Black Friday

My Black Friday Picks and Holiday Gift Ideas

November 27, 2020 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We had a small one with my dad in the yard and though it was small, it was still nice. I know this year is an exceptional one. Most people will try to do as much shopping for the holidays this pandemic year online from their homes. I also encourage everyone to shop small in your own town, instead of the mall, so these small businesses can survive. Many have curbside pickup and personal shopping hours. I will share some more of them on my Instagram stories during this next month.

The fact is, the less we are in crowds and with people, the safer we all stay right now. I have already told my family that we are doing less which helps. Expectations have to be lowered this year. Focus on better made items and buy fewer. It’s better for the planet and all of us. How are you all approaching this holiday season with the pandemic? Have you also been thinking smaller this year? I think in 2020 we can all give ourselves a pass on going all out as we might usually right? It’s the one upside maybe of this whole year!

In the better and less, and shopping from home theme, I have a few Black Friday shopping deals for you to check out and some gift ideas too. Sorry this is coming late on Friday, but many of these last through the weekend. Check to be sure.

Of course I have to share my favorite Serena & Lily which is having their best sale of the year, 20% off everything- INCLUDING SALE ITEMS! This never happens so check it out if you have been needing a nice item for the home… something I consider a gift for myself. I would often prefer that over a lot of smaller gifts, and something like a lovely lamp or throw lasts years and decades. Use the code TOGETHER to get 20% off – plus FREE SHIPPING!

My favorite S&L items: -The Porto Linen Pajamas are stylish and cool in summer and very warm in winter too. – I love the look of these Wood and Marble coasters, the Dot Baskets, the Tahoma Pillow Cover, and the Blantyre Alpaca Throw are just a few on my own wishlist. It’s also a great time to pick up one of their beautiful rugs or lamps for your home that will last years or a chair like my Edgewater Lounge Chair so many of you have asked about! Free shipping ends on 11/30 and the sale goes until December 2.

Tory Burch is having a 30% off this weekend (use code THANKS), on selected items some of her classics which always look chic or dated including her Simone Cardigan wool cardigan which comes in the prettiest colors. I love this layered for winter, worn backwards for evening or even over the shoulders with a sundress when warm days are here again. This will last you and upgrade your whole outfit.

Also on this sale is these marked down Brooke Ankle Boots in black leather and a pretty suede.

Some cute heeled boots on sale too, but lately all I buy is comfort shoes and flats. Another great buy is the tall Miller Lug Sole Boot– darling with leggings and big sweaters! Markdowns have the an additional 30% off reflected when you check out. These things go fast so don’t wait too long. Ends on 11/30.

Anthropologie has so much to love and is offering 30% off everything this weekend only with free shipping on items over $50. Standouts are this Nancy Eyelash Cardigan made in California, the Eleanor Velvet Tunic Dress, the Love Textured Sweater, this Sundry Vera Lounger Set (comes with matching scrunchie!) also made in California, these Florence Balducci Flannel PJ top and pants, these darling Elephant Pjs and these Sorel Mail Run Slippers.

For the guys in my life, Nordstrom is my go to for the hubs, my dad, and sons. A few ideas for the men in your life.. marked down right now are the Nordstrom Brand Quarter Zip on sale now $44 dollars, this green cotton/cashmere version in 6 colors, the Marc New York puffer for the cold (I’m thinking my Univ of Utah kid will need this), and this water-resistant puffer in oxblood and in black, these Adidas Soccer pants my younger guys love, and a hoodie in three colors for the younger men, and the Faherty Baja Beach Hoodie, which is a great quality brand.

Also good gift ideas that aren’t on sale, but go fast this time of year, are the men’s UGG robes (my husband loves his), and these Barefoot Dream’s full-length zip up robes for women. I have that on my own list!

Trina Turk has 25% off full price, 45% off certain styles, and 35% off sale. Love this cheeky champagne sweater, the Palm Springs Merino Crew Neck, this coat, and their Birkenstocks are an extra 25% off -something you never see.

Other sales to check out this weekend…

Bloomingdales– 25% off most things this weekend (exclusions apply) and an extra 50% off clearance. Uggs Short Zip Booties are the Deal of the Day at $109.

J.Crew is having 50% off all styles and 60% off sale items. Use code FRIDAY.

Madewell is having 50% off selected styles.

Athleta is having $20 off tights and also 20% off your purchase until 11/29.

Lou & Grey has 50% off everything plus free shipping. Use code BESTWEEK. I love their sweats and soft clothing!

Loft- the parent company of Lou & Grey has the same 50% off offer and free shipping with BESTWEEK.

Banana Republic has 50% off everything no code needed. I especially love this cute fuzzy beanie that’s 50% off now. Sale ends 11/28.

Williams-Sonoma is having 50% off many items and other great specials throughout the weekend. They aren’t on sale, but their gorgeous frames are always a great gift for a special anniversary, house warming, marriage or birthday. Some of their pretty rugs are marked down and I just spotted this amazing Breville/nespresso Espresso machine half off- a fantastic deal.

I’ll add more shopping ideas as I see them this weekend and in the next few weeks.

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and use the extra days for some quality time- whether it be a walk, reading a book, time with family or dear friends, or just a few moments of zen.

Take care!

Kim

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Black Friday Picks

November 29, 2019 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We have family visiting and it was so nice to host now that the remodel is done. The day after we always go for a family hike or walk and never shopping. I do like to peruse the deals on Black Friday online though and last year actually got a few great things and a jump start on my Christmas shopping which was nice.

Many retailers began their sales early this year, so I’m linking to a few of my favorites and some of the best buys I like. These sale prices are varying- all are on Friday, some longer. My recommendation is to not hesitate if you like something, as things go pretty fast.

J.Crew is having a blow out 50% off most things on site. This jeweled button popover is just one of a ton of darling things at this fantastic sale.

This ruffle neck sweater (so many colors) is another cute item. Use code FRIDAY at checkout. The men’s area is loaded with cute sweaters for gifting too. Many cute J.Crew items from this post may be on the sale.

Serena & Lily is having their Thank You Event and on this blog post I shared some of the best things and my own purchases.

I have my eyes on is their gorgeous pillows– especially this Bayview Pillow.

Lamps are a good home investment and they have the prettiest collection. I’m loving this Bari Lamp so much!

Other good buys on this sale from them are (below from left), the Seaview Rug, the Henley Wool Throw, the Dalton Flannel Robe the Healdsburg Bath Towels and the darling Bedford Tray– all these and everything you love from Serena & Lily is 25% off with code Thankful right now!

Madewell is having 30% off your purchase with code GIFTWELL. This Mercer sweater is darling in all its shades- a best seller.

It’s a great chance to pick up a pair of their amazing denim! The Cali-demi boot jeans are so flattering.

Trina Turk is also having 25% off on Black Friday. I’m loving this Boscage leatherette dress.

Trina Turk is a super place to get a special occasion holiday dress or top during the sale. Check out their collection of cocktail looks.

Neimans has a few gems, especially in the handbags…

This Tory Burch clutch is so chic for evenings and for travel. It’s marked down to $166 for Black Friday Sale and for every $200 spent you get $50 off including beauty items, so you could add a fragrance or a regular item you buy during this time and get another $50 off!!

This Coach 1941 bag is $120 off at $375. Love the style and the crossbody strap.

This Rebecca Minkoff Suede Tote is the prettiest blue and $203.

Neiman’s Mens Black Friday Sale here.

Nordstrom has some terrific buys on their sale:

This Avec La Filles Moto Coat is adorable with the details and a nice closet addition for $219- 30% off.

This Barbour Plaid Scarf is 50% off at $34! So cute for a guy or gal.

I think Ugg Slippers are one of the nicest gifts that last forever and right now this cute style is 30% off at $69 and comes in tan also.

This pink is pretty cute too, especially for young gals you might need to buy for, and it comes in an orange version also.

This Soft & Cozy Pj set comes in a bunch of cute colors for $49.

Love this Madewell sweater in all its colors- regular $98 it is $58 right now..Cute for a sister, mom or friend.

These Ugg Jogging pants are nice for hibernating at home this winter. Love this color and they are $52 – 40% off.

Gorjana Necklaces are nice and this pendant is 50% off at $34.

Something about this Ted Baker Stripe Sweater is really attractive and it’s marked down 40% to $92.

Love this Baja Poncho Hoodie for the special beach bum in your life by the wonderful brand Faherty, now marked down to $112 from $188.

For the young guys in your life this RVCA Packaway II Hooded Anorak is perfect for throwing in a backpack, but ready to repel rain and wind and is just $39 right now marked down 40%.

I like to get my husband a Bonobos Shirt every Christmas as they fit him so well and he likes the whimsical designs. This Slim Fit Dinosaur Shirt is 30% off at $54 and that is a great price for the quality of these shirts.

Bonobos also makes this slim fit t-shirt with ski jumpers $40, 30% off. I know my sons would love it.

This Vince Classic Fit Stripe T is also a good deal at $65 it’s a 40% savings.

More of the Black Friday and Cyber Sale at Nordstrom here.

Nordstrom is also having their Buy 3 get 1 Free Mascara Event on Saturday the 30th. Pick any 3 mascara, any brands and get the third one deducted off the bill. All the Mascaras here.

Another approach to Black Friday is where a company decides to give to a charity instead of give you a price break. I love that Everlane is giving $10 for every purchase on Black Friday. Since 2014, Everlane has raised over $800,000 for initiatives that help improve the lives of factory workers and clean up the environment. This year they are donating to Oceana to help end single use plastic.

Their Square Silk Shirt is a classic and beautifully made.

I also love this lightweight jacket which comes in many pretty colors. The unique pockets and oversize design is nice.

Their Mac Coat is another great item in other pretty colors as well as this fun blue check.

Go to Everlane’s site to read more about their giving. Their men’s gift guide has sustainable cashmere and jackets as well.

I hope these give you a few ideas and a head start on your holiday shopping! I know things can go fast, so I’ll check back and make sure items are still available. Most of these sales, are for the weekend, but some are just Friday, so check that.

I’ll be back with Cyber Monday post and a Thanksgiving recap! Wishing you some quality time this weekend with nature, family and friends.

Kim

My Version of Black Friday 2017

November 25, 2017 By kimwheeler 1 Comment

Did you all have a good Thanksgiving? We were loving the weather 76 degrees here and we had our big French doors wide open to the yard and served drinks and appetizers around the pool. First time ever like that here as we usually have the fire burning and sweaters on. The sons had a blast with their cousins playing basketball and skateboarding and we adults took a nice stroll to the park -an all-around California Thanksgiving!

I love the idea of sharing a black themed ideas I’ve collected on Black Friday. I actually hate the whole Black Friday thing. It’s just a way retailers get us whipped up about spending more, often things we don’t need. It shocks me to see people even going shopping on Thanksgiving night! Why would you ever choose the mall over being home cozy- with family or just enjoying the downtime? The last few years REI has even begun a pushback on this with their #optoutside movement. They actually pay all their employees and close the stores and ask customers to instead spend time outside, not in a store. How wonderful if more would follow suit. Just because of this I plan to buy a few Christmas presents at REI this year.

I will go for a walk, spending time with family and staying away from the stores. I checked out a few of the online sales. I always consider one special item like coat or boots for the winter. If there is an item that you’ve been coveting or really need it makes sense if you can go online and avoid the stores.

However, do try and shop the stores in your town tomorrow for Small Business Saturday! I did this last December and was surprised with all the affordable and unique treasures in our own small shops. If we only shop online, we soon will have just chains left in our downtowns, if we have any retail at all.

Below I linked to a few quality items that are on sale today and this weekend that caught my eye.

Enjoy the long weekend and nature if you can!

Love the simple elegance of a good black coat. Some good choices here, this darling bell sleeve coat 50% off here and this cool down puffer/wool coat here on sale today. On that note, if you read my post on Burberry, you know how I feel about their coats and this trench is on sale and also this black wool number.

Also don’t miss this leopard coat– a classic and a good price.

These Sam Edelmans are still the best bootie because of how low they are at the ankle plus the low heel you can wear all the time. Nordstrom has them on sale until the 27th. Also check out these Cole Haan waterproof bootie and this cute pair of Hunters – all on sale now, a good time to grab before winter.

This black AllSaints Cooper Bag is similar to above and on the Black Friday Sale at Nords.

I love a good basic black tote that I can throw anything in. This Tory is very minimalist which I like and on the Black Friday sale. It also comes in a shorter handled version with a shoulder strap which is cute too and a bit more formal, but maybe to tote heavier items like a laptop?