Coffee Break: Top Grain Leather Watch Band

Where are your favorite Apple watch bands from? I’ve been on the hunt because I haven’t had great luck with mine — a lot of the watch bands that I’ve bought in the past (including the “nice” one from Missoni) have cracked or separated or generally just been a pain.

I wound up finding some recommendations for Barton watch straps from a variety of sources, and for around $30 it seemed worthy of the try. (I should specify that I’m looking for a leather watch strap, which maybe I should not be — there are a lot more options for canvas, nylon, silicone, or stainless steel.)

In any event, it just arrived — the color I got (Gingerbread) is a gorgeous light beige, and the leather and the stitching both look to be of great quality. I’m a bit concerned about the light beige suede looking dingy after a month or two, but that’s my own fault for picking a light color.

You can find a lot of options in the Barton Watch Bands store on Amazon — but for the biggest variety look at their website. The pictured one is under $40 normally, but currently has a 20% off coupon.

(I was also eyeing the watch straps at Quince — I’d love to hear if you’ve tried those!)

Sales of note for 1/1/25 (HAPPY NEW YEAR!):

• Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has started — up to 60% off! See our roundup here.
• AllSaints – Now up to 60% off (some of the best leather jackets!)
• Ann Taylor – Semi Annual Sale! Up to 40% off your purchase; extra 60% off 3+ styles
• Banana Republic Factory – The Winter Sale: 50% off everything + extra 60% off clearance
• Boden – Sale, up to 60% + extra 10% — readers love this blazer, these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
• DeMellier – Sale now on, free shipping and returns — includes select options like Montreal, Vancouver, and Venice
• Eloquii – Semi-annual clearance, up to 85% off; extra 60% off clearance
• Everlane – Sale of the year, up to 70% off — reader favorites include their scoop tee, Dream Pant, ReNew Transit backpack, silk blouses and their oversized blazers!
• J.Crew – 25% off full-price styles; up to 50% off cashmere; 70% off 3+ sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off winter faves; extra 25% off $100+
• L.K. Bennett – All sale half price or less
• M.M.LaFleur – 30% on almost everything with code
• Rothy’s – End of season sale, up to 50% off fall and winter styles
• Sephora – Extra 20% off sale items for Beauty Insider members
• Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
• Summersalt – BOGO sweaters, including this reader-favorite sweater blazer
• Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale – 40% off + 25% off, sale on sale!
• Universal Standard – 25 styles for $25, 1/1 only