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The Muppet Show x Sandro & Sale Season Shopping Hacks

The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweaterThe Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater

The Muppet Show x Sandro sweater // DVF skirt // Dorateymur boots

I love a good designer collaboration.  When Sandro announced a limited edition run of The Muppet Show merchandise for women and kids, I about died.  As a kid, I lived for the Muppets.  Who am I kidding?  I still live for the Muppets.  If you read my About Page you know that if I were a Muppet, I’d be Gonzo.  I’ve always loved his kooky, outgoing spirit.

This sweater has been in my closet since early October but I didn’t get a chance to shoot it for the blog until now (#momlife).  While it’s been worn with my favorite skinny jeans and loafers, I LOVE it punched up with this leopard print skirt (which comes in 2 colors and is 60% off btw!).

Today’s look is a great example of how my NYFW outfits transcend into reality.  I’m often asked if what I wear during fashion week is what I actually wear in real life, and the answer is Yes and No.  During NYFW I definitely punch up the wow factor, but each piece I showcase does get worn year round.  I simply take it down a notch.  Statement coats get paired with jeans and tees, dressy pieces get worn with a more practical shoe and not as many accessories.

Speaking of NYFW and statement pieces, this is the time of year when I buy 80% of my clothes.  Sale season is in full swing.  If you follow my Instagram Stories you know I talked about how this year the sales are some of the best yet.  Unlike last year when Black Friday started the Monday before Thanksgiving and never went to better deals, this year the discounts are getting steeper and steeper.

If you’ve had your eye on a designer piece or any splurge item, now is definitely the time to buy.  In a few weeks, all of the retailers will reduce prices even more, but merchandise will be final sale.  Unless you know the exact fit and colorway, this is a risky endeavor.

Pro tip: snag those wish list items NOW while you still have the ability to return for a full refund.
Check out my Top 5 Shopping Hacks for Sale Season for more expert advice!

If you’re curious what I’ve scored in the end of season sales, follow along on Instagram.  I’m anxiously awaiting a deeper discount for these beauties – they literally had me at hello.

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 Top Picks

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018The day we’ve all been waiting for is here!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale launched today for cardholders!

Fear not, if you aren’t a Nordstrom cardholder, you can apply for one here.  Don’t want a Credit card?  Apply for the Debit card that links directly to your bank account.

Public access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins on July 20th.

If you watched me on Instagram TV, you know I shared tips for how to shop this sale.  There is a definite strategy involved, so I recommend following these tips.

  1. Buy now, return later.  Things will absolutely sell out fast.  Utilize Nordstrom’s amazing return policy (plus free return shipping!).
  2. Stock up on basics.  This is the sale to buy those bread & butter pieces that normally never go on sale.  Save the specialty items and trendy pieces for another time!
  3. Hone in on quality.  My recommendations below are pieces I’ve personally tried and tested.  With thousands of items going on sale, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with analysis paralysis.  My commitment to you is only to recommend the very best.

Click on the images below to shop.

Boots
Active & Loungewear
Sweaters
Pants & Tops
Jackets & Coats

 

You can also shop my picks in the Shop tab above, under Nordstrom Sale.

Happy shopping and let me know what you get!

Shopping Hacks: How to Get the Best Cyber Week & Black Friday Deals

2017 Shopping HacksMy favorite time of year is upon us – sale season! The week of Thanksgiving through the end of January marks the number one time to get the best deals of the year.

As many of you may have noticed, the sales have already started. No need to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to save some serious cash. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Tips for how to navigate the often overwhelming, stressful sale season.

Make sure your list is ready and read on!

1. Go to the mall and try on everything you’ve been eyeing to narrow down.

When the sales hit, pounce. This allows you to determine the correct size and fit, see the quality in person, and eliminate anything that doesn’t work ahead of time. No second-guessing, no over buying.

Shopping win: staying on budget and not hassling with returns.

2. Use the wish list feature on all your favorite retailers’ sites.

When the sales hit, simply click on your wish list to see what went on sale and start buying.

Shopping win: time saver. No fumbling around the web to see what went on sale or trying to remember who made that jacket you’ve been coveting. Everything is in one tidy place.

3. Buy now, price adjust later.

If something you’ve been eyeing is likely to sell out, just buy it now at full price and go back when the sales hit for a price adjustment. Make sure you only do this for places that honor price adjustments and/or have return policies.

  • Bonus tip: whenever possible, buy designer items from department stores or large online retailers. Most designer boutiques won’t price adjust, price match or return merchandise.

Shopping win: CYA; not losing out on popular items.

4. Befriend shop associates.

They have the inside scoop on what will go on sale and how much inventory is in stock. I have a shoe guy at Nordstrom that sets things aside for me and texts me photos so I can narrow down my list and not risk something selling out. Develop these relationships.

  • Bonus tip: develop these relationships at multiple locations to cover the most ground. Different stores have different merchandise so it’s always good to cover your bases.

Shopping win: these relationships will continue to serve you well throughout the year. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

5. Cross reference prices via department stores.

For example, there’s a Vince sweater I want. I’ve added the sweater to my wish lists at Vince, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Net-a-porter. Because some retailers do tiered sales (20% off $250, 30% off $500, etc.) you could get a better deal somewhere else. Do your research.

  • Bonus tip: remember sales tax and rewards systems.  Bergdorf Goodman doesn’t charge sales tax to California residents so take advantage! This is especially key for higher priced items.
  • If you have a department store credit card like Nordstrom, for example, try to keep all your purchases in one place so you accrue points (like Nordstrom Notes), which can be used towards future purchases.