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.