Between Us, vol. 13

The lucky things that happened to us this week, Memorial Day sales to know about, the cutest sweat set that just came in, the pasta recipe I can't wait to make, when we're going to London, and more!

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Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends!

I am still like … PINCHING MYSELF from how great this week was!

• John finally got his Green Card!!

• We booked flights for our trip to London to visit John’s family this summer [we’re basically spending all of July there!]

• Something delightful and unexpected came in the mail for me

• I engaged my first two full-service Shepherd & Co. clients [I cried because of how great it felt to have people believe in me in this new pursuit]

• Lawson turned one!

This year, we haven’t been without great things happening to us by any means but, there was just something about this week that made us feel like we were being showered with good fortune and I can’t deny how amazing it felt because, it certainly felt like a windfall. So, we’re relishing in that this weekend and, we don’t really have too much planned.

We are doing little things to celebrate Lawson but his big celebration is next weekend with family and friends :) Otherwise, we are still trying to de-clutter, get things organized, and I need to make some final decisions about a desk and a couple of other small pieces of furniture.

What I Wore This Week

Let me recap a few cute outfits I wore this week that I’m particularly obsessed with, in case you missed them —

SHOP IT ON SHOPMY | SHOP IT ON LTK

Do not miss these jelly shoes! They’re so cute and super comfy! I wear a 6.5 and went with the 7 & they’re perfect! Steve Madden has 30% off this weekend if you’re doing some shopping!

This striped sweat set might be my favorite purchase as of late. I unpacked it yesterday morning and put it on immediately. The inside is super soft. It runs a little big so head’s up there! But, it’s 50% off this weekend and great for those casual days at home or running errands. Also, don’t miss J.Crew Factory’s sale, too — 50-70% off!

As you well know, Memorial Day weekend means sales, and there are some really good ones to make note of this weekend. I’ve rounded up my favorites in today’s newsletter, including some ELEMIS skincare I’ve shared across stories this week, an EBY deal that’s too good to skip, my J.Crew summer picks, a Father’s Day Gift Guide and a few links from around the internet that caught my attention. Let’s get into it!

Okay, here’s what I have for you guys in today’s newsletter:

+ My J.Crew Summer Arrivals Picks
+ Elemis Memorial Day Must-Have’s
+ The Best Place To Refresh Your Undergarments
+ Father’s Day Gift Guide
+ Little Link List

My J.Crew Summer Arrivals Picks

botanical print pants | lady jacket | striped dress | white button up dress | twill crop pants | navy one-piece | raffia bag | heart studs | striped top

Dresses are 50% off for a limited time, no code needed & they’re doing 40% off your purchase

J.Crew has been on a quiet streak lately and summer is where they really shine. The palette is giving everything I want right now, crisp whites, deep aubergine, and classic navy that never goes out of style. I pulled together some of my favorites from the new arrivals and honestly, there’s a lot to love.

This outfit is linked HERE

» My tried and true white dress you’ve seen this on me and I’m still obsessed

» I say it every summer and I’ll say it again, J.Crew’s classic linen pants and shorts are always in rotation for me, always. Non-negotiable.

» This lady jacket is genuinely taunting me and it’s already 90 degrees outside. I don’t need it. And yet…

» Cropped cotton poplin pants are having a major moment right now and J.Crew is doing them so well. I’m here for it.

You can shop the full ShopMy shelf and LTK here.

Elemis Memorial Day Must-Have’s

resurfacing pads | bliss capsules | hydrating eye masks | restore serum | resurfacing peel & reset | rose cleansing balm | resurfacing face wash | pro collagen marine cream | rose micro serum

If you’ve been following along on stories this week, you may have heard me talk about my favorites from Elemis so, this is your reminder to be sure to take advantage of their Memorial Day Sale. If you’re a VIP, you can enjoy 30% off site-wide and, if not, everything is 25% off with code MDW25! Plus, if you spend $140 or more, you’ll receive a free 6-piece Sunlit Ritual gift (which is worth $106). And, then, if you spend $215 or more, you’ll unlock all 7 pieces, which is worth $203 in total. So, there are so many perks!

If you missed my stories — here are my favorites:

» I have shared the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm more times than I can count, and for good reason. It is an absolute must. It melts away makeup and sunscreen effortlessly while leaving your skin feeling nourished rather than stripped. If you only try one Elemis product, make it that one.

» Beyond the cleansing balm, I’d also like to point out these hydrating eye masks. I always have some in my carry-on tote when I travel and in my nightstand for those mornings where you know you’ve got some serious puffy eyes.

Other standouts are:

• Superfood Facial Oil: beautiful glow, no greasiness, and layers so nicely into the rest of your routine.

• Pro-Collagen Marine Cream: deeply hydrating, absorbs beautifully, and makes your skin look and feel like itself…but better

• The Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum targets fine lines, firms, and keeps skin looking plump and rested. This is the product you notice most when you run out of it

Whether you’re building out a full skincare routine or just looking to upgrade one or two steps, Elemis is such a worthwhile investment, especially at 25% off. Head to their site to see all the Memorial Day promotions and find what works best for your skin.

Need a Bra and Undies Refresh? I Always Go To Eby

sheer black bralette | seamless tank | wireless bra bundle | bra & panty set | t-shirt bra set | wide strap bralette | black briefs | white briefs

If you haven’t discovered EBY yet, this Memorial Day sale is the perfect excuse to try them! Their BOGO bra deal is too good to pass up. EBY is known for making incredibly comfortable, seamless basics that work for every day.

EBY has some really lovely bra and underwear sets if you’re looking to refresh your everyday basics. Their Relief Bra is one I come back to often because it’s incredibly supportive without needing an underwire [which, honestly, I’m always happy to avoid], and I love that their pieces are seamless especially under lighter spring fabrics. They also do really nice bundles, which I think is such a practical way to update your drawer all at once. I pulled a few options that stood out, including this bra bundle, this tank set - think putting this on as is and you’re out the door, and this Relief Bra set if you already know you love that style.

They’re doing a BOGO on bras, discount applied automatically at checkout!

Father’s Day Gift Guide

blue and white stripe shorts | beige lounge trousers | marshall mini bluetooth speaker | on cloudnova sneakers | classic leather strap watch | classic fit 3-pack ralph lauren boxers | dad book | yeti roadie cooler | therabody mini muscle massage device

Father’s Day is coming up fast and I wanted to put together a round up of things I’d feel good about gifting, not just the usual suspects. Whether you’re shopping for a husband, dad, or father figure in your life, I tried to think about what would get used and appreciated rather than just look good wrapped up.

I leaned into a mix of practical and fun this year. Things like swim trunks and a Yeti cooler for the dad who’s always outside, and a coffee subscription for the one who takes his morning cup very seriously. I’m thinking of grabbing this classic watch for John. It’s a timeless option if you’re looking to splurge a little, and a nice pair of boxers is one of those things guys never buy for themselves but always love receiving.

I also included a few things that check the box whether you’re shopping for a minimalist or someone who’s hard to buy for. Father’s Day is June 15th so you still have a little time, but some of these ship slower than others FYI.

Lovely Link List

Here are a few things I've stumbled across during the week that felt worth passing along, whether that's a recipe I want to try, an exhibit on my radar, or something in the news I can't stop thinking about.

» I’ve bookmarked this creamy lemon pasta recipe to try over the warmer months! Says it only takes 10 minutes — we’ll see, ha!

» Where you buy your beauty products matters … I’ve been buying only cruelty free beauty products for years now and I promise, you have so many great brands to choose from & you won’t miss any of these if you choose to do so, too! I didn’t know about the cleaning products but now I do and switches will definitely be made!

» My favorite luggage made the top luggage list by CN Traveler and .. of note .. it’s currently on sale!

» This is such a cute brown belt that is similar to the Gucci one I always wear that is a few years old now.

» Best news of the week comes from London [shocking]. The Queen Elizabeth II style exhibit has been extended 6 months due to high demand. If you’re looking to book a trip and see it, I know a girl!

» While we’re on the topic of exhibitions, 400 pieces of Cartier jewelry in one room in Melbourne? I’ll see myself out.

» Any other Arsenal wives out there reading? John has been beside himself all week … just glowing and floating on air thanks to his beloved Arsenal, who finally won the Premier League this week after 22 years!

» This week the Shein and Everlane story was hard to ignore and I think it raises a lot of interesting questions about where fashion is heading.

» This isn’t a travel update any of us needed so … how about we not do this British Airways?

» Swooning over this yellow dress for Summer

» Emily in Paris fans, this one is for you. I can’t believe it.

» NYT’s summer reading challenge has me wanting to clear my schedule for the next three months.

Anything you read this week that caught your eye?

Between Us, vol. 12

Why Would You Work With A Travel Advisor?

Alright friends, that's a wrap on this one! Wishing you the most wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Soak it up!

x H.

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Coming Soon: I’m curious what you’d like to see for Wednesday’s post. I’m thinking something travel related. It’s been a minute since I’ve focused on a destination so let me know if there’s a spot you want me to highlight!

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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.