Zimmerman Sale

While I love a good basic, I have fallen hard lately for statement florals that amp up the femininity and can be styled in a more edgy way. I gravitate to Zimmerman when it comes to dresses.

Zimmerman creates day-to-night girly dresses, that transcend the seasons and look stunning paired with modern accessories.

I only recommend dresses that I see myself wearing and loving for years to come. Each of these is definitely an investment.

I do prefer to get high-end dresses, statement pieces and eye-catching prints when I can get them on sale. I do re-wear my prints, but still can’t re-wear them the same way I could a plain black dress, so getting a discount is smart shopping.

I do believe that separates are more practical, but a well-made dress is a one-piece outfit that makes getting dressed, effortless. These are my top 6 investment dresses. Yes, they pack a punch, but they also have an aura of classic femininity about them.

Clicking the image above will take you to the stunning selection of Zimmerman dresses offered on Net-A-Porter. I have also included links below for each dress shown above. Happy Shopping!

Black Friday: Reiss

I am ecstatic to share my Black Friday suggestions with you. I know that I am rushing the year along, but I truly think that planning ahead and creating a wishlist now, will help you shop consciously and allow you to avoid regret purchases this Black Friday. My intent for this series of blog posts about Black Friday, is that you are able to scoop up truly special items that you value and will love for years, rather than items you won’t wear or will get rid of within 6 months time.

I have already written a post about how to shop smart during Black Friday time, but in this post we are going to dive into my picks and future purchases. I always recommend quality above quantity, and I am laser-focused on Reiss this Black Friday. Because I have done intense closet decluttering recently, I only want to bring in new pieces that are here to stay.

Here are a few photos of a Reiss coat I bought last year at 50%, so you can see the quality for yourself. Though it is a plaid, the ivory and grey colorway make it wearable and classic.

Reiss is currently offering 50% off seasonal styles. Some dresses go for $300-500 + and their amazing wool coats often hit the $600-$900 mark. I can honestly say that each piece I have from Reiss is classic, classy and timeless. So, while I cringe at buying a wool coat for $700, getting a timeless coat for $350 is easier to chew on.

Reiss often have an outlet section on their site, and if they offer an additional 15%, you can snag some stunning pieces at a fraction of the price. Here are my Reiss favorites that I have my eye on…

Anders coat-Longline Overcoat with Zip Detail in grey melange $745

Originally I was on the hunt for a classic camel coat, but while looking in my closet, I realized a grey coat would be just as fitting. This light grey would work with blush colors, white, and black. The large lapels and zip details give it a bit more edge than many classic coats I’ve seen. It is lined and the long silhouette will lengthen the body, which is ideal if you’re petite like me.

Mason coat-Wool Blend Longline Coat in berry $645

I have a deep love for the color maroon. This oxblood shade is winter-appropriate and a little sexy. It also would blend beautifully with my wardobe, as I have several oxblood pieces. For me, maroon is a classic color. This coat offers the notched collar instead of traditional lapels, which may be a nice update if you already have several traditional wool coats in your closet. This coat is also available in navy.

Dala coat-Double Breasted Animal Print Coat in multi $545

This coat is a bit more fun and playful. Yet, if you have a capsule wardobe of black pieces like me, I think this is a way to add life to an all-black outfit. It also makes dressing for winter super easy. Throw on black denim, a black sweater, black boots, and then top it all off with this fabulous print Reiss coat.

If you lack a high quality wool winter coat, I would suggest buying one of the first two coats mentioned above, before anything else. When Jack Frost finally comes out, we all need that classic go-to coat to keep us warm. Obviously the grey and oxblood suggestions would be more versatile. The animal print coat really only is versatile if you wear black on a regular basis. It also is composed of 41% acryclic and 21% polyster, while the grey and maroon coat are predominantly wool. Your style and what you currently own may dictate your choice here. In case you already have the perfect classic coat, I have included other outerwear options below.

Lexington coat-Faux Fur Coat in grey $545

I adore this fur jacket. While I think you can find more affordable fur jackets like this, I really do think the fit and fur itself will be much nicer from Reiss. But, if you’re like me and would restrict yourself to one or two coats, you could pass on this. It’s just so pretty though…

Amalia boots-Suede Heeled Ankle Boots in charcoal grey $495

I am a lover of this deep charcoal color. It’s a bit softer than black, but still is a dark, wearable neutral. These have a bit of a heel…but if you want to give yourself a height boost, and turn to boots rather than heels, I think this pair is a great option. Can you imagine these boots with the matching suede jacket? They would instantly pull an outfit together. To me, this is the definition of modern classics.

Allie Jacket-Suede Biker Jacket in charocal $620

Tori jacket-Herringbone Tailored Blazer in monochrome $540

I had to throw in a workwear piece. With the slim, tailored cut and the herringbone design, it’s not your average blazer. I have a pair of charcoal herringbone pants, and I can’t help thinkling what a power combo the two would make. This looks excpetional with plain black trousers and would look equally amazing with a distressed pair of denim. If you work in a smart casual environment, this make be the outerwear piece for you. Now for knitwear, in a winterland of ivory and light greys…

Flo knit-Textured V-Neck Jumper in grey $295

These knits and sweaters are investment pieces. Which is why I will wait for a sale. The thick knit and superb quality makes these the sweaters that I would reach for when the bitter cold hits. I don’t own any knitwear from Reiss, but to me, these look designer. They are definitely classics that I would reach for each fall and winter.

Cassie knit-Zip Detail Roll Neck Jumper in grey $330

Mila heels-Leather Lace Up Heeled Shoes in truffle $370

This is a great footwear option for fall that will work with nearly all your outfits. The croc effect and high heel make them look modern, and the lace-up detail is very flattering. My most worn pair of shoes are lace-up suede block heels, so I think these would be a go-to shoe.

April knit-Textured Knitted Midi Dress in grey $320

Now for a sweater dress. I only own 2 sweater dresses, but this light textured grey is gorgeous and looks very figure-flattering, with the leg slit and waist belt. The grey is so light it looks ivory, so you could style this dress with black boots and accessories, or keep it more feminine with blush or nude footwear.

While this is my Reiss Black Friday edit, I realize that there are still a lot of pieces here to choose from. In complete disclosure, if you are struggling with what to purchase from Reiss, I would suggest passing on this sweater dress. It is honestly one of the most flattering, versatile, and classic sweater dresses I think that I have ever seen. BUT…this garment is 64% acrylic, 25% polyster, and 8% linen. So if you are choosing between this pretty sweater dress and one of the wool coats shown above, go with the wool coat.

Cresida boots-Leather Knee High Boots in black $660

The gorgous knee high boots are composed of 100% leather and the lining is also 100% leather. The pointed toe and stiletto heel make them look sleek and polished, and give any dress or skirt an instant edge. They also come in military green, claret, and brown (though the brown is currently out of stock.)

Lotte Leather Culottes in black $660

I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of leather trousers, and think these are a modern, more relaxed take on the classic piece. It also looks very edgy with a pair of knee-high boots. The advantage to leather culottes instead of leather leggings or trousers, is that you can wear them from fall to winter, by simply opting for high knee boots and a sweater, as it gets colder.

Ottolie jacket-Cross Stitch Leather Bomber Jacket in black $745

Such a fun, edgy look, in a different style than anything in my closet. The quilted element makes it look even more high-end, but it has a softer look than the typical biker jacket. Is anyone else getting Chanel vibes?

Wynee jacket-Leather Belted Jacket in tan $1,120

This tan/nude belted leather jacket is a softer, modern take on the classic leather jacket. I think if you are on the hunt for a new leather jacket, but want one you can also transition to the office, this is perfect. How gorgeous would this jacket look with an ivory sweater and beige trousers? It would look equally stunning with a lace cami and jeans. This jackets says, “I’m polished and put together, but also a bit edgy.” And while some leather jackets can look boxy, the matching belt enhances a femine silhouette.

Bethann skirt-Snake Printed Leather Mini Skirt in brown $540

Annie skirt-Snake Printed Leather Midi Skirt in taupe $620

This gorgeous mid-tone brown snake effect skirt is the updated version from Reiss’s snake skirt from last year (which I own and that completely sold out.) They offer it in the mini and midi style. The midi style would be a great, edgy look for a work-appropriate outfit. However, the mini skirt is more my style. This brown snake skirt with brown knee-high boots would be a stunning combo. I love my grey snake skirt so much that I want this chocolate version as well…

Hope this gives you some inspiration and direction for Black Friday! I expect that Reiss will be where I invest the most this year. What items are you interested in?

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.