From Christmas parties to the countdown to New Years, steal the show with statement shoes covered in sequins, rhinestones, and edgy elegance. I have created an entire page of footwear options to cover all your festive occasions. Some are more subtle and transition seamlessly into the coming seasons, while others demand to be paired with a fabulous cocktail dress and a bottle of bubbly.
Check out my Holiday Shoe Edit page for the full visuals and details.
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.
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?
