Friends, I scored a few pretty amazing buys while I was off on my summer holidays, and just could not wait to tell you about them!

Vince Camuto ponte ankle pants: Words cannot describe how comfortable these pants are. They even beat my yoga pants, yet somehow manage to be pretty darn polished. I’d wear them out to dinner without a second thought, and they’re definitely office-appropriate. (Well, unless you work in some sort of mind-numbing hyper-conservative corporate environment. In which case, I’m so sorry.) These were on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale a while back, but honestly, they’re a steal even at full price if it means I can wear pajamas to happy hour. I do think it makes sense to dry clean them, however – the crease at the leg contributes substantially to their non-slovenliness, and I’m far too lazy to iron my own clothes. Size down on these – saggy bum is a serious matter.

Halogen print-front tee: The black and white check on this easy tee reminds me of something from Rag & Bone, but it’s $50 (ahem, make that $30 on sale!) and from Halogen. It’s also “vegan silk”, as a dear friend and I have taken to calling it. Don’t get me wrong: I know polyester comes with a minefield of potential problems: ugly, thick, shapeless. But when done right, it’s also stain-proof, wrinkle-proof and machine-washable, a trio that’s tough to beat. It’s improved so much in recent years that honestly, I’d take high-end polyester over low-end silk (which wrinkles, snags and wears terribly) any day of the week. The trick is to shop carefully, as of course, not all synthetics are created equal. My checklist: Make sure the fabric is thin enough to drape well even when folded over to sew a seam. Also, thin means breathable, which is key with manmade fabrics. Last, don’t go for anything fitted. You’ll never get great tailoring from poly, so stick with loose, easy shapes designed to flow. To help that last bit of advice along, size up – you’ll be rewarded with a tunic that perfectly covers your backside in those skinnies.

Gilligan & O’Malley “fluid knit” pajamas: Much as I adore my friends at Eberjey (and I really, really do), I have to confess that this $20 version of my favorite PJs is…well, awfully similar. Again, the secret is fabric – there are piles of Target PJs that would never make the cut in my book. But these are a 95/5 modal blend, which is identical to the fabric in my beloved Eberjeys. I’ve washed and worn, and they’re holding up like champs, which means I’m buying 2 more pairs immediately.

Sam Edelman Becker slip-on: Remember when I said I was considering slip-on sneakers? The truth is, I’ve been trying on every pair in sight for a month, trying to find an option that didn’t make me feel I was trying to relive my lost youth. These are it! The cut of the top makes them look more like a loafer than a sneaker, so the whole thing feels more grown-up and polished. Also, I definitely don’t remember my Vans being anywhere near this comfortable. I went with the black haircalf, because the leopard felt a little too twentysomething, but I love the fit of these so much, I considered buying both (I also quite like the black croc option here).

What have you bought and loved lately, friends? I’d love to know your favorite cheap thrill so far this fall!

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