Now that the New Year is here, many Strategist-approved brands are trying to clear out stock after the whirlwind that was the holiday season. Best Buy is hosting a massive three-day sale through Sunday night, and you’ll find a nice selection of small kitchen appliances on sale at Amazon. Urban Outfitters is offering half-off home décor, while you can find everything under the sun discounted over at Nordstrom for its half-yearly sale. Plus, Francophiles — or just fans of stripes — should know that Alex Mill and Kule are both having warehouse sales this weekend. As always, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter for even more sales coverage.
For the deepest discounts you’ll see on Kule all year, the brand’s warehouse sale just launched last night. Don’t dillydally, though: Popular sizes are already starting to sell out.
The balaclava is the trendiest accessory on the streets nowadays—a relief, as they keep your face warm and protected during any weather.
From cashmere knits with poufs to punchy bright patterns to add some pizzazz to your winter drearies, the first wildly popular accessory trend of the year is the balaclava. If the word is unfamiliar to you, let us let you in on the magic: it’s a hybrid accessory, one part cap, one part collar, knitted together to provide you with optimal warmth.
In the full swing of winter, the balaclava fulfills its raison d’être to a tee—it’s comfortable, toasty, and easy to throw on, whether you’re hitting the slopes or your face is freezing during your morning venture out to walk your dog. While the cold weather accoutrement is by no means new, in the past few months it’s gotten a fashionable revival beyond the ski season, appearing on the likes of influencers and everyday stylish citizens venturing out into the metropolitan elements otherwise known as New York in January. Get ahead of the trend with the best balaclavas to buy and wear until the temps finally reach 50 again.
Generally speaking, the ‘sweats’ category has had an ultra-casual air about it that’s often associated with at-home lounging or post-gym attire. But if we’ve learned anything about athleisure over the last few years, when thoughtfully styled, matching sweatsuits can transition to a wide range of different scenarios quite nicely. Take early adapters like Gigi Hadid and Rihanna, for example, who have proven a hoodie and sweatpants is the ultimate effortless pairing no matter the occasion. Wear them on an airplane with sneakers or a weekend stroll styled with Boston clogs, the duo checks off the effortless box with ease.
Why a matching set and not worn separately? Simply put—coordinated pieces can achieve a polished, put-together effect in no time at all. Even in head-to-toe cotton, French terry, or fleece, a little effort goes a long way when it comes to loungewear. Choose from monochrome ensembles (a win-win for comfort-seeking minimalists) or sportswear-inspired sets should you consider yourself athletic-minded. You’ll be sure to want to have a pair to travel in (or at least to relax in while home this holiday season), or perhaps you might want to pick up a set or two for friends and family as a cozy gift.
Here, find 25 matching sweatsuits for the athleisure take on the cozy comfort wear wardrobe.
Many of us have *that* one friend in our lives — the impossibly chic person whose pet is somehow just as stylish. They’re forever posting images of themselves and their furry friends in wildly cool outfits and accessories on Instagram, and they literally turn heads when they walk their pooches down the street. If you know one of these people, you know one of the best things to give them for the holidays is a present for their pet: A chic gift that will elevate their perfect style even further (and definitely make everyone more jealous of them than they already are).
Fortunately, the options in that arena are endless these days. Honestly, start searching and you’ll probably realize that there’s very little you can get for dogs and cats that you can’t get for yourself, so wide-ranging are the offerings. That said, there are definitely some brands and retailers with dog- and cat-wear that stand out from the pack — and that’s definitely where you should begin your shopping.
To help you out, TZR dug through many, many sites to find the best, most stylish pieces that any dog or cat parent would be proud for their fur baby to wear (and TBH, possibly even wear themselves). Here are our favorite pieces for gifting this season.
How is your holiday shopping going? I’m actually fairly on top of things for a change, but have found some new goodies, most from women-founded brands and friends of Flair. I would take them all.
My friend Nikki Kule makes the Jackie O-ish balaclava for all you who are ski bound or just live somewhere cold. This year I just might need one. Pair with oversized sunglasses.
We’ve been a fan of Sarah Clary for years. She’s a “Professional Wardrobe lover and opinionated creative for hire” who has styled and worn KULE since 2015. She is one of the best follows on Instagram with her honesty, openness, humor, and taste. We’ve asked Sarah about her style, how it’s changed since becoming a mom, and who inspires it. She also shared some holiday tips, including her gifting secrets 🤫🎁. Raise your coupe for Sarah 🥂!
Sarah and her two kids — ages 8 and 6 — live in Brooklyn, NY. She’s styled some of the most fun KULE editorials, with her penchant for pattern mixing, fun ways of dressing garments in unconventional ways, and originality. Seeing Sarah style KULE is always a joy, and her kids also look pretty great in stripes.
The Lucca Sweater
The Kid's Riley Tee
The Modern Long
The Kid's Charley Tee
The Banks Sweater
When we asked Sarah about her style — specifically how to pattern mix, which she does so well — she said, “I embrace it, make mistakes, and try to find the beauty in the weird and my take on the predictable. I try big patterns paired with dense ones or pattern variations of the same all-in-one mix. I try florals with stripes and checks with tweed or throw it all on the floor and see what sticks.”
On whose style (living or not) she loves, Sarah said, “That is like picking a favorite child! I want a mashup of Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Bianca Jagger, Peggy Guggenheim, Debbie Harry, and the character in Killing Eve all in one.”
And as for who she’d style if she could style anyone: “It is a toss between Tilda Swinton, David Bowie, Katharine Hepburn and Grace Jones. Unique style icons in their own way. Unapologetically themselves and always effortless.”
Her style rule is “Wear it now before you die or before moths get at it.”
Sarah’s kids have also been longtime members of the KULE family, appearing in campaigns since the beginning.
Sarah’s son in a KULE editorial in 2015
Sarah’s daughter wearing the O GIRL Tee in the Fall 2019 Lookbook
“[Since having kids] I am more practical, but also I feel freer. My kids won’t always admit it, but they love the chaos I wear and when they or I get compliments about a look. Fashion and how you dress is powerful. My kids have made me feel more like myself so it makes sense that my style matches that feeling.”
Her kids have their unique interests too. Sarah says, “Soccer is all the rage. With the World Cup in full swing, it is all we talk, watch and think about in this house. That and Eloise from the Plaza and what a terror she is but also how very charming she can be. Basically, if Renaldo and Eloise had a match-off, who would win? It seems unclear.
The Women's Remus Cashmere Cardigan
The Seever Puffer Scarf
The All Over Smiles Dress Sock
The Kid's Mini Moritz Balaclava
The Kid's Rugby
On to the holidays…
Sarah’s tip for getting dressed during the holidays is: “Bigger, fancier, and more sparkly, do this all year round. I have nowhere to go, but I look damn good on my couch and have a great coupe 🥂. Get good glassware, even if you only drink water. It makes me feel great when I have a great glass with my look. For years I was told I couldn’t have any more glasses. I buy them all now.”
Her gift of choice to give is: “If I can’t celebrate you, you’re getting a singing telegram or dancing act. Yep, it is a fact. I have sent about 30-plus singing telegrams to people I love that I can’t hug in person. Just ask them. It is one memorable gift. If I can’t do that, I am getting you something I can’t stand to not own myself.”
