Shit I Bought and Liked No. 80: The Black Friday Sales You Can't Miss!

Shitters assemble!!!! Our SuperBowl is upon us! Pretty much every site on the internet is running a sale already (does it feel like Black Friday became an entire month this year???), which is why this newsletter got bumped up from it’s usual send on Black Friday to TODAY—I couldn’t deal with the anticipation any longer. All these sales mean it’s easy to find deals out there BUT it’s also incredibly easy to get overwhelmed and want to throw the towel in on the whole thing, which is why I wanted to send you a ~curated~ rundown of the sales I spend the whole year anticipating. These include great options for yourself AND for your holiday gifting (instead of putting it off another week or two and paying full price, put in the time over this weekend to get your list taken care of and spare yourself the stress next month). Without further ado, here are the sales you shouldn’t miss! 

• Shopbop: This is a must-hit sale for me. This year their discount is 25% across the board (no minimum spend!), it applies to nearly everything (Citizens! Re/Done! Hunza G!), and they’re great about returns if you need multiple sizes to try. Some recent favorites: The most comfortable pair of jeans I own. This buttery soft black base-layer (great with leather anything!). These event earrings. And this alternative to workout leggings. I planned to share an expensive sweatpants haul earlier this month, but none were remotely worth writing home about EXCEPT for these divine chocolate brown FreeCity’s (they are heartbreakingly sold out at the moment, but set a back in stock alert! I promise they are worth it!). I know—very 2009, but FreeCity’s are BACK and it is mostly thanks to Lisa Rinna. This pair is pricier than their most popular style (still in stock in several colorways!), but IMO the superfluffs are softer and lay better than their 100% cotton counterparts. My personal cart is full of basics (and these amazing winter white jeans) at the moment, but I wouldn’t mind throwing this gorgeous Cult Gaia clutch in with them.

• SkinStore: Usually Dermstore is my annual restock sale, but SkinStore has them beat price-wise this year! Depending on what I’m running low on, I’ll go for this super-hydrating hyaluronic serum (perfect for the dry/cold winter months—one of these usually lasts me the full year, so buying now ensures I won’t need to again until next Black Friday), PCA’s Vitamin C (great for fading hyperpigmentation—I use at night), my usual Olaplex goodies, and an Elta or two for good measure (against the advice of my derm I’ve been using the tinted one—so far, so good). This year, I’m also adding this eye cream to the mix. After years of being off and on (mostly off!) with eye cream, I’m ready to get serious about it. I chose to start with this one because of its ingredients. They’re great for my issues—dark circles and the start of some fine lines—the CBD is an interesting addition that I’ve liked in other staples in my skincare (s/o Dieux!), plus the brand’s founder, cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, is incredibly well-respected in the industry. Gift-wise, you know I love the NuFace, and their mini starter kit is at the lowest price I’ve ever seen!

• Crooked: The Crooked Store is running a huge sale on a bunch of things that would make great gifts for your politically engaged friends/relatives who are celebrating midterm election wins (linking here and here to two of my favorites), BUT I wanted to take a sec to highlight their new Coffee Gift Boxes because I think they’re such a good idea, especially for those hard to shop for people. They have three different, curated boxes that each come with two full-sized bags of Crooked Coffee (the nutty dark roast is my favorite, but both are delicious) and a different activity. My personal favorite is the home baker box—it comes with Farm Steady’s perpetually sold-out (and extremely tasty) Apple Cider donut mix, reusable donut molds, and of course, two bags of medium and dark roast coffee. To me, it feels like a good-on-it’s-own gift PLUS that little something extra that makes it super thoughtful and complete. The other two boxes are perfect for your crafty friends, or your chronically-online siblings, and you can let your lucky recipient know that a portion of the proceeds from their gift went straight to Vote Save America’s Every Last Vote fund to make sure voters around the country (including in these GA runoffs!!!) can make their voices heard. The whole site is 25% off with code SAVE25 until Monday 11/28, but these boxes are limited edition and a steal with the code, so I’d hurry if I were you!

• Reformation: To be honest with you, I don’t love most things from Ref, but when they get it right, they reeeeally get it right (plus their sales consistently offer good markdowns). I’m currently dreaming of pairing this cashmere sweater dress with these gorgeous knee-high boots for a winter weather-friendly work/drinks/dinner look (I can imagine Emma Grede wearing this with her signature hoops and for that reason I AM IN). After being on the hunt for the perfect pair of knee-high boots since the start of the season, I’m convinced that this pair (black leather, small heel/super walkable, Khaite-lookalike but not priced-alike) is an ideal wardrobe investment. Would I also do unspeakable things for the Rosie 8’s? Yes, I’m only human. But as someone whose nights out usually involve some amount of walking, I have learned my lesson when it comes to stiletto heel height (unless someone has a pair of Rosies in a size 8 they want to part with—I can unlearn real fast). Other options I love: This silk mini dress (pair it with sky high heels), this leather mini skirt (with a blazer/tank), this sweater that looks far more expensive than it is, and this lingerie-inspired number that might have to wait in your closet for a few months, but style it exactly like the model on vacation or for a sexy summer date night. 

• Alo: Alo is one of those brands that has been running 30% off sales since the start of this month, but if they haven’t gotten you with their targeted ads yet, it definitely is a good time to snag a few things. First and foremost, my favorite sports bra. These are great for people who get upper back/trap pain with most racerback bras/tops, and I’ve slowly replaced most of my old ones with these. Earlier this month I also scooped up these sleek leggings in anthracite (I liked it much better than my usual black) and this suuuuper soft pullover to wear pre/post workout. (Speaking of pullovers, their men’s styles come in great neutrals and are just as cozy—very giftable for a partner/ brother!). It’s also a great time to grab their yoga mat if you’re in the market for a new one/need a good gift option for a sporty someone—mine has been a staple in my workout routine since quarantine and I have been spreading the good word ever since. 

• APL: This is a repeat appearance on this list but they do a buy two, get one free deal every Cyber Monday—you have to wait for it, but if you’re in need, you’ll be glad you did. Now you probably don’t need three new pairs of sneakers for yourself (or maybe you do, I don’t know your life!), but grab a couple friends or a partner/sibling/parent and split it three ways. Everyone gets shoes, everyone gets a deal! These are unisex and have been my everyday sneakers for the past two years, these are great for lace haters (my mom loves!), and not gonna lie—I’m very into these ones too. 

Other BF options that I’ve bought/thought of: A designer sweater lookalike, plus more cashmere I know I’ll get tons of use out of (pick up a matching set while you’re at it—they make the best gifts). Prairie girl done right by Doen, inspired by the very chic Monikh. Home decor at a solid discount from one of my favorite sites. A jewelry splurge I’ve been contemplating for ages (and another for good measure!). The nail care restock I make every single year (plus my favorite polish and these fast-drying drops). Workout wear on super sale. Two forever sweaters from Ms. Jenni Kayne that I’d be happy to see under the tree! Has the time finally come for my dream coverlet?! If you’re in need of new bedding, don’t skip that last one! The gold standard in giftable PJs (plus my budget-friendly/Shitter-approved alternative). And a perfect/perfectly priced simple cardigan. 

There you have it team—it’s my biggest hope that this newsletter helps you find something you love and hopefully score a sweet deal while you’re at it! Sending you all love and gratitude for being here and shopping with me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Priyanka

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