As we saw this year, Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales start times have been creeping up earlier and earlier. Gone are the days of braving the IRL crowds as your only option – with multiple sales kicking off well before pumpkin pies are in the oven.
It’s easy to get sucked into the frenzy of buying all of the things! at a steeply discounted prices – especially when some brands only run sales once a year. In the past, I’d find myself buying things not because I truly need or wanted it – but because it was on sale. This applied to both holiday sales and sample sales (ah, the glory days of living in NYC). Once I found myself liquidating most of those items after – either donating or ebay-ing – I vowed to take a more methodical approach to curating a thoughtful closet.
I thought it might be interesting to share my purchases and revisit a year later to see whether these pieces were truly incorporated in my wardrobe. Keeping myself in check, to an extent.
My 2019 Purchases
Saint Laurent Small Vicky Bag in Black Lambskin from Nordstrom | Purchased for $1,500 (40% off $1,990)
Why: I’ve been thinking about getting a nice, potentially dressy quilted black bag for some time. During the past year, I’ve vacillated between the Gucci Marmont and Saint Laurent Toy Loulou, which are priced similarly right above $1k. However, I tried on the Saint Laurent Loulou and the Vicky, and really liked the structure of the Vicky. The gold chain also makes it dressier than the Loulou, albeit heavier as well. When I got the Shopstyle alert that this was on sale the weekend before Thanksgiving, I jumped immediately.
Demellier Vancouver Bag in Black Leather from 24S.com | Purchased for $368 (20% off $460)
Why: As part of my hunt for a multi-purpose (read: casual or dressy) black bag, I came across Demellier and loved their classic designs at modern pricepoints. I like that their Vancouver style looks similar to the Hermes Constance or Celine Box Bag. I haven’t seen many reviews of the brand online, so I’ll be sure to post one once I receive and use it.
Bryr Clogs Miranda Spanish Toe in Clay | Purchased for $266 (not on sale, but part of their limited no-lead-time special sale)
Why: I tried these on in person at their San Francisco studio (try-on review here), and was amazed by how light, comfortable and stylish these are. These will be perfect year-round here in the Bay Area.
Nisolo Dari Boot in Wheat | Purchased for $140 (40% off $238)
Why: I’m looking for a boot that could replace my similarly colored rag & bone boots, which are a little too tall now. I’ve worn my rag & bone boots several times, but not nearly as much as my flat boots. These Nisolo boots have a slightly lower heel height great for commuting, and as a bonus they are made ethically.
Elizabeth Suzann x Alabama Chanin Eva Long-Sleeve Top | Purchased for $84 (30% off $124)
Why: I purchased an Everlane heavyweight striped long-sleeved tee last year one of their choose-what-you-pay sales. It was my first time trying one of their heavyweight tees, which is sadly a discontinued style. I wear this almost once a week (it’s a little embarrassing) – so I was excited to buy and try this similarly constructed top from the Elizabeth Suzann online sample sale last week.
My 2018 Purchases & Their Statuses
2018 was a “light” year in terms of Black Friday purchases. With our wedding earlier that fall, and our honeymoon to Patagonia upcoming in February 2019, we were more focused on outdoor gear.
Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots in Black Suede | Purchased for $445 (30% off $695)
Why: After selling my suede Highlands earlier that year, I was looking for a pair of 5050s to replace them. I held off until Black Friday, knowing that multiple retailers would have them on sale.
Verdict: Great buy, these are a lot easier to incorporate into both casual and work outfits.
Nicholas Kirkwood Beya Flats in Black Leather | Purchased for $394 (20% off $480)
Why: At this point, I didn’t have a single pair of black leather flats. I loved the metal detailing on the heel, which elevated the style without making them too fancy. I probably wear these once a week to work.
Verdict: Great buy, though they do show wear. I should really take them to a cobbler soon!
My 2017 Purchases & Their Statuses
J. Crew Factory Haul
In 2017, I purchased several items from J. Crew Factory (they usually have steep 50% discounts this time of year) knowing that I would return some of them. I kept the Vail Parka ($134), Sidewalk Skirt in Black lightweight wool ($37), and an oversized scarf ($19.50).
Verdict: Great buys, aside from the sidewalk skirt. I wear the Vail parka often in fall & winter, and it feels and looks much nicer than a J. Crew Factory coat. The scarf is one of my favorites, and great for traveling on planes etc. While the skirt looks fantastic on Jean of Extra Petite, I haven’t worn it and should really sell it…
Stuart Weitzman Highland Boots in Black Suede | Purchased for $376 (53% off $795)
Why: I loved how slimming Stuart Weitzman’s OTK boots are (technically, the 5050s are a knee high boot). The 4″ heel is comfortable, and black suede fit easily into my wardrobe as a nice contrast to my leather 5050s.
Verdict: Amazing boot, just not for me. I wore these several times a the beginning, but ultimately didn’t find myself reaching for them as much. Only 1 pair of jeans, along with several leggings fit in them, which made them less functional. I eventually sold these on eBay for about ~75% of what I paid.
