Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2018 Holiday Sales

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping! Black Friday and Cyber Week start early this year, with discounts and sales in full swing before Thanksgiving is over. No need to wait for the stores to open after dinner because the amazing online sales have begun. If you are brave and you do plan to hit the stores, battle the crowds, and wait in long lines, see this list of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for the 2018 holiday shopping season. What are you waiting for? It's time to prepare for the holidays and start saving.

Rebecca Taylor - Get 25% off with code GRATEFUL. Valid through 11/26 at 11:59pm EST

Macy’s - 20% off plus free shipping at $25 with code CYBER. Ends 11/28

Saks Fifth Avenue - Earn a $75 gift card with a $150+ purchase with code THANKFUL.  Valid 11/22-11/23

Yoox - Take an extra 60% off top brands. Valid 11/23

Lord & Taylor - Extra 40% off sale items. Additionally, take an extra $25 off your purchase of  $200+ with code BONUS. Valid 11/20-11/25

Urban Outfitters - Take $10 off $50, $25 off $100, $50 off $150. Final hours take 25% off.  Valid 11/26

Bloomingdale’s - 15% off when you spend $100-$249, 20% off when you spend $250-$399,  or 25% off when you spend $400+ on items labeled BUY MORE, SAVE MORE.  Valid 11/22-11/24

JCPenney - Extra 30% off when you spend $100 or more, or an extra 25% off when you spend  under $100. Valid 11/25-11/26

Nordstrom - Up to 60% off through Cyber Monday. Valid 11/22-11/26

Topshop - Up to 50% off select items for Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Valid 11/21-11/27

Topman - Up to 50% off select items for Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Valid 11/21-11/27

Pacsun - BOGO 50% off plus free shipping and Women's Denim Up to 40% Off.  Valid 11/20-11/27

J. Crew - Take 40% off your entire purchase with code TOGETHER. Valid 11/19-11/26

J. Crew Factory - Take 40-50% off sitewide. 11/19-11/25

Madewell - Receive 25% off your entire purchase with code SHOPALLDAY. Valid 11/26.

Tory Burch Up to 60% off sale styles + 30% on off purchases of $250+ with code THANKS.  Valid 11/19 - 11/27 Ann Taylor - 50% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY. Valid 11/25 - 11/28 Loft - 50% off your entire purchase with code CYBER. Valid 11/25-11/27 Old Navy - 50% off entire purchase. Ends 11/27 Coach - 30% off select full price styles with code THANKS18 Rag & Bone - Save 25% off sitewide with code TAKE25 plus free shipping. Ends 11/26 at  11:59pm PST Target - Save on these doorbusters and deals for Black Friday Forever 21 - Get 30% off everything with code CYBER30. Ends 11/26 Nasty Gal - Take 60% off everything, no code needed.  H&M - 30% off plus free shipping. Discount taken at checkout. Ends 11/26 Steve Madden - 25% off with code THANKS. Valid through 11/22 net-a-porter - Get an additional 15% off favorite sale items with code CYBER15 Forward by Elyse Walker - Get up to 65% off designer items Farfetch - Save an extra 20% off sale with code X20BF Mytheresa - Enjoy 30% off select items with code BLACK30 Bluefly - Extra 20% off sitewide with code BFDAY20 Neiman Marcus - Take $50 off $200 of regular priced items with code THANKFUL DSW - 20% off everything with code MADHOUSE through 11/25 Missguided - Get 50% off sitewide with code USEME. Ends 11/27 Asos - Get 20% off sitewide with code HELLO20. Ends 11/27 Intermix - Get 30% off plus free shipping. Ends 11/27 Joe Fresh - Get 35% off sitewide with code VIPCYBERMONDAY & Other Stories - Get 20% off with code FRIDAYNOIR20. Ends 11/26 Cos - Take 20% off select products. Ends 11/26 Express - Get 50% off everything plus free shipping. Ends 11/27 Shopbop - Take an additional 30% off all sale items with code WOW18. Valid 11/26-11/27 Kohl's - Take an extra 20% off site wide with code TAKE20. Valid through 11/28 Revolve - Extra 20% off final sale items with code CYBER20. Valid 11/26-11/27 Sole Society - 30% off site wide. Valid 11/26 Wayfair - Up to 80% off site wide. Valid through 11/30 Shop my seasonal favorites:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links. Shop holiday gifts:

The Look for Less - Straw and Basket Bags for Summer

Few accessories scream summer like a straw or bamboo handbag. The sturdy construction, lightweight materials, and variety of silhouettes make straw bags a chic and simple way to update your look for the warmer months. Straw bags work just as well for beach days as they do for staycations, barbecues, trips to the farmers' market, casual parties, or running around town. Look for details such as chain straps, fringe, embroidery, or structured handles to elevate your outfit and add whimsy.

A quick scroll through your Insta feed may prove that there's no denying the ubiquity of the Cult Gaia 'Ark' handbag. This small half moon-shaped bamboo clutch pairs amazingly with off-the-shoulder dresses, kimonos, ruffled skirts, and distressed denim. See my favorite Cult Gaia Ark bag outfits and see how to shop dupes below.

photos via Pinterest

May 23, 2019 update - Shop Cult Gaia Ark bag dupes under $50:

March 2019 update - Several seasons after its launch, the Cult Gaia Ark bag is still going strong. The architectural style makes it a hero piece for any outfit. While the Ark bag ranges in price from $150 to $300, there are a multitude of Cult Gaia Ark bag dupes to choose from. 

May 2019 update - These are the best Ark bag replicas under $35:

April 14, 2019 update - See how to get the round rattan bag look with these Cult Gaia Luna bag dupes and look alikes.

Shop the latest from Cult Gaia:

Shop Cult Gaia Ark bag dupes:

Shop Cult Gaia Luna bag dupes:

August 7, 2017 update - Shop Cult Gaia:

The Look for Less

I've selected my top straw handbag picks for summer 2017 under $150.  


1. Mar y Sol 'Mia' woven raffia clutch, $49
2. Lindroth Designs small tan Birkin basket bag, $150
3. Summer Daze straw tote, $49
4. Nine West 'Alyce' straw tote, $62.30
5. Cult Gaia 'Ark' mini acrylic clutch, $280
6. Style & Co straw beach tote, $11.53
7. Betsey Johnson basket case bag, $108
8. Merona linen tote bag, $34.99

May 23, 2019 update - See more straw bags:

April 9, 2019 update - Here are more straw bags I'm loving for 2019 under $40:

March 24, 2019 update - Shop Cult Gaia Ark and Luna bag dupes and replica bags:

Style your bag with:

June 4, 2018 update - Get the Cult Gaia Ark bag look for less with these budget friendly straw and acrylic bags:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

More straw and basket bags:

The Look for Less - Chloé Nile Ring Handle Bracelet Bag Dupes

When Chloé releases a new bag, it's destined to become an instant street style favorite. While the Faye and Drew styles are still prominent, the Nile bag is the latest must-have handbag by Chloé. Featured in the spring ad campaign, the new Chloé Nile bag pairs well with breezy, embellished looks for spring and summer. 

September 4, 2019 update - Shop pre-owned Chloé Nile handbags:

December 2018 update - If you like the Chloé Nile handbag, then you might also like the new Tess bag. See how to get the Chloé Tess bag look for less. 


October 3, 2018 update - Shop the Chloé Nile bag in new colors and styles for fall 2018:

March 4, 2018 update - Shop the newest styles of the Chloé Nile bag:

The Chloé Nile bag has been spotted on the likes of Aimee Song, Solange Knowles, Leandra Medine and many of your favorite bloggers. With its chic ring bracelet detail, distinctive half moon shape, and diminutive size, it's the ideal antidote to oversized bags of previous seasons. No more rummaging around to find things, since this bag carries just the essentials. How's this for versatile? A detachable/adjustable strap means it can be worn on the shoulder, crossbody, or carried on the arm, bracelet style. Or, double up like Aimee Song and carry two bags in contrasting colors or sizes for maximum style impact. Browse the grey color, the black, or the brown style.

images via Pinterest

Shop the real deal:

November 29, 2018 update - If you like the Faye and Drew bags, you might also like the Tess bag. See how to get the Chloé Tess bag look for less.

The Look for Less

July 27, 2020 update - Shop the Nile look for less:

February 19, 2019 update - Shop these styles under $65:

Shop ring bracelet bags under $80:

Shop the look for less:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Browse bracelet bags:

16 Expert Tips For How To Shop Kenzo for H&M

With the official release of the Kenzo for H&M lookbook today, fashion-hungry fans of the Parisian brand are able to see the collection in its entirety and are undoubtedly anticipating the November 3 launch at 250 H&M stores around the world and online. Now comes the hard part - selecting your favorites and counting down the days until we can get our hands on the colorful creations of Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. 

You're going to want to bookmark this page to shop online at 8AM EST on November 3 (in the United States). 

Nov. 5, 2016 update - The collection is not sold out online in the United States. See what's still available:

Preview the fun tiger prints:

Below, a look at my potential must-haves from the Kenzo for H&M lookbook. As someone who adores print and color, I'm drawn to the vivid florals and pattern mixing. Naturally, there are an abundance of tiger prints, dramatic silhouettes, and holiday-ready dresses.



Best outerwear:

Best accessories:

Here are my predictions for top sellers:

Here's what to buy for holiday gifts and items under $100:

Having shopped quite a few H&M collaboration launches in recent years, I'm sharing my shopping tips for how to score your Kenzo for H&M must-haves both in stores and online. 

October 22, 2016 update - See what's already for sale on eBay.

The Online Strategy

1. Learn the lookbook. Study the lookbook carefully to select your favorites, get outfit inspiration, and check the prices. 

2. Play favorites. Make a list or collage of your favorites to help you stick to your budget and prioritize your potential purchases.

3. Know when and how to shop. In the U.S., these collections launch online in the morning at a set time specified by H&M. In the U.S., they usually launch online at 8am EST. Unfortunately, the website has crashed in the past. Be extra prepared by using more than one web browser, mobile device, etc. Refresh your browser often and have patience. Expect some glitches and be persistent. Remember that patience is key. (If I was forced to choose between shopping online and in store, I'd shop in store. This allows you to try things on, see the sizing, and not have to deal with website glitches.) See H&M's tips on how to shop and bookmark this page to shop at 8AM EST on November 3.

4. Save your info. As the time to shop online approaches, log onto hm.com and have your checkout and payment details saved ahead of time. Clear your cart of any items in order to streamline the checkout process. This reduces the chances of having your cart emptied of any out-of-stock items before you can click the "complete order" button.

5. Click quickly. Shop your top pick(s) first and submit your order right after placing in your cart. Do not shop and fill up your cart. Why? Once an item is in your cart, it's not reserved for you. In order to avoid an item being removed from your cart because it's sold out, you need to click quickly and complete your order! That's why I create a prioritized wish list and try to buy my top picks first. Online purchases are limited to one piece per style per person.

6. Stay social. Use social media channels such as Twitter and Instagram using #KenzoxHM for up-to-the-moment shopping updates, product info, and to connect with other shoppers. Find me on Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thekeytochic for shopping photos, sizing info, and more. 




The In-Store Strategy

1. Know where to go.  Plan your shopping well in advance. I've overheard people calling in sick to work just so they could get in line and shop. Be ready to stand in line on Wedneday night or early Thursday morning (see just how early in #3.) Once it's published, use the H&M store locator to find the H&M stores near you that'll stock the #KenzoxHM collection.

2. Phone it in. Be extra prepared by calling your local store the week before the launch to confirm if they'll carry the collection and ask them exactly where you should line up to shop.

3. Be an early bird. You know what they say about the early bird. Stores open at 8am (instead of 10am) on launch days. I've found in the past that if I arrive by 4am or earlier, then I'm able to get into the first or second shopper group. For example: for Lanvin, I arrived in line around 3am and I was #65 in line. For Marni, I arrived around 2am and was #27 in line (after several friends of shoppers arrived and took cuts in front of me.) For Isabel Marant, I arrived before 4am and lucky for me, I was in the first shopper group. For Margiela and Balmain, I was lucky enough to able to shop the fashion editor preview parties the night before the launch.

4. Play the waiting game and respect the line. For people wanting to shop the Women's merchandise, H&M reps will pass out color-coded wristbands to the first 420 people in line. They do this several hours before the store opens, with each shopper group consisting of 30 people. Each group of 30 shoppers is allowed fifteen minutes in which to shop the collection in a secure and sectioned-off area of the store. They are strict, and with good reason. The fifteen minute time slot goes by really fast, with employees calling out the time at five minute intervals. It's hectic, crazy, and dizzying. This poses a dilemma if you want to shop both Women's and Men's first thing because the Men's area is open to all shoppers at 8am. Note that all people can enter the store at 8am. In between shopper groups, employees rapidly replenish the merchandise in five-minute intervals. Oh, in case you're not awake yet, there's thumping loud music via a live DJ. Expect long lines at the fitting rooms and people hoarding whole racks of clothes in piles on the floor.



5. Preparation is key (but first, coffee). I bring a blanket/pillow, cozy jacket, phone charger, and plenty of snacks/water to stay energized and comfortable while in line. Bring coffee if needed. I have seen people camp out overnight in tents to be first in line for these collabs. Crazy, yes, and dedicated! For people who live in large cities, I'd recommend going several hours before the store opens if you're really motivated to shop. It really depends on your schedule and how much sleep you're willing to sacrifice. In my experience, stock varies widely from store to store, with flagships in metropolitan areas carrying the best selection.

6. Bring a buddy. A family member, friend, or significant other might be able to help you get the pieces you want and help you make purchasing decisions. "Divide and conquer" should be your strategy! Arrange to meet in line at the same time or go to the store together so you're not cutting in line and you can be in the same shopper group for maximum teamwork. The Lanvin for H&M faux fur coat and embellished tee would not be mine if not for a dedicated boyfriend. The same goes for the Isabel Marant pour H&M fringe boots, and I feel really fortunate! 

7. Check for go-backs and barter. If your favorite pieces disappear from the racks in a flash, be courteous, be patient, and don't be afraid to chat with H&M employees and other shoppers to politely trade to get what you want! Just respect the rules that they have in store.

8. Know your limits. There are quantity limits per person on these collections (it's 2 items per style in stores and 1 item per style online) to prevent buying in bulk, and the return policy time frame is shorter (as little as 6 days for purchases made in stores). Be aware of these restrictions in order to prevent any buyer's remorse. See the full return policies for online and in store purchases (click "how to shop.") 

9. Persistence pays off. H&M does not restock these collections, but you can still score your favorites. If you don't find what you want after the launch, check back for returns in the coming days, as many shoppers take items back to the store. Accessories can't be returned for hygiene reasons, so select them carefully. How about that buyer's remorse? Don't forget to check the customer service desk and clearance racks for returns in early and mid November as well. Call your local stores to ask what they have in stock and use #KenzoxHM on social media to buy/trade with others.

10. Consider main line Kenzo instead. With inflated resale prices on eBay and other platforms after the launch, you can likely buy main line Kenzo and Kenzo on sale for less than the marked up resale prices. Consider shopping the real deal (especially on sale at the outnet) or the alternatives below if you aren't able to get your #KenzoxHM wish list items.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop Kenzo for H&M:

Shop these Kenzo alternatives:

Shop Kenzo: