Between Us, vol. 12
Hotel deals worth considering, the best of the best summer shoes, colorful statement necklaces, the pre-MDW sale I just sharing jumped on, Shepherd & Co's Service Suite, and more!
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Hello ladies!
The end of the school year is, basically, here and this past week we were in the thick of juggling all of the events that Louie’s school put on to celebrate — including his actual graduation from VPK. It has been so emotional thinking about all the growth that Louie has experienced since moving to Florida. We loved his little nursery in the UK and felt like it was such a wonderful place for him to learn. We loved how much of their learning took place outside regardless of weather. But, seeing his mind completely expand and learn his letters, numbers, sight words, etc … it’s just been amazing. He’s learned so much and I just can’t believe we are on the brink of sending him to Kindergarten.
We put together an adorable poster in honor of him sharing he wanted to be a pilot when he grows up — which was new news to us! Usually he says he wants to be a police officer but, he’s pretty set on being a pilot now. He was very proud to share the photos of his first flight at 6 months old and that he’s been to 7 countries, ha.
It was a crazy week and I feel like I’m behind on all of the work things but, some weeks are just like that when you’re a working parents, I guess, ha — it’s always a battle between which part of you’re life gets more of you between one week to the next.
ICYMI: While my team and I finalize the website, I shared the Shepherd & Co. Service Suite over on stories. I shared it here last weekend, too, but I figured out a better way to share it so you can more easily access and look through it so, here you go!
Now is a great time to start thinking about trips you may want to take during shoulder season — September / October. If you have flexibility and aren’t bound by kids’ school schedules, I highly recommend considering Europe trips during this time. The weather is still warm [but not as brutally hot], room rates at hotels tend to drop, and there are far less tourists. Overall, it’s a much better time to travel so be sure to send in an inquiry if you’d like to go ahead and start getting the ball rolling on a trip during that time OR …
… I’d also say it’s never too early to start thinking about your holiday travels. If you want to go away and experience the Christmas markets in Europe, go skiing in Colorado, or see London all dressed up for the holidays [no city does it better!] … please do get in touch. Even if you don’t want a fully curated itinerary, letting me assist with hotel matching and organizing and managing your hotel stay to ensure you have the best place to land during your trip would be a pleasure!
Okay, this is worth mentioning before we continue as I just took advantage myself!
Elemis launched their MDW sale early: 25% off with code MDW25!
My favorites include their cleansing balm, their Superfood Facial Oil, and their Pro-Collagen Marine Cream [with SPF30!]
Okay, here’s what I have for you guys in today’s newsletter:
+ Five Under $50
+ Shoes That Make or Break a Summer Outfit
+ Travel I Helped Clients with This Week
+ Statement Necklaces for Summer
+ Summer Hotel Deals
+ and more …
Here’s what I have planned to share this week on Substack:
+ Why Would You Work With A Travel Advisor?: As a nod to Shepherd & Co’s soft launch, I am sharing some insights into what travel advisors do, what their value add is, and why more travelers are choosing to work with one.
Five Under $50
ruffle dress | beach towel | linen top | eye patches | hydrating serum
I think this to myself often, and I mean it every time … you do not have to spend a ton to look or feel good. While I’ll always advocate for wardrobe and beauty investments, I think it’s just as smart to know when you need to save on certain items. And, one of my most-reached-for things right now cost less than a dinner out [which I also realize can come at a premium], and these five are no exception.
Maroon sounds like a fall move but it is so good right now, especially against a tan. The ruffled hem on this dress gives it great personality and will always be a dress you can throw no matter the occasion.
The classic striped beach towel. Oversized, super soft, comes in great colors, and under $30 on Amazon. A no-brainer add to your beach bag this summer.
This little bottle is a cult find. A few drops and you’ll be mirroring Aphrodite. It's not heavy, doesn't feel oily, and pairs with what’s already in your routine. This is a product that I never run out of without having a backup ready to go.
Caffeine-infused, anti-slip [a game changer if you’re wrangling little boys]. Great to keep in the fridge for mornings when you need a little reset. Perfect travel bag staple too.
I love a good Amazon find and this one delivers. A linen peplum top that looks way more expensive than it is. Wear it with whatever your heart desires, you can’t go wrong.
Shoes That Make or Break a Summer Outfit
ivory slides | jelly flats | thong sandals | slide sandals | ankle strap sandals | green heels | ankle strap platforms | peep toe sandals | suede wedges
Shoes carry more weight in the summer than any other season. When your outfits are simpler, there’s less going on to balance things out, so the wrong shoe reads immediately. These are the three styles I come back to every summer.
A Simple, Minimal Sandal: These work because they disappear into your outfit rather than competing with it. The goal is a shoe that supports what you’re wearing, not one that redirects attention toward itself.
A Warm-Weather Flat: The piece that fills the gap between a sandal and something that reads night out. A little interest without the weight, for days when a sandal feels too bare but you still want to keep things light. These are a good place to start.
Something Slightly More Elevated: For nights out, last-minute plans, anything where you want the outfit to feel like you put in some effort without tipping into formal. These suede wedges are my current go-to.
You can shop my full shoe shelf over on LTK & ShopMy
Travel I Helped Clients with This Week
This week was one of those where I closed my laptop and thought, that was really fun. I had four completely different trips on my plate - a girl’s weekend, a fall sister getaway, a family trip, and a romantic anniversary trip that's just starting to take shape. No two were anything alike, which is the part of this job I love most. Every trip starts with figuring out what matters to that specific person…the vibe they're after, the experience they want to walk away with and then helping it take shape.
Here's a little peek at inquiries that came through this week:
A Girls’ Long Weekend in London: This is an inquiry that I am so excited to potentially work on. The gals already have tickets to the Queen’s Style exhibit but wanted insight into how best to spend the rest of their time. I have some other royal recommendations in mind and a private driver I’d love to connect them with for a day-trip out to the Cotswolds — one who knows all of my favorite spots … one that aren’t being showcased all over Instagram yet, thankfully!
A Sister Weekend in October: Booked a stay at Hotel Bardo for two sisters planning a fall getaway. If you haven’t heard of this property, add it to your list immediately.
Orlando with the Kids: Helped a client find the perfect hotel base for a family trip to Orlando, because where you stay really does make or break that kind of trip.
A Romantic Anniversary Trip to Napa: Still in the planning stages but already dreaming about this one. A couple looking to celebrate their anniversary in Napa next year. History, great food, and wine country romance … here they come!
Need assistance with an upcoming trip? Let me take it off your hands!
Statement Necklaces for Summer
Still riding the wave of summer accessories. If there's one thing that can completely change an outfit without you having to re-do the entire thing, it's a great necklace. Statement pieces are everywhere right now. Chunky gold chains, bold pendants, layered looks, and the best part is you don't have to spend a fortune to find something worth wearing.
This ShopMy shelf is full of fun options that are sure to bring a little color into any wardrobe, especially with a simpler outfit.
Promo Codes to Jump On
I don’t always include these, but we’re starting to see a bit of a soft lead-in to Memorial Day sales, so I wanted to share a few in case you had your eye on anything I posted about this past week.
RMS: They were one of the first clean beauty brands [est. 2009] and I’m loving their under eye brightener [a little goes a long way], SPF 30, I’m not exaggerating when I say you look like you glow from within, and powder blush.
20% off with code HALEY20.
Gruns: If you're bad at remembering to take your vitamins, this is the fix. It's a little pack of gummies that covers everything. Gut health, energy, immunity AND they actually pretty delicious. Game changer for staying consistent.
You can get 52% off HERE
Ruggable: Truly one of those purchases where you wonder how you lived without it. Stylish rug, fully washable, holds up to real life. One wash and I was hooked. I’ve got my eye on this one for our entryway.
They’re offering 15% off with code HALEY15
OSEA: Seaweed-based skincare that's been around since 1996, way before clean beauty was cool. The body oil alone is worth it. Everything feels luxurious but the ingredients list is squeaky clean.
ALYSONHALEY10 will get you 10% off
Summer Hotel Deals
I’ve been keeping a close eye on what’s coming through on the hotel side, and this latest round of May deals is worth a look. There are some strong properties in here, especially if you’ve been thinking about getting something on the calendar before summer fully kicks in.
If you’ve had a trip in the back of your mind … a long weekend, a quick reset, something you keep putting off, this is a good time to revisit it. And, be sure to consider booking through my services as it is complimentary and affords you additional perks you typically can’t get by booking directly.
Here are a few that are at the top of my list —
Raffles Boston
Raffles just opened in Back Bay and it's already one of the best hotels in the city. Right in the heart of the city, steps from Newbury Street, with a Guerlain spa and butler service in every room.
» Third night is free right now, which makes a long weekend very easy to justify.
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
The only Forbes Five-Star hotel in Osaka, and it’s been that way four years running. Michelin-starred dining, sweeping city views from the 24th floor and up, and customer service people fly back for. If Japan is on your list, this is the one.
» DEAL: Third night free plus 35% off.
Raffles The Palm, Dubai
A full beach resort on Palm Jumeirah with a private stretch of sand, 6,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers [really, it’s Dubai!], and a Parisian spa with 23 treatment rooms. It somehow manages to feel equal parts over-the-top and genuinely relaxing.
» DEAL: Third night is free, sign me up.
The St. Regis Kanai, Riviera Maya
Built on a mangrove reserve with every room facing the ocean and its own private terrace or plunge pool. It’s one of those places that genuinely doesn’t disappoint in person.
» DEAL: Up to 20% off plus daily breakfast for two.
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya
173 rooms, all with ocean views and a private balcony with a soaking tub. Tucked into 100 acres of secluded Mayan coastline with incredible dining and a spa that people rave about.
» DEAL: 20% off Best Available Rate
IN ADDITION to the individual property perks, booking through me typically allows you to enjoy perks from my preferred partners such as:
Complimentary upgrade to next room category [subject to availability]
Complimentary breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit to use on food & beverage OR spa
Early check-in/late check-out
If anything above catches your eye or you have another destination in mind, I’d love to help walk you through it and help you book!
Okay that's everything I had for you this week! Hope something in here was useful, whether it was a hotel deal, a new find, or just a little inspo. See you soon!
x H.
Alyson Haley is a longtime style and travel writer focused on helping you create a wardrobe you love and travel more confidently and competently. After 10 years of living between and just outside of London, she shares curated recommendations and insider insight on her favorite city and other destinations she knows and loves. She is currently building a bespoke travel boutique centered around beautifully designed, meaningful escapes. For more, be sure to follow her on Instagram.