What’s good this week: sneakers & serums & sales, oh my!

Here’s a little end-of-week roundup with a few of my top picks…

Sneakers!

The new fall collection has landed at Sole Bliss, including these cute & comfy “star” sneakers (gifted). If you’re not familiar with Sole Bliss, they specialize in shoes that accommodate wide feet and bunions. (Helen Mirren is a fan.)

The footbed is well cushioned, and the upper leather is soft but substantial. I love the side zip on these, which means I don’t have to mess with laces every time. Even though I don’t have wide feet, I find these comfortable and well-fitting.

There are lots of colors and styles available now. And in addition to sneakers, they also make a wide range of styles from pumps to loafers to boots, all with the same comfort design.

And Sole Bliss has kindly offered my readers 15% off with code FEMME15 !

Shipping and returns are FREE in the US. If you’re unsure of sizing, their customer service folks can help you choose the best size. Don’t forget to use code FEMME15 when you check out!

Brightening serum

I don’t remember why I initially decided to try this Vitamin C Brightening Serum, but I’m now on my second bottle. I’ve really noticed a difference in my skin since using this one; it’s clearer and smoother.

I was a bit hesitant about trying another Vitamin C product after a bad experience with a different one while I was in London in February. It was something I’d picked up on the recommendation of City Pharma staff in Paris last fall. I hadn’t really used it yet, but the container was small so I packed it with my travel skincare. I applied a few drops per the instructions, and woke up in the middle of the night with a fiery itching and swollen face. It was like a very bad sunburn. Fortunately it resolved after a couple of days, but I threw away the rest of the bottle.

This Sunday Riley serum, on the other hand, has caused NO irritation, but seems to be quite effective. So I’m sticking with it for now. I use it mornings, and every other evening (alternating with my prescription Retin-A). After cleansing, before moisturizer.

Yes, it’s cruelty-free too.

What’s on sale…

Many of you Winters have mentioned that you’re having a hard time finding your colors this season. So I thought I’d share a few items in your colors that are currently marked down.

Winters, here’s one of your greens! J.Crew currently has 30% off full-priced items with code SHOPFALL. This dress-up-dress-down top is offered in sizes XX-Small to 3X.

Online, this looks like a perfect match for the “Persian Blue” in the Winter palette. This unlined boiled wool topcoat is the perfect weight for transitional seasons or winter in milder climates. It’s available in Misses sizes 00-24, as well as Petite and Tall sizes.

(I purchased a prior season version of this coat in a yam color, and wore in frequently in cooler months. I just picked up this new version in the Dusty Ivory color and love it even more! The earlier version had raw edge seams on the outside; the new version has finished interior seams for a more refined look.)

This is the same style cardigan I have in leopard print, but this Fuchsia is one of those colors so many Winters look smashing in. Sizes XX-Small to 3X.

I’m seeing a lot of burgundy offered this season. Winters, you want your burgundy to be more blue-based, which this sweater jacket seems to be. It’s offered in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes in several colors. Talbot’s currently has a Buy 1 Get 1 50% off promotion running.

This bright tee would coordinate nicely with the sweater jacket, or look great on its own.

So this one’s for those of you out there who love leopard print, but find most leopard prints too warm for your Winter coloring. (Ignore that yellow top, and wear it with magenta instead…) The coat is available in Misses sizes XXS-XXL, and Petites. It’s 30% off with code FRIENDS.