I frequently receive emails from readers asking about their denim sizes, how certain brands fit or just what brands I think would look good on them. But occasionally, I get a question that I think is necessary to answer to everyone. Bailey’s question is just that.
Here’s what she said:
Hey Jaime,
I had a question. I’m going Black Friday shopping for the first time this year with my mom and her best friend, both experienced BF’ers, and I wondered if you knew if department stores generally offer sales on denim for BF. Being in Oklahoma, we’re kind of deprived, but if I can get great deals on denim, I’m all over that.
I know I probably sound silly because I’ve never done BF before, but I figured if anyone knew if you could get good BF denim deals, it would be you. I know electronics are big sellers for BF – are there good deals to be had on denim?
This is both an easy and a hard question to respond to, and here’s why: many Black Friday sales aren’t announced until Thanksgiving. Sometimes you get a couple of early birds who let you know ahead of time, but nothing huge. Here are the big ones who I know have sales:
Macy’s: In my entire life, I’ve never seen Macy’s not have a Black Friday sale. Apparel is usually a big part of it. Downsides with Macy’s are that if you only have a smaller one, the “high end” denim you’re getting is Lucky Brand… but I’m kind of meh about Lucky jeans.
Bloomingdale’s: Usually you can find stellar sales here, and on Black Friday, denim is no exception.
Old Navy: This is a hard one for me to include because I don’t (and honestly, never have) worn Old Navy jeans. But, the sale is pretty great (and I bet someone wears their stuff, right guys?). Black Friday denim sale at Old Navy- Adults for $15 and Kids for $10.
Nordstrom: This place can get chaotic, but be forewarned: the sales aren’t spectacular. Black Friday is, at the end of the day, a way to get rid of inventory… but companies still want to make money. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack carry a wide selection (if you have good ones…), but keep your eyes peeled for the real deals.
What are “real deals”? More than 50% off, and usually items that are below $75 in my book. You may have a different outlook on this, but it’s pretty standard for me to follow these rules. Some of the easiest places to find “real deals” are discount shops: Filene’s Basement (FB has an amazingly wonderful denim selection in Chicago… so if you find another, that’s usually a safe bet!), Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross (note: these places are harder ones to find good denim. I’ve made a couple of great scores, like a pair of Hudson flares at Marshalls, and they’re worth trying to find things, but not always the easiest hunt).
A couple of online sources for Black Friday sales:
Eye Candy Buy Candy will be offering 30% off sitewide starting on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, lasting until Sunday, November 29th. The discount code is “blackfriday”. The big savings will be offered on Cyber Monday, November 30th. 40% off sitewide with code “cybermonday”.
James Jeans is having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. 30% off of everything and free shipping with code JJBLACKCYBER. This deal starts tomorrow and, sadly, excludes their outlet site.
Martin + Osa will be offering all denim (regularly priced at $89.50 – $120) and cashmere (regularly priced at $130 – $170) at a special promotional price of $59 each. The in-store sale starts on November 27 and at 12am on November 26 online… so this one does double duty for you, Bailey!
nationaljeancompany.com always offers some really great deals (in store and online), but they’ve decided to offer Denim Debutante readers an even sweeter one: an extra 20% off sitewide! Use the code “DENIMDEBUTANTE20″ to get this deal.
A big thanks to Bailey for her question! Feel free to check her out at her blog, Literacracy. If you have any denim questions feel free to send me an email: [email protected].
Love,
JP
