Free People Embroidered dress; Sam Edelman sandals

I saw this dress a couple of weeks ago online and instantly fell in love. If you’ve been around here awhile you know how much I love anything boho or girly this time of year (not to be outdone by my love for vintage band tees and cutoffs…) The problem? This dress was way more than I would spend on anything. So what is a girl to do? I happen to love just about anything Free People, but it is notoriously expensive. Some items I have saved and splurged on (see the lace tunic I die over here), and some I have to wait for.

Here’s the deal. I find just about everything I love that is Free People eventually goes on sale at either Nordstrom or Macy’s (online), and if I am patient enough I can get it for less. Take this dress. It was originally $148 and then Macy’s had a sale where everything was 30% off. It dropped down to $109 (which is still expensive, I know!), but I had a hefty cash deposit in my Monat account and treated myself. Happy Mother’s Day to ME. Lol.

I’d have to say that about 99% of my Free People items were purchased on sale, mostly online, and I stalk the sites daily. If I know I love something I just keep checking back until it goes on sale. I didn’t even have to wait long for this dress, maybe 3 days? I saw the 30% off about 3 days after falling in love and BOOM, add to cart;) Macy’s usually adds sales on top of sales as well, which is awesome.

The same can be said for these sandals. I’ve been looking for the PERFECT gladiator sandals for years, and had a couple cheaper substitutes that just never held up. Then I found these when Sam Edelman (one of my fave shoe designers), had their sale, and scooped them up. I wear them constantly, and the cost per wear will even out. I read somewhere that it is fun to splurge on the most basic of things (a neutral handbag), or the most crazy of things (a ruffled, embroidered dress.) If it makes you happy, and you can afford it, just go for it.

So, if you find a brand you love, look online at all the retailers that carry the brand and just keep checking in. You may be surprised the deals you can score.