Right now is the perfect time to shop for winter sales and hot off the Racks summer items. Here is my shopping strategy.
When buying end-of-season sales items, I do not buy anything trendy that is going out.
I look for high-quality items that are classic and timeless, and that will set me up for the next winter season but at a fraction of the price if I were to buy them in season.
This is when I like to buy my wool, cashmere, down, puffers, leather boots, etc., which usually retail at a high price. These are usually items I've been eyeing and have on my shopping list.
The deals during these times put black Friday shopping to shame; hence, I do not shop during black Friday.
During this time, stores are also pulling out the summer racks. I'll take a peak and buy bits and pieces of summer items here and there to slowly curate my summer wardrobe. Nothing is worse than not preparing and buying summer clothes when it is already 109 degrees outside. You're most likely purchasing trendy items at this moment because you're being influenced by social media. You will regret these purchases later and toss them away once the season ends.
Not only is it bad for the environment, but babe, I'm crying for your wallet. All the life you could've lived with that money hurts my heart.
If you buy summer items slowly throughout the year, when summer items are not trendy, you are most likely buying pieces you like, not what you see everyone else wearing.
My life is also sooo much more peaceful when I don't have to worry about shopping before a trip, event, or seasonal activity. Before summer racks even roll in, I assess my usual summer activities and what I want to do this year.
So, for example,
- Lake activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, boating
- Clothes to buy: Paper bag pleated shorts, lightweight linen pants, jean shorts, chiffon wrap skirts/dresses
- Requirements: lightweight, cooling, light colors, lace, crochet
- Vibe: Elegance, old money, timeless
So I already know what I will buy and waste no time or money on anything else. If I have a beach trip, book the hotel. I'm ready.
I am the hostess with the mostess but for myself.
I need it? I got it. I want it? I have it.
The gist is that now is the perfect time to purchase winter and summer items!
And on that note, this is my most recent purchase. It combines winter sale items and new summer pieces (before TikTok goes crazy with the summer trends). I like these pieces regardless of anyone's opinion, and I see them in my closet for a long time.
Nine West
Discount code I found with Klarna & used: THANKYOU25
Nine West - Napt Dress Boots
OP $219.00 ~ Sale: $79.99 ~ Klarna Discount: $59.99!!!
Like Luke Comb, I walked into the Louvre and walked out with the Mona Lisa Scott Free. These boots have arrived; unfortunately, they are back to $219. They are the perfect burnt reddish brown faux croc heel booties. I am so grateful I got them at $59.99, but they are well worth the regular price. Unlike the other knee-high boots I got from Nine West, these are structured so that they will hold their shape. They're just beautiful knee-high boots, that's it.
Ordered
Size: 7
color: Brown Croco
Nine West - Xoxo 9X9 Casual Moc Loafers
OP: $99.00 ~ Sale: $69.99 ~ Klarna Discount: $52.49
As I write this blog, the price of these shoes has gone even lower! $39.99
Well, you win some, you lose some.
I've always been into the preppy old money look. I've loved loafers, oxfords, Mary Jane, and pumps since I could remember falling in love with fashion. I've waited my whole life for them to return in style so I can stock up. I've been searching up till I was today's year old to find them in stores again. This journey has been agonizing. (╥﹏╥)
These shoes have arrived, and they are worth every single penny! Please get them if you love loafers as much as I do; I beg of you! The chain and heart pendant are pretty hefty. There's some weight to them, so they feel like good quality. This baby is even more beautiful in person, and the insoles have cushions! It's classic with a touch of femininity. A gal like me could not have asked for more. These loafers are made of soft leather, so they do not require breaking in.
Ordered
Size: 7
Color: Black
Nine West - Quizme Platform Boots
OP: $189.00 ~ Sale: $79.99 ~ Klarna Discount: $60.00
I love these booties because they're the Quanette ankle booties I got, but the knee-high version. I love these as much as I do the Quanette ones. They are heels I gravitate towards every day now if the outfit I am wearing fits.
Ordered
Size: 7
Color: Black Leather
Upper Material: leather
Lining Material: Synthetic
Nine West Total Cost without Sale: $507.00
Nine West Total Cost with Sale: $172.48
I saved: $334.52
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack - DR2 by Daniel Rainn - Crochet Cotton Button-Up Sweater Top
Price: $29.97
The picture does not do this top justice; it's so cute in person. It's a versatile piece that can relax the mood of other items in your closet. Babe, you're immediately a Waikiki Girl.
It is 100% Cotton, I love that! I also love that it's not a lightweight crochet piece that feels cheap on the body. This baby has some weight so that it will bounce and cling around your body. It feels hefty, like it should cost more than the retail price it's going for. $29.97 for 100% cotton? I can't argue with that.
Bought in Store
Size: Small
Color: Natural
Nordstrom Rack - DR2 by Daniel Rainn - Pointillé Stitch Butterfly Sleeve Top
Price: $29.97
I love lace, but one of my biggest pet peeves in fashion is cheap lace. This blouse is a fine Pointelle stitch that will pass as lace. Again, it has some weight to it. I love blouses with lacelike designs and ruffles; they're so feminine and girly! But one of my biggest pet peeves with blouses like these is that the designs do not continue onto the back, making them look cheap. This blouse does not lie; you got what you came for, and the design is consistent all around, *Chef's Kiss*.
These two shirts have sold me on this DR2 by Daniel Rainn brand; it's incredible quality for the price. I will be looking to purchase more from this line.
Bought in Store
Size: Small
Color: Natural
Nordstrom Rack - BeachLunchLounge - Kaylee Heart Stripe Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
Price: $29.97
I can pinstripes forever like I can do dress pants, pumps, loafers, and long wool trench coats. They are timeless, but this piece has a modern twist; it's pink and has festive embroidered hearts sprinkled all over. I'm gearing up for a fun Valentine's Workday outfit. ♡(◠‿◕)✧˖° ♡
Also, I love twill fabric. A lightweight twill feels incredible on the skin! I automatically feel like a floating goddess, regardless of the style I wear, as long as it's twill. Even if I don't look expensive in twill, I feel expensive.
Bought in Store
Size: 4
Color: Dreamy Pink Hearts
Nordstrom Rack - Alexia Admor - Theana Tweed Flared Pleated Miniskirt
Price: $69.97
Okay, do you see where I am going with my Valentine's Day Workout this year? It's super cute and girly. It'll surely brighten up the mood in the office. The color combo does not make this a timeless piece, so it may seem like an unusual purchase for me, but you know what is timeless? The tweed fabric & the silhouette. An A-Line silhouette is always in. As it should be, it looks great on every body shape. I also love that this skirt has two pleated seams from the waist to the hips. If my dress pants and fitted skirt don't have these seams...I'm running in the opposite direction.
All that's left for this outfit is some white lace pantyhose to add more spunk or a classic sheer black pantyhose.
Bought in Store
Size: 4 (could've gone down to a 2)
Color: Pink
& That's a wrap for this haul!!!! Perhaps I'll make a try on haul/review YouTube video later.
♡ Love ya lots, and happy Smart shopping, babes! ♡