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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.

2017 Black Friday Sales & Top 10 Fall Favorites Under $100

Black Friday is here!  Rather than bombard you with every single sale happening today, I’m going to link my Top 10 Favorites.  These are the stores I shop at the most, have the best Black Friday deals and offer great return policies should something not work out.

I’ve also linked my Top 10 products in three of the most popular winter fashion categories: boots, sweaters and jackets (this one is a no-brainer).  Every single item is under $100 so be sure to snatch them up while they last!

ANTHROPOLOGIE // 30% off

ASOS  //  30% off // Code: EPIC30

CLUB MONACO // Up to 35% off // Code: SHOPFRIDAY

J. CREW // 40% off // Code: THANKU

NEIMAN MARCUS // Up to 60% off

NET-A-PORTER // Up to 50% off

NORDSTROM // Tons of markdowns at 40% off, plus an extra 20% off select sale items

MODA OPERANDI  // Extra 30% off sale // Code: 30EXTRA

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE  // Up to 60% off

SHOPBOP // Up to 75% off // Code: MORE17

Top 10 Boots Under $100
Top 10 Sweaters Under $100
Top 10 Jackets Under $100

Don’t miss my shopping hacks for how to score the best online deals!  I’ve also linked every product worth snatching up in the Holiday menu tab above.  These products include captions for my notes on sizing, color options and tips for how to style each piece.

Let me know in the comments what you get in the sales.  I love living vicariously through other people’s shopping hauls!

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.