Rue La La’s Cole Haan Sale – The Picks

Rue La La’s Cole Haan Sale – Ends 9/13 at 11 AM ET

This is going to send a good chunk of you scurrying for the hills, but just hear this out for a second:

Yes, Rue La La is one of those flash-sale, “members only” sites like Gilt or Hautelook. That means you have to hand over your email address to get access to their timed sales, but Rue La La is easily one of the cleaner, better flash-sale sites out there. Returns are accepted for original form of payment, but you are on the hook for return costs if you go that route. If you want store credit, they pick up the tab for returns. Shipping is steep at $9.95, BUT… they try and make it worth your while with “the rue 30“. Pay for shipping once at $9.95, and for the next 30 days, every other purchase ships free. Interesting strategy there.

Now, as far as Cole Haan goes, most of us see CH full retail and wait for an item to go on sale… and then some. This would be the “then some” scenario. Picks below. Leave your feedback on Rue La La and how it compares to other flash-sale sites in the comments.

 

Jayhawker in “burnt sugar” – $99.90 ($298)

The star of this show. Shown above is the personal pair picked up last year for an unheard of $83. $99.90 is still a ridiculous steal. Welted, (CH has used the Goodyear welt on these in the past… stands to reason these are still the same?) incredible feel to the suede, comfortable out of the box, and a great way to mix it up on the footwear side in fall and winter. These shown here were made in India. They’re not quite as rich in color as shown on Rue La La, but they jump quite a bit more than a standard brown leather boot. Longwing style. Great toe shape. For sizing, these might run a half size larger. I normally wear a 10.5, and the 10.5 in these was slipping a bit in the heel at the start. Not enough for me to send em’ back though.

 

Jayhawker in dark brown – $99.90 ($298)

Annnnnd also available in dark brown suede. Must. Resist.

 

Super Slim Laptop Brief – $89.90 ($198)

15.25″ x 11″ x 1″. Yep, just one inch deep. Minimalist. Leather. Ninety bucks.

 

Air Madison Single Monk – $129.90 ($248)

Many are going to recognize this as the “less fortunate man’s Lubbock” from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Light brown leather with a slight pebble texture to it. Not sure how to wear it? See the Lubbock. Currently going for $248 in smooth leather over at Nordstrom.

 

Air Stanton Chelsea – $129.90 ($248)

Looks like these are nubuck? Just enough traction for slick days, but the lug sole doesn’t appear to be creeping out from the bottom (like on Florsheim’s Gaffney wingtip boot). Great looking toe shape here, and as a chelsea, it’ll look more than right with the rest of this stuff.

 

Unlined Driving Gloves in light brown or black – $39.90 ($68)

These also appear to be nubuck. Could be just a dull leather, but they sure look to have some soft texture to them.

 

Hermitage Carryall – $159.90 ($398)

Shades of Jack Spade. Some guys are just flat out allergic to the “man bag”… but if you’ve got reason to carry bulky stuff around from car to office, investing in something that looks better than a Trader Joe’s bag might be worth your while. Got a post from Christian, our style newbie, coming on this man-bag debate in the not too distant future.  20.25” wide.

 

Air Colton Chukka in Rust – $99.90 ($228)

Those are not subtle. Even if they’re not quite as nuclear in person as they are on screen… expect these to stand out. Still a nice price for a chukka that’s going to be solid in construction and great in shape.

 

CH C7028A or C7042 Sunglasses – $29.90 ($78)

Budget sunglasses that are a step up from the gas station. Got a big head? Consider the top pair (58mm). Smaller sized head? Consider the pair on the bottom right (51 mm)

 

Wool & Cashmere Striped Scarf or 100% Cashmere Scarf – $49.90 ($98)

There’s plenty of scarves in this sale, so know there’s more than these colors/styles available. Wool/cashmere mix is 70% wool / 30% cashmere. About 74″ long .

 

Air Hunter – $89.90 ($288)

The ol’ Nike ACG line meets Von Trapp family heading over the alps to escape the Nazis. Is it a “real” hiking boot? Of course not. Is it going to be squishy comfy, lightweight, and decent enough for short hour-long hikes in the hills? Sure.

The Cole Haan sale at Rue La La is set to expire Friday morning at 11:00 AM E.T. Remember, shipping is a steep $9.95, but you then get free shipping for the next 30 days. Good if you plan on making Rue La La part of your retail routine. Not so good if you’re considering a one-off type of purchase.