The Shit I Bought and Liked Black Friday Survival Guide
The sales you actually want to shop, plus my best finds so far
Shitters!!! There is an overwhelming number of sales out there already, but today’s newsletter is here to help you find your way through the chaos to the things you actually want to buy (and to procrastinate at work—what else are you supposed to do at the office this week?!). This roundup includes the sales I’m shopping this year, ones I’ve had luck at in the past, and more than a few things that would make for great gifts! This post was updated on Monday, 11/25 to include an additional sale!
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Dermstore: Dermstore really came to play this year!! So many of the best brands in skincare/makeup/hair are between 20-30% off with no minimum spend. Don’t miss UBeauty at 20% off (their Resurfacing Serum/Super Hydrator Duo has been a longtime SIBAL favorite—start with their travel sized set if you want to try it out), Augustinus Bader at a whopping 25% off (their Ultimate Soothing Cream is my personal favorite winter splurge), and 111Skin’s incredible eye masks for 20% off (they’re pricey, but nothing’s better before a big event). Other highlights include BeautyStat’s eye cream (now under $50), this deep conditioning hair mask by Christophe Robin (SO nice and it lasts forever), Furtuna’s Cleansing Balm (I was nervous this might break me out, but it doesn’t at all and gets off every bit of makeup), and these very giftable mask sets from 111Skin (this one’s under $50!). (While we’re talking skincare, both the the red light mask and the microcurrent device I wrote about last week are on sale too!)
J.Crew: This is a great sale for winter basics and for gifts! Highlights include their cashmere-lined leather gloves (my entire family ordered these last year—the men’s version is even less), these monogrammable PJs (now under $50!), and these cozy cashmere socks. This SIBAL-favorite cashmere crewneck isn’t marked down (yet?), but plenty in their classic men’s sweater selection is. This cotton rollneck in particular has Hallmark heartthrob written all over it, and would be great for a guy who tends to run hot in wool/cashmere. (Also, this isn’t J.Crew, but Madewell is close enough—my sister has these super dark wash jeans and they are GORGEOUS and now under $60?!!)
Shopbop: Shopbop’s 25% off only applies to select pieces and they have a bad habit of omitting most everything I want (though these pull-on trouser-y pants that I love did make the cut), but they have an insane price-matching policy that’s worth taking advantage of. The item doesn’t need to be available in the same size—just the same style/color at a lower price. I’d use that to scoop up these splurgey Acne boots for the 20% off they’re listed for on Luisaviaroma (they run true to size IMO). These get the most use out of any boots in my closet aside from the good old Uggs (also on sale!). The low heel is easy to walk in all day, the capped toe makes them cooler than your usual boot, and the tight shaft means that there’s no gap between the boot and your skin or visible sock underneath. The number of people who have stopped me to ask about them in the few weeks it’s been cold again in NYC is HIGH. Just give their customer service line a call after placing your order and they’ll refund you the difference!
Doen: You guys went wild for this dress when I shared over the summer (select sizes/colors on sale), but Doen has a few other staple pieces in their Giving Thanks sale including this simple cashmere crewneck, this gorgeous alpaca/merino sweater, and this summer-y v-neck. Their chunky mittens would also make for a very cute gift!
Re/Done: This sale doesn’t start until Wednesday, but come back here then because three workhorses in my closet will be 30% off: My all-time favorite t-shirt (I have it in black and optic white) and these classic black trousers (they run pretty oversized—I took two sizes down from my usual in their denim and had to get them hemmed, but they’re the perfect relaxed fit).
Reformation: This sale opens Tuesday (apparently some people still respect norms around here?), but it’s another staple for sweaters and boots especially. I love this cropped cashmere turtleneck, this simple boyfriend sweater, and this chunky cable knit turtleneck (very Nancy Meyers-coded). I regret skipping these bias-cut pants last year (how good is that color?), but I’ll never regret buying these black knee-high boots two Black Fridays ago—they are the most reliable staple and look better than almost any other version of this style.
Roz: Roz (pronounced “rose”) makes the most incredible-smelling clean haircare. Their shampoo and conditioner duo is my go-to for wash day, I use their root lift spray every time I blow dry, and as someone with naturally frizzy, somewhat thin hair, their styling oil deserves a special shoutout. Most hair oils make my hair feel greasy even in the smallest amounts, but this one is so light—it tames the frizz and leaves my hair feeling soft, plus it smells SO good. Everything is 20% off, plus any purchase over $100 comes with a full size of their Treatment Oil, which is amazing as far as a gift with purchase goes. Speaking of gifts, I’m very impressed by their holiday sets too—how beautiful is this packaging?!
The Great: I have a weakness for a good sweatsuit, and whether I’m shopping for myself or to treat someone else, this is usually where I start. This super soft henley and pants set was my best Black Friday purchase last year, but you can’t go wrong with their classic sweatsuits either. My personal favorite combo is the slouch sweatshirt and these sweatpants, plus my go-to thick sweatshirt socks.
SSENSE: The cashmere pants I got during this sale last year were a splurge, but they’ve been worth it in terms of cost per wear and would make such a luxurious gift! They’re elevated enough to not feel underdressed while you’re out and about on cold days, but they’re still super comfortable and easy. I went for the chocolate brown, but they have a few other neutral options available too.
Brooklinen: Sheets and towels unfortunately do not last forever, and if you need to replace yours, now is the time! Their sheet and duvet sets have you covered (I like their linen best), and if you’ve been contemplating upgrading your duvet insert, DO IT. Their down alternative is the fluffiest I’ve ever found! Don’t miss their soft waffle robe either—the number of times I’ve spent the entire rest of the day in it after taking a shower is waaay too high to admit.
Away: Speaking of things you’re not always thinking about replacing, everything at Away is 25% off, which is great if you need a new carry-on or suitcase (cue “I like my sootcase,” the biggest bop of our times). They generally hold up well, and they also have phenomenal customer service. Earlier this summer one of the zipper pulls on my checked bag snapped off during transit and they straight up sent me a new suitcase two days later, despite the fact that I bought the original over four years prior. For that alone I will be loyal to them forever!
Jenni Kayne: This cardigan seems to have become JK’s new signature piece (no one tell the Cocoon!). I went for the black and I love the way it looks buttoned to the top with jeans and boots. JK tends to be oversized, but this runs small—if you’re between sizes, I’d size up. While you’re here, stock up on some of their candles, and grab a pair of their shearling slippers for a super luxurious gift (or treat for yourself!).
Past SIBAL Favorites on Sale: The soft pants I change into the minute I get home. The best bang for your buck moisturizer—I went for this set with the travel size too. This all-time favorite candle. This insanely soft workout onesie (I throw a sweater on top and wear it all day). The face wash I never stop talking about. The only knives you really need (now $90 off!). The gentle retinal serum that all the skincare girls can’t stop talking about (Guest Shitter Roya Shariat recommended their hyperpigmentation serum too!).
And for those of you who have stuck around, my best sale find so far was Cire Trudon’s splurge-y candles via this random (but entirely legit and also very cool looking?) Italian retailer. The candles are listed for $40ish under sticker price, and RESIDENZA25 gets you an additional 25% off… I’ve never seen these go on sale anywhere else, so if you want them, RUN (I grabbed Abd El Kader and their beautiful cloche).
Other things on their way to me: The bralettes I’ve replaced my whole drawer with on super sale. Queen Victoria Beckham’s lip stain and contour stylus at 20% off. The last thing I need is another lounge set, but Leset pointelle is an exception to the rule. Can’t wait for this soothing Manuka honey mask.
I’ll be in the comments if you want to share your best finds with me! Excited to see everything you’re shopping for!
SO MANY GOODIES SO LITTLE TIME!
Please thank your sister for my new jeans- I wanted a dark wash pair!