In the wake of this post where I told you about the pitfalls of shopping for me, I really pondered writing a shopping post detailing all of the sales going on right now. But you know what? I’m all about shopping responsibly and strategically, and this is a great time to purchase things you really need ( KEY PHRASE) at a huge discount. Here are the strategies I’m using to shop responsibly over this Black Friday week (because it isn’t just a day anymore, lol.)

How to shop responsibly for Black Friday:

1. First, I want you to look in your closet and see what is missing. What do you continually reach for, and find lacking? For me, that is work out tops for chillier weather, a couple more warm tops to add to my daily wear, slippers to keep my feet warm, a pair of Madewell jeans on sale, and a pair of Madewell mules I’ve been dying over ever since I got them in my October Trunk Club box. I then keep that in mind or write a list, because in the excitement of crazy sales, I can see that I don’t actually need another cardigan, even if it is 50% off.
2. For me, Black Friday is where I tend to buy from more expensive stores, because they rarely go on discount other times of the year. Madewell is a big go to for me, as is the Free People collection at Macy’s. Other stores hold big sales other times of the year, so I don’t have to jump on those and feel like I’m missing out.
3. Once you find what you need and purchase it, stop looking at the sale sites! I also have to stop reading blog posts or unfollow bloggers that show sales 24/7 for a couple of days. Why tempt yourself after you have what you need? This is also a big reason I stay out of Target and Ulta this time of year!
4. Lastly, this is the time I purchase my Christmas gifts for myself. In our house, we just grab what we like, and add it under the tree. Sometimes we surprise each other, but most of the time we know what we want and we grab it on sale. I’m looking at the Barefoot Blonde Hair Up extensions (20% off for Black Friday!), and my husband is looking to add some tools to his collection. This is the fun part for me, and I have a lot of joy finding deals for special things I have been eyeing and don’t usually spend money on.

Okay, now that we have a list and know what we want, let’s get into the sales! I am only showcasing a few, and I’ll tell you what I grabbed, as well as what items are on sale that I already own and love.

Colleen Rothschild: 30% off sitewide with code BF2018

This is my favorite upscale brand for face products right now and this is a great deal to get them for less. I personally love the Cleansing Balm as well the Extreme Recovery Cream for winter and the Sheer Renewal cream for summer. I wouldn’t go a day without these products. This is the most discount I’ve seen for this brand, though they do a ton of sales throughout the year, so you don’t have to grab it now and feel like another sale won’t come along.

Madewell: 25% off with code DEALWITHIT

This is the sale I was most excited about, and I think is one of the best (besides Jcrew’s at 40% off sitewide.) The overalls I have and love and are one of the best things I EVER bought are on sale. I picked up the mules I wanted so bad from my Trunk Club box, as well as their ripped skinny jeans in black that I have been wanting for over a year. Madewell is pricier, so I never shop there unless there is a sale! The demi boot cut jeans I wear a ton are on sale (these are super similar), and the Kent cardigan that I think is the perfect cardigan would be awesome to pick up. I grabbed these leopard slippers, too, because I needed some and these are amazing!

Abercrombie: 50% off storewide

If you’ve followed me for more than a minute, you know I love Abercrombie! They have amazing basics, and I wear a ton of their stuff daily. I have this thermal shirt in the pink color, so I just grabbed it in ivory as well. I also picked up this black sherpa cardigan to throw on over everything. It looks so cozy and perfect for southern winters. I linked the jeans I wear a ton in the widget below, too. For under $30, I find the quality amazing, and love the high-rise fit and distressing.

For those that live in colder weather, I think now is the PERFECT time to grab a jacket or two from Abercrombie. I think the key to cold weather style is to have simple, neutral outfits and then have a collection of really fun coats to wear on top. I am obviously partial to faux fur and I linked a few that I would DIE to wear (thought this camel teddy coat may come home with me! Loveeeee!)

Old Navy/Gap: 50% off storewide

Okay, so I think Old Navy can be a slippery slope when it comes to sale. They are really good at making you think you need all the things because it is so deeply discounted, so I tread carefully here. I grabbed this tunic sweater in mauve and ivory from Old Navy because a blogger I trust really loves it, and that is it. Where I REALLY think Old Navy/Gap shines for sales is with GapFit. I love GapFit for my workout tops and loungewear, and because it is pricier I stock up only during sales. I linked the items I either already own, or purchased during the sale below. Their loungewer is so freakin’ soft, and again, I love their workout tops (but not their workout bottoms. Victoria Secret sport does those the best IMO.)

Macy’s (where I get a lot of my Free People stuff on sale!) 40% off a TON of stuff

You know I adore Free People, and because it is expensive, I rarely buy it full price. The best place to find it on sale is Macy’s, and I linked a couple of sweaters that are deeply discounted and look amazing. I have a pretty good collection of Free People sweaters and I love them all. They fit me well in XS (they are always generously sized), and they are always a little fun and different. They also have some of their thermal tops on sale that are great for layering, and are worth checking out!

Honorable mentions! American Eagle (another fave for basics), is 40% off sitewide. My fave joggers/leggings are available, as is this AH-MAZING oversized sweatshirt!  J Crew is 40% off as well. I put a couple of my favorites in the widget below.

Whew, that’s it! I hope you are having a family filled Thanksgiving weekend and know that you can purchase NOTHING and be perfectly fine! You are enough without the new things, and appreciating all the good we do have is key. I heart you guys and as always, thank you for being here and allowing me to to what I love every single day.