Labor Day sales can reek with a nasty credit card balance hangover if you’re not careful. A week or two in, the newness dopamine hit dies, and you’re left alone with your regretful thoughts. The main perpetrators of this? Fast fashion retailers and “nice idea but mostly useless” purchases (hi, Target cart). I spent most of my twenties in this vicious cycle of “Oooh shiny object! BUY” during flash sales, and almost 90% of it ended up a waste of money. There’s a better way to approach it.
Step 1: Keep a Running Tab on Needs
The key to sniping the good sh*t from Labor Day Sales (or any for that matter) is starting from a grocery list of what you’re really on the hunt for. Just like you wouldn’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach without a list, you’re not going to open a single brand sale email without having your list at the ready. My closet gaps mainly group around workwear and midsize handbags, so I stick to finding items in those categories only, or a high-quality staple. I also know I go through running shoes like a crazy person so snagging one of my trusted models on sale is also a win.
Step 2: Use the Sale to Your Wallet Advantage
Who cares if you got 40% off on some Amazon activewear? I mean, I love them too, but let’s use our money more wisely, right? Get a bigger bang for your buck in the long term with an investment in a quality pair of boots, an office-appropriate LBD, or, if you’re redecorating/moving, some high-quality linens. The same goes for high-quality activewear! See my underrated picks below. I think it’s better than Lululemon, and I’ve been wearing Luu since their glory days in 2009. I know what good should really be like.
Peloton Activewear
I think this is one of the most underrated brands for activewear. The quality of the material gives me early 2010s vibes from Lululemon. Thick, buttery, and well-stitched. The colors and cuts are also super fun and flattering. The set I’m wearing in this post is on sale for around $30 each for the top and bottom, not including the 50% off sale! It almost feels illegal. I’ve linked my top picks below.
Aday
The cost per wear alone of their clothing is worth your investment. Nothing in my closet gets more mileage…except maybe my Hokas! You can wear their pieces everywhere: the office, casually, on flights, and out for happy hour. The best part? The fabric is like your favorite activewear brand. It eliminates the need for dry cleaning, cutting your clothing budget in half after a few months. It also makes it super travel-friendly, especially if you’re a finance girl (or consultant) like me and on a plane every month, going straight to meetings. They’re currently running an end-of-summer sale up to 85% off their best-selling items. My personal favorites, which I reach for weekly, are linked below.
Bloomingdales
This store’s sales have been some of my best investments, especially on the home side. The wrinkle-free sateen sheets I bought back in 2009 are essentially still going strong! I’ve purchased a new set every 7-10 years. They’re super high quality. No other bedding has held up that long with weekly hot washing. It’s also where I initially invested in my first down duvet, duvet cover, and pillow shams. I’ll always be the biggest advocate of investing in your bedding. Sleep is singlehandedly the most important aspect of living well: invest in your space.
Away
I’ve never had luggage that’s stood any considerable test of time. Except my Away suitcase. After 10 years of extremely regular business travel, personal travel, it’s taken a massive beating. Nothing has been damaged yet! This weekend, some of their best selling sizes and colors are on sale, up to 20% off. I own the bigger carry on and it’s been instrumental in allowing me to pack for up to 2 weeks! It’s one of the smartest investments you can make if you travel at least 2 times a year.
Carbon38
When Lululemon went down in flames the first time during see-through “Yoga Pant-Gate” in the early 2010’s, I became a convert to Carbon38. Think of them as their more luxurious and stylish younger sister. Their in-house brand is incredible: I wear it at least twice a week. It’s durable, never goes out of style, and you can even style some of it for the office. Yes, like scuba material blazers and trousers that look like Veronica Beard. Not even kidding. They also carry all the major high end activewear that’s actually worth the money (no Alo garbage). Their whole site is 30% off right now. Below are my MUST NOT MISS picks that will lower your workwear/activewear spend annually.
