Black Friday 2020

As we approach Black Friday, I wanted to “throw together” a few luxury looks that are literally what dreams are made of. Though I am not able to splash out on a Chanel classic flap right now, I do like to have a luxury wishlist in mind before going cyber crazy when Black Friday sales launch. Being conscious of the quality and style that I value, will prevent me from overspending on fast fashion and just shopping because something is on sale. This pink Balmain cardigan looks unbelievable, but I would never spend this amount of money on a cardigan.

If I happen to find it pre-loved at some point, and it is 65-70% off retail price, then I would consider purchasing. I have seen amazing Balmain pieces in amazing condition on TheRealReal for a fraction of the retail price, and I recommend knowing exactly what you’re looking for when browsing reselling retailers. While most of these featured items are available on The Outnet, the houndstooth Balmain cardigan shown below is exclusively available on MyTheresa.

I am so in love with this 2 piece Balmain set. I absolutely adore how Claire Chanelle styled it and she is 100% my inspiration for this. The cardigan would like incredible with any white dress, thought it is quite the splurge, especially for both the cardigan and the skirt. If you are looking for a game changing outfit to really make a statement, this might be the investment for you.

The Outnet is currently offering 25% off clearance items. That is AMAZING!!! Typically, the clearance category offers 70% or more off retail, and with this promo, you get an extra 25% discount. For a limited time, they are also offering 22% regular priced items. It will work for the Balmain dress above, however it did not work for another Balmain sweater dress. It also didn’t apply for higher price point Zimmerman pieces. If you see something you love, try the code before checking out and maybe you can save an extra 22%.

In full transparency, I have no affiliation with The Outnet. It is just my go-to shopping spot for high end apparel at a more accessible price. Instead of shopping my heart out at a handful of retailers this Black Friday, I will be focusing on a few specific investment pieces.

Luxury promos

I discovered a secret code that will get you 15% off your purchase (including items already on sale!)

The Outnet is my go-to retailer for on-sale luxury, from Zimmerman to Balmain, and everything in between. Happy early Black Friday! I don’t profit from your purchase, just wanted to share the love. Black Friday can feature great deals and I am sure I will find a thing or two that I can’t live without. Yet, don’t ignore sales prior to Black Friday that may get you even better savings without the virtual rush of Black Friday when bestsellers sell out so quickly. I am featuring a few of my favorites from the Outnet. The selection is so good right now!

Enter code: HELLOAGAIN

Honestly, the Zimmerman selection is AMAZING!!!! So many prints that I haven’t seen offered there before, including items from the Super Eight collection. I hesitated on one blouse from this collection and it was sold out within a few hours. Luckily, the Zimmerman selection is extensive and there are still hundreds of options. Obviously, Zimmerman is a more spring-summer brand. BUT…one of my best fashion tips is to buy what you love, regardless of season. I also style my items so that they work year round. As I was looking through the Zimmerman prints, I was thinking how I could “winterize” them and style them with a trench or khaki coat. The code HELLOAGAIN was working yesterday, but I tried this morning to confirm it for you, and it no longer works. It may depend on the items you add to your shopping bag. It’s a worth a try, and if you haven’t made an order on The Outnet before, you can use code: FIRST15 for 15% off your order. New Zimmerman items have also been added to the clearance including this romper:

Zimmerman Off the Shoulder Georgette Playsuit

$144

These items in particular have caught my eye: click below to shop.

Life Update

So, it’s been awhile. My apologies for the delay and lack of fashion. Within the last two months, I have moved from Madison, Alabama to Baltimore, Maryland. The opportunity presented itself for me to earn my Master Degree in Elementary Education. It is a huge lifestyle change, but I am so grateful and jumped at the opportunity. Just because I am pursuing my love of education and working with students, doesn’t mean I love fashion any less. I love it more than ever! I now live in a city with a Zara, and Nordstrom, as well as a Louis Vuitton, and in a place where fashion is more accessible. I have heard so many inspiring stories about people going after their dreams and making huge lifestyle changes amidst COVID, and that totally resonates with me. The world is literally on its edge, and the state of the world is so scary and unknown that it made me a bit more bold in going after those things I was too timid to go for before. I hope you too find that fire amidst these scary times. I have since moved into a quaint little apartment in the artsy neighborhood of the city. Currently, everything is still virtual for me and I am craving true fashion, more than ever. Despite the long hours that my work and graduate degree requires, I am committed to posting regularly and have some fun content planned for Black Friday.

Mother's Day gift guide

Mother’s Day has snuck up on me this year! In case you find yourself In the same boat, I am sharing some last-minute gifts that will have your mom smiling.

In times like these, I think it is especially important to show gratitude and love for our moms. Whether you want a gift as elegant as she is, or something sentimental, find that unique gift that means something significant & represents your mom’s personality. Perhaps your mom is a cook or cat lover?

Does your mom love to organize or need a little help in that department? I think this jewelry organizer is a simple and effective solution.

I love the idea of including a necklace or bracelet, so when your mom open the box, she has an extra surprise inside. With that in mind, I have dozens of affordable jewelry recommendations…..

I’ve included some bold costume jewelry options, as well as more delicate and dainty jewelry alternatives…

A special pillow or tapestry instantly creates an atmosphere of gratitude and a reminder to your mom of how much she’s loved. I like the pillowcase option, as your mom can use it on any pillow she already has.

I hope this little gift guide assists with your last-minute shopping so you can make Mother’s Day a special one for your mom…even if you celebrate at a distance.

productivity in self-isolation

The one thing that gives me hope in the isolated state is the fact that now I have time to do all the things I never did before, and with this time, I want to be productive and create personal growth that will make me a stronger and better person and professional. I’ve created a list of things that I truly believe will be a smart investment of your time. Several of these could broaden your opportunities professionally and will make you more marketable, if you are job hunting, or simply want to advance your skill-set.

#1. Learn a new language

I’ve heard good things about Babbel, and there are so many programs where you can learn a new language virtually.

Many employers prefer you to be able bilingual. Even when the role doesn't demand it, it comes in handy to be able to communicate with students and customers who speak another language. This also opens up doors of working as a translator or helping people

#2. Create a blog/website… yes this one is a labor of love, but so worth it in my opinion. If you have ever wanted to put your own spin on on of your passions, or advance your tech skills, this is a great way to jump into it. Also, our world these days is virtual and many job applications ask for a virtual portfolio or blog.

#3. Take an online class

Give yourself the gift of a new skill that can make you more marketable in the job market. All classes are online now anyways, so why not pursue an online degree or a certificate that will give you a cutting edge in the job market? And while pursing a master degree online might sound overwhelming, you could pursue a certificate or find your own online program based on the skill-set you want to achieve. Based on the industry you are in, you have to determine whether you need the credential of a certificate or degree, or if you just need the skills as outlined in the job posting.

#4. Evaluate your long-term career goals

When we are working a 9-5, it is so easy to get caught up our day-to-day responsibilities and lose focus of our long term aspirations. But all of a sudden, normality has stopped for many of us. For me, this has made me question what I want long-term and given me the gumption to go after opportunities that truly excite and inspire me. And though in a time of a crisis and tragedy, it is refreshing after spending the last year just trying to get through the day. While you have the time, now is the time to analyze your career vision.

#5. Plan your next vacation

Purely for inspiration…dreaming of the the places we will go after COVID-19, is a breath of fresh air after couch-confinement. Though I don’t have any big vacays planned, even a small weekend away…or a girls night out, will be such a luxury.

#6. Give your apartment a makeover

Maybe your crib needs a little spruce, or just a deep clean. Not only is sanitizing surfaces smart and safe, but because we are staying home all day long, we need a clean and stress-free space to be productive. So get cleaning…or redecorating!

#7. Declutter your closet (and your life)

A few favorites in my closet, which I re-discovered when decluttering

Okay…this one is my personal favorite. I love organizing my closet, even prior to COVID-19. I have been selling more than usual, which creates space in my closet and makes me more conscious about the items that I will introduce into my closet in 2020.

#8. Start a new workout program

When I was in college, I regularly attended Hardcore Pilates, Bellydancing and Hip Hop classes. And since we are in the comfort of our own homes, why not shake things up? Having fun while you get fit makes you want to exercise on a regular basis, and therefore, you get better results. I also am a big fan of P90x, though I haven’t attempted that in years. By jumpstarting our fitness and boosting our self confidence, it gives us mental-health, confidence, and just movement that our bodies need when we are stuck inside day after day.

Zimmerman inspired sale

Because businesses are struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis, we are seeing more sales than ever. There is no debating that this a taxing time for all of us, for many reasons, and it affects us in drastically different ways.

However, if you are in a position to shop, I think it is a time where you can get more value out of your purchases and pick up some really amazing pieces for spring. I have refined my recommendations to a Zimmerman-inspired items (if you don’t already know my obsession for this brand), that really give you the high-end look for less. These pieces are available at Nordstrom, who is currently offering from 25%-over 70% off. This sale will run to 12 p.m., Sunday, April 26th.

These items paralleling the stunning Zimmerman ready-to-wear, are from Cece, a feminine and modest brand that often offers preppy silhouettes. Please keep in mind that the Zimmerman pieces are silk, and Cece’s are polyester or viscose. The Zimmerman pieces also have a more elegant and flattering cut. Obviously, the quality of fabric and design/style is part of what you are paying for. From experience, I can tell you that the more sheer Zimmerman dresses often come with a matching slip dress. It’s all in the details…And yet, I think the Cece alternatives are a great option if we are looking for something more attainable. Several prints look similar (definitely not identical) to the Zimmerman option, so if you want an alternative…

Zimmerman Romper

Zimmerman White Wave Skirt

Cece Breezy Bouquet Skirt

Cece Breezy Bouquet Skirt

Zimmerman Shirred Dress

Cece Breezy Bouquet Top

Cece Breezy Bouquet Blouse

Cece Breezy Bouquet Blouse

In complete transparency, if I could afford all Zimmerman, I would shop exclusively Zimmerman. I adore this brand and truly believe that the elegant and effortless aesthetic is something that few brands can capture, much less “dupe,” though so many have tried. Some of my favorite items in my closet are from the Australian brand, specifically items I shared in this post. However, I am impressed by Cece’s similar floral prints and thought they were worth mentioning. I don’t favor the more structured and preppy items from Cece, but love the more flowy, bohemian, Zimmerman inspired pieces.

Most of the Cece collection is 30% off at the moment. If you are impressed by the brand, grab a few of these florals while they’re still on sale.