169: What's everyone else buying?

10 creatives with enviable taste share their spoils from the sales (so far).

Thanks for letting me talk at you about reduced prices and rising percentages day in and day out for the last week, but I have to say, even I’m getting sick of my own voice. Time to kick it over to someone else with something new to add, don’t you think? Or, maybe 10 other someones.

One of the best things about having a shopping newsletter is it granting me a credible cover for being nosy as hell about other people’s spending habits. So for today’s send, I’ve trained that excuse on some deep-down enigmatically stylish and magnetic people, some of whom I know IRL, online, or have only stalked from afar until now, and I’ve petitioned them to spare no detail about their Black Friday purchases.

I’m especially appreciative of the through line that’s emerged of using the shopping holiday to buy resale on The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, which scratches the deal itch and yields higher-value acquisitions than, say, fast fashion purchases of the same price. Buying small, experientially, and for the home are some other relatable trends drawn from the small sample size below; cozy pleasures I always look forward to at this time of year.

If I thought I was finished shopping, the rabbit holes their answers sent me down proved that wrong. Below, what 10 great shoppers bought this Black Friday.

Sasha Mei of Meja

“Not everything I bought this year was actually on sale—I think that all of the marketing and promotions surrounding Black Friday put me more in the mood to indulge in something I might not have otherwise at any other time of year.

I did manage to find some sale gems on Vestiaire and The RealReal, namely, a Dolce slip dress (similar here, here, and here) with a peekaboo bra detail that I feel will have multiple opportunities for wear this holiday season, and a Fall 1999 single breasted boiled wool Chanel jacket (similar here, here, and here) that I scored for nearly half the asking price. And then I went rogue and bought a pair of Saint Laurent Vendome slingbacks. Definitely not on sale, but I don't regret it for a second.”

Xavier Donnelly of Ash

“I actually don't usually pay that much attention to shopping events but I got lured by a few promotional emails. Here's what I picked up:

Leki Carbon Ski Poles, 25% off at Leki: I'm a big skier and I'm trying to get everything in order ahead of the season.  

Issey Miyake Homme Plisse T-Shirt on sale at The RealReal: I love The RealReal...I got this Issey shirt which, unworn with tags, for a fraction of retail.

The Okura, Tokyo: I will be in Tokyo for a few days early in the new year, on my way home from a work trip in China. I am obsessed with the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, and luckily for me they were offering 20% off 3 night stays.  I'm not sure if it had anything to do with Black Friday...but whatever works!

I love travel sales in general—Ash is running one right now which is a 3rd night free- in case it's of interest!”

Kathleen Thomas of Conde Nast

“I have been looking for a classic but slightly unusual, comfy but chic black boot for the season. I didn’t want to break the bank but wanted quality since I always wear my black boots into the ground. Every Everlane shoe I’ve bought has been incredibly comfortable and well-made, so I immediately looked to them for a boot option (and of course on sale for a great price). Their banana heel boot is interesting, functional, sleek but what I’m hoping is it holds up to the New York pavement and the miles I plan to walk in them. Will report back 👌🏻”

Brittany Bathgate

“Something fun and two classics! 

Babaá jumper no17 arce: A purchase I was on the fence about, because I do fear my love for red is some what heightened, and perhaps skewed, by the colour’s popularity this season, but I feel confident about this slightly softer tone. And Babaa knits IRL are truly beautiful. 

Theory Maxi Trouser Skirt in Wool Canvas: The perfect wool maxi skirt that’s been lurking in my open tabs for weeks. 

Totême Glove Boot leather boots (also on sale here): Always good to scan through my VC wish list around BF for any additional discounts on favourite items. These Toteme boots will fill the ‘small-heel-boot-perfect-for-day-and-night’ gap in my wardrobe.”

Michael Scanlon of Chandelier Creative

“I’m trying to spend more time making meals for myself and people I love, and thought I should put the same level of devotion into my kitchenware as I do my closet or living room. I can’t stand Container Store organization so I found these simple clay storage jars at Il Buco in this incredible shade of dirty plum. I’m going to store nuts and chocolates in them for snacking. And I also got this mixing bowl for making salads or beating eggs in. Why not have a crazy mixing bowl to look at while doing your work?”

Jenny Walton of JENNY SAIS QUOI

“Cartier passport holder: I’ve been wanting a nice passport cover and I’ve been really into old Cartier bags and accessories lately, they’re timeless and not that expensive.

Hermes Garden Party Cloth Tote: I’m trying to only buy classic staples right now, as I already have so much novelty in my wardrobe from all of my old Prada, much of which is either printed or colorful. I’ve wanted an Hermes Garden Party and it seems like the perfect easy everyday bag (not to mention I think it will fit my dachshund, Aurora. So that’s a nice added benefit).

Hermes H belt: Keeping in the theme of buying great vintage classics, I’ve always wanted an Hermes H leather belt after seeing SJP style it with the oversized white button down in SATC. I love that these are reversible, so you can really get a great amount of wear out of them.

Carlin Rollenhagen of Loughlin Joseph

“After being in the fashion industry for some time, I’ve become jaded by the quick pace of shopping heavily discounted items just to discover that I don’t even love them. The allure of Black Friday is strong and it thrives for a reason—but this season I am shopping more wisely.

So, instead of Black Friday shopping I’m calling it ‘strictly holiday shopping’ and I’ll be buying for my family and of course myself ~ just a little bit ~. First on my list is a few gift boxes from FRAMA (a Copenhagen-based design company). The gift boxes include options of hand soaps, perfume, oil diffusers, and more. They are perfect for gifting and the box itself is chic and can be repurposed. The brand doesn’t do holiday discounting as they stand by their product all year round.

As a long-time fan of Vivienne Westwood, I’ve always admired their goals for protecting the environment and responsible fashion. For years I’ve had my eye on the Triple Strap Ballerina Flats that are made by an expert shoemaker John Amathus since 1987 in central London. They constantly sell out because they are all hand made, but let’s hope I can snag a pair this season.

Ever since the Miu Miu SS22 runway show, I’ve been back on board. I constantly find one or two pieces a season that are must-haves, and this time I’ve got my eye on the Twin-Set Cashmere Top in turquoise and the Pinstripe Trousers to boot. While I may find the prices outrageous, if you can do your shopping in Europe when the US dollar is strong and the VAT taxes can be refunded, naturally you get nearly a 30% discount on full-price items.

For my partner, I’m gathering a couple items from HAY. He’s obsessed with sleepwear year-round—the cotton Outline Pajama Shorts are perfect for lounging. Since he’s always cold, I’ll add the Mono Wool blanket and the Pirouette Cup & Saucer for hot tea so he won’t complain when I turn the heat down.

Lastly, J.W.Anderson has always brought me joy. I’m retiring my old wallet and hoping to get the Leather Cardholder with Penis Pin Strap for something a bit sexier. I constantly lose my wallet in my bag of nonsense, so the strap is functional yet chic. Always a great conversation starter at least.”

Eva Alt

“Lately my style for taking dance class has evolved a bit towards wanting to be in looser layers, however I don't like being too hot. I've been eyeing this men's Nike tennis top to wear in ballet class and finally got it 25% off

I'll wear it with these Zara pants which are really well-cut and a nice light cotton. I already own one pair and bought two more on sale. They're slightly cropped and I wear legwarmers poking out from underneath.

Misty White Sidell is a friend, and she's been helping an antiques shop in Providence, RI (where she's currently based) with an estate sale of a woman who collected Armani and Loro Piana. We did a zoom appointment and I copped two Pratesi robes (giving one to my mom for Christmas and keeping the other for myself). Yum!

I buy a lot of old Armani on The RealReal—the quality is so sumptuous. I picked up this silk halter dress which looks so special with the beading and cowl neck. Will probably have to tailor it, and can look forward to wearing to future summer parties!

Kind of random but I also got these gummies on Amazon which look really good—sweetened with apple juice and interesting/global flavors.

Earlier this year I had the best facial of my life with Cynthia Rivas. I struggle with some texture on my cheeks, particularly during the winter. She recommended the IS Clinical Active Serum. Violet Grey has a great sale and I used it as an opportunity to pick up a bottle.

Em Seely-Katz of Human Repeller

“This year, I realized that buying ‘hard pants’ online is a kamikaze mission for anyone not built like an SSENSE model, so I buried my tender feelings toward the Gimaguas Oahu pants and instead opted to shop my friend Brooke Callahan's clothing line, finally grabbing her famous Tie Skirt in Chocolate, which I'd been coveting since its release (I'm still jonesing for the matching top, if anyone wants to surprise me...).

I also realized that underwear and socks were the least likely buys to induce BFCM regret, so I bought two Spring Fling sock sets and two pairs of blue boxers from doublesoul so my beloved little sister and I can match when I'm back in town. Lastly, after agonizing over unclear sizing, I realized I was ready to buy the excellent SC103 Napkin Skirt. This really was my year of just realizing things.”

Maxime van Namen

“I recently purchased these boots by Maryam Nassir Zadeh at CARMEN during their one-year anniversary sale. I mostly buy vintage or second hand and I’ve been looking for a similar boot from Céline (Phoebe Philo era) for years, but without success. So when I first saw these on the runway I got really excited. They hit mid-calf which is perfect to wear both under and over pants. I especially love wearing them with sweats or cashmere pants tucked in, a great look for lower temperatures.”

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