What I *actually* bought for Black Friday

This is what made it into my cart

What are we all actually buying for Black Friday? Sorry for spamming your inbox once again… Can we all collectively agree that this year’s Black Friday sales have been a lot? I’m sure I’m not alone in receiving hundreds of promotional emails over the last week.

My approach every year is to try to stick to a list, but I’ll also make a note of key brands that have piqued my interest whose sales I’d like to have a mindless scroll through (even if it’s purely window shopping!). I took things one step further this year but putting some items I love into a Carted wishlist so I could keep an eye out for price drops (which I’ll link here in case you want to see).

Anyway, here’s a completely unfiltered look at the items that actually made it into my cart and why.

CLOTHING

Tibi black strapless crepe mini dress (returned) | First thing I bought was a strapless mini dress from Tibi. This was an extra 25% off (code BLACKFRIDAY), so brought the price down to something quite reasonable given I saw this as being more of an occasional piece. Trouble is, I got my wires crossed when ordering this at 1am. I think I thought this was the tunic length top that I’d coveted for a good year or so, when it was in actual fact, a mini dress. I’d been messaging Sally (@styledbysally) on Instagram about this as she has the exact piece I was after, and we both concluded it didn’t fit right. It was too big in the bust and too tight in the hip (for reference I’m wearing the US2), and in order to get the look I wanted I’d have to get a tailor to take in the bust and add a split at the hem. Doable, but a lot of hassle for an item that’s only an occasional piece. I thought this would be more difficult to say “no” to, given how long I’d wanted to add this into my wardrobe but my next purchase had me looking at it differently…

DISSH white strapless tunic | As you can see, I get a bit of tunnel vision when I’m after a specific type of piece in my closet. I’d bought this strapless top in tandem, which has all the elements I was after. The split seam detail to the side, and that crisp, polished look. But in all honesty, this actually works better for my lifestyle than the Tibi one ever could. It’s a cotton/nylon blend - aka machine washable where the Tibi one was a crepe that would need to be drycleaned - and the price point at $60 on sale feels much more reasonable for an occasional piece. It does also come in black too…

DISSH washed black twisted seam jeans | The Toteme twisted seam jeans were my favourite for so long. After two kids, I found that my original pair were too small. But also, I’d had them cropped a little too short (in my defence, that was the look). The other thing I clocked in terms of my preferences is that the Toteme ones are a mid rise, where I prefer a higher rise. I spied these and thought they could be a good candidate as a replacement, which had all the qualities I was seeking. High rise, twisted seam detail, and the 72cm inseam looked to be the perfect “full” length. These were another win.

DISSH cream midi skirt | The item that was the reason why I was browsing the DISSH website in the first place… I was after a white or creamy coloured trouser skirt that would act as a lower contrast option to one I have from Goelia. The details on this are slightly different so it gives me a bit of variation in the style while still serving that same kind of energy. This, I love. Thick material that’s not see through (FYI it’s a poly crepe; will be machine washable), and it adds just the right amount of polish. Safe to say overall thrilled with my DISSH buys.

SEA cream pin tuck top | I’m doing some work with NET-A-PORTER this month on Instagram; I had a small voucher which I used to buy this top, which was discounted as part of their private pre-Black Friday sale. This is definitely a special occasion piece; I liked that it leans minimal in terms of the colour palette, but is maximal in the silhouette and the texture it brings.

Leset cream open back tunic | At the same time I ended up buying a handful of other items from my wishlist as they were also included in said private sale (FYI these items I paid for myself). More minimalist fancy dressing, this time with an open back. I can see myself wearing this back to front too, perhaps over the top of a sheer knit tank I have from COS, or worn open like a traditional vest.

Jil Sander black caged sandals | I have a thing for Jil Sander shoes (well, the brand in general), but it’s rare that I can justify buying them because of the price point. Mostly because a good mid-priced shoe (well made, leather, in the $200-$300 price point) will get me the same mileage as a designer shoe that is $850+. I’ve really come to appreciate the value my Gucci crystal slingbacks have added to my wardrobe for special occasions and wanted something that would do the same thing for summer, which was just as walkable. These were 50% off and I’m counting them as my one big splurge purchase for the end of the year.

Aerie knickers (here for those of you in the US) | Perhaps a little TMI, but I often get asked about undergarments. These from Aerie are my favourite, and so I ordered a handful more as I’ve been trying to slowly rebuild my underwear drawer over the last two years.

BEAUTY

MERIT | My first introduction to MERIT Beauty was two years ago, when I placed an order during their Black Friday sale. Clearly not one to let “US-only” shipping get in the way when I want to try something (I’ve been using mail forwarding for close to two decades at this point!). Thankfully the brand is now shipping direct to Australia so much easier to get your hands on these days. First thing I added to cart is Clean Lash - my go-to every day mascara. I already have one back up but grabbed another two as this is a high turnover product and I know I’ll get through them. Another top up, MERIT’s Signature Lip in the shade Tiger. I’ve used up one of these, and am halfway through my second. My only gripe is that the bullet is a soft formula so often it’ll break away from the applicator and can look a little busted once you try to push it back in. Worth it though. The most lip balm-like lipstick formula I’ve ever tried. Very comfortable to wear! I ended up ordering two other lipsticks as the shades looked alluring and I like that MERIT tends to have less obvious choices for their lipstick shades. Cabo, for a bold bright red, and Equestrian for a matte brown toned lip.

Glossier | My favourite ever blush is Glossier’s Cloud Paint, and given I’m almost out, I thought now was a good time to repurchase. I use the shade “Dusk”, which is a slightly peachy neutral with a touch of brown. A little goes a long way with this, and I love the way it blends into the cheek in a watercolour way, while looking natural as it becomes one with the skin (the benefit to a cream complexion product like this!). I didn’t need anything else but ended up browsing through the whole product range and added the Ultralip in “Cachet” (you can see I have a type when it comes to lip colours), and the Stretch Balm Concealer to cart.

ACTIVEWEAR

lululemon | A pre-Black Friday sale purchase, but it was discounted, and purchased in November so I’m going to say it counts. I’ve been doing some work with the brand and one of my favourite things I’ve tried are the Wundermost tanks. These are double layered crushed Nulu so incredibly soft, and feel very comfortable to wear. I ordered this in the espresso shade (I already had the black and bone), and it’s great. I wish I’d realised the Utilitech shorts were on sale too as I would have immediately added the bone colour to cart; it’s a lovely tailored style which look polished, but are practical for days with the kids (the longer length is fab!).

STAX | I was invited to the opening of their new Sydney Flagship store, and after a glass of champagne decided it would be rude not to use the opportunity to try something on. My favourite line is their Premium Seamless, and after hearing another guest sing the praises of the bralette, I thought, why not? Loved it, and also ended up buying the matching shorts - these were both around 50% off.

HOME

Country Road | I’ve slowly become obsessed with everything Country Road Home. Our bedding is Country Road, our towels are Country Road, our soaps are Country Road etc etc. I got a little bit carried away as there’s 25% off sitewide. First thing I added to cart is a set of the Pippa towels in “Juniper”. We have the Pecan set in our downstairs bathroom but just generally, I like CR towelling. It’s some of the best that I’ve tried. Right now we just have one set upstairs in our bathroom and I wanted to remove the urgency of having to wash and dry our towels same day, as I don’t like to use the dryer unless I really have to. I also ordered 3 sets of the Riviera napkins, and matching Riviera tablecloth to dress our dining table. I saw these in store first and the linen felt really robust and durable. A waffle throw made it into my basket too (I usually find it hard to commit to decor items like this!) as did this cute olive dish (love how it accommodates the pips!).

Kitchenaid | For my husband for Christmas, a meat grinder attachment for our Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. Sharing as I know he doesn’t read my newsletter, but also, he specifically asked for this so I’m not ruining any surprises…!

KIDS

Bonds | Ordered some new pyjamas for both the kids. I mentioned these last year too, but these are the best PJs I’ve found for the kids, in terms of the value you get for the money. Helps that they love the prints on them too.

I took the opportunity to buy all the kids Christmas presents too (plus for nieces and nephews). I’d bought a huge Paw Patrol Lookout toy a few months back as it was 50% off in preparation for Christmas, without realising that it only came with one of the pup vehicles. Managed to find these on sale so bought one each for the kids - this is their big gift that they’ll share together. Then from Santa, a dinosaur lego and an outdoor Connect 4 set.

I’M STILL TEMPTED BY…

This ANNA QUAN dress. I have a very similar one from ONTE, which if I’m practical, I can see that they’re essentially doing the same thing. But the details oriented side of me keeps saying they’re wildly different. The decision is buoyed by the fact that I also really love this top.

A chic quilted trench coat from Fabrique. I know I don’t need this, and if I’m honest I think I’m merely keeping the tab open to continue to admire the jacket. Love the cord collar and how it’s a Mac style that’s belted at the waist.

This merino wool set (top here, skirt here) from DISSH. I’m a little picky about browns and it’s hard to tell the exact undertone online, but I like that this is merino, and the silhouette itself is so elegant.

An eyeshadow palette from Tom Ford. My mindset here is that I really only use one eyeshadow palette every day. I’ll usually just do a single wash of colour across the lids. So why not bring something into my makeup bag that feels truly luxurious? Basically if you could just have one, what would that look like? I popped into David Jones (their beauty sale is excellent, FYI), and swatched a few. The one that stood out most as being “my” colours was ‘Disco Dust’.

Everything from W Concept. Currently on my mind are these nylon trousers from Kuho Plus. Constantly thinking about clothing that is easy to move in, and easy to care for. Also like that these aren’t black or white. I’d also add anything from Facade Pattern to cart - it’s one of my favourite Korean brands. This bucket tote for example is incredibly tempting.