Black Friday Regrets

Welcome to more Black Friday content. I want to go really in-depth as the sales season hits, because I learned the hard way how to “not shop” the sales. Let me explain…

Negotiating On Your Size

Last year, I bought a pair of Alexander Wang Jeans, as well as a pair of pearl-studded Jonathan Simkhai jeans, both from The Outnet. While the quality of both pairs of jeans were impeccable, the sizing was all wrong (which is 100% my own fault.) I got swept away in the item being 60-70% off, and purchased jeans from brands I had never tried on before.

So, know your size in brands you are buying from, before you invest this Black Friday. Especially when it comes to jeans, trousers, etc., you need to know the brand’s sizing. With coats, tops, and dresses it may be fine if it’s slightly roomy. But know the brand’s sizing and fit, because sizes vary greatly from brand to brand.

In general, find a brand that suits your signature style in your perfect size, and stick to that. That’s the ultimate secret! This Black Friday I plan on buying clothing from just one retailer, with all the pieces working as a capsule collection. They all scream my signature style, but are very classic and mix and match and layer together. By being realistic about our size and consistent with our style, we eliminate regret purchases.

Sales Shopping from New Brands

As a rule of thumb, try on the item from that brand that you anticipate you will purchase, or stick to brands that you know well. This helps with sizing, as well as quality. It doesn’t matter how good a sale is, if the item doesn’t fit and flatter you, and the quality isn’t there. You don’t know the quality of brands until you try them, but I recommend trying before the sales and making sure that the brand offers free returns, in case the item is a total fail. Also, many brands have a district vibe, so often our go-to brands are the safest choice.

I have ordered items from a very cheap online clothing company that wouldn’t offer free returns and wouldn’t accept the item (never worn and still with the tag on), after I sent it back. In this case, that was a total waste of money for a few cheap clothing pieces that I could have put towards one great, classic item. Don’t blow your Black Friday budget on random websites that you don’t have experience with.

Spreading Your Money In Too Many Places

While I realize that one single website may not offer everything that you are looking for, I do think that you should have a focused approach to Black Friday shopping. There are only a select few websites I purchase from because these sites offer free returns, and I am confident in the quality and style of what they offer.

I am very in tune with my signature style these days, and by restricting myself to where I shop, I can mix and match the pieces I purchase easily. Also, the sites I purchase from do offer similar items year after year, and often style their “new in” pieces from other items that are from the last season. So, I actually get ideas for new purchases, based on items I bought from this retailer last year.

Not Prioritizing Your Spending

This year, I am in need of a great winter coat. Next year, my priority will be accessories. Based on your closet needs and what you already own, yours may be very different. Whatever you need the most is what you should focus on during the sales. This is the importance of a small, curated Black Friday wishlist.

Don’t get caught up in the “new in” and not have enough money left to buy a great classic that you’ll wear for years to come. By doing your research now and having a shopping list, you will be a smarter shopper. If there is one investment piece you need the most, purchase that first.

Not Cleansing Your Closet

How do we know what we need to add to our wardobe if we don’t go through it? Spend a day (or two or three) examining the basics in your closet. I recommend putting a week of outfits together. It will quickly become becomes obvious if your lacking a basic white tee, or the perfect pair of jeans. As you notice what is missing in your closet, make a list of what you need. Use your list to decide where to spend your money this Black Friday.

This is the fun part! You get to decide what exact basics fit in with your signature style and retailers to turn to, when the sales hit. When we don’t clean out our closet regularly, we tend to over-shop and just make fun and sporadic purchases. More often than not, these become our regret purchases. By planning ahead and realizing what you have and what you lack, you can be a conscious consumer and make the most of your money.

How To Pre-Shop Black Friday

Photo from The Outnet, The Drew Bijou mini glossed-leather shoulder bag

With the beginning of November comes Black Friday hauls and email blasts from our favorite retailers announcing sales. Yet, if you do plan on doing some heavy shopping when the Black Friday deals come around, now is the time to start saving for those purchases. Also, keep in mind that often retailers will launch sales prior to the “Black Friday” sales time that we are accustomed to. Often, my go-to retailers will go on sales, weeks before I would have expected, some as early as late October or the first week of November. The items shown in the photos from the Outnet are examples of regular promotions offered throughout the year. Just imagine the sales percentage off for Black Friday…

Photo from The Outnet, as I browse classic, white blouses

For me, I plan on selecting fewer, but higher quality investment pieces. In this case, saving is even more important. You want to make sure that you have the funds available, so when that amazing designer handbag or classic wool coat that you have been eyeing for the past few months does go on sale, you can make it yours.

Photo from Google to illustrate how I pre-shop

Also, look into the different styles, fabrics, options for the exact item you are lusting after. Know the size you need, color you prefer, what the item typically costs on average, and what version best fits your lifestyle. That way, when Black Friday sales go live, and you feel the rush to buy something before it sells out, you know if you are actually getting a good deal and what different options (and pre-loved options) exist for the exact item or similar items.

Photo from Google Images, a great tool to compare sizes/colors/shapes, as you decide which piece is the perfect one for you

Maybe you know that you want a mini brown Chloe bag. So, when the medium sized version goes on mega sale, you pass until you find the exact mini that you had in mind.

Another example…I am looking for a classic, neutral wool coat. But, I want something with a slimming silhouette and that flatters my petite frame. So, when I see all those camel coats in a boxy shape or that aren’t at least 50% wool, I know all those coats are a pass for me…and I don’t blow my shopping budget on the wrong coat.

Photo from Google to illustrate how to compare-shop wishlist items

I plan on doing online shopping, rather than going to the actual stores. For me, the shopping where I live is quite limited; also, it is easier to do price comparisons online. Before you click purchase, quickly google the item and make sure that retailer is offering the best price. In this way, online shopping is more convenient and more savvy. Do your research on items that you NEED in your closet before you make a big purchase.

Halogen Plaid Coat from Nordstrom

I am currently going through my closet and pulling out any pieces that I’m not longer loving so I can sell them. By trying to sell them now, this allows time for someone to purchase them and the money to go into my account for some fun Black Friday shopping action. Take my crazy plaid coat above as a reminder to select versatile pieces in classic colors as you pre-shop.

As we discuss Black Friday shopping, I still adhere to my shopping mantra of shopping intentionally, and only buying versatile items that you will love year after year. Even if an item is super discounted, if you will only wear it once or twice, it’s still not a great buy (think crazy plaid coat.) So, let’s stick to the phrase “less is more” and start preparing for those fantastic investment pieces as November approaches.

Styling Zimmerman Pieces

Today I am stepping way from my comfort zone and styling the boldest print in my entire closet. I wore it recently when I attended a Cirque De Soleil show, which was an incredible experience. I figured if there was any occasion to experiment with my style, it was this evening. I realize that it isn’t the ideal season to feature floral mini skirts and mini dresses, but I do believe that you should buy what you love and when you find your perfect dress, skirt, or whatever, you should buy it, as long as you’ll wear it next summer or spring.

It is so much better to buy your dream summer dress, even when its snowing outside, than to buy a handful of random sweaters that don’t resonate with your signature style. Buy what you love, regardless of the season, as long as the piece is one you see yourself wearing time and time again. With that said, Zimmerman is my go-to for summer and spring dresses and stunning floral prints.

Photo from The Outnet

I already had this Zimmerman pleated skirt in my closet, and immediately knew I would wear it to the show. I just had to find the right top to go with it. I have very few white blouses, so finding the perfect one for this skirt was quite challenging. This was a reminder to me that I need to invest in basics before splurging on eye-catching pieces. The Outnet styled the skirt with an emerald camisole. I searched high and low for this exact one, but every green cami I found was slightly the wrong shade. The skirt is already such a punch of color that I prefer a more subdued top or blouse. The skirt has pure white in it, so any cream or ivory blouses I found also looked a bit off. I even tried to pull out the peach in the skirt, but I do think that the bolder the skirt, the simpler the top should be.

Top from Vivienne Hue

Styling tip: Before you buy a statement piece, think what basics you already own that you can pair with it. High quality basics make your wardrobe work, and a few statement pieces sprinkled in keep your closet fresh.

I also own the dress in this same print from Zimmerman. I just loved the floral so much. With a floral this bold, I actually think the dress version is easier to style. Because the colors in the skirt are so bold and vivid, it was such a challenge to match. I actually don’t go for yellow, but because the dress is a more casual style in a fun print and gorgeous fabric, it is a killer dress.

Usually, though, a skirt option is more versatile than a dress. The advantage to a flirty skirt like this is that you can make it casual with white sleek sneakers, or super dressy and leg-lengthening with nude heels.

The Outnet has an amazing selection of Zimmerman, and several pieces with this same print, even a blouse. That may be the most wearable version; you can style it with white denim or trousers.

Eventually, I found a gorgeous lace blouse from the brand Bardot from Nordstrom. I would definitely suggest their blouses for a romantic, but feminine silhouette. They offer everything from date night dresses, to eyelet tops, to fully sheer, sexy lace tops. It’s tricky to style mini skirts as it gets colder, but cotton, long-sleeved tops make it more weather-appropriate, especially since the Cirque de Soleil show was on ice!

Luxe Fall Mini Wishlists

As the change of the season approaches us, I felt inspired to put together mini wishlists. Each mini wishlist creates an entire outfit, with each item being a versatile, investment piece. I actually put together three mini wishlists for you, with interchangeable accessories. So from one wishlist to the next, the shoes or the bag may be the only different element, with the same outfit. This shows how versatile the clothing is and helps to limit our shopping to the perfect dress, and then invest in one bag or one pair of shoes that you could wear all season. This wishlist trio is actually helping me think through my future shopping purchases and carefully select what I allow on my luxe wishlists:)

How gorgeous are these Acne Studios ankle boots in blush pink? The wood heel makes the boots unique and a little retro. This super pale nude-pink shade is stunning and is a great complement for outfits with any shade of pink and peach. It would also be a subtle hint of color for nude or white clothing. How stunning would these shoes look with a floral dress, or a suede skirt for fall? I’ve spotted these exact shoes on TheRealReal for a fraction of the retail price.

This Zimmerman blouse embodies the Victorian trend and is romantic, while also being sexy. Please note that there is a sheer panel near the bust, and your bra will poke through slightly. I would suggest a lace bralette underneath.

This Chloe bag perfectly ties this outfit together, though this handbag would look equally stunning with any blush pink/white/nude outfit. It definitely looks more spring/summer, but I love pastel hues in the winter, as much as I love the winter white trend. It adds a bit of life and girly-ness to the chillier time of the year.

This snakeskin statement skirt is a piece that I have in my own closet. It’s the inspiration for this entire mini wishlist. This is one suggestion I can offer you as far as luxury shopping goes: pinpoint one statement piece already in your closet, and then shop for a few classic investment pieces that would complement it. I invested in this skirt because it is real suede and puts all the other more affordable faux and genuine suede skirts that I have tried, to shame. While this exact skirt is no longer available, Reiss repeats styles each year, and they currently offer other fabulous suede skirts (even some on sale).

To show you the versatility of the bag and boots, I created another mini wishlist fashion board, but switched up the clothing and gave you another bag option as well. This stunning romper is also from Zimmerman…what can I say…I’m addicted to the brand’s aesthetic. I must say, Zimmerman and Chloe pair rather well together.

The Chloe bag and Acne boots are a match made in heaven. I think they are a great choice to use as a power duo for any of your pink/pastel outfits. I threw in the Fendi bag, because it did match the romper perfectly and I’m a sucker for peach. Hopefully these mini wishlists remind you to shop consciously and select pieces that mix and match, according to what you have in your own closet.

I had to include one more fashion board, incorporating this fabulous peachy/mauve Zimmerman print. This version is actually the dress version, instead of the romper shown in the previous photo. Hopefully it is helpful for you to see the same outfit styled in a different way, with different accessories. I kept the peach Fendi bag for this look, but switched up the shoes for a more fall-appropriate, edgy look. These Alaia boots are nude, laser-cut ankle boots, with lace-up details. They are amazing! They are nearly sold out on Net-a-Porter, and for good reason. These boots would make any outfit a bit more edgy and the color pairs beautifully for any outfit.

This Blank NYC suede jacket in the coffee bean shade is something I own and enjoy. The brand claims it is genuine leather, or genuine suede, and it certainly feels like it. I grabbed this during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale for $135, and full price, it retails for $188. It is a total steal and complements pink and mauvy tones. I would suggest pairing the jacket with suede brown boots for fall, and they would instantly pull together any outfit. Simply layer on this jacket and switch your sandals for edgy boots, and this Zimmerman dress transitions right into Autumn.

What is your dreamy fall look?

Styling Pastel Florals

I believe there is art to styling florals in a sophisticated and modern way. Though I love classic pieces, I also absolutely adore uber feminine florals, from designers such as Zimmerman. I encourage you to still select quality fabrics, and look beyond just the floral. When you discover a stunning floral in your color palette, in 100% silk or cotton, the look is truly stunning. Whether you pick a cotton candy hue, as I will show below, or a dark floral for fall, determine which colors will be most suitable and versatile for your own wardrobe. I would even suggest a bit of both, so that you can mix up your classic pieces throughout the year, whether it is in the middle of summer, or later in the fall.

The lovely floral skirt I’m wearing is from Zara. You may recognize it, as everyone was going crazy for the blouse, trousers, and skirt when it was released. It was considered a Zinmerman dupe. And now that I also own Zimmerman, I can tell you the fabric is nowhere near as luxurious and lightweight as Zimmerman. The print is nice, though, and I have the matching blouse as well. I have both the top and bottom in a medium, and I will have to have the blouse tailored, because I am absolutely swimming in it. However, the mini skirt is perfect for a hot summer day, and I prefer it styled with a blush (or white) blouse.

This blouse is by Veronica M. Her brand is hard to find online, and this was purchased from a boutique in Birmingham. I find her price point steep for what you’re getting, so I would suggest choosing your own blush or cream blouse with a flowy silhouette.

The bag is from Rebecca Minkoff, which I found on TheRealReal.com. It is the Small Love Crossbody Bag, in a stunning iridescent colorway. I haven’t seen this iridescent version for purchase since, but you can get this same bag in black, beige, taupe, and a dark red shade on Nordstrom. I use this bag often when styling outfits, as it is very affordable, but offers one of the most similar bag shapes as the Chanel flap, without trying to be a dupe. I think most people would prefer a neutral shade, but as my style is a bit quirky, I adore iridescent and multi-dimensional colors. This actually makes this bag match almost every outfit I wear.

The shoes are from & Other Stories. I wear them to work and in the evening. Because they are nude, they are very leg-elongating. The block heel makes them more comfortable and keeps the outfit from looking overly girly.

If you do love a good floral like me, I think it is key to have white, cream, tan, and blush basics in your closet. This helps you put your outfit together, especially when the floral is a separate, rather than a dress. If you know you love pink florals, or a specific color, then I would recommend having matching separates (tanks, blouses, etc.) in that color, or at least in that color family. I hope this helps give you some floral inspiration and have fun with floral prints, while still staying true to your signature style.

Baby Blue Capsule

Welcome to my first of many luxury capsules. Because I am inspired by monochrome styling, and dressing from head to toe in one color, but with different shade variations and textures, I thought that luxury capsules with the color theme might be fun.

Baby blue can look very chic and high-end when done well, and there is nothing I love more than faded jeans with a blue blouse and a fabulous jacket thrown over the shoulders.

This capsule includes a dress you can dress up or down during the hotter months, as well as a casual top and a dressier one for work or evenings out and about. I don’t think I’ll be able to do any capsule without a jacket, as a piece of outwear can make any outfit more complete and allows you to transition your lighter layers into fall and winter.

This jacket is one of my favorites in my closet, and it is a very special piece. It is the classic Acne leather jacket, but in a pastel blue. It is the inspiration for this entire capsule. I purchased mine from Net-a-Porter. This baby blue color is a seasonal color, though Acne also offers this jacket in grey, beige, pink, and the classic black.

I hope this gives you some baby blue inspiration! It’s a color that’s very soft and feminine, and though it’s currently on-trend, depending on the pieces you select, it can look very timeless and high-fashion.