In Spades

Style... in abundance

How to Shop Black Friday Stress-Free

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeOne of my best Black Friday purchases ever

Every year, the Black Friday deals start earlier and earlier.  Does anyone else think that we’ll get to a point where Black Friday starts on Halloween?  :S

It’s my job to report the sales to you and even I get overwhelmed.  I’ve written several blog posts over the years on how to shop the holiday sale season stress-free.

Here are 3 simple tips to stay on track.  Below I’ve linked the sales I’m personally shopping.  If you like the outfits I share during the year, now is a great time to get them on sale.

Black Friday Shopping Tips
1. Have a plan

I actually have a notebook where I keep my Wish List.  Throughout the year I edit my closet and assess where there are holes.  Anything that’s lacking gets added to the list.

I also include the items I’m coveting.  These are new designers I’ve discovered, investment pieces and special occasion pieces.

Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store without a grocery list, you shouldn’t even look at the Black Friday sales until you have your Wish List.

Think of it this way.  You might love Levi’s, but if you don’t need new jeans, don’t fall for the clickbait and check out the Levi’s sale.

STAY ON COURSE.

2. Download retailer apps and set up your profiles

Create free accounts at your favorite retailers and “heart” the items you’re eyeing.  You should ALSO add your most loved brands to your profile.  This will push these brands to the top of your feed so you don’t have to sift through 1500 pairs of sale shoes.

ENABLE PUSH NOTIFICATIONS so you get real-time notices of the exact items you want.

3. Determine your budget

If you have $250 to spend, only spend $250.  Look at your Wish List and determine how you can configure the best bang for your buck.

Too many people just buy, buy, buy and then figure it out later.  You’re much more prone to overspend this way because you won’t want to send back all of the pretty things you bought.

ONCE YOU HIT YOUR BUDGET, STOP.

Black Friday Sales I’m Shopping

Matches Fashion – the majority of my designer pieces are from here and their sale is currently 50% off.

Bloomingdales – I just ordered this coat and I’m obsessed.  Tons of great home items on sale too.

Sundays – I buy all my 10-free nail polish here.

SSENSE – the best curation of edgy and top-rated fashion brands.  Plus two-day free shipping and returns.

Shopbop – the fast, free shipping and massive product selection are key.

Levi’s – the best around when it comes to denim.  And it’s all 40% off.

2020 Sale Season Shopping Tips

I can’t believe it is already the week of Thanksgiving.  2020 has been a year like no other.  I’m SO excited for holiday movies, hot cocoa and sharing family traditions with my daughter.

This time of year also brings my favorite shopping season.  If you’re a long-time reader, you know I’m a diamond in the rough shopper.  After building wish lists with my favorite retailers all year, now is the time I pounce.

There are going to be so many amazing deals from here on out, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  My advice?

  1. Stick to your go-to retailers and brands (this is NOT the time to impulse buy just because something is on sale).
  2. Look at your Wish Lists FIRST.  You should always build a wish list with your fave retailers.  Before you even look at the sales, check to see if items on your wish list got marked down.  THEN, you can peruse what else got marked down.
  3. Buy now, decide later.  The further into sale season we go, the more picked over the inventory is AND return policies tighten or disappear.  Protect your ability to return and price adjust.
  4. Bundle your shopping.  I like to shop at no more than 3 retailers during sale season.  Most stores have points or other benefits for shopping with them.  Keep your eggs in one (or 3) baskets so you can maximize those incentives.
  5. Think about the “now.”  I firmly believe we are at least 6 months out from the world returning to some semblance of normalcy.  I recommend investing in comfortable, high-quality staples that will transition to post-pandemic life.  Let’s face it – you’re not going to wear your finery for a while.  If you are going to buy a cocktail dress, statement handbag, killer shoes, or some other piece that won’t get a lot of wear, make sure it is something that will stand the test of time.  Now is not the time to fall into trends.

Net-a-Porter is one of my favorite retailers.  They launched their 50% off sale and for the week of Thanksgiving, they’re taking an additional 15% off the markdowns.  Here are some of my faves.

Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale Picks 

The Muppet Show x Sandro & Sale Season Shopping Hacks

The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweaterThe Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater

The Muppet Show x Sandro sweater // DVF skirt // Dorateymur boots

I love a good designer collaboration.  When Sandro announced a limited edition run of The Muppet Show merchandise for women and kids, I about died.  As a kid, I lived for the Muppets.  Who am I kidding?  I still live for the Muppets.  If you read my About Page you know that if I were a Muppet, I’d be Gonzo.  I’ve always loved his kooky, outgoing spirit.

This sweater has been in my closet since early October but I didn’t get a chance to shoot it for the blog until now (#momlife).  While it’s been worn with my favorite skinny jeans and loafers, I LOVE it punched up with this leopard print skirt (which comes in 2 colors and is 60% off btw!).

Today’s look is a great example of how my NYFW outfits transcend into reality.  I’m often asked if what I wear during fashion week is what I actually wear in real life, and the answer is Yes and No.  During NYFW I definitely punch up the wow factor, but each piece I showcase does get worn year round.  I simply take it down a notch.  Statement coats get paired with jeans and tees, dressy pieces get worn with a more practical shoe and not as many accessories.

Speaking of NYFW and statement pieces, this is the time of year when I buy 80% of my clothes.  Sale season is in full swing.  If you follow my Instagram Stories you know I talked about how this year the sales are some of the best yet.  Unlike last year when Black Friday started the Monday before Thanksgiving and never went to better deals, this year the discounts are getting steeper and steeper.

If you’ve had your eye on a designer piece or any splurge item, now is definitely the time to buy.  In a few weeks, all of the retailers will reduce prices even more, but merchandise will be final sale.  Unless you know the exact fit and colorway, this is a risky endeavor.

Pro tip: snag those wish list items NOW while you still have the ability to return for a full refund.
Check out my Top 5 Shopping Hacks for Sale Season for more expert advice!

If you’re curious what I’ve scored in the end of season sales, follow along on Instagram.  I’m anxiously awaiting a deeper discount for these beauties – they literally had me at hello.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $60: Black Friday Deals for the Hostess

Hostess Gifts Under $60

Macy’s knocked it out of the park with their Black Friday Doorbusters this year.  Here are 13 insane deals under $60 for the hostess in your life.  Hurry, the sale ends November 24!

1. Salt & Pepper shakers – no one does whimsy better than Kate Spade.  This zebra and giraffe salt & pepper duo will dress up any tablescape.

2. Candy Cane wash – Philosophy’s triple wash – it’s a shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath – smells like invigorating peppermint.  Bonus: all of their 16 oz bottles are on sale.  This one is another favorite.

3. Cashmere wrap – 100% cashmere at 65% off?  Yes, please!

4. Eyeshadow palette – this Naked palette is a perennial best seller for a reason.  It contains every shade you need for the perfect smokey eye.

5. Initial marquee ornaments – anytime you can personalize a gift, do it.  A family initial ornament is thoughtful and glam.

6. Silk eye mask – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.  Anything that touches your face while you sleep should be 100% silk.

7. Sherpa throw – not only does this look like the coziest throw ever, but its cute holiday ski lodge vibe has me smitten.

8. Face mask set – every hostess with the mostess need a way to recharge at the end of the night.  This mask set does it in spades.

9. Initial necklace – I have this necklace and wear it all the time.  Now that it’s on sale I may have to get one for my daughter’s initial too!

10. Diffuser set – with a warm cinnamon scent, this diffuser will have your whole house smelling like Christmas.

11. Beauty Blender set – these makeup sponges are an absolute must in my book.  One normally retails for $20, so getting 3 of them plus 2 cleansers is a steal.

12. Water bottle – these NEVER go on sale.  I love this London chimney one too.  An add-to-cart must.

13. Cast iron Dutch oven – with 7 colors to choose from, you’ll save $130 on this kitchen essential.

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Shopping Hacks: How to Get the Best Cyber Week & Black Friday Deals

2017 Shopping HacksMy favorite time of year is upon us – sale season! The week of Thanksgiving through the end of January marks the number one time to get the best deals of the year.

As many of you may have noticed, the sales have already started. No need to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save some serious cash. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Tips for how to navigate the often overwhelming, stressful sale season.

Make sure your list is ready and read on!

1. Go to the mall and try on everything you’ve been eyeing to narrow down.

When the sales hit, pounce. This allows you to determine the correct size and fit, see the quality in person, and eliminate anything that doesn’t work ahead of time. No second-guessing, no over buying.

Shopping win: staying on budget and not hassling with returns.

2. Use the wish list feature on all your favorite retailers’ sites.

When the sales hit, simply click on your wish list to see what went on sale and start buying.

Shopping win: time saver. No fumbling around the web to see what went on sale or trying to remember who made that jacket you’ve been coveting. Everything is in one tidy place.

3. Buy now, price adjust later.

If something you’ve been eyeing is likely to sell out, just buy it now at full price and go back when the sales hit for a price adjustment. Make sure you only do this for places that honor price adjustments and/or have return policies.

  • Bonus tip: whenever possible, buy designer items from department stores or large online retailers. Most designer boutiques won’t price adjust, price match or return merchandise.

Shopping win: CYA; not losing out on popular items.

4. Befriend shop associates.

They have the inside scoop on what will go on sale and how much inventory is in stock. I have a shoe guy at Nordstrom that sets things aside for me and texts me photos so I can narrow down my list and not risk something selling out. Develop these relationships.

  • Bonus tip: develop these relationships at multiple locations to cover the most ground. Different stores have different merchandise so it’s always good to cover your bases.

Shopping win: these relationships will continue to serve you well throughout the year. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

5. Cross reference prices via department stores.

For example, there’s a Vince sweater I want. I’ve added the sweater to my wish lists at Vince, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Net-a-porter. Because some retailers do tiered sales (20% off $250, 30% off $500, etc.) you could get a better deal somewhere else. Do your research.

  • Bonus tip: remember sales tax and rewards systems.  Bergdorf Goodman doesn’t charge sales tax to California residents so take advantage! This is especially key for higher priced items.
  • If you have a department store credit card like Nordstrom, for example, try to keep all your purchases in one place so you accrue points (like Nordstrom Notes), which can be used towards future purchases.