Between Us, vol. 4

Top moving tips from a pro [me], books I recently rediscovered, sale codes for A&F, Tarte, and Vuori, and some exciting news about what's been going on behind-the-scenes!

Hi lovelies!

What a week! Another week on the rollercoaster that won’t let me off!

Ha, in case you missed it, I’ve been joking about how fast life is moving right now. There’s so much going and I’m so excited to finally share what this big news is. I kind of wish I had something that was unexpected and surprising … but hopefully it’ll delight you anyway once I share more about what it is and how it all came about! To give you a hint …

… I did a lot of packing this week and survived solely on coffee — at least it felt like it! The takeaway: I need to be decluttering more often. As incredible as kids books are, we don’t need as many as we have. Let me know if you know of any good charities that need kids books. So, anyway, that’s a small hint hah!

BUT … what we’re packing for is still a place worth going. And a place I, honestly, thought I might never get to. It’s come along quite ‘late’ in my adult life but, I have no regrets. It’s exciting even if I still dream of where we might go in the future. I’m choosing to be here now and make the most of it!

All of that to say, I’m so excited to share a bit of new news with you today so stay tuned.

But, before we get into that, I wanted to share a few things I’ve been loving lately, from a recent Abercrombie order that pleasantly surprised me, to some darling pieces for little ones and a few sales happening right now that are definitely worth a look.

… a bit of housekeeping:

Starting next Tuesday, I’ll be reopening paid subscriptions here on Substack. Free subscribers will continue receiving the weekly newsletter with outfit recaps, thoughtful finds, what’s currently on my radar in the style & travel space, and more! Paid subscribers will receive everything above, along with a few additional posts each month — including a monthly Ask Alyson Haley Q&A, The Style Dossier (a deeper dive into personal style, wardrobe building, and thoughtful shopping), and 1–2 personal and/or travel essays each month sharing deeper reflections from my life and places I’ve visited. Think of the paid tier as a slightly more intimate corner of the internet where I can share a bit more thoughtfully and in greater depth.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I’d love to have you join us there starting on Tuesday.

There’s quite a bit to cover today — a bit of a link-palooza in honor of the LTK Spring Sale [one of my favorites of the year], a recent Abercrombie try-on, and, finally, the big news.

Here’s what’s in store for today’s newsletter:

+ LTK Spring Sale Info
+ Latest Abercrombie Order Try-On
+ NEXT Kids: These Are So Cute For Your Littles
+ The Big News 👀
+ Top Moving Tips After Moving Seven Times in Six Years
+ Books I Rediscovered While Packing That I Want To Read

And, here’s what I have planned to share this week on Substack:

+ Moving Q&A [paid subscribers]: Leave your questions in the comment section and I will give you the full scoop before anyone else!

LTK Spring Sale: The Brands On Offer

The LTK Spring Sale is officially underway, and it’s one of those sales that tends to sneak up on people each year. Several brands offer exclusive discounts through the LTK platform, meaning the deals are only available through the app when you shop through creators you follow.

» Don’t forget to follow me in the LTK app «

To make shopping easier, I rounded up a few of the brands participating this year along with their sale details below.

Abercrombie: 25% off everything

I’ve been less than impressed with Abercrombie the last few years but, during a recent snoop, I did happen to find a few classic pieces I felt were worth trying out. Check out what I ordered below in the try-on section!

Vuori: 20% off for new customers

My brown leggings are from Vuori [short version | long version] and I am quite impressed with them. I don’t have too many pieces from the brand but, I like these and, John has always spoken really highly of the gym gear he has from Vuori.

Nutrafol: Extra $50 off 3 and 6 month subscriptions*

I started using Nutrafol after having Lawson and, I was really nervous it wasn’t working for awhile because, things around my hairline looked quite dire there for a bit but, consistency is key! Things have filled out so much more so, I am quite impressed with this product. I need to order more myself.

Tarte: 35% off sitewide + free shipping

Tarte Tubing Mascara | Amazon Clay Travel Palette | Face Tape Foundation | Maracuja Lip Liner | SmolderEyes Shadow Liner | Creaseless Setting & Brightening Powder | Key Large GLOW Bronzing Drops | Concealer Brush | Concealer Glow Powder | Shape Tape Concealer | Fake Awake Eye Highlight | Blush Tape Liquid Blush

Tarte has long been one of those brands I find myself returning to when I want makeup that performs well but still feels easy to wear day-to-day. Their formulas tend to be reliable, blend beautifully, and hold up well in warm weather, which, as many of you know, is something I’m always mindful of living in Florida.

» Not sure what to try? I’ve personally used their Shape Tape concealer since it launched and you better believe I use their Fake Awake Eye Highlight most days because … I need it, ha! And, then, their Amazonian Clay Blushes are perfectly pigmented and easy to blend. Holy grail, in my book. I use the shade Exposed a lot.

SPANX: 20% off sitewide

The SPANX set has become a travel day non-negotiable for me. I mentioned it in my NYC packing list because it’s just so comfortable for long flights and travel days. I have the half-zip and slim pant and tend to reach for that combination when I’m heading to the airport, but the wide-leg version would be a great option as well if you prefer that silhouette.

Be sure to download the LTK app so you can easily shop from your most trusted creators, like myself! Be sure to follow my page.

Latest Abercrombie Order Try-On

Smocked Sweetheart Maxi Dress| Bra-Free Scoop Neck Tank | Collarless Sweater Jacket | High-Rise 90’s Crop Jeans | Sloane Tailored Wide-Leg Trousers | Satin Pull-On Pants | Ruffle Pull-On Shorts | Bow-Back Mini Dress

Abercrombie and I have a long history but, over the past couple of years, I haven’t felt incredibly drawn to many of their pieces. Minus their high-waisted trousers, of course. But, I saw these ruffle shorts recently and I decided to peruse their new arrivals just to see if I could be tempted — not sure why I do that to myself? Spoiler alert: I was tempted.

I placed an order last week and, lucky for you, they came in just in time for the 25% off discount that you can get through the LTK app this weekend! Here’s what I got —

» use code AFLTK for checkout «

90’s Cropped Straight Jeans + Sweater Lady Jacket

» I paired these cropped straight jeans with this sweater and loved how effortless the combination felt. The jeans have that easy, classic straight-leg fit, while the sweater jacket adds just enough structure to make the whole look feel a bit more put together. 25% off with code AFLTK

Smocked Sweetheart Maxi Dress

» I also picked up this maxi dress and thought it was such a lovely option for spring and summer. The smocked bodice and sweetheart neckline give it a really flattering shape, and it feels like one of those easy pieces you could dress up or down depending on the occasion. Impossible not to feel pretty in this. // 25% off with code AFLTK

Ruffle Pull-On Shorts

I also ordered these ruffle shorts and thought they were such a fun piece for summer. I styled them here with a simple white tee and a sweater over my shoulders, but I can also see these being dressed up, dressed down, or even thrown on as a swimsuit cover-up. 25% off with code AFLTK

Be sure to download the LTK app so you can easily shop from your most trusted creators, like myself! Be sure to follow my page.

NEXT Kids: Cute New Arrivals For Boys & Girls For Spring

If you have little ones or you’re shopping for nieces, nephews, or friends’ children I came across some incredibly sweet spring arrivals from NEXT [a brand I discovered while living in the UK] that were too cute not to share. Their children’s pieces often strike that perfect balance between playful and classic, and I especially love the thoughtful details they add to even the simplest outfits.

Here are a few pieces that immediately caught my eye.

boys sandals | print t-shirt | bucket hat | rain boots | knit polo | pull-on shorts | ribbed socks | onesie pack | zip-up polo | striped trousers

I pulled a handful of pieces for little boys that I couldn’t resist sharing. I especially loved the striped trousers and this knit polo for a slightly more put-together look, like family photos, along with these easy pull-on shorts for everyday play. The multipack of onesies is such a practical staple of which I immediately purchased for Lawson. AND, these rain boots are just the cutest addition for spring and inevitable puddle jumping.

party dress | sandals | cotton shorts | long-sleeve swimsuit | sleeveless onesies | rainbow backpack | graphic tee | short sleeve top/bottom set | bucket hat | flower tee/short set | drawstring trousers

I also found several darling options for little girls and if Delilah, my amazing psychic reader from Sedona is correct and a little girl could be in my future, these would be my picks! I would be insufferable as a girl Mom, I can assure you. This sweet party dress would be perfect for spring celebrations, while the buckle sandals feel like an easy everyday staple. I also loved this sweet little swimsuit for sunny days ahead. The adorable baby rompers, and these drawstring trousers that look perfect for everyday play.

SUBSCRIBE

The Big News!

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know that the past several years have involved quite a bit of moving for our little family. Between England and Florida, we have resided within a few different homes along the way. So, it’s safe to say we’ve become very familiar with the process of packing boxes and starting fresh in new spaces.

After a lot of conversations, searching, and thinking about what we want the next chapter of life to look like for our family, we recently bought a home here in Florida.

It’s still early days and there’s plenty to do before we’re fully settled, but it already feels really special knowing this will be the place where we create so many memories in the years ahead.

I know many of you will have questions, so I’ll be answering all of those in a Moving Q&A coming next week here on Substack for paid subscribers.

For now, I’m just excited to finally share the news with you.

We officially closed the week before my birthday and we just moved in yesterday! My feet are literally still throbbing from all of the hustle to work, pack, parent, and breathe [lol] over these last two weeks, mostly since getting back from Sedona. It’s been a rush but … both John and I said to each other how happy this house makes us every time we walk in its different rooms.

It’s a small house.

Anyone else want to help me normalize small houses? After living in the UK, I find a I prefer it. Anyway ….

We are so smitten with it. I can’t wait to share more. We are so hopeful it sets us up to get more firmly settled here and plan for what may come next [years from now lol, no moves for awhile!!]

Happy to chat more but would love to know more specifically what you may want to know about the move. Be sure to leave it in the comments below and I’ll be sure to include it in next weeks’ Moving Q&A. This post will be open to everyone with a few questions set aside for my besties in the paid subscriber tier!

Top Moving Tips After Moving Seven Times In Six Years

Anyone remember this post from just before moving to London? The was move #1 in the last six years, hah! Oh how so much has changed!

• Pack your own suitcase to live out of for the first few days. Include a few outfits, pajamas, chargers, medications, and essential toiletries so you’re not digging through boxes the first night.

• Use clear labels and communicate with your moving team. I like using colored Post-it notes to indicate which room things belong in, then placing the same color on the door of each room. Whether you use colors or written labels, the key is making sure everyone knows exactly where things go.

• Clear clutter before you start packing. Moving is the perfect opportunity to edit what you own. The fewer things you move, the easier unpacking will be.

• Pack a “first night” box. Include things like paper towels, dish soap, scissors, trash bags, phone chargers, basic cleaning supplies, and anything else you’ll want immediately. Include sheets for everyones bed in this box, too.

• Take photos of how things are set up before you unplug them. This is especially helpful for electronics, Wi-Fi setups, and anything with lots of cords.

• Label boxes with more detail than you think you need. Instead of just “Kitchen,” write something like “Kitchen — utensils + cooking tools.” It makes unpacking much faster.

• Set up beds first. At the end of a long moving day, you’ll be grateful you don’t have to assemble a bed or hunt for sheets.

• Give yourself a small unpacking plan. Focus on one area at a time (kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms) so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

• Accept that the house won’t feel settled immediately. Even with a smooth move, it usually takes a couple of weeks for everything to find its place.

Books I Re-Discovered While Packing I Want To Read Immediately

One unexpected side effect of packing up a house is rediscovering things you completely forgot you owned.

While going through shelves and boxes this week, I came across several books I had every intention of reading at some point but somehow never quite got around to. Seeing them again reminded me why they interested me in the first place, and now I’m feeling newly motivated to finally dive into them.

Here are the ones currently at the top of my reading list —

» The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler: This book was recommended by my friend, Misti, and is an exploration of perfectionism that reframes it as something to understand and channel rather than eliminate, offering a more balanced approach to ambition and self-expectation.

» The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: I’ve heard such amazing things about this book and have started it a few times and just never seem to keep going. I’m sure most of you have heard of it, and likely have read it but, if not, it’s a powerful historical novel set in World War II France that follows two sisters navigating love, resistance, and survival during the Nazi occupation.

» The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in an Age of Intolerance by Africa Brooke: I started following Africa a few years ago and I love the way she speaks her mind in a bold way. She comes across as thoughtful but assured and I really love that. Her book is a thoughtful look at modern culture and the pressure to conform to rigid viewpoints, encouraging readers to embrace nuance and intellectual independence.

» On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Paid to be Good by Elise Loehnen: After having Louie, there were so many new feelings that started bubbling up surrounding how the world treats women and how we’re conditioned to think it’s normal. This book is an examination of how traditional moral frameworks have shaped expectations of women and the true cost of suppressing traits like ambition, anger, and desire. I feel like this read will feel very validating and put words to feelings that have long felt foggy and hard to pin down.

» How To Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Michael Pollan: Okay, so this is quite the niche interest but, while struggling with postpartum depression, I got really curious about how to treat mental illness without medicine and I came across this book. It was written by Michael J. Fox’s brother-in-law, whose written many interesting books that explore fringe topics. This book, though, is an exploration of the science, history, and cultural impact of psychedelics and their potential role in mental health and personal transformation. What I’ve learned about this topic, outside of this book, is fascinating and could be so transformative for those who suffer with long-standing mental health struggles.

I’ve got an extensive list, clearly, but am always on the lookout for recommendations. Any books on your list that you’ve read or want to read? Let me know!

In Case You Missed It …

Here are a few recent posts that went up this week!

Our Trip To Sedona: Where We Ate, Stayed & Played

30 Things My 30’s Taught Me

This space has become such a meaningful way for me to share little pieces of life as it happens, and I’m really grateful for the thoughtful conversations that have been unfolding over the last few weeks.

If you have any questions about the move, be sure to leave them in the comments so I can include them in the upcoming Q&A! See you here next week.

x H.