How to Make a Summer Sale Work Now

We've all gotten the emails: Extra 30% off sale, free shipping with orders over $100! I know you've clicked them because I have too. But then you are taken to a sale page with linen pants and heeled sandals. Let's be honest, the prices are great, but how many of us actually buy a bathing suit right now? Right. So let's take one of my favorite sale shops: J Crew and make the summer sale section work for Fall.

Why J Crew? Well because 1. I worked there for 18 months and always got a great discount which I still pine for. and 2. because their regular clothing has gotten so ridiculously expensive (a jacket for $1200? ) So I am forced to only shop the sale section in order to satisfy my craving.

Let's begin:

J Crew, Falling Ruffles Tank, $12.99
You may see a great cotton tank for summer but pair it with these items to make it work through October!

a great denim jacket:

J Crew, Nolita denim jacket, $49.99

And a skimmer chino to complete the look

J Crew, Skimmer pant, $19.99

Wonderful! Next a lightweight cardigan:

J Crew, Sailor Stripe Always Cardigan, $24.99

Let's pair this gem with a matching white shirt and khaki bottom:

J Crew, Drawstring Tee, $9.99


J Crew, Chino Bubble Skirt, $29.99

It's like a nautical sale! I love it.


Ok one more: a gorgeous dress in a fall transition color or neutral (i.e. no pastels)

J Crew, Cotton Cady Caroline Dress, $69.99
The darting on this dress will make ANY figure look amazing, it's perfect for work or play

Pair with a bold cardi and belt it!

J Crew, Featherweight cashmere cardigan, $59.99

J Crew, Double Studded Belt, $39.50
Toughen up this sweet dress and pink cardi with a studded belt!

See, that wasn't so hard. Just start with one piece that you love and make the rest work for you.

Sales not for the weak of heart

Can we please talk about the Summer Sale situation right now? It's probably the worst best thing of all time. Every one of my favorite stores is having a blow out sale right now- and don't even get me started on the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, my Visa is still burning. But seriously. Let's talk. For me, my essential work/play clothes come from a few staple stores which I will focus on today. Congrats to all of you who brave specialty boutiques and second hand shops, I just don't have the patience or the wallet for it. So, for me, it's Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J Crew, and Talbots.

Talbots?! Talbots you say? Yes!!! What used to be a 100% mom-tastic store is now supplying some adorable work appropriate pieces that won't make you look like you drive a minivan! Take for instance this cardigan on sale for...........$33!

Talbots Ruffled Cardigan, $33.99

Next we move on to the always dangerous J Crew sale section made even more threatening with the option of FREE SHIPPING today. Brace yourself.

J Crew, Super 120s Andre dress, $69.99

Some people think Summer Sales mean only Summer clothes. No, my friends, look harder...oh hey there wool trouser for under $60, how are you today?

J Crew, Favorite-fit wool crepe trouser, $59.99

On to Ann Taylor, this skirt is a little short for me to wear bear legged so I'm pairing it with black wool tights all winter long.

Ann Taylor Loft, Lace Skirt, $29.99

Banana I saved for last because, yes it has great basics, but sometimes it can be a little overpriced- like their "monogram" collection? Come BR who is buying that obscenely priced silk dress? Know your client. But I did find some great Fall pants on sale:

Banana Republic, 323 Martin flare-leg striped pant, $34.99

So that's my Summer Sale wrap. Hopefully the automatic emails in my inbox touting free shipping and promo codes will stop soon; otherwise, the bf will probably cut my credit cards into pieces.

Happy Shopping!