Countdown to Black Friday

 

The Thanksgiving sale rush is right around the corner and there is no better time than NOW to start shopping. Here are my tips for maximizing the sales:

Shop early… LIKE NOW!

Take advantage of price adjustment windows. If you buy things now before they go on sale and adjust later, you’ll wind up getting only what you actually want. How much does it suck when you’ve had your eye on something, it goes on sale, but then it’s already sold out in your size by the time you notice. If you buy the item now, you can adjust for the sale price after. If you purchase from a large retailer, you can also always return if the item doesn’t end up going on sale (maybe don’t open the box though… because if you’re anything like me once it’s open you want to keep it!)

Some important price adjustment windows to take note of:

• Saks has a two week “return” window. If you buy anything now, they will credit you if that item goes on sale within two weeks, Saks Off Fifth is an amazing place to shop for basics. Everything there is already discounted and will get even more discounted come next week. I try to find more high style, unique pieces from Saks, like this dress I bought earlier in the season.
• Nordstrom  will price adjust within two weeks. Nordstrom is already having a great sale, but also next week items will get even more discounted. Nordstrom is working on more and more exclusive collaborations like this one that I’ve found amazing pieces from (especially for work!)
• Shopbop offers a 7 day price adjustment. Shopbop is my go to for everything. I also always find amazing work pieces like this blazer under $90 https://rstyle.me/n/dbkbv8btf2f BEFORE SALE.
• Bloomingdales has a 10 day price adjustment (although you can get 25% off right now) I’m always finding cute things for Scarlett at Bloomingdale’s and am 100% ordering her these boots. They also have my favorite affordable cashmere or all time.
• Net a Porter honors a 7 day price adjustment. I love finding more unique, high style pieces here. I wouldn’t be surprised if this very seasonal (but amazing staple) bag went on sale.
• REVOLVE  will price match within 30 days of purchase!! Anybody else going on a warm weather trip this Winter? I think revolve always has the best options for beach vacations! I love this swimwear  … I have a wedding coming up in the Dominican Republic and will be looking for some cute evening dresses that I can wear at night there.
• Intermix is definitely a little trickier with sale and price adjustments. For them, it’s best to play it safe and buy within a 7 day window. You should 100% start loading up your shopping cart, though, to avoid sizes running out. Intermix never lets your return sale items (which stinks, so you really have to know you want it) but they are good about price adjusting within 7 days. I love dresses from Intermix – especially for something more special. This is an amazing guest dress that a friend of mine recently wore.

Buy from large retailers

Even though I love shopping from boutiques and supporting small businesses. Sale season is the time to buy from the large retailers. They are deal driven, competitive and will work with you to keep your business if you find something cheaper. Their return policies tend to also be a lot more flexible. Small businesses typically have higher margins and less flexibility to do this.

Don’t get lured into price bate

If something is really discounted, but you don’t love it, DON’T BUY IT. You won’t love it any more because it was a good deal. I can’t tell you how many times I used to buy things because the deal seemed great but never ended up wearing what I bought.

Plan!

Go through your closet and identify gaps, especially on basics. Basics that don’t go on sale often are perfect to stock up on this time of year. It’s one of the only times of year you can get your Hanky Panky’s on sale (they will likely be included in a spend and save here !

Splurge on something special that you’ve had your eye on for a while

Fill up your shopping carts BEFORE the sale

Any baby or home needs? Now is definitely the time to buy!

• If anyone is pregnant, buy your stroller during the sale.Although my favorite stroller rarely goes on sale, it will be part of a very attractive promotion where you can earn double or triple points that will get you a gift card. Right now, this looks like the best place to buy. But – the promotions may change later in the week. I would also check  here and here  . If you already have your every day stroller but haven’t yet bought a travel stroller, I highly recommend this one.
• Know the brands that never go on sale and check their sites directly – Veronica Beard  is notorious for this. Their items typically go on sale on their own site before they would at a large retailer.