• The SLS Baha Mar resort in Nassau, The Bahamas has a three-night VIP vacation package for couples — and it starts at $60,000.
• The Sinfully Lavish Splendor Package comes with perks including a private island rental, personalized dining experiences, and a private butler at all times.
• Diamond PR represents the resort and helped create the package for the mega-rich. 

Couples can escape the winter vacation crowds in The Bahamas with a luxurious vacation package at the SLS Baha Mar in Nassau.

Diamond PR represents the SLS Baha Mar and worked with the resort to create an ultimate three-night VIP vacation starting at $60,000. Booking the Sinfully Lavish Splendor Package comes with celebrity-status perks, including exclusivity: only one couple can book the package at a time for any night. 

Read more: A Maldives luxury resort that costs up to $3,800 a night has opened an underwater sculpture museum and the photos are otherworldly

The hotel works directly with couples to create the experience, which includes first-class flights, a private island rental, personalized dining experiences, and a private butler at all times. The resort features more than 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space on the Bahamian coastline. 

The Baha Mar is also known for hiring a CFO — that's "Chief Flamingo Officer" — whose responsibilities including supervising the hotel's flamingos. 

Each day of the vacation package is pre-planned, so guests don't have to worry about their itineraries. Check out what $60,000 at the SLS Baha Mar buys you with the Sinfully Lavish Splendor package. 

SEE ALSO: This hotel in The Bahamas will pay you to hang out with flamingos all day

DON'T MISS: You can swim with pigs at this beach in The Bahamas

The SLS Hotel is located within the $4.2 billion Baha Mar resort in Nassau, The Bahamas. The SLS has access to shared Baha Mar amenities including the Caribbean's largest casino, 18-hole golf course, and spa.

Source: SLS Baha Mar

It sits on 3,000 feet of Bahamian coastline and is known for being the first lifestyle hotel in the Caribbean.

Source: SLS Baha Mar

Booking the $60,000, three-night Sinfully Lavish Splendor package comes with two first-class tickets to The Bahamas and a 10-minute ride from the airport to the resort. The hotel works directly with a couple to book the tickets from anywhere in the world.

Source: SLS Baha Mar

Every year, the White House gets decked out in elaborate decorations to celebrate the holidays, and the Trumps put their own personal touch on the Christmas flair.

The official theme in 2017 was "Time-Honored Traditions," meant to pay homage to over 200 years of White House holiday celebrations.

On Monday, the Trumps received the massive Christmas tree that will stand on the grounds, and thousands of volunteers started transforming the White House into a winter wonderland. By December, they will welcome guests to see the decorations.

First lady Melania Trump unveiled the first transformation under her tenure last November. This is what the White House looked like for Christmas last year.

SEE ALSO: The Trump White House is hanging mistletoe — and some people are freaking out

DON'T MISS: 7 of the most amusing products you can buy at the Trump store

In 2017, the White House was filled with 71 wreaths, 53 Christmas trees with more than 12,000 ornaments, and 18,000 feet of Christmas lights.

The official Christmas tree stands tall and regal in the White House Blue Room. It is decorated with the seals of every US state and territory.

The first lady, like many before her, has taken a leading role in overseeing the holiday preparations. Here she is marveling at the handiwork of the White House staff.

• Ring Concierge founder Nicole Wegman designs and sells bespoke engagement rings on Instagram and advises clients to allocate budgets toward carat weight, not color or clarity.
• A round diamond is the best-selling shape for engagement rings, but it is not a best seller at Ring Concierge: The classic look costs 25% more than all other shapes.
• Wegman said she aims to provide clients with the biggest bang for their buck without sacrificing the look of a ring. 

Since 2013, Nicole Wegman's company, Ring Concierge, has designed engagement rings and sold diamonds on Instagram. As a New York City-based jeweler, she caters to clients looking for the latest trends. Each year she sells hundreds of custom rings ranging from $10,000 to six figures and advises clients to get the biggest bang for their buck without sacrificing the look of a ring.

And, in large part, that question comes down to the diamond shape a client chooses.

Round diamonds are the best-selling shape for engagement rings, Wegman told Business Insider. Notably, though, they are not a best seller at Ring Concierge — the classic look costs 25% more than all other shapes, she said. 

"When we explain that to them, and we show them 'here's an oval that's 25% less, and actually appears larger than the round,' they start to gravitate towards these other shapes anyway," she said. 

For the most part, Ring Concierge sells fancy shapes — ovals, emerald cuts, radiant, and antique diamonds. Much like fashion at large, engagement ring trends are impacted by celebrities; Wegman said that after Blake Lively got engaged with an oval diamond, ovals were in high demand. 

"We're showing women there are other shapes besides the round," Wegman said. "You can get something a little more unique, you can get something a little more interesting. You don't have to wear a round Tiffany-style solitaire like everyone else is wearing."

Read more:A woman who sells 6-figure engagement rings through Instagram says lots of people make the same mistake when buying diamonds — and it comes down to which details they overspend on

Wegman meets with every client in person or remotely for a design session. If a woman is absent from an appointment, Wegman and her team provide a female voice during consultations. She said they take care to ensure a ring has everything a woman is looking for.

"We’ve never had a girl come back in and say he went too big. We have had a few people come in and say, 'alright how can we go bigger,'" she said.

"I've made settings with over 170 tiny diamonds set all over it," Wegman continued. "So we definitely have these more lavish designs, but we still try to keep things tasteful and fresh. We don't like them to feel gaudy and over the top. Even if you can afford, you know, a $200,000 ring, you don't want to look like that gaudy lady walking down the street."

SEE ALSO: A woman who sells 6-figure engagement rings through Instagram says there's a big misconception about the 4 C's of buying diamonds

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This giant blue diamond could sell for up to $55 million

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• If you’re searching for a winter coat that will keep you warm and dry without any frills, consider picking up The North Face ‘Metropolis II’ Hooded Water Resistant Parka.
  

Part of the problem with finding a satisfactory winter coat is that it’s really hard to tell whether a jacket will be warm enough for the dead of winter until you’re wearing it in the dead of winter. Sure, the coat might seem cozy from the comfort of a dressing room. But is it really going to stand up to subzero temps once you bring it outside?

When shopping for a winter coat, it’s essential to keep your lifestyle and location in mind. Are you looking for a heavy-duty parka? Something stylish to keep you warm from the office to the train station? A full-on duffle coat for Arctic temperatures?

Regardless, winter coats are getting cooler by the second. It’s certainly possible to both be warm and look hip at the exact same time. Not every option on this list will appeal to everyone’s individual aesthetic, of course, but they will all keep you warm without much of a style sacrifice. And that’s pretty important.

Here are the best winter coats you can buy:

• Best overall: The North Face ‘Metropolis II’ Hooded Down Parka, $289
• Best bargain coat: Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket, $99.99
• Best wool coat: L.L. Bean Lambswool Polo Coat, from $209
• Best coat with a lifetime guarantee: Patagonia Down With It Parka, $299
• Best professional coat: MM. LaFleur Prospect Puffer, $595
• Best winter parka: Fjällräven Singi Down Jacket, $600
• Best winter parka with real fur: Triple F.A.T. Goose Hartwell Down Jacket, $700

Updated on 11/19/2018 by Malarie Gokey: Added two more winter coats based on testing. We'll continue to update this guide as we test new winter coats this season.

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best winter coat overall

Why you'll love it: You can’t get much cozier than a puffer coat, and The North Face ‘Metropolis II’ Hooded Down Parka is the best of the best. It's warm and not too puffy.

Sometimes, you just need to be warm. On those occasions, you can’t go wrong with The North Face ‘Metropolis II’ Hooded Down Parka. It’s a longer length quilted goose-down puffer coat designed to fit “from the neck to the knees.”

Despite the name, it’s not actually that puffy. The silhouette is rather sleek, albeit designed to withstand bone-chilling temperatures.

The coat comes with a cozy removable hood, which is nice if you’re not a hat lover. The material is water resistant, making it ideal for snowy weather. It’s also machine washable, which is pretty rare to find in outerwear.

The North Face coats are exceedingly well-reviewed, and the ‘Metropolis II’ in particular has almost 1,800 reviews on Nordstrom and has been featured by Best Products.

One shopper writes, “I've had the opportunity to wear this in temps below 15 degrees F and have been comfortably warm. I love the fact that the coat is very lightweight and even stylish as far as winter down parkas go.”

Pros: Sleek design, not too bulky, super warm, water-resistant with detachable hood

Cons: Pricey

Buy The North Face ‘Metropolis II’ Hooded Down Parka at Nordstrom for $289 

The best affordable winter coat

Why you'll love it: It’s not often that a winter coat becomes an online sensation, but the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket is the exception with 5,000+ glowing Amazon reviews.

I’m always skeptical of items that have thousands upon thousands of reviews online but that I’ve never heard about in real life. The Orolay Thickened Down Jacket is a hit with Amazon fans and a number of fashion experts. Plus, I have proof people wear it — I saw a former co-worker of mine in the jacket at New York Fashion Week, made a mental note to pick it up for myself, and promptly forgot all about it until I started researching this article.

This puffer coat has a “downtown cool” silhouette with a high-low hemline and oversized front pockets. At only $99.99, it’s a total steal for a 90% duck down jacket that will actually keep you pretty warm. It’s not the winter coat you’ll want to wear in the tundra, but it’s certainly cozy enough for the walk from the subway to your front door.

But don’t just take my word for it. Orolay’s down jacket has more than 5,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.3 rating. NY Mag’s The Strategist devoted an entire article to interviewing Orolay devotees. “People cross the street to ask me where I got it,” creative director Fernanda Niven told The Strategist.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that many Amazon reviewers noted how warm this jacket is, though it’s worth mentioning that it is not waterproof, so you’ll probably want something else for rainstorms or intense snow.

“I've worn this in North Dakota and Washington state, in temperatures down to 15 degrees. I've been wearing normal shirts underneath and have been toasty. When we get to sub-zero temps I'll switch to sweaters underneath and expect the coat to be fine,” said one shopper.

Pros: Stylish and relatively inexpensive down jacket, unique design

Cons: Not waterproof

Buy the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket on Amazon for $99.99

The best wool winter coat

Why you'll love it: You don’t need a jacket made of down material to stay warm in winter, thanks to the warm wool L.L. Bean Classic Lambswool Polo Coat.

If you’re really not a fan of puffer jackets or anything stuffed with down, you’re in luck. Wool is warm enough to withstand rough temperatures and allows for a more sophisticated look than many other materials.

The L.L. Bean Classic Lambswool Polo Coat is a ¾ length jacket with lapels and three buttons down the front. It’s a simple, timeless silhouette that will go with anything — perfect for when you need to make a good impression before you even take your coat off. It comes in four colors, including a fun raspberry shade of pink and a classic olive green.

Lined with a thin layer of L.L. Bean’s Thinsulate polyester material, it will keep you warm without adding a ton of bulk. The coat has 548 reviews on the L.L. Bean website, with an overall 4.1-star rating, and has been recommended by Good Housekeeping.

“This coat is warm and comfortable,” writes one shopper. “The fabric is notably good: dense but soft. The lining is very well done, with what looks like sturdy sticking. The fit was as expected, with room for a couple layers underneath.”

“This easily competes with more expensive brands that aren't necessarily better made,” says another.

Pros: Lined wool jacket warm enough for colder climates, sophisticated silhouette that goes with more formal outfits

Cons: May need to size up if you want to layer

Buy the Classic Lambswool Polo Coat at L.L. Bean for $209 to $249 

Shop all women's winter coats at L.L. Bean

• A British Airways passenger is suing the airline after he was allegedly injured after sitting next to an obese passenger during a 12-hour flight. 
• Stephen Prosser, 51, claims in the lawsuit that a 12-hour British Airways flight from Bangkok, Thailand to London, England left him with nerve damage in his back and a pelvic injury that required two years of chiropractic care. 
• Prosser, who is 5 foot 3, told the Pontypridd County Court officials Friday that sitting next to "an extremely large" passenger—reported as being 6 feet 4 and over 300 pounds—led him to experience these lower back and pelvic injuries and that his repeated warnings that he would be injured if he was forced to sit next to the man were ignored by the British Airways cabin crew, who told him there were no other available seats. 
• In a statement to Business Insider, British Airways said they are "resisting the claim. However, as the case is subject to ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to comment."  

A British Airways passenger is suing the airline after he was allegedly injured after sitting next to an obese passenger on a 12-hour flight, according to multiple reports. 

The New York Daily News reports that Stephen Prosser, 51, says that a 12-hour British Airways flight from Bangkok, Thailand to London, England left him with nerve damage in his back and a pelvic injury that required two years of chiropractic care. 

The Daily News reports that Prosser is also suing British Airways for lost earnings, as he contends that his injuries forced him to limit his work for three months. 

According to CNN, Prosser, who is 5 foot 3, told the Pontypridd County Court officials Friday that sitting next to "an extremely large" passenger—reported as being 6 feet 4 and over 300 pounds—led him to experience lower back and pelvic injuries. He also claimed that he repeatedly warned the cabin crew that he would be injured if he was forced to sit next to the man, but he claims he was ignored and told there were no other available seats. 

Read More:British Airways passengers were forced to endure a 77-hour journey after mechanical issues caused a nightmare flight delay

"I sat with his knees wedged against the seat in front and the rest of his body was over spilling into my seat by some inches," Prosser told Pontypridd County Court officials, according to USA Today. "I was immediately aware that this was going to be problematic for me and I could feel the weight of his pure bulk putting lateral pressure on my upper body."

In a statement to Business Insider, British Airways said they are "resisting the claim. However, as the case is subject to ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to comment."  

In a longer statement provided to The New York Daily News, British Airways also said, "We welcome all passengers aboard our aircraft and our crew are trained to ensure passengers have a comfortable journey. We are pleased that our crew provided additional pillows and blankets to help Mr. Prosser have a more restful trip. "

CNN reports, Chris McLindon, the British Airways customer service manager on board the flight, said in a witness statement that Prosser did not seem to be uncomfortable and was occasionally sound asleep during the flight.

"I regularly walked down the aisle and Mr. Prosser was not sat in an unnatural position for an economy seat," McLindon said, according to CNN. "When Mr. Prosser left the aircraft, I watched him walk down the jetty in a perfectly normal manner and showed no signs of injury."

The New York Daily News reports that Prosser said he did not want to speak to the larger-than-average passenger because the man seemed "self-conscious" about his size.

SEE ALSO: I flew long-haul economy on both American Airlines and British Airways to see which was better — here's the verdict

FOLLOW US: On Facebook for more car and transportation content!

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Why you shouldn't be afraid to fly, according to a pilot with over 20 years of experience

• Sanjana Shah and Aditya Shah are seniors at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, California who have created a device for helping predict and prevent wildfires. 
• Their device, dubbed the "Smart Wildfire Sensor," captures photos of nearby fallen branches and leaves (known as "fuel") and uses machine learning to categorize and determine wildfire threat levels. 
• Today, forest crews do not have real-time fuel conditions because they have to send out teams to physically record this information. 
• Sanjana and Aditya have entered their Smart Wildfire Sensor into Google's AI for Social Good program, which will provide $25 million in grant funding to winning teams. 

Sanjana Shah was interning at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the summer of 2017 when a wildfire caught in the nearby hills.

She and her co-workers were told to immediately leave the lab, evacuating with the red flames and black smoke at their backs. Sanjana made it to the nearest library on Berkeley's campus and texted her parents, letting them know she needed a ride home early that day.

“It was just a really traumatic experience,” Sanjana remembers. She was 15 years old.

Two years later, Sanjana and her Monta Vista High School classmate Aditya Shah (the two aren’t related though they share the same last name) teamed up to try and fight an issue close to their hearts — wildfires. The 17-year-old Cupertino, California natives have both witnessed the destruction wildfires can cause (most recently with the Camp Fire, around 150 miles from the Bay Area) and are putting their bright, engineering minds together to find a better solution.

“The current problem with wildfire prediction is that forest crews do not have up-to-date fuel conditions in real-time because they physically have to go to each and every single forest site and classify fuels manually,” Sanjana told Business Insider. “We’re trying to prevent all of this manual labor from happening by predicting where a wildfire could occur in the first place.”

The two are creating what they call a “Smart Wildfire Sensor” to help predict areas of a forest that are highly susceptible to wildfires and provide alerts to local fire departments.

Their device, which is still in its beta phase, works by being afixed to trees every square mile or so in a forest, capturing images of nearby, fallen branches, and leaves. Those photos are then classified using machine learning into 13 different categories of varying threat. Sanjana and Aditya are using an open-source machine-learning tool by Google called TensorFlow to process and categorize the photos.

When implemented, alerts will be sent to nearby fire crews when the forest fuel density and dryness reach a certain threat level.

“Especially in the last month with the Camp Fire taking around 60 lives, knowing that our device is actually able to prevent wildfires from occurring in the first place and knowing that we’ve been able to hone the technology in our generation to solve problems that have been existing for millions and millions of years,” Sanjana explains, “That’s the satisfaction we’ll receive after we’re done with the prototype to prove that it actually works."

Sanjana and Aditya are already in talks with Cal Fire to begin testing their Smart Wildfire Sensor, though discussions have been halted due to the recent fires.

Read more:Authorities are still searching for the remaining 993 missing people after the Camp Fire roared through Paradise

The high school senior duo are also entering their device to compete in Google’s AI for Social Good program, which will provide $25 million in grant funding to teams who are “[using] AI to help address some of the world’s greatest social, humanitarian and environmental problems,” according to the company's website. 

If they were to receive funding from Google, Aditya says, “that would be really amazing. We would definitely use that money to benefit the social good by combating wildfires using our Smart Wildfire Sensor and developing it further.”

As for skipping college if they were awarded, say, $5 million from Google’s program, Sanjana and Aditya both said that idea wasn’t on their minds.

“We both think education is really important to us,” Sanjana says. “We’re both interested in engineering, whether it’s biology or computer software. We’re really interested to further our education. So we’d definitely be continuing our education even if we were to win $5 million.”

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 7 places you can't find on Google Maps

• A group of 16 Democrats on Monday released a letter opposing Nancy Pelosi as the next speaker of the House.
• The signatories are a mix of current House Democrats and incoming freshmen elected earlier in November.
• Pelosi is so far running unopposed but will need at least 218 votes on the House floor to become speaker.

WASHINGTON — A group of Democratic representatives and several incoming freshmen on Monday released a letter opposing Nancy Pelosi's becoming the next speaker of the House in January when the new Congress forms.

The 16 Democrats, five of whom were elected for the first time this November, detailed their reasoning for refusing to back Pelosi in a call for new leadership.

"As we head toward the 116th Congress and reclaim our Democratic majority, we believe more strongly than ever that the time has come for new leadership in our Caucus," the letter reads. "We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus. She is a historic figure whose leadership has been instrumental to some of our party's most important legislative achievements."

They claimed that the party regained the majority in the House thanks in part to many candidates' repeated public opposition to the current leadership structure.

"However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran and won on a message of change. Our majority came on the backs of candidates who said that they would support new leadership because voters in hard-won districts, and across the country, want to see real change in Washington," they added. "We promised to change the status quo, and we intend to deliver on that promise."

Read more:Nancy Pelosi's bid for House speaker is in a lot more trouble than she's letting on

While the group is small in the scope of the Democrats' newfound House majority, several other recently elected Democrats have said they do not plan to vote for Pelosi as speaker but did not sign the letter, which could place her in a fair amount of trouble. Pelosi will need at least 218 votes on the House floor to become speaker.

There are also contingents of Democrats who have expressed frustration with the leadership team's lack of "geographic diversity" among other issues.

And while President Donald Trump has said he wants Pelosi to be the next speaker, even encouraging Republicans to get on board with her bid, the longtime California Democrat has said she intends to "win the speakership with Democratic votes."

Gender has also been a large component of the speaker fight.

"You cannot have the four leaders of Congress, the president of the United States, these five people, and not have the voice of women," Pelosi said in an interview on CBS on November 11. "Especially since women were the majority of the voters, the workers in campaigns, and now part of this glorious victory."

Pelosi noted in her Thursday press conference that most of the Democrats who signed the letter are men.

The group of Democrats is also pushing for Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio to challenge Pelosi. But Fudge has not decided whether to run, taking the weeklong Thanksgiving break to mull it over.

SEE ALSO: Lindsey Graham is now poised to take over as chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee

READ MORE: Nancy Pelosi is using gender to win over progressives in her fight to become House speaker

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Megyn Kelly in 2017: 'I regret a lot' of the controversial stuff I've said on live television

• When a conversation goes in a direction you'd rather not deal with, it can be tough to change the subject without creating an awkward moment. But there are ways around it.
• Licensed marriage and family therapist Kiaundra Jackson offers three tactics: Using an external distraction, bringing someone else into the conversation, and making small changes.
• Regardless of the tactic you choose when changing the subject, it's important to keep in mind the the context of the conversation, your relationship with the other person, and the topic at hand.

You're in the middle of a great conversation and then, suddenly, things take a turn and you feel trapped — how can you change the subject without making it awkward and alienating the other person?

It's a scene that plays out all the time. But the holiday season can be a hotbed for awkward conversations. It seems that everyone has that one relative who just doesn't get why it's bad to make racist or sexist comments. Or you may know someone who always seems to ask your opinion on any number of controversial subjects. In those instances, the opportunities for faux pas seem limitless.

To get the lowdown on the right way to change the subject — without awkwardness — Business Insider consulted Kiaundra Jackson, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of "Staying Sane in an Insane World: A Prescription for Even Better Mental Health."

Here are three tactics she suggested:

SEE ALSO: We ask our kid the same question at the dinner table every day — and it helps both his thinking and our parenting

1. Use an external distraction

Asking a question or commenting on something else that's going on around you, like "Did you see that dog run by us?" can provide a swift and effortless opportunity to redirect the conversation. Plus, it shows that you're aware of what's going on around you without making the other person feel like you're not paying enough attention to them.

But use your judgment about the timing and pay attention to other person's body language, Jackson said.

"If you are changing the conversation immediately after someone starts talking, then that can be awkward and obvious. It can make the person feel like what they are saying has no importance," she said.

Pay attention to your conversation partner's eye contact, facial expression, and where they put their hands and arms, she said. "Our non-verbal communication speaks so much louder than the words we speak."

For example, according to research gathered by the University of Southern California, frequently tilting the head backward and raising your arms above your shoulders may be a sign of joy or pride. On the other hand, someone who tilts their head forward and has a more collapsed posture may be expressing sadness.

2. Bring another person into the conversation

Calling for backup, or getting another perspective on the topic, can also be a great way to take the heat off of you. For example, you might try asking something like, "Hey Sally, what do you think about X?," if Sally were outside the conversation.

But this solution isn't a cure-all. For example, you probably don't want to do that if the current topic is too taboo and you don't have a close relationship with the person you're bringing into the conversation.

"The relationship will always determine the depth of the conversation," Jackson said. "Is it a coworker, a spouse, or someone you just met? With a stranger you can just stick to small talk. But if it is with a close friend or family member, then you can dive a little deeper and discuss feelings. If it is a coworker, then trading opinions without judgment is the best option."

3. Make small changes

Some people are masters of this trick — so much so that those on the other side of it can't see it coming. If you want to employ a conversational side-step, phrases like "that reminds me of," "yes, but," or "by the way," can be helpful. But, again, context is key.

"Changing topics when someone is expressing something heartfelt is something to consider. If someone is crying, talking about a traumatic experience, or expressing their thoughts and feelings about a touchy subject, I would suggest listening and not changing topics at all," Jackson said.

Regardless of the tactic you choose to employ to change the subject with tact, it's important to consider your own motives, Jackson said.

"Changing the subject just because you are bored is much different than avoiding a difficult conversation. If a person finds themselves always changing topics in conversations with people or have been told that they frequently change topics, then maybe there is an underlying issue," she said. "Certain topics can be a trigger to some people and they may not even know it. It can be a subconscious reminder of some unresolved issues."

On the flip side, if you find others repeatedly changing the subject during a conversation, it's worth finding out why that's happening, too.

"I would say something like ‘I see you keep changing the subject of our conversation, is there something about this that is making you feel uncomfortable?,'" Jackson said. "Although some may find it offensive, I think honesty is still the best policy. Instead of trying to think of all these creative ways to change the topic."

In short: If you're truly not willing to talk about something, it's OK to tell someone a topic is simply off limits.

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are generally synonymous with major savings on tech, mattresses, furniture, and other big purchases most people wait all year to make.

But for some of us, the most exciting discounts are the ones on clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. We may not wait all year to buy them, but there's still no better feeling that scoring a great deal on a coat you've been eyeing, or a wardrobe basic you've been meaning to stock up on anyway.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking to check off your holiday gift list, I have no doubt you'll find what you're looking for in this roundup of women's fashion deals, which includes our favorite department stores (like Nordstrom) and clothing and accessory startups (like Dagne Dover, Bombas, M.Gemi, and Tommy John, to name a few). Below you'll find all the best stores and their Black Friday deals in alphabetical order. Plus, we'll continue to update this through Black Friday as we learn more information about deals.

To potentially save more on Black Friday, visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

ADAY

• Get an instant $20 back on every item you purchase from November 19-25. Shop thisisADAY.com

Adidas:

• Save up to 50% on shoes, apparel, gear, and more from November 20-27. Shop adidas.com.

Andrew Marc:

• Save up to 30% off current collection, plus 25% off sitewide with code “AMFRIDAY” from November 12-24, shop new markdowns plus an additional 30% off sitewide from November 25-28. Shop andrewmarc.com.

AYR:

• Find 50 final sale styles for 50% off, with new styles added throughout the same, from November 23-25. Shop ayr.com.

Backcountry:

• Save 30% on select gear and apparel from November 18-21, save 25% on one full-priced ArcTeryx item with code "TAKE25ARC" from November 19-26. Shop backcountry.com.

Ban.do:

• Save 30% sitewide (excluding Iconery) from November 22-27, with code "THIRTYOFF". Shop bando.com.

Bombas:

• Save 20% off the entire site from November 19-26. Shop bombas.com.

Caraa:

• From November 23-26, receive 25% off the site plus free U.S. shipping by using the code “THANKFUL” at checkout. Shop caraa.com.

Club Monaco

• Take 25% off $150+, 30% off $250+, and 35% off $400+ from November 21-24, with code "CMBLACKFRIDAY18". Shop clubmonaco.com.

Coach:

• Now through November 27 at 3 a.m. ET, take 30% off select styles with promo code “THANKS18”. Shop coach.com.

Cole Haan:

• Save 50% on select styles and 30% on everything else from November 18-24. Shop colehaan.com.

Cuyana:

• On Black Friday, November 23, Cuyana will donate a percentage of sales to the victims of the fires in California. Shop cuyana.com.

Dagne Dover:

• Take 20% off sitewide from November 20-28. Shop dagnedover.com.

EyeBuyDirect:

• November 19-30, buy one pair of frames and get the second free with promo code "GOBOGO" at checkout. Shop eyebuydirect.com.

Filippo Loreti:

• Save 20% on one watch, 25% on two watches, or 30% on three watches. Shop filippoloreti.com.

Fossil:

• Save 30% sitewide. Shop fossil.com.

Frank and Oak:

• November 21-25, save 30% off select styles with promo code "BLACKFRIDAY30".Plus, current subscription members can save up to 30% on the Style Plan from November 19 through December 16, with special bonus gifts included in each box. Shop frankandoak.com.

Frilly:

• Save 40% off sitewide starting November 21. Sign up with your email to shop the sale earlier. Shop frilly.com.

GREATS:

• Save 30% off sitewide with code "HOLIDAZE" from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Shop greats.com.

Happy Socks:

• Save 40% on select products from November 19-26. Shop happysocks.com.

Jomashop:

• Save up to 75% sitewide. Plus, get a free Royce leather wallet on orders over $100 by using the promo code "FREEWALLET" at checkout. Shop jomashop.com.

Levi's:

• Save 40% on all items from November 21-26. You'll also find special daily offers during this time period. Shop levi.com.

Linjer:

• Save up to 50% on in-stock watches sitewide. Shop linjer.co.

L.L.Bean:

• November 21-27, save 20% on apparel and outerwear. Shop llbean.com.

M.Gemi

• Save 25% on any pair of shoes from November 19-26. Shop mgemi.com.

Mackage:

• Save up to 40% on select styles from November 22-25. Shop mackage.com.

Maison Miru:

• Get the Surprise Ear Bar Trio (includes two pairs of studs and one ear cuff, guaranteed to be a $100+ value, regularly retails for $69) for just $49 from November 20-26. No code necessary. Shop maisonmiru.com.

Mott & Bow:

• New customers save 25% sitewide, 30% on orders of $200 or more, and 35% on orders of $300 or more with promo code "SHOPEARLY." Shop mottandbow.com.

MVMT:

• Until November 29, save up to 25% sitewide and get free shipping. Shop mvmtwatches.com.

Naadam:

• November 23, midnight through 3 p.m., save 25% on select full price styles with no promo code. From 3 p.m. until November 26, save 20% on any two styles using promo code "FRIYAY20." Shop naadam.com.

Need Supply Co.:

• 20% discount sitewide from November 23-25 with the code “BACKINBLACK”. Shop needsupply.com.

Nike:

• Save an extra 20% on sale styles with the promo code "THANKS" at checkout. Shop nike.com.

Nisolo:

• From November 22-24, save up to 60% off select shoe and bag styles. Shop nisolo.com.

Nordstrom:

• Save up to 60% on select items from November 21-26. Nordy Club Rewards card members can get extra points November 23-24. Shop nordstrom.com.

Nordstrom Rack:

• You'll find new deals on shoes, bags, and clothing every 24 hours from November 19-26. Shop nordstromrack.com.

Primary:

• Save 25% sitewide, plus get free shipping from November 21-26. Shop primary.com.

PUMA:

• Save up to 50% on select styles using the promo code "PUMANOV" at checkout. Shop puma.com.

RAEN:

• Save 40% on all eyewear, excluding sale items, from November 21-25. Shop raen.com.

Ramy Brook:

• Save up to 70% off, plus get an extra 25% off for Black Friday with code “BLACKFRI25” from November 22- 25, plus get an extra 15% off tops and dresses on November 23 with code “BONUS15”. Shop ramybrook.com.

Rebag:

• Take 15% off sitewide with code "BFRIDAY" from November 21 through Cyber Monday. Shop rebag.com.

Rent the Runway:

• Save 40% sitewide, including Update and Unlimited subscriptions and Reserve. Shop renttherunway.com.

Rhone:

• Save 25% off sitewide, plus take 35% off orders of $350 or more from November 21-25. Shop rhone.com.

Richer Poorer:

• Save 35% sitewide from November 23-27. Shop richer-poorer.com

Senreve:

• Get a free limited-edition bracelet pouch with purchases of $500 or more, starting on Thanksgiving (November 22). Shop senreve.com.

Soia & Kyo

• Save up to 40% on select styles from November 22-25. Shop soiakyo.com.

STATE Bags:

• Save 35% off sitewide. A portion of Black Friday proceeds will be donated to the Osborne Foundation. Shop statebags.com.

Theory:

• Spend and save at Theory. Get 20% off when you spend $200, 25% off $400, and 30% off $600. Shop theory.com.

ThredUP:

• Sign up for thredUP and receive email-only mystery promos from November 19-21. New customers receive 30% off sitewide with code “BIGSCORE” from November 23-26. Shop thredUP.com.

Timberland:

• November 22-23, save 30% sitewide with no promo code needed. Shop timberland.com.

Timex:

• November 23-26, save 30% on everything. Shop timex.com.

Tommy John:

• Get 20% off sitewide when you spend $100 or more from November 22-26. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll find limited-edition styles. Shop tommyjohn.com.

Uniqlo:

• Shop deals on down, flannel, HEATTECH products and more, plus free shipping on all orders. Shop uniqlo.com.

Zappos:

• Get big savings on footwear and apparel starting November 22. Shop zappos.com.

Looking for more deals? We've rounded up the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on the internet.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider and The Points Guy Affiliate Network receive a commission from card issuers if you apply through these links and are approved.

• The fastest way to boost your stash of credit card points or frequent flyer miles is to earn new member bonuses. 
• This month, there are a handful of brand-new, increased offers, but they're only available for a limited time.
• Capital One just announced a major improvement to two of its cards, while United Airlines is offering one of the highest-ever public sign-up bonuses for its most popular card. Plus, Barclaycard just introduced the highest bonus we've ever seen on its flagship card.
• You can use points from these cards for virtually free travel, upgrades, cash back, gift cards, or more. 
• Read on for the best bonuses and card products available this month.

DON'T MISS: Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which card offers superior airport lounge access, according to a frequent flyer

READ MORE: The best cash-back credit cards of 2018

SEE ALSO: Eleven Madison Park is launching a pop-up restaurant in Aspen exclusively for AmEx cardholders — here's how to book a table

Join the conversation about this story »

• The most powerful life lessons often come the hard way — through making mistakes.
• You might think you understand what adulthood is all about in your twenties, but life still has many hard truths in store for you.
• Here, author Jennifer Still details seven life lessons she's learned by her thirties that her 20-year-old self wouldn't have understood.

When you're in your 20s, it's tempting to think you know everything. After all, you survived high school and maybe even moved out of your parents' house, and that first taste of independence has the baffling effect of making you unnaturally confident in your own wisdom and worldliness.

Of course, at 20, you really know nothing — something you probably won't realize or admit until you're 30 (and which you'll discover anew when you hit 40 and so on, I imagine).

I thought I understood what it meant to be an adult once I was out of my teens, but I didn't learn these important lessons until years later.

SEE ALSO: 4 ways spending time apart from my partner made our relationship strong

You have to work long and hard for what you want.

While I certainly understood the value of hard work from an early age, it also didn't dawn on me until I was financially and physically independent that nothing was ever going to be handed to me on a silver platter.

If I wanted something, in my life or career, I had to get out there and put in the work to get it, simple as that. No college graduate is going to be handed their degree one day and walk into an executive level position the next. Start small and work your way up — short of nepotism or an extremely lucky break, it's truly the only way.

Just because you work hard doesn't mean you'll always succeed.

While working hard is a must in every area of life, it's hard to imagine or accept that sometimes no matter how hard you try, things won't always work out in the end. That doesn't mean you're not smart, strong, or valuable, just that other people are too, and you can't win them all.

This was a devastating lesson to learn, and one that didn't necessarily sink in after the first or even third failure. However, it instilled me with a humility that has been invaluable.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does make life so much easier.

We all know that money doesn't automatically equal happiness, but you don't understand when you're young just how important it is in life. Without it, life can be a serious struggle, leaving you unable to pay bills and put a roof over your head or food on your table. If you can manage that, having just enough cash to cover the necessities means being unable to buy yourself new clothes or go out for dinner with your friends because you're short on funds. It's demoralizing and even quite scary, but learning this lesson has definitely been a catalyst for being even more ambitious than I was before.

• Real estate blog Property Shark has released its annual ranking of the most expensive zip codes in the United States.
• For the second consecutive year, Silicon Valley suburb Atherton took the No. 1 spot. 
• The median sale price in Atherton, California, was $6.7 million in 2018 — up 35% from last year.

There's a lot of expensive real estate in California. 

Property Shark released its annual ranking of the most expensive zip codes in America on Monday, and California dominates with 82% of the cities on the list.

Zip codes in New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts also appeared on the list.

Property Shark's ranking is based on median sales prices. Atherton, California's 94027 remains the most expensive zip code, with a $6.7 million median home sale price — that's up 35% from last year.

Located within striking distance of Google, Facebook, Tesla, and other tech giants' headquarters, Atherton is home to many of Silicon Valley's 1%. 

Below, take a closer look at the top 25 most expensive zip codes in America.

SEE ALSO: This $245 million Los Angeles mansion is the most expensive home for sale in the US — and it costs 960 times more than a typical US home

DON'T MISS: Here's what the most expensive house for sale in every US state looks like

25. Corona Del Mar, California (92625)

County: Orange County

Median sale price (2018): $2,500,000

23 (TIE). Ross, California (94957)

County: Marin County

Median sale price (2018): $2,550,000

23 (TIE). Newport Coast, California (92657)

County: Orange County

Median sale price (2018): $2,550,000

• Advice on how to spend your 20s includes "learn to say no with confidence" and "don't burn your bridges."
• That's according to people who've posted on Quora and Reddit threads around how to make the most of your youth.
• If you follow their tips, you'll have a better chance of living without regret once you hit your 40s and beyond.

They say youth is wasted on the young.

It doesn't have to be. If you take a look at Quora and Reddit, hundreds of people older and wiser than you have shared their best tips for living life to the fullest before you hit middle age. All you have to do is heed their advice.

We checked out some of those Quora and Redditthreads and highlighted some of our favorite insights about maximizing your youth. Read on to see what life changes you can make, starting today.

SEE ALSO: 13 things you'll probably regret doing in your 20s

'Learn to accept and love yourself first.'

So says Quora user Ruchi Rashinkar.

In other words, show some self-compassion. Scientists say it can make you more successful because you're learning from your missteps, instead of just berating yourself for them.

One self-compassion exercise involves treating yourself as you would treat a friend or a colleague who has failed. You might say to yourself: "This is really hard right now," or, "I'm sorry you are struggling."

'Learn to say no with confidence.'

That's another tip from Rashinkar.

It's best to learn this skill now, while it's still relatively early in your career. That way, you can prioritize the people and experiences that are truly meaningful to you.

If you're looking for tips on turning down an invitation— without seeming antisocial — etiquette and civility expert Rosalinda Oropeza Randall recommends keeping it simple: "It sounds great, but I think I'll pass this time."

You can even push back on your boss when they give you an assignment you feel like you can't take on. For example, if you're already overloaded with other projects, national workplace expert Lynn Taylor suggests responding:

"I would be happy to do that project, but what that could mean is that [whatever other project you're working on] will have to be put off until tomorrow, because I was actually going to spend the next three hours finishing that proposal. Would you like me to put that off?" 

'Take risks.'

Quora user Pranav Park writes:

"This is possibly the best time to take multiple leap of faiths and learn your lessons the hard way. If you succeed, you succeed. If you fail, you have a great story to tell in your 40s. At this age, you will have all the energy, courage and spirit required to rise back. Moreover, you will not be afraid to fail which apparently sets apart successful people from the others."

Similarly, Redditor Bhruic says:

"Don't talk yourself out of doing things you want to do. Don't let fear win. If you want to vacation in Europe, do it. If you want to talk to that hot girl/guy at the bar, do it. If you want to start your own business, do it (and do the research first). Getting to your 30s and having a string of regrets is going to haunt you."

Park is right about successful people not being afraid to fail some, and therefore being more willing to take risks. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, for example, is notorious for this quality. Bezos has said: "Given a ten percent chance of a 100 times payoff, you should take that bet every time."

• Republican lawmakers in several states are planning to push through last-minute conservative policies or stifle the power of incoming Democratic governors. 
• In Michigan, Republicans plan to alter measures that would have raised the minimum wage and mandated paid sick leave during the lame-duck session. 
• In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers have a veto-proof majority they intend to use to pass stricter photo ID requirements before January, when new Democrats break the state's House supermajority. 

Democrats are replacing Republicans in seven states' governors mansions, but before power changes hands in January, Republican lawmakers in several states are planning to push through last-minute conservative policies or take power from incoming Democratic governors. 

In Michigan, Republicans plan to alter measures that would have raised the minimum wage and mandated paid sick leave during the lame-duck session between this month's election and the swearing in of the state's new Democratic governor early next year.  

Read more: 2,000 women are taking state legislatures by storm, even as men hold on to the vast majority of seats

Just days after Wisconsin Democrat Tony Evers won a razor-thin victory over Republican incumbent Gov. Scott Walker, GOP leaders in the state are discussing plans to limit Evers' ability to appoint officials to his government, limit Evers' control of the rule-making process, make it harder for the Democrat to stop a work requirement for those on Medicaid, and move the date of the 2020 presidential primary.

Democrats have already voiced outrage about the plans, which include making it more difficult for Democrats to change or overturn laws championed by Walker. 

"Let me be clear: the Republicans and Speaker Vos should stop any and all attempts to play politics and weaken the powers of the governor's office in Wisconsin before I take the oath," Evers tweeted two days after the election, calling the GOP effort to reduce his power "desperate antics to cling to power and violate the checks and balances of Wisconsin government."

The efforts in Wisconsin mirror many of those made in North Carolina two years ago, after Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper was elected to replace Republican Pat McCrory. 

Wisconsin and Michigan are two of four states where Republicans are losing control of their governorships and both state legislative chambers. 

Here are a few laws Republican legislators hope to repeal or dilute in their states: 

SEE ALSO: Nancy Pelosi is using gender to win over progressives in her fight to become House speaker

Voter ID requirements

Republican state legislators in North Carolina are writing the details of a new voter photo ID law that the state voted on this month.

This comes after a previous voter ID law passed by Republicans in the state was struck down last year by a federal appeals court judge, who found the law appeared to "target African-Americans with almost surgical precision."

The American Civil Liberties Union, which opposes the new measure, has argued that "nothing short of the future of voting rights in North Carolina will be on the line" in its negotiation. 

Republicans in Wisconsin are also planning to make the state's GOP voter ID law harder to change. 

The minimum wage

Republican lawmakers in Michigan are planning to amend a minimum wage law before the midterms before Democrat Gretchen Whitmer replaces outgoing GOP Gov. Rick Snyder.

In September, the state's Republican-controlled legislature passed a proposal to raise the Midwestern state's minimum wage. But by voting on the measure, the state prevented the law from being passed as a ballot referendum, which can only be overturned with three-fourths of the state legislature. So the path is now clear for GOP lawmakers to alter the law they oppose, which only requires a simple majority vote. 

It's unclear exactly how the legislature wants to change the law — which was designed to raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2022 and gradually raise the tipped worker minimum wage from $3.50 — but the GOP has acknowledged its plan is to fundamentally change the measure. 

"I'm angry. I'm really angry," said Tracy Pease, a 47-year-old waitress and minimum wage advocate, told the Washington Post in September. "It's not just that I had a vested interest in this. But the point was to go to the people, and now they have circumvented our vote. They have taken away our vote."

One Fair Wage, a group that backed the wage hike, pledged to sue the legislature if it attempts to water down or repeal the law. 

Paid sick leave

The Republican-controlled legislature in Michigan also passed a law mandating that employees qualify for somewhere between 40 and 72 hours of paid sick leave — a measure Republicans oppose — in order to alter it with a simple majority during the lame-duck session. 

It's also unclear exactly how Republicans will change the law, but Michigan's Chamber of Commerce has warned that the requirements would put "severe compliance burdens" on employers. 

Hosting a dinner party doesn't have to be so stressful. Here are four tips that will save you time and frustration while you prepare your Thanksgiving meal for friends and family. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published on November 20, 2016. 

Join the conversation about this story »

• ArtistPJ Linden can turn everyday objects into beautiful works of art using a type of paint that you might have used as a kid: puff paint.
• She spends hours on her projects and her work has even been worn by Miley Cyrus.
• She paints a variety of objects, including bags, clothes, shoes, phone cases, cameras, and even taxidermy animal heads.

Following is transcript of the video.

PJ Linden: I'm PJ Linden, I'm an artist from New York.

I am a self-taught artist. So puff paint I've become obsessed with because it's just such an underrated acrylic paint.

My first piece was an old flip phone. It all started pre-smartphone era. I knew that this paint was for children and therefore non-toxic and probably wouldn't do any damage to the technology.

It just grew from there.

I felt the need to represent for puff paint and become a full-time puff paint artist.

When I'm about to start a piece, I first start thinking about the broad strokes, or in this case the broad puffs. And really look at the shape of the object and what it wants to be, more so than what I want it to be.

So with the boar's head I really started seeing a conical seashell.

My process is very much like layering a cake.

The paint looks exactly the same wet or dry, so there can be a lot of tragic accidents.

All of my work is full coverage.

This one took maybe 300 hours. And usually I'm building up to at least three layers, but it can get up to 10 layers. And so that's really where the timing comes in.

My partner is a director and an editor, and she shoots all the time, and so she would get these really expensive cameras. And I remember when she first asked me to cover one of her cameras, and I was really excited, because it just is such a sacrilegious idea. This was the very first camera, it was the Sprinkle 7D. I just wanted to see what would happen if you could make a camera look like an ice cream sundae.

I have covered everything from cameras, to shoes, to bras, to deer, boars, alligator heads. I've even covered cigarette packs, phone cases, book bags. I've done a lot, a lot of clothes.

I think my favorite piece would have to be this candy bear.

One of the most surprising collaborations I've done was with Miley Cyrus. I did a mini line of really outrageous wearable art for her, and a pair of Neapolitan ice cream coated pasties ended up on her breasts on the cover of Plastik Magazine.

I grew up with a family of game hunters. The Sundae Stag was a piece that my great-grandfather shot, and it ended up in a basement with its nose chewed off by a family dog. And I thought how sad it was that these animals are killed, stuffed, and then they're trophies, but at the same time, there's millions of trophies that all look exactly the same. There's a weird thing that I guess I feel, that their spirit should be eternalized and decorated for the after-after-afterlife.

The other art that I create is hand-painted wallpaper. It's coming from my interior design background. It's something that I always, always wanted to create for homes and hotels, and I hope to keep painting them for the rest of the year. That's sort of my goal is traveling by way of painting hand-painted wallpapers. There's definitely a kinship between the organized, rhythmic patterning of my puff-painted work and the wall paper styling.

The biggest puff paint piece that I've completed is an animatronic dinosaur. It's fully functional, and it stands about three-foot tall and four-foot long. I would like to work my way up to a Smart Car. That's sort of been my always goal.

Join the conversation about this story »

• President Donald Trump is talking up the possibility of progress towards ending the trade war with China.
• But other parts of the administration are still going after China.
• Vice President Mike Pence took shots at China during a speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit over the weekend.
• The Department of Commerce is also moving ahead with a rule that could limit the export of certain technologies to China.
• Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at the G20 summit at the end of November.

President Donald Trump may be talking up the prospects of a deal to ease trade tensions with China, but much of his administration is still acting like any agreement is a long way off.

Trump has discussed the possibility of a deal during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit later this month, and communications between Chinese and American officials seem to point to a possible détente.

But recent posture from Vice President Mike Pence and others in the administration have cast doubt that the drive for reconciliation will produce results.

Pence takes a hard line in Asia

The most public repudiation of China from the administration came during Pence's speech at the close of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Papua New Guinea.

The vice president seemed to implicitly take shots at the Chinese economic model, reflecting continued differences between the two countries.

"We don’t drown our partners in a sea of debt. We don’t coerce or compromise your independence. The United States deals openly, fairly. We do not offer a constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence said in an apparent reference to China's Bet and Road initiative.

Pence also met with Xi during the APEC summit and told reporters afterward that China must agree to reforms for the US to agree to any deal lowering tariffs.

"We've put tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods and we could more than double that number, but we hope for better," Pence said. "The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways

The Trump administration originally announced tariffs on Chinese products in March in response to China's alleged theft of US intellectual property and uncompetitive practices for US companies operating in China. This lead to a furious, but ultimately fruitless, round of negotiations before the first set of tariffs were imposed in July.

In total, the US has applied tariffs to $250 billion worth of Chinese goods coming into the US, while the Chinese have hit $110 billion worth of US goods with duties.

The divisions between the US and China were again on display when the 21 APEC member countries were unable to agree on an official communique from the meeting. While the statement is largely ceremonial, it highlights the acrimonious relationship between the two largest APEC economies. 

According to reports, China wanted to include language in the official remarks that rejected protectionism and unilateralism — echoing Beijing's accusations about the US. On the other hand, the US wanted to include language that critiqued China's trade practices.

Back home, the Trump administration's fight with China is also taking another step foward

On Monday, the Department of Commerce began taking public comment on new rules that would give the administration the ability to restrict exports of certain critical technologies on the basis of national security — which could allow the US to stop exports of some technology to China.

Under the recently-passed Export Control Reform Act, the Trump administration can limit the export of "emerging and foundational technologies" to adversarial countries.

Under previous administrations, export controls were typically limited to technology with direct military capabilities. More general rules restricting exports that could theoretically have military applications would be a significant broadening of those restrictions.

Given this new power, the Trump administration wants to prevent exports related to 14 high-tech sectors, such as biotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

The new rule is also part of a broader campaign by various parts of the Trump administration to use non-tariff measures to put pressure on Chinese economic interests. For instance, the Department of Justice has increased the number of Chinese firms being charge with economic espionage and created a task force to combat illegal Chinese economic practices.

SEE ALSO: Trump seems to be backing down in the trade war with China after electoral blowback and growing economic worries

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Megyn Kelly in 2017: 'I regret a lot' of the controversial stuff I've said on live television

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often regarded as the best days of the year to save big on the latest tech, mattresses, major home appliances, and more, it's also a great time to buy new clothes.

Sure, most brands have some impressive sales throughout the year, but Black Friday weekend is without question your best opportunity to save. 

Black Friday is the perfect time to get some of your shopping done for the holiday season, but it's also a chance to splurge on yourself a little bit. You'll find deals at department stores like Nordstrom and startups like Bonobos, Mott & Bow, and Twillory.

To prevent you from missing out on sales by simply not seeing them, we rounded up over 50 of the best deals on men's fashion. Whether you're shopping for suits and dress shoes, sportswear and sneakers, or essential accessories like socks, ties, watches, and sunglasses, you'll find a ton of great stores with sales here (all in alphabetical order).

To potentially save more on Black Friday, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

Adidas:

• Save up to 50% on shoes, apparel, gear, and more for men, women, and kids, from November 20-27. Shop adidas.com.

Allen Edmonds:

• Save up to 50% now through Black Friday. Shop allenedmonds.com.

Backcountry:

• Save 30% on select gear and apparel from November 18 to 21. Save 25% on one full-priced ArcTeryx item with code “TAKE25ARC” from November 19-26. Shop backcountry.com.

Basic Outfitters:

• Until November 25, get $10 off the small Create-A-Drawer with code “BFRIDAYBASIC10” and get $15 off the large Create-A-Drawer with code “BFRIDAYBASIC15”. Shop basicoutfitters.com.

Bombas:

• Save 20% off the entire site from November 19-26. Shop bombas.com.

Bombfell:

• November 22-26, first-time clients can save $40 on their first purchase. Get started on a clothing subscription box at bombfell.com.

Bonobos:

• Save 25% off orders of $150+ or 30% off orders of $250+ from November 19-25 with code “DEALWEEK”. Shop bonobos.com.

Cole Haan:

• Save 50% on select styles and 30% on everything else from November 18-24. Shop colehaan.com.

Dagne Dover:

• Take 20% off sitewide from November 20 to 28. Shop dagnedover.com.

EyeBuyDirect:

• November 19-30, buy one pair of frames and get the second free, with the promo code “GOBOGO” at checkout. Shop eyebuydirect.com.

Filippo Loreti:

• Save 20% on one watch, 25% on two watches, or 30% on three watches. Shop filippoloreti.com.

Fossil:

• Save 30% sitewide. Shop fossil.com.

GREATS:

• Save 30% off sitewide with code “HOLIDAZE” from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Shop greats.com.

Happy Socks:

• Save 40% on select products from November 19-26. Shop happysocks.com.

Indochino:

• Save up to 70% sitewide with promo code “BLKFRI” now through November 25. With the deal, the suits are as low as $289 — the brand’s lowest price ever. Shop indochino.com.

Jomashop:

• Save up to 75% sitewide. Plus, get a free Royce leather wallet on orders over $100 by using the promo code “FREEWALLET” at checkout. Shop jomashop.com.

Levi’s:

• Save 40% on all items from November 21-26. You’ll also find special daily offers during this time period. Shop levi.com.

Linjer:

• Save up to 50% in-stock watches sitewide. Shop linjer.co.

L.L.Bean:

• November 21-27, save 20% on apparel and outerwear. Shop llbean.com.

M.Gemi

• Save 25% on any pair of shoes from November 19-26. Shop mgemi.com.

Mackage:

• Save up to 40% on select styles from November 22-25. Shop mackage.com.

Mizzen + Main:

• Get two dress shirts for $200 from November 23-26 (Black Friday-Cyber Monday). Shop mizzenandmain.com.

Mott & Bow:

• Save 25% sitewide, 30% on orders of $200 or more, and 35% on orders of $300 or more with promo code “SHOPEARLY.” Shop mottandbow.com.

MVMT:

• Until November 29, save up to 25% sitewide and get free shipping. Shop mvmtwatches.com.

Naadam:

• November 23, midnight through 3 p.m., save 25% on select full price styles with no promo code. From 3 p.m. until November 26, save 20% on any two styles using promo code “FRIYAY20.” Shop naadam.com.

Nike:

• Save an extra 20% on sale styles with the promo code “THANKS” at checkout. Shop nike.com.

Nisolo:

• From November 22-24, you can save up to 60% off select styles. Shop nisolo.com.

Nordstrom:

• Save up to 60% on select items from November 21-26, plus Nordy Club Rewards card members can get extra points November 23-24. Shop nordstrom.com.

Rhone:

• Save 25% off sitewide, plus take 35% off orders of $350 or more from November 21-25. Shop rhone.com.

Richer Poorer:

• Save 35% sitewide from November 23-27. Shop richer-poorer.com.

SprezzaBox:

• Save 40% sitewide with code “SAVEBIG40!” from November 20-23. Shop sprezzabox.com.

STATE Bags:

• A portion of Black Friday proceeds will be donated to the Osborne Foundation. Shop statebags.com.

Theory:

• Spend & save at Theory. Get 20% off when you spend $200, 25% off $400, and 30% off $600. Shop theory.com.

The Tie Bar:

• November 22-25, receive free socks with any purchase of $40 or more. Shop thetiebar.com.

Timberland:

• November 22-23, save 30% sitewide with no promo code needed. On Cyber Monday, save up to 50% sitewide. Shop timberland.com.

Timex:

• November 23-26, save 30% on everything. Shop timex.com.

Tommy John:

• Save 20% off sitewide when you spend $100 or more from November 22-26. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll find limited-edition styles. Shop tommyjohn.com.

Twillory:

• Save up to 50% sitewide on Twillory shirts. Shop twillory.com.

Wolf & Shepherd:

• November 21-26, save $100 on any shoe purchase over $250 using the promo code “HUNDO” at checkout. Shop wolfandshepherd.com.

Looking for more deals? We've rounded up the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on the internet.

Join the conversation about this story »

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

• Don't overlook the smaller online startups as you shop on Black Friday this year. 
• Since many of these startups pride themselves on already-low prices on premium goods like jewelry, cookware, and shoes, they don't often run promotions. 
• Black Friday is one of the few times of the year when you can save on products and gifts from these unique, up-and-coming startups. 
• To potentially save more on Black Friday, you can visit Business Insider Coupons to find up-to-date promo codes for a range of online stores.

The past 10 years and the next 10 years of retail belong to the direct-to-consumer online startup. By reimagining how products are made and sold, startups challenge the old way of doing business.

Often times, the environment and worker livelihoods benefit from the innovative ways that startups operate. You, the customer, also benefit as these companies affect the way you get dressed in the morning, cook food at home, sleep, and more. 

Amidst the chaos of large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target dominating Black Friday deals news, these startups are quietly offering deals as well. For some, this is the only time of the year when their products are discounted, so you should definitely take advantage of the rare opportunity. 

If you're searching for a unique gift, you won't find any time better than now to find one and save money. We've also partnered with many of these startups to offer you exclusive reader discounts. Make sure to check back throughout the week as we add more deals. 

Looking for more deals? We've rounded up the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on the internet.

MVMT: Stylish and affordable premium watches

Shop Black Friday deals at MVMT

The deal: Up to 25% off sitewide, now through November 26

What to buy: 

• The 40 Bronze Age 40mm Watch, $90 (originally $120) [You save $30] 
• RB₃ 32mm Watch, $86.25 (originally $115) [You save $28.75]

Read more about MVMT:

• MVMT's new $300 automatic watch proves that you don't need deep pockets to get your hands on a luxury timepiece
• One of our favorite startups proves you don't have to spend more than $200 to get a stylish watch
• I never used to understand why people bought watches anymore — now I wear this one almost every day
  

AUrate: Affordable and sustainably produced fine jewelry

Shop Black Friday deals at AUrate

The deal: 25% off sitewide with code "INSIDER25" from November 21 through November 26

What to buy:

• Flower Earring Back Small, $112.50 (originally $150) [You save $37.50] 
• 14K Icon Ring, $285 (originally $380) [You save $95] 

Read more about AUrate: 

Leesa: Pressure-relieving foam and hybrid mattresses

Shop Black Friday deals at Leesa

The deals [BI EXCLUSIVE]:

• $160 off a Leesa mattress and a free pillow ($75 value) now through November 26 
• $235 off a Sapira mattress and a free pillow ($75 value) now through November 26 

What to buy:

• Leesa Mattress (Queen), $835 (originally $995) [You save $160] 
• Sapira Mattress (Queen), $1360 (originally $1595) [You save $235] 
• Leesa Adjustable Base (Queen), $945 (originally $1045) [You save $100] 

Read more about Leesa:

Prince Philip turned 97 this year — and it's been over a year since he announced his official retirement from public service.

According to The Telegraph, the Duke of Edinburgh has carried out 22,219 solo engagements and 637 solo visits overseas since he left active military service in 1952. 

In retirement, the Duke is reportedly enjoying more leisure time at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk — he is an avid carriage driver and enjoys oil painting.

His Royal Highness' career will be remembered equally for his sharp wit as he will be for his gaffes, which have often left the nation laughing or reeling. 

The Prince's prolonged service has won him support from both sides of Parliament — Jeremy Corbyn applauded his "clear sense of public duty" and Theresa May praised his "steadfast support" to the Queen. 

Philip's lengthy career, marked by hundreds of visits to far-flung corners of the British Empire, has unsurprisingly produced some remarkable royal photography.

Here are the best images from each of his years as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh:

SEE ALSO: The 23 best candid photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding

1947: Prince Philip began his journey as a British Royal when he married into the country's royal family after a five-month engagement to his distant cousin, Elizabeth. He was 26.

1948: The couple had their first child, Prince Charles, in 1948. In this picture, he sleeps in the arms of his mother, then Princess Elizabeth, after his Christening at Buckingham Palace.

1949: Philip spent many of his younger years in the Royal Navy meaning family time was precious. He spent much of 1949 stationed in Malta as the first lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Checkers, the lead ship of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla in the Mediterranean Fleet.