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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 End of Season Sales I’m Shopping

Cyber Monday Sales 2019

Ahh my favorite time of year.  Designer sale season.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I do a Fashion Friday series on Stories.  This past week I dedicated it to Black Friday and how to navigate the craziness.  And boy is it crazy.

Literally everything is on sale so it can be totally overwhelming.  And when we’re overwhelmed we tend to overspend and lose focus on what we really need.

Below are the designer sales I’m shopping and some tips for how to stay focused and get the best bang for your buck.  (READ: stuff you actually need and will wear)

Sales

Moda Operandi – probably my FAVORITE of them all because of the insane discount and inventory selection.  Currently up to 50% off plus an additional 30% off sale.

Net-a-Porter – Currently up to 50% off plus an additional 15% off.  My go-to for fashion AND beauty.

SSENSE – the edgy kid in the bunch, they have tons of Balenciaga and street style brands.  Definitely check out their sale on Moussy Vintage jeans.

24S – like a cool French girl with impeccable style, this retailer has a wide range of European designers (they carry Celine RTW!) and don’t charge sales tax to orders in the US.

Totokaelo – extra 10% off sale.  Amazing selection of up-and-coming indie designers like Khaite.  If you like menswear inspired pieces or structured silhouettes, Totokaelo is the shop for you.

Farfetch – the largest selection of inventory.  Period.  If you can’t find it on Farfetch, it doesn’t exist.

Matches Fashion – extra 10% off sale.  Like Farfetch, the inventory is extensive and the user experience is top-notch (their search function is incomparable).

Need Supply – extra 20% off.  A great mix of designer and affordable items.  Check out Stelen and Farrow; two trendy yet affordable brands exclusive to Need Supply.

Tips

1. Make a list and stick to it.  You should utilize your favorite retailers’ wishlist function and add to it YEAR ROUND.  That way, when Cyber Week sales hit, you can simply check to see what on your wishlist went on sale and pounce.

2. Take advantage of buy/return.  At this point in designer sale season, nothing is final sale.  If you are unsure about sizing or think an item you want may go to a further discount, but it now and take advantage of the option to return or price adjust.

3. Don’t shop when you are tired or have had a glass of wine.  Sounds odd, but when your defenses are down, you are much more likely to overspend!

Where to Find High Quality, Fairly Priced Cashmere

The Best Affordable Cashmere SweatersThe Best Affordable Cashmere Sweaters  The Best Affordable Cashmere Sweaters The Best Affordable Cashmere Sweaters The Best Affordable Cashmere SweatersThe Best Affordable Cashmere Sweaters

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere funnel neck sweater (similar here) // Celine sunglasses // YSL bag
Boots (old, similar here) // Citizens of Humanity jeans

Tis the season for cozy sweaters!

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing I dislike more than an itchy sweater.  Enter cashmere.  The softest, most luxurious fabric.  I cherish being able to break out my fall and winter favorites.  But not all cashmere is created equal.  Cashmere operates on a quality scale much like the thread count of your sheets.  The higher the thread count, the higher the quality.  With cashmere, you want the thickest fiber diameter.  That equals extremely cozy fabric!

Unfortunately, cashmere can be super expensive.  There is a hilarious Seinfeld episode in which George finds a damaged $800 cashmere sweater on sale for $85 and tries to pass it off as a gift to Elaine.  I get it!  We all want affordable cashmere.

Here are 4 great brands that offer high quality cashmere at a fair price.

Everlane

I talk about Everlane a ton, so it should be no surprise they make amazing cashmere sweaters.  And good news!  They are having a sale.  Their cashmere collection is $100.  But be quick!  The sale ends November 5th at 12pm PT.

Below are some of my favorite cashmere sweaters from Everlane.  I love that they offer a huge color and size range.  SO many options!

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere

Nordstrom Signature cashmere is the most expensive of these 4 brands, but well worth it.  Their cashmere sweaters average about $250 but you can always find them on sale.  I snagged a $400 cardigan during their half-yearly sale for $79!  What I love about their cashmere is the extremely high quality.  It’s seriously the softest EVER.  And with Nordstrom’s amazing customer service, they will repair it and do alternations if needed.

Naadam

Naadam is an awesome brand that I recently discovered.  They have a softness scale next to each style so you can see exactly how luxurious the cashmere will feel.  Generally, the softer and more-silk like the cashmere is, the higher the price.  Thankfully the majority of their sweaters range between $150-$250.

Filoro

Filoro is the trendy one of the bunch.  I love how bold their styles are!  They offer tie dye, lace applique, and cable knit styles in addition to several other silhouettes (like hoodies).  Definitely check out their fair pricing for some on-trend sweaters.

Filoro Cashmere Sweaters

 

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Designer Sale Season: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Deals

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksTibi sweatshirt // AGOLDE denim cutoffs // Celine Sunglasses // Golden Goose sneakers // Marrow Fine ring

One of my favorite times of year is upon us.  Designer sale season!

Twice a year (in late May and late December) everything from the prior season goes on sale.  This is a carte blanche maneuver, meaning literally every retailer under the sun participates.  No one is left out.

How these sales differ from other big sales – for example, Friends & Family sales or the ever-popular Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – is that things are permanently marked down.  These aren’t promotional prices that will expire.  In addition, inventory will not be restocked.  Once something is sold, it’s gone.  So striking while the iron is hot is imperative.

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks

Why You Should Pay Attention to Designer Sale Season

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  I buy 80% of my yearly wardrobe during designer sale season.  The deals do not get any better than during this time.  If you’re a bargain hunter, this is when you get rock bottom prices.

Plus, the items on sale are unique.  They’re diamonds in the rough.

I have a confession.  I loathe the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Why?  Because what goes on sale is stuff that literally 10,000 other girls have.  Everyone buys the same thing.  It’s like clone shopping.  And who wants to look like everyone else?  Not me.

Designer sale season is the time to buy those items you’ve coveted all year but haven’t pulled the trigger because the price wasn’t right.  Now the price is right!

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks
Tips for Shopping Designer Sale Season

My top tips for shopping the sales can be found here; one of my most popular blog posts.

The first thing you want to do is scour the wishlists you’ve created with all of your favorite online retailers.  This keeps you focused on what you need and have been coveting, and curbs impulse buying.  The goal is not to buy something just because it’s on sale.

The second thing is to make sure you have relationships built with your favorite stores’ associates.  I have at least 3 experts at Nordstrom that text me information of pieces they think I’ll like that will be going on sale.  Keep your information on file and they can pre-sale these items to lock in your size/availability.

Finally, buy now, return later.  While I will never promote over buying or going beyond your budget, this timeframe in designer sale season still allows for full refunds.  As summer begins and the discounts get deeper – from 30% to 50% to 80% off – your ability to return something for a full refund diminishes.  And so does inventory.  What’s left by the time we get to the 80% off marker is really picked over.

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks
Today’s Look

My entire outfit was purchased during designer sale season (past and present).  Never pay full price!

These denim shorts will be your summer staple.  If you are pear shaped like me or have a smaller waist and bigger hips, go with your normal size.  If you are apple shaped or have a similar hip to waist ratio, go up one size.  Because these shorts are 100% cotton (no stretch) and tapered at the waist, make sure you size accordingly.

My sweatshirt comes in 3 colors and I adore the voluminous sleeves and cropped length.  Perfect for pairing with high waisted bottoms, it’s nice for cool spring days.

Everyone talks about Golden Goose sneakers and I have to say they are worth the hype, especially when you get them on sale.  The first time I saw them in person I was way more impressed than I thought I’d be.  They just scream cool.  Are they comfortable?  Yes.  Should you wear them to work out?  No. They aren’t built for that kind of support, nor will they be as comfortable as a true athletic sneaker, but they are perfect for comfortable, casual days.  Check out this pair, this pair and this pair – all on sale.

What are you shopping for in the sales?

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 Top Picks

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018The day we’ve all been waiting for is here!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale launched today for cardholders!

Fear not, if you aren’t a Nordstrom cardholder, you can apply for one here.  Don’t want a Credit card?  Apply for the Debit card that links directly to your bank account.

Public access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins on July 20th.

If you watched me on Instagram TV, you know I shared tips for how to shop this sale.  There is a definite strategy involved, so I recommend following these tips.

  1. Buy now, return later.  Things will absolutely sell out fast.  Utilize Nordstrom’s amazing return policy (plus free return shipping!).
  2. Stock up on basics.  This is the sale to buy those bread & butter pieces that normally never go on sale.  Save the specialty items and trendy pieces for another time!
  3. Hone in on quality.  My recommendations below are pieces I’ve personally tried and tested.  With thousands of items going on sale, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with analysis paralysis.  My commitment to you is only to recommend the very best.

Click on the images below to shop.

Boots
Active & Loungewear
Sweaters
Pants & Tops
Jackets & Coats

 

You can also shop my picks in the Shop tab above, under Nordstrom Sale.

Happy shopping and let me know what you get!