shell chic'd

Christmas Shopping Update

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Red Plaid Christmas Dress Sale

[ GUESS watch c/o | similar plaid dress ]

Are you panicking yet? I have not made nearly the dent in my Christmas shopping that I need to, so I certainly am! I do plan to do a lot of local shopping still, but time’s a’ ticking for online orders from major retailers…! Here are some of this week’s sales to give you the push you need 😉

Amazon:: Lots of Green Monday Sales still on the go!
Ann Taylor:: 50% off full-price sweaters and pants with code PARTY50 | Extra 40% off sale
Anthropologie:: 25% off all sweaters
ASOS:: Up to 70% off New Year’s Eve looks
Banana Republic:: 35% off with code BRMOMENT
Forever 21:: Buy one, get one free with code F21BOGO
Gap:: 30% off with code SHOP
J.Crew:: 30% off with code GIVETHIS
J.Crew Factory:: 50% off everything
Jack Rogers:: 12 Days of Christmas deals
Jack Wills:: 30% off party wear, loungewear, accessories, & gifts
Kate Spade:: Extra 25% off sale with code COZYUP
Kate Spade Saturday:: 25% off Party Shop with code RSVP (something for yourself?!)
LOFT: 50% off sale // 50% off sweaters + tops
Lord & Taylor:: 25% off with code FRIENDS
Madewell: 20% off $100 // 30% off $200 with code GOFORIT
Macys:: 20% off + free shipping with code EXTRA
Old Navy:: 25% off with code SAVENOW
Rent the Runway:: 20% off with code HAPPY2015
Sole Society:: 30% off hats, scarves, and jewelry
West Elm:: Up to 30% off gifts

Now is also a good time to start thinking about that New Year’s Eve dress…!

emilysignature

Friday is the New Black

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Best Black Friday / Small Business Saturday Deals Bostonimage via

To not completely overwhelm you, I’ve rounded up just a selection of my favorite stores’ deals for this week… will be updating throughout the weekend and on Cyber Monday as more turn live!

UPDATE:: Cyber Monday steals are here!

Ann Taylor:: 50% off with code THANKS [Friday] 50% off with code CYBER50 [Monday]
Anthropologie:: 25% off with code HOLIDAY25 20% off sale + free shipping with code EXTRAJOLLY [Monday]
ASOS:: 30% off with code ILOVEMONDAYS [Monday]
BaubleBar:: 20% off with code CYBER20 [Monday]
Boden:: 30% off everything + free shipping with code 3D9Y [Friday-Sunday]
Boutikey:: Up to 60% off
C. Wonder:: 40% off everything [Wednesday-Monday]
Capwell + Co:: 35% off with code BLACKFRIDAY [Friday-Monday]
Design Darling:: 20% off with code MANYTHANKS [Wednesday-Monday]
GAP:: 50% off with code BLKFRIDAY [Thursday-Friday] 40% off with code CYBER [Monday]
J.Crew:: 30% off full-price styles + 40% off sale + free shipping with code HOLIDAY [Wednesday-Sunday] 30% off full-price styles + free shipping [Monday]
J.Crew Factory:: 50% off everything + free shipping with code GIVETHANKS + extra 10% off with code YOUVEGOTSALE [Monday]
Jack Rogers:: Select styles on sale + free shipping
Jack Wills:: 30% off with code THANKY
Joie:: 25% off with code THANKS [Wednesday-Monday]
Kate Spade:: 30% off with code CYBER30 [Monday]
Kiel James Patrick:: 25% off with code SETSAIL
Lands’ End:: 30% off with code VALUE + Pin 2626 40% off with code CYBER + pin 1234 [Monday]
Lilly Pulitzer:: Free gifts with any purchase + free shipping
LOFT:: 40% off everything [Friday-Sunday] 50% off everything with code MONDAY [Monday]
Madewell:: 25% off with code GIFTON [Tuesday-Monday]
Marley Lilly:: Free statement necklace with $50 purchase
Old Navy:: Up to 50% off everything + 15% off with code GRAVY 40% off with code CYBER [Monday]
Pink Bubbly Shop:: 10% off one item // 20% off 2 items // 30% off 3 items [Friday-Monday]
Piperlime:: 25% off with code THANKFUL25 [Thursday-Sunday] 30% off full-price + 40% off sale with code CYBERSALE [Monday]
Shopbop:: 15% off $250 // 20% off $500 // 25% off $1000 with code GOBIG14
Sole Society:: 30% off everything [Monday]
TOMS:: 25% off with code CHEER
Tory Burch:: 20% off $300 // 25% off $500 // 30% off $750 with code LUCKY + gift with any $150 purchase [Wednesday-Monday]
Tuckernuck:: 15% off with code SHOP15 + spend more, get more off!
West Elm:: 10% off $100 // 15% off $250 // $20 off $500 // 25% off $1000 with code SUPERSALE [Wednesday-Monday]

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

And for all my local ladies, I hope you’ll be out supporting Small Business Saturday! Here’s what’s goin’ on in the Bean (+ more to come!)…

The Grommet @ Michelle Willey:: You’ve all heard of The Grommet? A [mostly] online retailer that curates collections of unique products by undiscovered Makers? For the first time, they are taking things off-line and are hosting a holiday pop-up shop at Michelle Willey in the South End for the month of December. I’ll be sharing lots more on that next week, but in the meantime, pop in this Saturday (11/29) between 2 and 6pm for free gift wrapping to celebrate Small Business Saturday! #GiveDifferently

Boutikey:: 15% off in store + lots of chances to win free gifts with purchase!

Follain:: In-store giveaways Saturday + Sunday

Second Time Around:: 50% off everything 7-10am Friday only + 30-50% off after 10am

After the Party it’s the After Party…

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Where to buy Lilly Pulitzer on sale

As many of my fellow Lilly lovers know, the bi-annual end-of-summer sale kicked off yesterday. I’m putting this post together 12+ hours before it goes live, but as this moment there is a TON still available post the morning rush! Just a few of my favorites…

Discount Lilly Pulitzer Summer 2014

[ Karina Empire Waist Sundress, $69 | Courtney Tunic Dress, $59 | Henrietta Strapless Sweetheart Dress, $89 ]

[ Rogan Halter Top, $69 | Marielle Sweater, $29 | Harbour Tunic Dress, $99 ]

[ January Scallop Hem Scort, $34 | Colleen Pull-On Romper, $69 | Walsh Eyelet Short, $49 ]

[ Kate Espadrille Wedge, $89 | Coastal Tote, $34 | Beach Club Sandal, $89 ]

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

The Karina Dress also comes in coral AND has an anchor zipper detail… #swoon

I wore the Henrietta Dress in blue here and it is SO fun + flirty!

Scallops. $34 + free shipping. Enough said.

This is one of the only times of the year to find Lilly Pulitzer on sale, so stock up ladies! (and boyfriends + hubbies + fiances too)

post script. Mass girls:: if you missed out on something online, be sure to stop by your local in the pink! They’re having one heck of a sale themselves.

The Blues Jean Bar + BJB Express!

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photo 1

I won’t lie, I do like to shop. As in, actually stroll Newbury Street or through a strip mall and go shopping— I’m not one of those people who prefers to just order online [if I do it’s because I’ve been sucked in and made an impulse purchase– oops!]. BUT that personal preference didn’t make my experience with Express Box by BJB any less enjoyable… because WHO does not love coming home to a package, especially one full of outfits upon outfits personally selected for you?

Blues Jean Bar BostonHere’s the gist: you may already be familiar with The Blues Jean Bar, the ultimate boutique for finding denim in a super comfortable setting, but recently they introduced BJB Express, and jeans are just the beginning. Six hand-picked outfits curated just for you and sent straight to your doorstep. You have 10 days to figure out which pieces you love and which you can live without, and you pay only for what you keep. Shipping to you + back is free; all you are charged is a $1 deposit.

So if you are one of those ladies who hates to try on clothes in public dressing rooms, gets flustered in crowded shops, or just can’t find the time to shop in a manner other than online, this is the service for you. If you love it, keep using it! You can have a box sent to you as often or infrequently as you like; this is the Birchbox of the fashion world but without the monthly subscription obligation.

The most fun part of this all [besides the Christmas-morning like feel of opening the box]? Filling out my style profile and seeing what stylists Scottie and Marnee put together for me!

BJBExpressOutfits

[ Key Pieces ]
Henry & Belle Micro Flare Jeans
Henry & Belle Super Skinny Jeans
AS by DF Tweed Blazer
BJB Floral Blazer
AS by DF Alessandra Dress
ASTARS Violet Long Sleeve Top
Rory Beca Gus Long Sleeve Open Back Top
AS by DF Jacket [similar]

Funny enough, I think BF made the smartest comment of all about this shopping service: I may have not picked up some of these pieces off the rack on my own, but once they were already in my house and I was free to try them on at my leisure, I didn’t want to have to send them back!

The Blues Jean Bar is offering my readers 20% off any purchases you make from your first Express Box. Sign up for your box here, and in the referral portion of the application, mention shell chic’d for your 20%-off discount! Remember, you will only be charged for what you decide to keep, and I hope that discount entices you to keep a bit more 🙂

Full disclosure: I was compensated with a BJB gift card in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

C.Wonder: 25-50% Off

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Happy Monday Friends! Looking to extend the weekend fun? C.Wonder is offering 25% off all full price items until the end of today and 50% off all sale! Here are some of my current favorites…

C. Wonder Sale

[1] Double Cotton Peplum Trench Coat, $198
[2] Navy Ikat Dinnerware, $10-$14
[3] Lacquer Chevron Stripe Tray, $78
[4] Chain Link Mug, $8 (sale!)
[5] Fox Head Belt Buckle, $38
[6] Calf Hair Chunky Heel Pump, $168
[7] Horse Head Bangle, $38
[8] Screw Stud Bangle, $48
[9] Nautical Flags Charm Bracelet, $75 (sale!)
[10] Dachshund Intarsia Sweater, $88

Use code FRESH to receive your 25% off your full price purchase; 50% off sale prices will be automatically applied to items in your cart. Remember, today is the last day! I don’t think I can resist that Chain Link Mug, which will total to just under $4…

Scallops and the City

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north end boston roof deck

The best feeling after a long day at work and a hot commute home during the summer, is being able to climb up to my roof with a cold drink to sit and enjoy views like this. It’s so fun to catch it at Golden Hour, watching the sun set behind Old North Church.

old north church from roof

Savannah Blouse c/o Spirt75 | Jeans c/o Articles of Society | Necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Gold Leather Wrap Bracelet, Marley Lilly | Purse, Jesslyn Blake [similar 1; 2] | Sandals, Target

My fun tee today comes from Spirit75, an adorable online boutique that offers boho-inspired clothes and accessories for the free spirit. My roots may be preppy, but I have always loved those flowy Free People-esque fashions that make you feel like it’s eternally summer. I also have my eye on this happy chevron Punch Bowl Dress, nautical [ obviously ] High Seas Scarf, party-perfect Double Mint Skirts, and for autumn, this comfy aztec-print Salem Sweater.

kelly green leather crossbody bag

Spirit75 is inviting you all to join their Free Spirit member loyalty program. Use the code NEWBIE on your purchase for 15% off the first time, and each time after that until you rack up enough points that it turns into 20%… 25%… all the way up to 45% off! Cute and affordable… these are the brands so good but so bad for your wallet 🙂

gold rope bracelet; monogram

white scallop hem tee

glitter sandals

Red, White, and Nautical

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buoys on lighthouse

Ever wondered how I became so enthralled with lighthouses? Answer: I spent far too much time playing around this one in Scituate as I was growing up!

scituate lighthouse photography

In other news, today’s post is sponsored by Wild Butterfly Boutique! Are you as obsessed with the J.Crew Bubble Necklace as I am? I have seen many a “inspired by” version over the past couple years since J.Crew first launched them, but I have to say, without a doubt, I am most impressed with Wild Butterfly Boutique’s. They come in three shapes [ Classic, Curvy, and Mini ], depending on how long you like yours/how many bubbles, and in just about any color you could imagine. Oh, and they’re under $20. Take that JC.

navy anchor skirt

red j crew inspired bubble recklace; seashell wedges shoes

That’s not all though— I also love their Infinity, Bowtie, Tear Drop, and Mustache (ha) necklaces, and their rings. I mean, can we talk about this anchor ring?!

Lucky for you gals, Wild Butterfly Boutique is offering one of you a product of your choice from their online boutique! Get your entries in now— contest ends in a week! Rafflecopter below.

photo 2-1

Denim jacket, Old Navy [similar] | Anchor skirt, J.Crew Factory [similar] | Bib Bubble Statement Necklace c/o Wild Butterfly Boutique | Knot Bracelet, KJP | Hair Tie, Oh Buoy Boston | Shell Wedges, Lilly Pulitzer

white knot anchor bracelet

photos altered edited with afterlight app

setting sun over lighthouse; old scituate light

[gigya src="http://cdn.tagul.com/cloud.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" width="500" height="575" flashvars="id=180331@2"]

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Dress for Less: How to be an Online Shopping Pro

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how to buy name brands for less

I’ve never had the desire to disclose anything as personal as my financial situation on this blog, but I realized recently that I may have a sort of responsibility to. I will be the first to admit that although I love my job, I do not receive an A-Lister salary. And so I’ve had to learn how to shop for the brands I love creatively, very rarely buying items at full price. It takes patience, but it can easily be done, so here are my tips for finding some of my most coveted brands for less. Take them as you will!

Sample Sale Websites
GILT was the pioneer in online sample sales, and Rue La La isn’t far behind. Lilly Pulitzer tends to pop up on Rue at least once or twice a month, if not as its own boutique then in specialty ones. I’ve also found Jack Rogers, Vineyard Vines, and Tory Burch on Rue La La, and I often find Kate Spade on GILT. You need invite codes to join, so here ya go— click below!
GILT
Rue La La
(psst! Lilly Pulitzer Gifts from Lifeguard Press are on Rue today starting at 11am EST!)

Resale Facebook Groups
It may sound funny (ok, sketchy), but these online trade markets are really no different from eBay (BuyItNow that is, not the bidding portion!). Individuals list their [new or gently used] items with a moderator who posts photos/price/seller contact info, and exchanges often occur through PayPal. Some I’ve used:
Re-Lilly
Perfectly Preppy Resale
Prep Obsessed
Effortless Anthropologie Trade Market
J.Crew & Madewell – Buy, Sell, and Trade

Thrift/Consignment Stores
Luck and timing are always major factors in thrift shopping, and there’s no way around that. But when you succeed, it feels oh so good. For tips on thrifting in general, check out Megan’s post, which has been immensely helpful to me. If you’re in the Boston or NYC area, be sure to visit some Second Time Around storefronts (additional locations here). I’ve seen everything from Banana Republic and Vineyard Vines to Longchamp and Kate Spade. They are also constantly running sales and promos, so be sure to sign up for their emails.

Personal Online Shoppers
Shop It To Me is one of my best + worst discoveries: daily email alerts about sales on specific products in your size from brands you love. Example:: I fill out my profile with interests in J.Crew, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, and Urban Outfitters, noting I’m interested in any women’s clothing//accessories//shoes, and my sizes. Result:: A daily digest full of items I might be interested in that have recently gone on sale— like this Free People dress half off on ShopBop.com.
Beso is newer, but works similarly. Create your style profile with your favorite brands and stores, and receive “My Sale Rack” emails as often as you’d like— once a week, just weekends, every day, up to you! There’s also a big social part of this program as well.

6PM
I don’t know what it is about this site, but 6pm.com consistently puts brands (ahemLillyPulitzer) on sale long before anyone else does. I’ll take these jeans please!

Retail Me Not
Never have I ever made a purchase online without checking first to see if someone has listed a coupon code that I may have missed on Retail Me Not. This girl very rarely pays for shipping. Fact.

End-of-Season Sales
Watch out for these guys, they have the capability to trump Black Friday sales. Jack Wills and Vineyard Vines (promo code:: SUMMER40) are running theirs now, and Lilly Pulitzer‘s will be in August. Anthropologie’s annual Tag Sale just ended, but they still have hundreds of fresh cuts. Kate Spade is also known to have numerous Friends & Family or Surprise Sales each season— never have I ever purchased a Kate Spade product full price thanks to these!

Email Alerts
These can be both a blessing and a curse, as sometimes it is just too hard to resist one of those 50% OFF EVERYTHING + FREE SHIPPING emails, even though I need to shop like I need a hole in the head. BUT they can be extremely helpful if you’re willing to hold out for something specific. Example A:: a pair of J.Crew shorts that I doubted I could live without popped up a few months ago, but no way was I paying $60 for them, so I promised myself I’d hold out. Sure enough, a few weeks later, J.Crew ran 40%-off-all-shorts-for-one-day-only promo, so I snatched them up. Proud moment.

That was more-than-likely the most text-heavy post you’re ever going to get from me! More tips? Let me know! Questions about specific sites or brands? I’m all ears!