Too Many Open Tabs (15): It's Sales O'Clock
Do you know what your wishlist is?
Memorial Day Weekend is on the horizon, and we’re about to settle in to a seven day stretch of rain and chilly temperatures. Start of summer in New England - CHECK.
So, while every single “What to wear this memorial day weekend” guide will be not applicable to me (I anticipate wearing jeans and warm sweaters to be able to tolerate a day at the beach since my husband has informed our family “WE WILL GO TO THE BEACH RAIN OR SHINE!”) - I have noticed (I would need to be sleeping not to notice, this is not a profound observation) that the entire internet is (or is about to be) on sale.
And to that I say - good for us, we deserve it — AND, be prepared to shop smartly — we all need less new stuff than we think that we do, and while there are few things better than finding something you cannot wait to wear or use the crap of at a steal of a price, there are few things worth than blowing your budget and feeling guilty or stressed about it later, or buying something that sits in your closet untouched. It’s a fine line, but someone has to walk it, and I’m going to tell you how!
They key to remember is this (I should really tattoo this on my body, but as an alternative and less permanent but equally effective solution, I suggest making a note on your phone to remind yourself of this critical message):
This is not the only sale. We are entering SALE SEASON. There will be another one. There will, in fact, be many more. Brace yourself against the fabricated feeling of urgency to click check out or loose.
Shopping a sale with this mindset is key — you can take something or leave it! You’re not panic purchasing. You’re navigating a sale like a champ. You are much more likely to regret buying something you don’t actually want or need than you are to regret not buying something you really wanted. Which brings me to my next tip:
Have a plan. Make a list of what you’re looking for. Could be something specific, could be a general category or piece that gives you freedom to browse. Yes, doing this right does require that you take a look at what you have in your closet (currently crossing a black linen pant off my own wishlist because I know I have several pants but what I can I say I REALLY love black linen pants!). When you’re browsing the sales and you find something you’re thinking about — bump it up against your wishlist — is it on there already? Or maybe something similar? Or, is it completely new, something you’ve never thought of before (a sign to pass).
If you don’t want or need anything - DON’T OPEN THE EMAILS!!!
Winning at sales means finding something that you have thinking about at a deal, or discovering something that lights you up, or just gives you that full body “yes.” It’s NOT about accumulating more stuff or buying something just because it’s on sale.
With that said, if you’re on the hunt, there are some things worth looking for. Proceed with your list in hand. Shop everything (I’ll add a little over the weekend!) here.
Let’s kick things off for the kids in our lives, since it’s always fun to shop for someone else…
If you are shopping for Kid’s PJs, Hanna Anderson is where it’s at. We don’t shop exclusively there, but they are easily the ones that last the longest. Especially in the summertime, my kids love the short sleeve/short pjs, and they love a matching moment (its genetic baby!). I ordered these for them for all things summer. I adore these as well (jellyfish, so cute!)
While we’re on the topic of Hanna Anderson, I think they do bathing suits very nicely, and since my kids somehow appear to have grown 2 sizes since last summer, we’re also on the hunt for bathing suits — I especially like that they have two piece rash guards! We landed on this rainbow one! Love this one too!
If you’re on the hunt for a special outfit for your kids for summer, I’m dipping our toes into the Little English Warehouse Sale — our youngest is about to turn two and she is blessed with hand-me-downs from my older kids and many of our friends, but a birthday calls for a special outfit — I’m thinking this.
Also, mini Boden has the cutest things (including bathing suits!) I haven’t done a full browse, but use code for 25% off!
If you’re shopping for a dress you’ll wear a million times this summer
This cute mini (short, but not too short IMO)
Love this brand, love this dress! Also available in brown.
If you’re looking for a Belt, Aureum Collection is offering 25% off most styles. I have and love this brown suede belt and I wear it all the time. I love this black and gold one.
Shorts that are an appropriate length:
6 inches, high rise, yes please.
For office and life friendly pieces:
This t-shirt is a great shape to elevate a basic piece for the office, but still feel professional (and then wear with a t-shirt and shorts on the weekend.
This is a great tank — substantial enough to be worn alone in most environments, as well as a lite summer layer.
This is expensive, so sale is a great way to buy - $$$ but perfect! I love the ivory! Use code MDWEVENT
This is a fabulous skirt, that can be worn all year round and in so many different contexts.
A great pair of tailored linen pants, available in black or white
J.Crew Pointelle is underrated - I just got this in blue and it’s lovely!
A great pair of slinky black pants — wear with a structured top or pointelle tee pluz blazer to work, with a boxy tee or tank and sneaks or flip flops on the weekend, and a vest or slinky tank on date night.
Wear this vest with the black slinky pants — for work or fun!
A great, fun, trouser! (use code 7N7G)
This is very chic, with a white tee or button down! (use code 7N7G)
These are fab travel pants!
If you have event dressing on the mind…
I love this black dress that you can wear a million ways to a million events (more sizes here). Something so chic about a black dress in summer! Fewer sizes, but still some in this Matteau beauty.
This La Double J is annoyingly final sale, but I’m obsessed with it — if you know your size…
The dress I wore to a wedding a few weeks ago is on sale! A great dress — See it on a real person here.
Bags or clutches.
I’m obsessed with everything Hunting Season, and this green clutch, included in the NAP sale, is no exception.
It’s raffia bag season and this is a cute size, under $100.
Who isn’t obsessed with Staud beaded bags? Not everyone will agree, but I love this as well!
An it bag that’s 40% off, and that you’ll want to wear forevery (SHOP40)
Summer shoes
Ancient Greek Eleftheria leather sandals 40% off with code SHOP40 in a full size run.
Birkenstock comfort with a slightly more elevated look (use code 7N7G)
Are these the perfect summer sandal? These too.
These look amazing - a strappy summer sandal with a little heel and they’re under $100 w/ the code LONGWEEKEND
The Rothy’s Clog in hemp are really calling my name.
Beauty & Other Things
Hanni makes the best moisturizing products IMO and they are having a huge sale. Get up to 50% with the code HBDHANNI. I love the splash salve (in shower moisturizer), I think their spray on oil is THE BEST OUT THERE (not greasy!!!), and the shave pillow is perfection.
Nori, the handheld steamer/iron is offering 25% - I swear by this thing!
Earlybird CBD is offering 20% off with code summertime. I recommend trying a 4- pack.
Great body wash for summer showers!
Happy Shopping, Happy Summer Kickoff. Above all else, don’t forget to have a fun weekend!!
ICYMI
Getting Dressed Postpartum (or anytime after your body has changed)
Two Recent Motherhood Moments that Made My Heart Explode with Joy
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RIP to my wishlist.
“This is not the only sale. We are entering SALE SEASON. There will be another one. There will, in fact, be many more.”
YES! Meanwhile I’m stalking sales for heavy duty waffle makers because sourdough/toddler mom life problems…solutions?