Black Friday: For What You Were Planning Already

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all run up on my birthday this year, so I stocked up on long-eyed for essentials, but also treated myself a bit too. I mainly was at J.Crew because I've been shopping there for 20 years - I know the fit, the style and with only one J.Crew in my area now, I need to be a bit more watchful with what I purchase. Plus, 50% off regular prices and 60% off sale was such a good deal.

Outside my local JCrew the morning of the Pre-Black Friday event. I LOVE the outfit on the mannequin
(leopard and camel and fun details, oh my!), but had to pass on it, unfortunately. Next time! 

I file these finds under "Investment Basics" - good pieces that can be worn to work and also on the weekend, or to go out. Being on a budget, I try to get things that can serve for a playdate, but also teaching when I swap out things like shoes and accessories.

Curvy Slim Stretch Perfect Shirt in White - I sized up because I am currently in between sizes on most things these days, but I can rely on JCrew's consistency (for me, at least). I never had a classic white button down and now that JCrew offers a curvy version, I decided to try it out and got it in a Tall so I have a little extra length to wear with skinny jeans. I will report back on fit. Also picked it up in Banker Blue stripe because I am a sucker for stripes and with the 50% off, it was a good deal.

Sadie Boots in Black - these are a bit of a risk for me since they go up pretty high for booties/ankle boots, and I have slightly athletic/bigger calves and ankles. I have always wanted a pair of black booties to wear with black tights for skirts and dresses in the winter, and have a pair of brown ankle boots from Nisolo that work better with jeans. The jury is still out but they are ridiculously comfy (I went up a half size, but have been doing that with boots and booties for the most part). Seems like they are sold out in Black (again! Like how it happened when the Duchess of Sussex wore them last year, which is why the link is to all the versions), but will update on the final verdict. I got these at the pre-Black Friday sale, so I was able to try them on in-store.

1988 Rollneck Sweater in Navy: this was a special for $19.50 and since I gave away a ton of sweaters and cardigans (I talk about this below), this was a great replacement. There is a reason why they brought this back; I can't wait for it to arrive (I placed the order, then it got sorta lost or stuck somewhere between the distribution center and UPS, so J.Crew is sending another one without charging me again and honored the original price) and layer it with my plaid ruffle button downs for the holidays. 

Kid's Rugby Shirt: not quite an "investment" since they only had a size 3 and I really wanted a 4-5 so Julian can get more wear out of it, but it's a classic combo with the bright blue collar and placket to give a twist. I have the women's version that was also brought back under the "J.Crew Always" header (got it for $5 in San Diego!) in this exact color combo (with a white placket and collar); while I am not one for "Mommy and Me" all the time, you bet I am getting a photo of us in our rugby shirts (bonus if I can get Mel in the shot in his actual rugby jersey from his high school in Papua New Guinea!). I also picked up this sweater for him at the shopping event at my local J.Crew in Denver on Sunday; he outgrew all his 2T sweaters and the sleeves are short.

Eyelet Hem Sweatshirt: hear me out - I know this is not a basic, but filed more under "I love it, so get it in all the colors" category. I got this in the clay color back over the summer (one of my coworkers was on a mission to get me to not own just navy clothes), so when I saw it in the sale section, 60% off, in my size and BACK IN NAVY, I jumped on it. Navy is my comfort zone and Colorado weather even in the Spring can be 60 degrees one day and 30 the next, so I can get multi-season wear out of it (I have actually worn the clay one in the summer!). It is no longer on the website, but I like how sweatshirts are getting dressed up and have details like ruffle collars and trims.

Natural Jacks in Cognac - these were probably the best deal that I found. I wear mine all the time in the summer (except for playground and pool) and once they are broken in, they are super comfy and fit like a glove (and pass the "Can I teach in them comfortably?" test). I go down half a size - when I got my first pair I got my regular size, but the footbed was too long and since I wore them in NYC, they got ruined in the front, so since then, I go down half a size in sandals like these).

I initially had the Navy in my cart on Tuesday, but was mulling them over; I also liked the Cognac and the price was great considering how much Jacks cost on a regular day. Then I saw the Black Friday coupon and thought I would check out and see if it worked and it DID!!! Jacks for $35 are unheard of. Navy was sold out, so I went for the Cognac Multi.

That being said (and purchased), I read something on Instagram during the height of the Black Friday madness (which is still going on!) that "Black Friday is an opportunity to buy the things you were already planning to buy at the best price - not just to buy a bunch of stuff because it is a good deal."

I really agree with this notion, particularly when it comes to clothing. Everything above was considered and sat in the cart for a few days so I can think about it and how it will work with what I have, or can serve as a replacement.

I just recently did a major closet clean out - some things I just don't wear anymore, some things I thought I would wear, some things just got worn out, and some just fit oddly post-pregnancy + using Weight Watchers, and I haven't gotten around to passing it on or donating it yet. I usually do this once about every 3-5 years, since I try and get clothing that is reliable and will last for that long (or longer considering I give it to family members or friends).

I also wait till Black Friday since I usually do not do a "seasonal wardrobe" swap - I usually go for things that I can layer with or pick colors and textures work all year round, and stores like JCrew still have the more spring/summer items in their sale section. Since moving to Colorado, I found that it's also pointless to keep things like the shorts tucked away since it can be 30 degrees one day, 75 the next.

Several sweaters, 2 tops and a dress I mailed to my mom in NYC, a coworker got some other sweaters, and my sister was the recipient of my beloved Kate Spade silk tops, some bags and a few other things. I donated 2 pairs of worn jeans to Madewell, and was able to stack a coupon with the $20 they give for donating jeans. My sister-in-law got a pair of Superga sneakers that never fit me right (I got them off eBay), a dress and some shirts.

Those Kate Spade tops, however, are on "permanent loan," like how she "permanently loaned" me her shearling LL Bean boots since she has no use for them at all while she lives in Los Angeles. With the snowstorm last week, they were definitely a godsend. Will they ever go back to their rightful owners? I highly doubt it, but I know I can just call my sister and ask for the shirts back if the occasion arises.

As for the "birthday treat," I will save that for another post. I also did some Small Business Saturday (for things that I have been eyeing for awhile) and holiday gift shopping too!