Shop strategically and mindfully during COVID sales
As a stylist, I sometimes forget that I have insider knowledge about current and upcoming sales. It is my job to pay attention to these things and it is my duty to share this information with you all!
I know not everyone can spend extra money right now, and even those who are employed may be cautious to spend out. However, if you are in a position to make purchases, it helps keep brands going during these hard times, bolsters the economy and means that you get a great deal on quality pieces!
As a stylist who believes in a curated closet consisting of sustainable clothing, I’m not advocating buying clothes just for the sake of it. I’m suggesting that one of the silver linings of COVID-19 are the discounts offered by most brands.
Today, I’m sharing my tips for how to maximize your budget, curate your wardrobe and avoid impulse buys during #stayhome life AND my favorite brands that are having sales right now.
Edit your closet: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again -- now is the time to clean out your closet. Does it feel overwhelming? A stylist can help -- I work with lots of clients virtually and we break the tasks into manageable chunks. Email me if you need help!
Make a list of pieces to update and/or pieces that you need for the upcoming season: once your closet is cleaned out (gold star if yours is!) now is a fantastic time to to update and replace. Take advantage of sales to replenish your basics and maybe even buy a splurge item for a better price. Either way, make a list of the items you need (including thinking ahead for the coming season) so that your shopping is focused.
Assign an overall budget: use the list you made in step #2 and assign a budget. I like to do an overall budget rather than a budget per piece to allow for maximum flexibility. Especially with sales, there are some great deals and you may be able to find ways to save so that you can buy everything on your list within your budget. A stylist can help with this too -- just be sure to budget for a styling fee (I offer hourly fees - get in touch for more information).
Shop the sales, while sticking to your list and budget (harder than it sounds!). Here are some of my go-to brands having sales right now (as of April 24 and I’m always posting sales on my Instagram stories so follow along there! and I don’t get commissions — these are brands I just love):
Everlane - they are having a bunch of different sales daily and the choose what you pay program is always good value.
Nordstrom - also having consistent sales, with the most current sale focused on moms. (PS need help with Mother’s Day shopping? email me!)
Madewell - 50% off sale (code BIGTIME) across the WHOLE site
LOFT - 50% off sales (code CYBER) across the WHOLE site
Rebecca Minkoff - 50% off sale (code WFH30)
Athleta - summer sale (25% off with code SUMMER)
JCrew - 30% off + 50% off sale items with code 5DAYS
Athropologie - 30% off everything this weekend only!
5. When in doubt, hire a stylist! I know, I know, I’m a broken record BUT having a stylist (me!) will reduce your stress, maximize your budget (she knows where to find all the things you need on sale!) and increase your happiness. Plus, a stylist is not shopping with any emotion, so there will be no impulse buys and no regrets later -- win win!
Two words of caution with online shopping right now:
Returns are a lot harder right now and some stores aren’t taking any. Consider this when making a purchase -- if you’re not sure about sizing, think about buying both sizes so that you can still take advantage of the discount but be prepared to hold the unwanted item for a while until stores reopen.
Shipping delays are likely. Just factor this into your closet edit -- it might be worth keeping items that you’re wearing frequently until the replacement arrives.
I hope this helps you with your COVID-19 shopping! Let me know what you find and what you love and of any sales that I missed!