can be fun, now at Kule
1. 3x4 foot canvas from Dick Blick—Artists note! Buy canvases during Black Friday! Shipping is free and I got 25% off. My partner and I need something to go in our dining room and doing one of my paintings (I haven’t done one in years) will be the best and most inexpensive option (if it comes out how I want it to).
2. Daniëlle Cathari’s puff bag from END Clothing. I want a new bag that is casual and I can feel ok using if it rains.
3. This AllSaints cardigan for my partner and I to share. I always feel better shopping when we can both wear it. I’ll wear it belted or boxy as a dress, and he’ll wear it as… a cardigan. I actually went to Nordstrom on 57th bored with a friend looking for a chunky men’s cardigan for myself, and found this. Theirs wasn’t on sale but Nordstrom Price matches!
4. It was 6:50 AM and these were $6.99 I have no reason or buying these other than I love leggings.
5. A new license. There was no discount but hello I lost my wallet during my excursion at Nordstrom.
Karina De Jesus, brand wizard, the reason you know and love Ganni
Here are my Black Friday selections—three pairs of shoes from Reike Nen (one, two, three).
And I always check Ssense sale. I set their pricing low to high and that way I don't miss out on deals on some essentials and fun things that I didn't know I needed! My picks are this Versace Jeans Couture tee, Justine Clenquet earrings, Nike bodysuit, and Cotton Citizen dress.
[Laura’s note: Karina’s agency, Haus, is hosting a pop-up featuring her clients Mozh Mozh, Naya Rea, Reike Nen, and more—visit her December 4-18 at 318 Grand St. in Manhattan.]
Tori Lane, a vibe and an icon, professionally stops you in your tracks
I’ve been eyeing the Space Pack Collection by The Arrivals for months. And with about 25% off of the hooded jacket, the pants, and the balaclava I couldn’t pass it up. The collection features pieces that are lightweight and conveniently fit into a small cross body pouch — perfect for those toasty subway rides after a walk in the cold. Plus, the down is made from 100% post-consumer textiles.
Chad Senzel, well-connected vintage clothing street dealer
I’ve only bought one thing today and it’ll likely be my only purchase. It’s actually not clothing but a book about clothing lol. It’s a book about the designer Willi Smith called Street Couture. I bought it off the Cooper Hewitt website, they copublished it I believe, was very surprised to see they had a BF discount. Anyway, I bought it cuz there’s very little documentation on Willi online so hoping to learn and see some new stuff. Ordered it ofc so don’t have it nor have even seen it yet! 😊
Clemence Poles, Passerbuys founder, a sleepy poet
I’m about to go to bed I’m in paris unfortunately
For what it’s worth I bought this today
Diff color though
But obsessed
Multi function, dress but also can act as a cardigan / under coat
I’m pairing it will wolford tights and boots I got from ending soon ;)
Who I know you featured
L: i did! houman is the best!
Truly
[Laura’s note: Here’s our feature on Ending Soon from last month.]