Between Us, vol. 19

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Hi friends!

Wow. It feels so good to be back. I have really missed being able to give this space my love and time. I have really missed connecting with you all.

I was absolutely certain I would have time throughout our trip to the UK to sneak away to keep weekly newsletters coming to your inboxes but, alas, every single day was filled to the absolute brim. And, even if we didn’t go anywhere or do anything crazy, it was filled with catching up with family and spending quality time with them. Of course, I couldn’t take the entire 3 weeks off work but, between making reels and servicing my Shepherd & Co. clients — sadly, this space took a bit of a hit.

Plus, we’re in that liminal phase of the Summer where we don’t have childcare for Louie so, John and I have been juggling entertaining him while we also try to work. It’s always hard on those days to be a working parent but, after being gone for three weeks, it felt even harder. I feel this pull between feeling really behind with everything and wanting to prioritize getting back on track while, on the other hand, wanting to spend quality time with him because I know it’s fleeting. I don’t struggle with Mom guilt very often but it’s definitely been weighing heavily on me the last few weeks. The truth is, I spend a lot of time with my boys and I love that. But, in times were work needs to come first — because we have bills to pay — I need to be harder on myself and remember there’s no shame in needing to work and that it’s okay if Louie watches a movie or two one day. He gets outside a lot. He enjoys playdates a lot. So, it’s okay.

It’s okay.

Ha, the two word sentence I have been forcing myself to be at one with.

Tomorrow, Louie gets to meet his teacher and see his new classroom. It’s such an exciting time but one laced with nerves for him. He’s going to a new school and none of his friends from his pre-school are going to this one so, he’s a little weary but I know he’ll be just fine in no time. The only thing I’m not ready for is … in a year from now seeing how much bigger he has gotten.

I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have a Kindergartener. Time goes by way too fast and I absolutely despise that time doesn’t give you a heads up when one version of your child is about to expire.

I never want him to say ‘vanilla’ and ‘theater’ correctly — or forget exactly how he says it incorrectly right now.

I never want him to stop wanting to hold my hand when we run errands together.

I never want him to stop being obsessed with LEGO’s.

I never want him to stop getting wildly excited when he sees a police car or firetruck with their lights on. Every

This chapter is such a crazy dichotomy of desires — wanting it all in almost competing areas of life and feeling, sometimes, like you can’t give enough to either.

Anyway, I digress. Let’s lighten things up.

You guys …

London in July during a heatwave was not for the faint of heart … especially with kids. BUT … it was still so great. We used portable fans [this one and this one] when we were en route from place to place, which really helped.

PHOTO

We mostly stayed with family but we were also able to stay at four different hotels throughout our trip, which filled my wanderlust cup. I was going to share more about the boutique hotel we stayed at in London but, I think I’m going to put together a post about all four hotels for you in one post. The review of that hotel will be for everyone and, if you’re wanting insight into the other three, be sure to upgrade to the paid tier.

Also, in an upcoming post, I also have some exciting updates that I’ll be able to make available to anyone who is interested in potentially wanting to take advantage of preferred partner perks through Shepherd & Co. but also really love making their own travel bookings. So, stay tuned for that!

Okay, let’s jump into today’s newsletter. Here’s what I have for you guys:

+ Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Last Call
+ Fall Trend Report: Coats & Jackets
+ Where Shepherd & Co. Clients Are Heading This Fall
+ A little link list

suede boots | quilted jacket | cashmere sweater | long pj set | shorts pj set | silk scarf

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends August 10th, and once it's over, everything reverts to full price.

My test during this part of the sale is simple: if it’s something I'd happily pay full price for in a few months, it stays. If I only wanted it because of the red sale tag, it goes. Run your cart through that before you check out and the window closes.

This year I zeroed in on three categories: outerwear, boots, and anything loungewear-adjacent. Fewer picks, but better ones. Here’s what’s still in stock and worth a look before the window closes.

Quilted Jacket: I’m almost positive this will be my everyday jacket once it finally cools off. I love the longer length, and it’ll be easy to throw on over whatever I’m wearing.

Block Heel Boot: A good everyday boot is hard to beat. These will get worn with jeans, dresses, trousers...pretty much everything.

Jersey PJ’s Pant Set: These feel like the kind of pajamas you’ll end up wearing long after your morning coffee. They also double as the perfect self-tanning outfit, so no stressing about ruining your favorite loungewear.

Jersey PJ’s Short Set: I grabbed these too because it’ll still be hot here well into fall. These are a good in-between option before I switch to the long sleeves.

Crewneck Cashmere Sweater: I don’t really need to explain this one as I’ll never be able to talk myself out of a good cashmere sweater. I bought this in brown to replace this one that I wore for a few years from J.Crew. It sadly got eaten by moths last year so, I had to replace and I’m really happy with the quality of this one in the Nordstrom Sale.

Silk Square Bandana: I couldn’t pass this up. At that price point and in a classic polka dot, it was an easy addition to my collection.

checkered quilt jacket | corduroy trim jacket | short suede trench | high neck jacket | floral quilted jacket | merino wrap coat | classic trench | floral organza trench | burgundy longline coat | green trench

I know it seems crazy to be talking about coats right now, but coats are a huge part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for a reason … the best selection and prices are here now, before everyone else starts shopping for them in October.

While I’m not one to jump on a trend for trend’s sake, I do like the style, print and material of this year’s coat lineup and see some trends from last year carrying over and some new ones I’m very on board with.

» Trenches: Still everywhere, but the execution has changed. Instead of classic khaki, they’re showing up in suede, floral organza and deep green, even suede especially, in a rich espresso brown, is everywhere this season.

» Quilted jackets: Also still everywhere, but they’ve moved from solid neutrals into more diverse patterns like checkered and floral prints. Barn jackets are still very much a thing with an updated heritage/utility feel.

» Overall shape: This year the neck style is the standout for me. Loving this high-neck jacket has that funnel shape, and this burgundy longline coat are trends I can dip my toes into.

» Color: Last year was all neutrals. This year I’m seeing a lot more burgundy, deep green, espresso brown, even eggplant. All of which I quite like, as those are all somewhere within my color season.

One more thought, I fear that my beloved wrap coat may be losing momentum. The merino version is still on my list [I’m not ready to let it go] but there are some quilted jackets are definitely grabbing my attention this year.

Since returning from the UK, I’ve been knee deep in travel planning for my Shepherd & Co. clients fall trips. All of these destinations have me lusting for another international trip, but until then, I’ll live vicariously through them.

I came home from my trip with pages of notes. A few new hotel favorites, some restaurants I’d send anyone to, and a handful of places I somehow hadn’t made it to before. That’s one of the reasons I love planning London trips so much ... the city is always changing, my recommendations are always evolving and building off of what I’ve already accumulated, and every visit gives me something new to recommend.

I'll never get tired of planning trips here. The slower pace, sepia colored villages, cozy pubs, and quiet stone lined roads makes it a place that feels as magical on your fifth visit as it does on your first. It still has my whole heart, and I love introducing clients to corners of the region they might never have found on their own.

Portugal has been keeping me busy lately, and I've loved digging into hotels and itineraries there. The more I plan trips through the country, the longer my own list gets. The Douro Valley, especially, is somewhere I'm really hoping to experience for myself sooner rather than later.

Mexico City has been another fun one to plan. Since going myself in 2016, I have been growing my recommendation list for my next visit so, I’ve loved making recommendations that I have heard incredible things about on top of what I know is a valuable visit — like Chapultepec Castle, for example. The colors, the food, and the architecture all look incredible, and I’ve loved getting to know the city a little better while planning these trips.

Every itinerary I build looks a little different, but the goal is always the same: helping you spend less time researching and more time looking forward to your trip.

FILL OUT AN INQUIRY FORM

Some of these are new to me and some of these I am finally letting out of my vault. Regardless of when I found them, hope you enjoy:

» Bibliophile? Might I suggest a venture into Maggs Bros. Ltd, one of the worlds largest and oldest antiquarian bookseller. Venture into Shepherd’s Market after. You can thank me later. [Google Maps]

» Popped into Le Café by Nicholas Rouzaud for a little sweet treat on one of the hottest days we were in London. It’s located in the Burlington Arcade and was the perfect spot to rest our feet for a bit. Be sure to sit upstairs to enjoy a birds eye view of the crowds passing by in London’s most iconic arcades.

» Going with kiddos? One of its best playgrounds just re-opened following a £3 million refurbishment. Louie loved this playground and I can’t even imagine how much better it is now that they redid the pirate ship.

» A much anticipated restaurant opening later this month is Cordelia’s, located on Clarges St. just behind Flemings Mayfair. Can’t wait to give it a stry next time I’m in town.

Stay tuned for more recommendations in upcoming Instagram posts. Now that the boys will both be back in school this week, I’ll have some time to finally put some of my UK / London content together for you.

Thanks for catching up with me — and for your patience with me! I can’t wait to share more of what I’ve been working on soon!

x H.

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.