Top: Free People Ottoman Sweater  Wearing a size SMALL // Jeans: Old, similar here // Shoes: French Sole {also love these} // Sunglasses: Old, similar here // Bag: Celine

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is upon us y’all & that means more sales than you know what to do with. It can be a bit overwhelming {even for me} & with so much going on, I knew I wanted to offer some tips to make shopping the sales as easy as possible. These are my tried & true tips that I use every year, so I know they’ll work for you too.

1. Make a plan! You need to get organized. Otherwise, you’ll waste time, forget people, and miss out on savings! The first thing I do is write out everyone I’m buying gifts for. I also link out {or write out} what I plan to get them & from where. Next, I make a list of the items I want to buy for myself/my family & babe/my pups. For example, I always buy my Christmas cards on Black Friday when they are heavily discounted, so I prepare my address book, and make a note, so I’m always ready to go. Getting prepared is crucial in saving you time, and keeping things sane. No one wants to stress over Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping! This should be fun.  A little prep will make a world of difference 🙂
   bbbbbbFor example:
   bbbbbbbbbbbbPEOPLE
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Mom – Nest Birchwood Diffuser
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Dad – Leather wallet
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Arden – Love Necklace
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Caroline – Cooking/baking set
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Scott – Coravin
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Gloria – Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
   bbbbbbbbbbb  HOME
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Order Christmas cards from Minted – always goes 15/20% off
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Restock on Truffle Cases
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Order more Holiday candles for neighbor gifts
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Find pretty faux floral for powder bath – One Kings Lane & Neiman Marcus
   bbbbbb
2. Make a separate list of all your favorite online retailers. Although most retailers will have some sort of promotion going on, not all will have major sales. I like to make a list of every retailer I love and check back on them all weekend to see if the sale offerings change. I also like to separate my retailers by category: HOME, FASHION, KIDS, BEAUTY etc so I can stay focused.
   bbbbbbFor example:
   bbbbbbbbbbbbHOME
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbMintwood Home
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbMark & Graham
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbWaiting on Martha
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbWest Elm
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbWilliam Sonoma
   bbbbbbbbbbbBEAUTY
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbSephora
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbSpace NK
   BbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbUlta
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbViolet Grey
   bbbbbbbbbbbFASHION
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbNordstrom
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbShopbop
   bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbBloomingdale’s
   bbbb
3. Last but not least, check back in all weekend with me here & on Instagram – I will be posting all the information on my favorite sales, my top picks, gift guide ideas and so much more.

Also, you probably recognize the sweater I’m wearing above if you’ve been following me on Instagram because I literally don’t take it off {I also own the black}. It’s perfectly oversized, so comfortable and can be worn with anything. I’ve paired it with a silk skirt, workout leggings and jeans, and if you’re short enough, you could also get away with wearing this as a dress on it’s own! It’s seriously one of the best sweaters I’ve bought in a long time, so don’t sleep on this one! You will regret it, I promise!

Happy shopping and let me know if you have any questions in the comments! x

photos: The Retro Penguin

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When I posted yesterday’s gift guide for the men in your life, a few readers asked for more workwear/formal clothing options, so I teamed up with HUGO BOSS to pick a few favorites from their incredible selection to share with you all! HUGO BOSS has everything from suit sets, to casual run and everything in between. Let’s break down a few of my favorites below!

#1 & #15 – These gorgeous suits are both classics, and would make any man look dreamy. I love that they are both on the slim side, giving them a more european fit. My husband wears suits like this and he always looks so handsome. You can’t go wrong with either of these colors – both are timeless, and could be worn all year.

#10 & #21 – It’s a little hard to see, but both of these shoes are dessert boots! Similar to the ones I showed you yesterday, but less expensive. I also lovvvveeeee that these come in a smooth leather. How gorgeous are they!?

#11 – My husband carries a briefcase to/from work everyday with his iPad, laptop, notebooks and any important information from the day in it. His looks just like this one. I love that it is sleek, nondescript, and comes with a long strap option. Also, are you seeing that grained Italian leather?? Stunning. This bag is perfection.

#13 – These cufflinks are labelled as ‘fireflies’ online, but to me, they look like little bees! ‘Bee’ has been my lifelong nickname, these are especially fun for me. Buying these ASAP for my *honey* to wear {couldn’t help myself there}

#18 – These tux shoes are great because they are simple. Too often these days tuxedo shoes come with too many bells and whistles. I love that these are clean, classic and elegant. The perfect shoe for a man who is dressing up!

Which are your favorites? I could go on and on about all the above {hellooooo! those sneakers!}, but I think you get the gist. Shop my fav picks above or below or head to HUGO BOSS to see all that they’ve got goin on! Oh, and did I mention a huge selection of the site is 50% off right now? It’s not too late to order and have it arrive by Christmas so RUN, don’t walk!

photos: The Retro Penguin

thank you to hugo boss for sponsoring this post

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Ugh. Buying gifts for men is the worst. Whether you’ve barely known him or you’re not sure of what he’d want, or maybe it’s just that you’re out of creative ideas. Regardless of whoever it is, I’ve rounded up a list of my favorite gifts for the man in your life.

25pc Professional BBQ Grill Accessories Set with Aluminum Case – for the grill lover in your life. This 25 piece grill set is under $30, yet looks like it’s worth hundreds. It’s aluminum case is sleek and compact, and full of every tool he would ever need. 

Allbirds – all four of my brothers own these, as well as my husband and my brother-in-laws. They are that good. They come in tons of colors, are extremely comfortable and come in at under $100. These are a sure fire hit.

Portable Backgammon set – My husband and I love to pass time on vacations or when traveling playing backgammon. This little travel set is small enough to fit in your travel bag without taking up too much room. With this set, you won’t ever have to be without entertainment!

Bluetooth Waterproof Shower Speaker – Who doesn’t love music in the shower? If music in the morning isn’t your jam, you could also listen to books on tape, or podcasts! Love that this can suction onto any surface. 

Turntable Record Player – We aren’t really the record player types, but if we were, we would pick this one. I love it’s mid-century modern look, and the price isn’t as crazy as some of the others.

Shinola Leather Wallet – My husband has this wallet and loves it. He raves about how soft the leather is and was so proud when he first brought it home having discovered the Shinola brand. He’s had his almost 4 years now and it has worn in the best way possible. Comes in multiple colors.

Tod’s Desert Boots – My husband has these in black and brown and wears them almost every day to work in the winter months. They’re elegant, comfortable {according to him} and durable. He’s had his for years and they still look good as new. An investment, but I promise he will have them for years to come.

Herschel Duffle Bag – Every man needs a good duffle bag and I like that this one is simple, neutral and classic. Perfect size for weekend trips or just a trip to the gym.

Apple Watch – Not much to say here – Who wouldn’t want an apple watch?!

Low top Sneaker – Lovvvveeee these. They’re clean, classic and elegant. Would make any man more stylish! Come in 5 colors

Tile Pro – Is the man in your life constantly loosing his keys? His phone? Use the tile to ring his things. Connects to your smartphone and makes your lost item ring while nearby, but out of sight. 

Hermes Passport Holder – How chic is this passport holder? Perfect for the jet setter in your life! And for being Hermes, it’s not offensively expensive {all things considered}

Ottomatic Coffee Brewer – For the coffee lover in your life. Not only does the hot plate keeps coffee warm without compromising flavor, but it makes six cups at a time all while looking uber elegant on the counter. 

Lego Coffee Mug – need I say more?! What guy doesn’t love legos?! Heck, I’d love this mug. Can’t go wrong with the under $15 price point too!

Ring doorbell Cam – We have one and it makes me feel so safe! As soon as it detects motion, it starts recording. Guys love gadgets, and this is a win-win for the home!

Bose Sleepbuds – These little buds sit so comfortably in your ear and play the softest sounds lulling you to sleep. I have these and love them {especially for travel} Does he live in a noisy city? Travel a lot? These are perfect if so.

Cotton & Cashmere Pullover – Great price for this super soft looking pullover. My husband wears these under his blazers to work on super cold days. Would make any man look handsome.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones – My husband swears by these {are you noticing a trend here? Basically all my ideas came from items my husband loves!} They completely cancel out all outside noise, are super comfortable in the ear, and are most importantly use bluetooth so you can connect to any device.

Vilebrequin Moorea Solid Swim Trunks – my husband has been wearing these since he was a kid. They’re well made, and comes in tons of colors & styles. They also come in multiple different lengths so whether he’s super tall or super short, there is a length for anyone.

23 and Me – One simple swab and you could learn all about your ancestry and even medical history. Would be so cool to gift someone the knowledge of their own heritage!

Ember Temperature Control Mug – How many times have you poured a cup of coffee only for it to go cold? This temperature control mug will keep his coffee warm all morning long.

Ugg Ascot Slipper – Everyone knows Ugg makes the best slippers, and these are no different. They come in 17 colors, fabrics and leathers and would make any man cozy and happy

Daniel Wellington Watch – Clean, classic and elegant. Two of my brothers wear this watch and love it.

Braun Electric Shaver – I don’t know much about razors, but this has incredible reviews and can be used wet or dry. I know my husband would love an upgrade like this!

Philippe Model Tropez Low Top Sneaker – My husband has these and loves them. They’re nice because they aren’t super logo-y. They kind of just blend in, but are also extremely comfortable and come in some really cool color combinations.