Friday Sale Alert: 4/3/20
Brands are having some major sales and you have asked for my picks from my favorite retailers. I want you to keep in mind that what is going on in the world won't be over in 30 days, no matter what some politicians are saying. Please shop while keeping that in mind. Please also continue to let me know which brands are treating their employees well through this time and which ones are not, I want to highlight those that are supportive so they can continue to pay their staff and remain solvent. Because I don't believe this will end in the next couple of weeks, I am focusing my picks on items that can be worn as we all stay at home to flatten the curve. If it's chilling on the couch, sitting at your dining table which has become your home office, letting off some steam with a workout app, or staying on your property and planting seeds for a summer crop, the selections below are for you!
Madewell: $75 Jeans and 30% off Sale
Madewell rarely has sales so this is a fantastic time to stock up or try this brand you've seen others rave about. Not only does Madewell have jeans on sale for $75 right now, they also have an additional 30% off sale merchandise. Use Madewell promo code SWEETDEAL.
- The most popular Madewell jean per your feedback is the 10″ skinny jean. I am not linking to a specific link but this link for high-rise skinny which has a bit of 11″ in there because Madewell has a separate sku for each wash and whether the jean is button or zipper fly. I've tried this jean and it does fit great, it's stretchy and doesn't stretch out. However, I am in the minority for finding it did no favors to my bum.
- If you find jeans fit in your hips but not the waist and wish they had jeans for adults like kids with the adjustable waistband… Madewell has you covered! I love this idea and wish more retailers carried jeans like this!
- Looking for soft, comfy tees that don't look schlubby? This one from Madewell has select colors on sale for $12.99 and then 30% off that and it gets rave reviews and comes in a bunch of colors and is available up to size 3X and writing all this seriously makes me want to place an order and get a couple.
- I'm not wearing a lot of jeans right now but I am tempted by these slim wide leg crops. They're chic, perfect for spring and summer, not too constricting, look great with sneakers and sandals like my Birkenstocks. These are similar but full length legs.
- We were discussing overalls in the WO2 Community and these Madewell overalls were recommended for being a relaxed fit and looking great.
- I ordered these zebra-print sneakers. They fit great, they were comfy and looked super cool. But they arrived the day after we found that school was closing for several weeks and we would be staying at home and I just couldn't justify them having my adidas Superstars and Cariumas so I returned them. But if you need sneakers, these look fierce, feel fab, and are on sale.
- I'm digging comfy, floaty dresses when at home, especially as the temps begin to rise and this dress in the sale department looks pretty fantastic. I also like this sale dress.
- I own this packable hat and love it for everything from working in the garden to working on my laptop on the back deck to days at the pool or beach. The price is pretty fantastic (it's on sale and then 30% off that sale price!).
Soma: Buy Two Get One Free
Soma has buy two, get one free on sleep, bras, and lounge and I've been in Soma a major part of the past month. Soma is high quality, from their bras to their joggers. Washing instructions are simple, most of their loungewear and sleepwear comes with pockets, and they focus on great fabrics. As I type this I am wearing their joggers, this wrap, and this t-shirt with my silver Birkenstocks and I wore this same exact outfit a few days ago as well.
- The jacket-like thing is awesome, it's made of the softest sweatshirt material, you know the kind that feels all cloud-like on the inside. It has two pockets that are deep and secure and can fit my iPhone Max no problem. It washes well and is generously sized.
- The joggers we've raved about a few times in the WO2 Community. They have zipper pockets, are super soft, thin enough to be comfortable on a warmer spring day but not so thin everything is showing. The combo stretch and drawstring waistband makes them a perfect fit.
- And the slub tee, I own a few of these from Soma with various necklines, sleeve lengths, and colors. They look like the cool well-worn threadbare tees, are soft, but are surprisingly opaque.
- I also love their Sunday Pants; they are a soft jersey with a stretchy drawstring waist and the elastic at the hem is enough to keep them in place but do not constrict at all (and I have solid ankles and shins).
- Their Essential Leggings are a fave, especially for those days where you go from desk to couch to maybe a quick nap in bed and back to desk. They are thin yet completely opaque, stretchy without stretching out, super soft but don't gather lint and pet hair, and are my favorite leggings when I want to wear a pair under a dress. I love that they come in three inseams. They are also generously sized; my Large pairs are worn more often these days but my Medium pair is what I wear under dresses for a more streamlined effect.
- Their Cool Nights sleepwear is my FAVE. I love how it's silky but you don't slide off the bed and you don't feel hot and sticky. They wash like a dream, fit great, have pockets, and the prettiest prints! I'm loving this tree print, and I have this black and white print with yellow and it's so cheery. I love their cropped pants and Bermuda shorts for sleeping as I like something to keep my legs separate but I don't always want my legs completely covered.
- If you're looking for a comfortable way to have some support without having to wear your traditional underwire bras, Soma has the two best I've tried on the market. For up to maybe a D or perky DD, their Enbliss bralette is amazing. It looks like a sports bra, it's uber comfy, it molds to your body, and offers a nice amount of comfortable lift and separation. For those of us with larger busts, I swear by this wireless bra and wear it almost every day. You can read my initial review of this comfort bra for large busts.
Bare Necessities: 25% off, Free Shipping and Returns
Bare Necessities has their Friends & Family promotion going on; with promo code FF2020 you get 25% off your order plus free shipping and returns. Per my recent review of sports bras for large busts, you know I am a fan of this retailer. I love their extensive size and color range, and the really detailed customer reviews to help me tailor my purchases.
- The Freya “Sonic” sports bra is the one I've been wearing the most lately and right now select colors are on sale for less than $30 at Bare Necessities. This is a great bra if you desire lift and separation with your sports bra; I like to clip in the back as a racerback for extra support. This bra is so comfortable it would also be a great work from home bra.
- Another sports bra I like is this one from Wacoal. It looks like a standard sports bra yet has the support for larger busts. I've had this bra for a while and it has held up beautifully.
- If you want a bra to really contain a large bust during high impact activities yet want separation and shape definition, this sports bra from Glamorise is a great choice; you can read my review in this post.
- The Fantasie Smoothing T-Shirt bra has been my standard bra go-to for over a decade. I've changed sizes over the years, but I still find this bra gives me great lift, support, separation, and is virtually invisible even under thin light-colored knits. I always have at least one beige and one black one in my drawer at all times. I like that the straps are relatively simple so I don't feel as exposed if I wear my black one with a black thin-strapped top or dress and like the front is low enough that it won't pop out of a scoop neck or a drapey cami.
- If you're looking for swimwear for a bust, Fantasie is a great brand and I have suits from the brand that are years old and still look and fit great. I have this bikini top and high-waist bottom in a similar print from a different year and love it. If a tankini top is more your thing, they have one in the same print. And look, they have a matching coverup!
- If you're looking for a new robe, this one is just like the luxe ones they have at fancy spas and hotels. It comes in five colors and if in doubt, size down.
- When I did a survey of the best plus size intimates, one of the top choices for plus size underwear was the Jockey Elance brief. These are available in sizes 5-10 (M-4X) and I'm thinking of getting a pack during this sale!
- For those looking for high-quality yet comfy leggings, ponte pants, and jeggings I think Lysee is a great choice. Some have control features, some are made for working out, many would work just fine in the office as well as your home office. I think these kick flare ponte pants are great for now at home, and will look smart in the future with a pair of flats or low-profile sneakers. If you're looking for a pair of ponte bootcut pants, these are a nice option.
Talbots: 30% Off PLUS 20% Off
Yep, you get 30% off everything and then Talbots is giving you an extra 20% off that! This is for Classic Rewards members but it's free to join and it's not like one of those store programs where they text and email you so much they drive you bonkers. I am a Classic Rewards member and Talbots is one of the few retailers I haven't been annoyed with during this time with email overkill.
- I've been rocking my striped tees during this time; it's easy but it's not boring and I feel more polished in them, even if styled with knit joggers. I love the color stripes just at the hem of this Breton top, the tie detail on this soft striped knit, and adore the color combo of this classic striped knit.
- Comfy but stylish dresses are a great way to get through now and once the summer hits. I really like this machine washable and tumble dryable Tencel chambray dress which would look so good dressed up with a wide belt or even a white linen shirt tied over it. This machine wash and dry navy printed jersey maxi is as comfy as a nightgown but far chicer. If you're looking to dress up at home for Easter or just have a pretty dress to reach for, this chiffon overlay dress is elegant, classic, and can go in the washer and dryer. This striped t-shirt dress with bracelet sleeves is a comfy, chic, and easy care option. And this jersey dress with a soft waist and flattering neckline (also machine wash and dry) is great for now, but can look fab for the weekend with a pair of trendy sneakers and a denim jacket!
- This midi skirt is great for being comfy now, looking chic with a graphic tee with or without a denim jacket or cardigan, with a simple tank or scoop tee, and much more. It's machine washable, line dry.
- I love how practical yet pretty the combo of this tee and this soft jacket is. Great colors, mix and match or do the same colors for a matched set.
Other Great Sales Happening Now
Many other retailers also have great sales going down this weekend and into next week:
- Jenny Bird has buy any bracelet and get their Corso Bracelet for 50% off with promo code CORSO50. Shop their bracelets at this link.
- Dermstore has 20% off SkinMedica with promo code SKINMED20. I think this is one of the most effective over the counter skincare lines on the market; read my SkinMedica review.
- J. Crew has up to 80% off original prices and 40% off most everything with promo code SPRING. Shop the sale at this link.
- Ann Taylor has 40% off tops and sweaters with promo code TOPHERO. Shop sweaters at this link, tops at this link.
- LOFT has 30-50% off most everything with promo code TREAT. Shop at this link.
- Lands' End has 40% off your order with promo code MIST. Shop at this link.
- Dick's Sporting Goods, for two days only, has 50% off several styles of shoes and clothing at this link.
- Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap all have 50% off everything online! For those wishing to use my affiliate link, you can use this one which goes to Old Navy but if you toggle between all the retailers, it will provide commission for any and all of them, whatever you choose to get from whatever retailer.
- J.Jill is offering 40% off cozy weekend styles. The items part of this sale are available at this link.
- Universal Standard has an amazing promotion; buy any piece from their Foundation line and they will automatically donate one to a medical worker. The items part of this promotion are available at this link.
As always, share any sales you've found and any purchase wins in the comments to help others!
Thanks for doing this on Fridayโs! I read it as soon as it arrived in my in-box & have taken some time to think about what I might need or want. Your advice about being cautious as we shop right now is good. The sales & free shipping are SO tempting, but Iโve gotten several orders in that were made before Covid-19 had gotten to this point. I realize that there are things that need to go back. All this to say, I found a packable straw hat in the J Crew sale. This is something Iโve been looking for for 2 years, so now was the time to get it. Even if there are no vacations coming up soon, itโs something I know Iโll use in the future. A week or so ago, I ordered myself new everyday dishes from the sale at Williams Sonoma. Now is a great time to replace my extremely old set that was full of chips, & the free shipping made that an easy decision. As we stay at home so much, my new dishes are already being used to their fullest!
I have been interested in the wrap from Soma that you mentioned. I like the short sleeves and flowy style which looks like it can add warmth without being too much. I am tempted to buy especially if it’s on sale but I get so tongue-tied when the sizing is S/M and L/XL. I am probably a M/L depending on styles…since you have it – any insight for me who is stuck in the middle?
If I was a 10/12 Iโd go with the s/m. It fits me now but if I were a size smaller Iโd likely want less fabric.
Great, that’s exactly the insight I needed. Thank you! I really appreciate it!
Alison: On Cabi — On a previous post you mentioned that there was a way to order without going through the “assigned representative.” (Did I get that wrong?) It takes me several ignored emails and phone messages — finally in frustration I have to contact the company, who then contacts the representative – who then sends an apologetic email — then I can get my order in. I have to FIGHT to spend money and get a product? Cabi insists that I have to go through this representative. Is there another way?
There is an app called cabi Tap. It does go through a stylist, but it won’t necessarily be that one. I recommend if you use the app do it with a different email to be sure. Also, if you want a different stylist and that doesn’t work contact me, I know several stylists across the country who are actively working and can help you instead. I’m sorry that happened, I wonder if it’s because of what’s going on right now in the world.
Alison, after months of consideration, I finally pulled the trigger on your favorite wireless bra at Soma and got them this week — the catalyst being asked to work from home — who knows, for how long now. Anyway, I got a nude and a black (it was Buy 1 Get 1 1/2 off 3-4 weeks ago), and liking them so far. It’s a bit tight around the band, esp. on the black one, but I expect it’ll stretch out a bit and be just right. The cups seemed just a tad too big, but not a deal breaker. I bought true to size, so maybe next round I’ll go down a cup size. Did you get yours true to size?
But totally loving the minimal and smooth seams, etc. The fabric is comfortable and not itchy. I’ve worn on a walk too today and it was completely supportive. Wore mine all day yesterday and I didn’t take it off till before bedtime.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I like everything about the Soma Sunday pant except for that fat white drawstring ribbon. WHY?!?
LOL I feel the same, I would prefer the same color ๐
It fits me well, but I’m pretty regular with Soma sizing. I know others have said they fit a bit differently from other brands. I’m so glad you like it otherwise!
I’m on a waitlist for the foundation buy one/give one. I checked most every item (except body suits) and all were out in my size-very shortly after the sale began. (They may have restocked-I’ll need to check today again) I was so moved that US customers moved fast to honor health workers!!!!!
I have always loved Universal Standard but I think they have really shown their heart in the past month!
The Talbots striped dress is cute. Normally I don’t go for horizontal stripes, but I think the contrasting material in the top would make the whole thing flattering.
I do think it would be flattering!