Read This Before You Start Black Friday Shopping
(And even if you're not Black Friday shopping, please.)
B Listers, I am so thankful for you. Launching this Substack back in March was one of the highlights of my year, and I seriously cherish the time I get to set aside and write for/chat with/think about you all. You’re secretly A-List in my book.
But! Enough of the sappy stuff. I’ve read the gift guides, I’ve scrolled the socials, and I’m ready to shop on Black Friday. Are you?
I admit, the country’s most major shopping holiday has seriously lost its sparkle. Am I really supposed to foam at the mouth over 10% off and free shipping?
I stopped seeing Black Friday as a chance to treat myself a long time ago — now, I use it to shop the brands and items I would already be buying, with some additional savings. A few dollars off is no reason to go wild and splurge, but to re-up on my faves and snag a few holiday gifts for others? Why the hell not.
With this in mind, I’ve kept my BF recs short(ish) and sweet. And I threw in a few little extras! These include: the clothes that made it into my suitcase for Thanksgiving home with my family, a major hack to save, and even the things I’m most definitely not buying. I promise this isn’t all one big ad for overconsumption!
That said, I have chosen to spare you a laundry list of vague sales and just share exactly what I’m buying, from where. Below, the scoop.
5 Outfits I Packed For Thanksgiving Week
I’m a chronically bad packer, but especially when I’m visiting my parents. For some reason, I always lean either too casual (I’m there to relax, after all!) or too over-the-top (my daily NYC ‘fits feel oddly formal at the Jersey Shore).
This week, I tried to cut back and limited myself to three pairs of shoes and five outfits max. Here’s the breakdown, straight from my stuffed suitcase:
For a relaxed daytime look that still felt elevated, I threw in my trusty GAP Cashsoft Sweater to wear with these killer Cinq á Sept trousers, which have a fake-out denim waistband that creates a faux layered look. Paired with my trusty Prada loafers — I recently had them stretched, so they’re comfier than ever — this was intended as my backup look if any of my “real outfits” didn’t pan out.
I ordered this knit skirt with matching top from Old Navy on a whim (the whole set was less than $45) and found it to be a simple set ideal for outfit repeating. The column skirt paired with the boxier long-sleeve is a flattering silhouette that doesn’t feel formal, but I do like cinching the waist a bit with this metal flower belt from Zara to match my black Aerosoles boots.
We’re going to see my wedding band perform on Thanksgiving Eve, so I made sure to pack a classic going-out look I wouldn’t have to fuss over. Cue this jeans-and-a-black-top combo ft. my new favorite button-front denim from J. Crew and a go-to long-sleeve from Aritzia’s Contour line. Again with my Prada loafers.
I am simply not one for mini skirts, but my love for the Madewell x Alexa Chung collab runs so deep, I had to throw this in. Plus, the black-top-brown-skirt outfit recipe is classic Basic Thanksgiving Bitch, and I am exactly like the other girls. Aside from the chocolate suede trench and matching mini, the look is made up of pieces I already had packed: my Aritzia long-sleeve top and my Aerosoles boots.
Last but not least, an outfit that looks much better IRL than mocked up digitally. This cream fringe Zara skirt is my hyper-fixation, and while I want to dress it up for a night out in the city soon, this laid-back look will do for holiday lounging. The Madewell quarter-zip with these Tory Burch pierced slingbacks feel fun, but not too fancy.
Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is
AKA, Things I’m Actually Buying On Black Friday! Some of this might feel repetitive if you’re a devout reader, but I promise there’s a few new bits in the mix:
If you’re a paid subscriber, you probably saw my ode to BR last week. I’m still thinking about this bouclé sweater and that fringed scarf. They’re currently offering 40% off all full-priced purchases (plus 2% Cash Back via Rakuten), so I’m getting both.
I’ve been waiting for this Sandro set to go on sale, and it’s finally discounted via Bloomingdale’s — plus another 10% Cash Back via Rakuten. The Susan Skirt ($238, was $340), Bruyeres Cardigan ($224, was $280) and Becon Sweater ($122.50, was $175) will be mine.
Covry sent me a pair of white sunnies for my bridal era that I want to pick up in black or tortoise for everyday. The style is the Petra ($145), and the brand is doing $25 off eyeglasses and 20% off sunwear with no code required.
I’ll be browsing a few different sites for new bedding, but right now I’m tentatively set on this Linen-Cotton Duvet Cover ($269) from Brooklinen. They offer 25% off site-wide, plus 2% Cash Back via Rakuten. I always do all-white bedding, but stripes might be a nice change? TBD.
Pinsy has up to 50% off site-wide, so I’m grabbing a new Long Sleeve Crew Neck Butter Sculpt Seamless Shapewear Bodysuit ($64, was $92). You guys always DM me to tell me I look snatched when I’m wearing this, and it’s well worth it full-price — therefore, a must-buy on sale.
I’m debating picking up two pairs of earrings from Mejuri, who offer 25% off with a minimum spend of $150, plus 2% Cash Back via Rakuten. The Zadie Lab Grown Sapphire Drop Hoops ($198) and the Pavé Diamond X Studs ($368). It’s been a minute since their selection caught my eye, but these are good!
LOOPS makes my favorite hydrogel sheet masks, and they have an amazing 30% off site-wide sale. I’m getting the A Holiday On Loop Set ($124) with 25 masks, as well as a restock of my favorite, Dream Sleep (5 for $35).
Les Collection is offering 25% off site-wide, so I’m pulling trigger (!) on The Pill Box ($390) I mentioned in my B List gift guide. They have tons of other unique homewear items as well.
I’m asking for the Soft Services Theraplush Hand Cream ($62) for Christmas, and it’s 10% off. You can save up to 20% off site-wide now through Dec 1.
SKIMS is offering up to 30% off site-wide, and while a lot of the loungewear I like remains full price, the shapewear is a great deal. I’m picking up a few of my favorite Seamless Sculpt styles, including the Thong Bodysuit ($49, was $70) and the Mid Thigh Bodysuit ($51, was $74).
I’m back on my Victoria’s Secret underwear kick, so I’ll be making the most of the 7 for $35 panties deal. They’re also doing 40% off site-wide with 2% Cash Back on Rakuten! I just stocked up on holiday PJs earlier this week, and I’d highly recommend.
If I hadn’t just restocked my rhode skin Barrier Butter ($38) last week, I’d definitely be buying a few more. I also use the Glazing Milk ($30) daily, and it’s all formulated by my favorite cosmetic chemist in the biz. They haven’t announced a sale just yet, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled.
I haven’t had the chance to scroll, but it’s worth flagging that SSENSE, Net-A-Porter and MyTheresa all have up to 50% off deals on designer pieces. I’m debating a couple things from Ferragamo and Tod’s, but TBD on that for now…
Lastly, I want to get a camera! I don’t know which yet, so catch me on the couch researching (scrolling tech TikToks) until I find the best one. Any recs? May the Black Friday gods be ever in my favor.
Advice No One Asked For (But Everyone Needs)
You didn’t ask, but allow me to share my biggest shopping hack: Rakuten. I love it so much that I’m quite literally their consumer press spokesperson — and have been for the past two years. But I swear, I have no obligation to promote them here, and this isn’t an ad! It’s just the same exact message I’m sending in all my group chats this week as I know the people I love are shopping.
Rakuten is a zero-effort way to earn money while you shop. Plain and simple! So many of my favorite retailers are offering Cash Back deals that in no way interfere with the on-site deals and discounts they’ll already be offering this week, so you can stack the savings and make the most of your shopping.
Right now, Bloomies, Saks, and Neiman Marcus all offer 10% Cash Back on your purchase, and Bergdorf Goodman offers 15% Cash Back. So if you buy a sweater on sale for $100 bucks, you get a check for $15 in the mail at the end of the month. Yes, please!
I didn’t realize I had a referral code, and I always tell people to just go directly to the Rakuten site to register, but it turns out I do: Sign up here for free with my referral code. Download the browser extension on Chrome and wonder how you ever shopped without it.
Big Picture Thinking: Handbag Edition
A gentle reminder not to buy the on-sale, discounted version of the thing you actually want — especially if you foresee yourself still longing for the real deal! It can be so tempting to take advantage of Black Friday savings, but if you’ve got your heart set on something specific, you’ll only spend more in the long run buying distractions to hold you over.
Here, three bags I really want (and might eventually buy!) that aren’t on sale, in price-ascending order. Womp womp.
Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra XS in Black Leather ($385) - The cutest I-don’t-need-it-but-I’d-like-to-have-it croissant-style mini bag.
Etro Small Vela Bag in Light Blue ($,2190) - The technically-on-sale-but-still-quite-expensive “something blue” I’ve been debating for my bridal era.
Ferragamo Hug Soft Bicolor Shoulder Bag in Olive ($3,000) - The perfect carrying-my-laptop-and-a-pair-of-flats everyday bag.
Did I miss a sale worth shopping? Let me know!
x BG
Such great inspo and so many good pieces here! Trying to stick to holiday gifts this weekend, but you're really tempting my wallet - lol! Happy Thanksgiving!