Either you’re 1) really confused, 2) hiding your credit cards away in fright, or 3) have already scrolled through all of the deals and have packages already on the way.
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If you’re a number two or three, move along – I’ll see you next post!
If you’re confused, not to worry! I’ll walk you through it.
The Saks Friends and Family sale usually occurs twice a year and each time the deal is slightly different, however, one thing doesn’t change: there is a lot to sift through, and of course, a lot of exclusions.
Luckily I’ve done the hard part of weeding out things that aren’t on sale to identify a lot of things that are. And while I firmly believe that all you need to travel is a valid passport and enough clothes on your body to be considered decent, some things really just make it easier to explore the world.
Here are the best deals I’ve scouted in this month’s sale:
Clothing
1. Knight Hooded Leather Moto Jacket, A.L.C. | It may be the wrong season for leather jackets, but there’s not a better time to buy one. This one is marked way down and I love the fashionable + practical addition of a hood.
2. Lydia Striped Tie-Front Top, Alice + Olivia | This top is seasonally appropriate, the F+F sale is also a great time to buy for the coming months when spring and summer clothes are usually full-price. The candy-colored stripes are fun, and while I haven’t tried it, I suspect you may be able to get away with wearing the top reversed.
3. Beach Sport Shirt, Rag & Bone | If Michael purchased this for himself, he’d probably have to deal with me borrowing it all the time. It would look great with casual jeans, or thrown over a swimsuit to head to the bar.
4. Pull-On Leggings, Eileen Fisher | Yes, leggings are controversial (see here and more recently, here), but I’m firmly in the camp of wear-what-you-want. Overnight flights in coach class are brutal, and wearing something that feels like pajamas is a great way to ease the pain.
5. Packable Travel Parka, Jane Post | I often link to packable rain jackets because it’s something I believe everyone should own. I rarely carry an umbrella these days because a rain jacket keeps me just as dry and there’s less to fuss with.
6. Nazal Packable Leather Jacket, Theory | Talk about function. Not only is this leather jacket packable (when have you ever heard those two terms together?), but it’s also reversible. I’ve been caught in the rain in my leather jacket before, despite checking the forecast. Being able to flip it inside out would have saved a huge headache.
7. Nima Uneven Stripe Button-Down Shirt, Wesc | You can’t go wrong with stripes, and I love the seemingly painted, uneven look of the stripes on this button-down (and yes, I would also steal this from my partner’s wardrobe!).
8. Clean Angle Pima Cotton Tee, Theory | This tee offers a little visual interest without being overwhelming. It would work for the summer with shorts, or layered under a jacket and paired with jeans for a nice dinner out.
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Bags
1. Kennedy Crossgrain Leather Travel Briefcase, Coach | Though the brand itself has fluctuated in popularity over the years, this bag is destined to be timeless.
2. Travel Bag Set, Kate Spade | Mini bags are a great way to stay organized over the course of a long trip. This set includes a bag designated for accessories, dirty clothes, clean clothes, and swimwear. Plus, they’re really cute!
3. Small Sistema Backpack, Mandarina Duck| Form and function collide in this bag: it features inner organization, including a key hook (which could be used instead to secure a coin pouch or other personal items), and a sleeve allowing you to slip the backpack securely over your suitcase handles.
4. Bellagio 2.0 Spinner Trunk, Bric’s | You’d have to pry my Away bag from my cold, dead hands, but I have to admit this Bric’s bag is serious eye-candy. I love the retro trunk styling combined with modern features.
5. Braided Strap Leather Belt Bag, Avec La Troupe | Belt bags are great for traveling hands-free (there’s a reason the stereotypical tourist is always carrying one), but they can be an open invitation for bag-grabbers and pick-pockets. While I personally haven’t held this bag, it looks pretty easy to secure.
6. Gen 2 Leather Garment Weekender Bag, hook + albert | Okay, so the way this bag opens is genius (even if you’re not in the market for one, go ahead and take a look – amiright?). The entire outside of the bag doubles as a garment bag, and then it folds up to hold the rest of your items. This bag would be great for stays longer than a night or two, or for the person who must fully unpack wherever they go.
7. Lennox Leather and Canvas Backpack, Botkier | This backpack is as stunning as any handbag, and I love the number of pockets included. The slip pocket along the back looks to be the perfect size for carrying your passport and some currency.
8. Mini Leather Messenger Bag, OAD | This bag doesn’t look like anything special – which is precisely why it would be a great bag to tote with you. There’s no logo or eye-catching brand name on the front, and it moves seamlessly from day to night.
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Accessories
1. Courtney Packable Fedora, Eugenia Kim | If you can pull off a fedora without looking like a d-bag – why not get one you can pack to bring with you on your trip?
2. Astor Reversible Belt, Bally | The quality of many reversible belts is shockingly bad. This one is simple and sleek and helps save the real estate in your suitcase for more important things (like local candy. Please bring us back some candy).
3. Getaway Passport Holder, ban.do | I can’t decide if this passport holder is cheeky and fun or simply obnoxious. If you decide it’s the former, this is a cute way to carry one of your most prized possessions.
4. Solid Round Sunglasses, Burberry | Simple and classic. Yes, they’re technically designer, but they’re not flashy. Protect your eyes in style!
5. Cotton Bandana, Saks Fifth Avenue | A bandana is an easy way to add flair to a simple outfit. It packs flat and can act as a scarf, jewelry, or headband, in addition to adorning your bag or suitcase.
6. Alexa Anchor Anklet, Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry | Anklets are back! This one plays with a nautical style and is really unpretentious. It’s an easy way to rock a trend without a huge commitment to anything over the top.
7. Executive Hemp Baseball Cap, Gents | Skip the team logo and go with something simple. I really like this color for spring and summer!
8. Digital Black Resin Watch, G-Shock | This watch is pretty cool and practical. Crossing time zones and dealing with bad weather could be made so much easier.
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Shoes
1. Thais Leather Slides, Ancient Greek Sandals | I love my Clio sandals by this brand, so I suspect these crossover sandals will be made with the same high quality.
2. Cami Leather Sandals, Stuart Weitzman | These sandals can be dressed up or down, and are flat enough to be walkable all day.
3. Aceline Leather Mules, Rebecca Minkoff| I like these as a summer evening option – heeled, but chunky enough to stand up to the bumpiest cobblestone streets.
4. Jesson Espadrille Wedge, Vince | Espadrilles are a great way to add height (I’m 5’4″, so believe me, I know!) without risking a broken ankle. This rusty reddish color is really having a moment.
5. Libby Leather Sandals, Via Spiga | The wooden heel adds a really unexpected pop to a plain white sandal. To be honest, I can’t really think of many outfits this shoe wouldn’t pair well with.
6. Eckland Leather Booties, Vince | Whether you already live in a colder climate or plan to visit one, a bone-colored boot is a great way to dress for spring even in still-frigid temperatures.
7. Fuoco Suede Leather Ankle Boots, Aquatalia | Just about all of Aquatalia’s shoes are travel-friendly because they’re waterproof, but this one works hard three seasons out of the year. I love the subtly squared toe.
8. Fynn Leather Hi-Top Sneakers, Vince | These sneakers are classic like Vans, but better executed. The leather feels like a special touch, and I love that there’s no brand stamped on the outside.
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Miscellaneous
1. Blake Leather Single Watch Roll, Wolf | Are you a fancy-watch person? Keep yours safe while it’s away from your wrist in a designated travel case like this one from Wolf.
2. Panama Zip Currency Case, Smythson | Having currency ready to go makes arriving in a new country so much easier. Buy some from friends who’ve recently traveled there before you leave or save some from your last trip for the next time.
3. Bois Savauge Bar Soap, L’Objet | These Friends and Family sales are a great time to try out a product you’ve been eyeing for a while. This soap is made with argan oil and comes with its own glass case. Fancy!
4. Bond Leather Luggage Tag, Smythson | Claim your bag with a gorgeous and simple luggage tag. I like this one from Smythson because it keeps your personal info hidden behind a flap.
5. Off We Go Jubilee Striped Travel Umbrella | While I’ve already stated that I’m more of a rain jacket person than an umbrella person, I couldn’t help adding this one to the list because it looks like umbrellas we’ve seen all along the Mediterranean coast.
6. On the Spot Kit, The Laundress | I often use this particular sale to stock up on items from The Laundress. This is a great starter kit if you’re new to the brand.
7. Portofino Travel Set, Sofia | This set will set you back a pretty penny, but it should last you for life.
8. The Porter Glass Travel Cup, W&P | Impromptu picnic? Has the group to your right offered you a share of their wine (lucky you – say yes!)? This small glass is easy to stash in a bag yet can hold enough wine (or fine, water) to quench your thirst.
What is your favorite thing to pick up during Saks’ Friends and Family sale?
