the molehill sale list
papsmear loafers, pointelle henleys and the issey miyake exception
My philosophy for holiday sales is to lead with the thing you want, rather than the promo. So I went through my fall/winter outfit camera roll and compiled a list of pieces that (1) are not vintage aka available for retail purchase and (2) have served me well over the season thus far.
Some of these pieces are on sale but some are not. What they all have in common is that they are tried and true staples that bring comfort and versatility in my wardrobe.
At the very bottom, I’m also updating a list of sales you might be into. I will do my best to keep it updated throughout the week, and I welcome your intel/tips in the comments.
Later this week for paid readers, a special newsletter on holiday outfits according to your potluck archetype ;)
Emma Rothkopf Pointelle Henley
*25% off sitewide, auto-applies at checkout
The most comfortable long sleeve layer to wear under light jackets. These get me through winter. This was also the #1 item on my gift guide last year! If you’re debating on which color to get, I would do cream.
I’ve also been wearing the red Piste cardigan a lot, see Mendocino newsletter for styling photos.
Tank Air
I was actually influenced by the Molehill chat to try the brand’s hero product, the Studio Tank. Several of you swore by it, and I decided I could use some compressive basics for dance. And you were right. I love how it fits, the stretch-to-compression ratio feels supportive and holds everything well. I don’t love that it’s poly, but I understand that you can’t create a fit like this with cotton. I’m filing this under my “Issey Miyake Exception,” in which the garment’s structural appeal is contingent on its synthetic composition. I find the Studio Tank true to size, while its sexier sister—the Spill Halter—runs small in the bust.
Madewell Suede Trench
*$418 with 40% off code LETSGO
This was a piece I picked out in store for a brand styling project, and I was giddy that I got to keep it. While I think secondhand suede is the more affordable route, I’d recommend this trench if you need the mental clarity of retail sizing (suede is lowkey impossible to tailor, sleeves are often too long on me). I also found that this style ran large and went one size down for the fit in the photo.
This has been my ideal “fancy jacket” for Bay Area winter. A lady at the Acme Bakery line behind me who asked “who makes it, it looks very expensive [wink].” I said Madewell and she was kind of shook. (For the record— $400+ is no small sum—but I understood that she assumed it was a four-digit-price-tag kinda coat).
Styled with the bucket bag and petite length flare jeans (pretty good deal at $50)—the slight bell shape complements a trench coat length so nicely.
Oddobody String Bikini Undies
*Currently running 30% off 3-packs, but likely to run a “sitewide” sale soon.
Hands down my FAVORITE organic cotton underwear!!! They’re so comfortable and I think they’re sexy in a New Wave film protagonist girl way. I also have two of the triangle bras.
Undo Hairware Clip in No. 2
This is what I use to clip up my half-up half-down hairstyle. I’ve tried a bunch of claw clips and like these the best (more than Emi Jay).
Larroude Ricky Boots
*30% off
I rave about these all the time because I’ve found THE knee high boot that works for me.
Freda Salvador Elba Loafers
*25% off core styles
Just a classic, no-frills, well-made black loafer. Not necessarily exciting, but a steady and grounding presence in my shoe collection. I wore them to my papsmear appointment (with pink socks for emotional comfort).
Alexa Chung x Madewell Striped Poplin Shirt
Honestly the sleeper hit of the AC collection, styled with the brown floral brooch. Great for short arms, you only have to flip the cuff up once. Lately I’ve been styling it over the Emma Rothkopf brown pintuck skirt with pink french knots and the Larroude boots.
Catbird Festoon Chain
*20% off
This is my everyday gold chain. My taste in chains is generally anything that’s a subtle rolo link. You can also browse my Catbird sale picks here.
Le Bon Shoppe Sweats in Collard Green
Comfortable and stylish cotton sweats that don’t bunch up too much at the hem for short inseam people! Best green bean color.
LA Apparel Cotton Rib Hoodie
*Sale phrasing is kinda confusing but basically you get a “grab bag” item. I have this tank in navy and it’s one of my dancewear staples.
Another dance warmup top that started bleeding over into my street style looks. It fits better IRL than how I pictured it online. It’s basically a sportier take on a long sleeve shirt.
Liffner Green Sprout Bag
*40% off at Net-a-Porter
Misc. Sales of Interest (as of 11/25):
Sandy Liang (up to 70% off)—password which “timmypaws”
J.Crew’s “peridot” green colorways (various promos running)—esp this 100% silk organza skirt that’s 30% off.
Glossier (25% off)—I already did my annual bulk order of boy brows and brow flicks.
Lisa Says Gah for the cobalt color Le Bon Shoppe socks, which are 29% off.
Heaven Mayhem (30% off)—specifically the silver bean necklace.
Rachel Antonoff has a sale, but date is TBD—I like the brand’s patterned puffers and this dress/bolero set (BRING BACK BOLEROS).
The Other Rachel (Comey)—clothes for the funky and eclectic, I’m into this cotton “tee shirt with a twist.”
Ciao Lucia (25% off)—I keep an eye out for their silk dresses and skirts.
Leset (30% off)—I’ve only tried the pointelle tee and I like them.
East Fork (20% off)—what I eat off every day. I also did a styling newsletter inspired by their pots.
Keen (25% off)—the Jasper sneaker is excellent for wide feet.
Merrell (20% off)—I wear the Jungle moc and the fur-lined Encores in violet purple. Also excellent for wide feet. Three out of five of my immediate family now owns a pair of these.
Oddli’s sale starts on Thursday night, I think I’m gonna a second pair of the swim shorts because they are ideal for pole.
Carel (20% off)—I have a secondhand pair, very walkable as far as heels go and extremely cute with colored rights.
Hudson Grace (20% off)—applies to the Sabre flatware which retailers nEVER include in promos!!!
xo viv
Thanks for being here. You can find me on IG and TT. My wardrobe pieces and recs are saved here—unless it’s vintage, of course ;) I may earn a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links.
As someone who once bought herself “job quitting loafers” — I feel seen.
I just got whiplash reading this headline bc I’ve been working on a piece about an experience I had like 7 years ago with loafers at the gyno lmao