The Globalization of Black Friday

It’s the last week of November, which for Americans means that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While for some this means getting away and going home for the short holiday break, Thanksgiving has also increasingly become the holiday that marks the start of a near endless rollout of sales, deals, and insane holiday gift shopping. The irony of giving thanks for the things which we already have on Thursday and then hitting the shopping malls to acquire all which we do not yet own on Friday does not seem to be a deterrent for the consumer culture created by Black Friday. For most companies, it is such a profitable time that they extend their typical sale period into the following week, now known as Cyber Monday. 

“Almost Black Friday Sale” by Urban Outfitters. Via: www.urbanoutfitters.com

But the shopping holiday has expanded, with companies offering sales the week leading up to Black Friday and the week following it as well, so as to encourage more spending. In the U.S., shoppers collectively spend an estimated $14.5 billion during this period every year.

Via: https://www.pureprofile.com/infographic-what-we-know-about-black-friday-cyber-monday-shoppers/

Interestingly enough, the all-American shopping holiday is now also beginning to spread around the world. From France to Argentina to Japan, people and companies all around the world are beginning to quite literally buy into the phenomenon of Black Friday. 

Via: https://black-friday.global/

The globalization of Black Friday started around 2010, when companies like Amazon realized the potential to seriously profit from this holiday and expanded their sales to the U.K. From there, it began to spread through other international sales giants and garnered market competition. The more attractive the online sales were for U.S.-based companies, the more local retailers had to compete with the prices and discounts offered by companies abroad. Now, Black Friday is as much a global phenomenon as it is a uniquely American holiday. 

Via: https://www.adweek.com/

However much it spreads around the world, it is a curious fact that wherever Black Friday occurs, the advertisements for it are always in English, regardless of which countries the sales are occuring in. It is not unusual to see a Black Friday sale sign written entirely in a foreign language except for the bolded, stand-out phrase “Black Friday” on it. In a way, the holiday has begun to globally export not only sale prices, but also American shopping culture.

For more insane numbers on Black Friday, read this World Economics Forum summary: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/11/black-friday-in-numbers/

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MODA Blog Favorites: March 2019

After the end of a grueling month of p-sets, essays, and juggling who knows how many other responsibilities and obligations, MODA Blog brings you a refreshing list of favorites from our bloggers and photographers to fill you with inspiration and energy for the next month.

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Michelle

Catbird

As a fan of minimalist jewelry, I was so excited to stumble upon Catbird, a woman owned and operated company that uses only ethically sourced diamonds. Their jewelry, ranging from stackable midi rings to sparkling diamond necklaces, is so delicate and timeless. Additionally, Catbird has a wide range of prices in order to ensure that everyone can afford their quality pieces.

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Maison Cléo

Although I am quite wary of many Instagram shops that push out products produced in a fast-fashion model and that are often low quality despite their high price points, Maison Cléo has proven to be a shop that is worth the extra dollars. The French mother and daughter owned shop produces timeless pieces that are made-to-order to ensure that there is never a waste of fabric. Maison Cléo is known for their sheer wrap tops such as the one pictured. The online shop only opens on Wednesdays and closes when all of the pieces sell out, so if you are interested, be sure to set a reminder!

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Embryolisse Lait Crème

As a native Arizonan, the winters here are pretty harsh on my skin. Although spring is rapidly approaching, I need to give a shout-out to the moisturizer that has left my skin supple and soft despite the harsh winds and arid weather. Embryolisse Lait Crème is a thick cream that has provided my skin with moisture without making my skin look too oily. Even when the weather becomes warmer, I will still keep this moisturizer on my vanity for times when my skin needs some extra hydration.

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Natasha Denona Mini Sunset Palette

As someone who almost exclusively uses orange and peachy tones on my eyes, the Natasha Denona Mini Sunset palette provides me with all of the colors that I need to create a full look without breaking the bank. At only $25, the mini palette features two shimmery metallics, one foiled, and two matte shades. Until I can afford to drop $129 on the full palette, I will be content using this one.

Image via.

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Joseph

Us

By far the best movie I’ve seen this year, Jordan Peele’s follow up to the 2017 hit Get Out shows that horror is not a genre to be taken lightly. Us is poignant, thought-provoking and terrifying in all the best ways as well as being beautiful. Also, Lupita Nyong’o, one of my favourite actresses, gives arguably the best performance of her career playing both the main character and main villain. She is breathtaking and I’m looking forward to her Oscar win for Best Actress next year!

Leon

Swedish pop-vocalist Leon released her first album this month, and frankly, it is amazing. Her lowkey yet emotional ballads paired with some catchy bops were a pleasure to listen to this month, and if you have never heard of her, go stream Falling immediately. I’ve already got tickets for her Chicago concert and I’m beyond excited.

Plastic Outerwear

Do you have great t-shirts that you love to wear, but always get hidden when it isn’t t-shirt weather? Look no further than fully transparent outerwear. Clear hoodies and jackets are both incredibly on-trend and practical, being both water resistant and letting you show off some of your wardrobe highlights when the spring weather won’t always accommodate.

Images via here, here and here

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Andrew

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream

I spent my spring break in Florida, and wasn’t planning on packing too much makeup or skincare. So when I was thinking about what I could feasibly bring into a carryon that wouldn't irritate or weigh down on my skin, I looked to good old Kiehl’s. As someone with oily skin and knowing that I’d be spending a lot of time by the sea, I was definitely looking for a lighter, oil-free formula that would keep me hydrated all day. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Gel Cream is basically just like water, it’s super light on my face, but leaves me hydrated ALL DAY!

Avocado Ice Cream

Okay, so while in Florida, I stumbled across this amazing ice-pops shop called The Hyppo, and feeling adventurous, I picked up one of their Avocado Ice Pops. I then proceeded to have one every day for the rest of the break and realized that I couldn’t live without them. Honestly, Avocado Ice Cream is a brilliant idea: fruity, but not overpowering, super creamy, and also super adorable. I’ll definitely eat anything that looks really appealing and that pastel green hue seemed to make me less nervous about eating an ice cream… or four.

Copper Wire Jewelry

Once again, a hot Florida find. Since it’s actually summer there, we stumbled across a bunch of really cute farmer’s markets and so many sold these adorable copper wire rings. I’m still trying to get into men’s jewelry, and I’m not sure if I’m willing to drop big bucks just yet, but I find that these really unique farmers market finds are a really solid way to transition into something more opulent. I definitely like to stack thinner, more minimalistic pieces, and I think for the upcoming summer, it’s a really fun, modern take on a bohemian aesthetic.

Images via here, here and here

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Kellie

Lavender’s Story

Lavender’s Story is a tiny body and beauty brand that is local to Chicago. It’s not hard to see that ingredients come from fresh from an urban garden when you can literally stop and smell the roses in her products. If that didn’t win you over, since the brand was created in memory of a loved one who succumbed to cancer, Lavender’s Story often donates part of its proceeds to charity.

Moscow’s Design Protections

Moscow is making a bid to become a major fashion capital, which will could signal a shift in the issues of global fashion. As part of those efforts, it extends legal protections to fashion design. New York, Paris, and the others should be vigilant. I can’t wait to see how this will play out.

Safety Regulations on Cosmetics

A bill in California was proposed to increase safety regulations on cosmetics. Currently, there are few regulations on the ingredients of cosmetics, including a lack of regulation on mercury, asbestos, and more. This bill would solidify the practices to avoid carcinogens and other toxins that many cosmetics companies have into law, ensuring the safety of consumers.

Images via here, here, and here

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Are Binary Clothing Stores a Thing of the Past?

Vaquera, one of the brands featured at L’Insane, debuted a collection inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale. Image via.

There is no doubt that the fashion industry is changing at a rapid rate. A dramatic 16% decrease in shows held at New York Fashion Week last February is evidence that the traditional gateway into fashion is undergoing an unprecedented transformation.

With the rise in popularity of fashion Instagram accounts such as Business of Fashion (@bof) and Diet Prada (@diet_prada), anyone with even a slight interest in fashion can now tune into fashion show highlights and seasonal trends with just a few taps on their phone. As the number of people granted access into the fashion world rises, a call for greater inclusivity in all respects is becoming increasingly resonant.

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This call for inclusivity is being met by L’Insane, a Parisian concept store opened by Lyne Zein, that caters to those who do not identify with a specific gender. Zein’s background in fashion and business management as well as her experience at Vetements provided her with the tools to open up L’Insane, which she prefers to call a social space rather than a store. In an interview with Business of Fashion, Zein shared that it is difficult for non-binary individuals to feel like themselves except in fashion-dominant cities such as New York or London.

L’Insane stocks a motley crew of brands that create genderless pieces, including Eckhaus Latta, Cottweiler, Vaquera and Dilara Findikogluand, among many more rising stars in the fashion industry. When asked about her intended consumer, Zein stated, “We want to dress anything and everything, human or not.”

Eckhaus Latta’s SS18 Collection featured on Dazed Digital via.

Eckhaus Latta’s SS18 Collection featured on Dazed Digital via.

Eckhaus Latta’s SS18 Collection featured on Dazed Digital via.

The concept of L’Insane is radical relative to how stores typically market their clothing, but it is not entirely unexpected. As Gen Z consumers are entering the fashion market, they are calling for more representation and inclusivity. A study conducted by Innovation Group revealed that 56% of American Gen Z-ers know someone who identifies as being non-binary. As the demand for inclusivity rises, it will be interesting to see if clothing stores’ marketing strategies will change to adopt L’Insane’s method or if they will continue to target binary genders.

“Inclusivity, gender neutrality, comfort, casualness—these are all things that are here to stay.”

— Lazaro Hernandez, codesigner of Proenza Schouler

Image via. Quote via.

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Shades That Will Slay the Spring Break Sun

We all love feeling like a million dollars, and in preparation to outshine the upcoming spring and summer rays (or shield our eyes from the glare of paparazzi camera flash!), here are the latest movers and shakers on the market today–with a price tag to suit every budget. 

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Over $100

Roberi and Fraud

 The Kardashians, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Rihanna… Roberi and Fraud sits at the top of Hollywood’s must list when it comes to sunglasses. In just under two years, the brand has amassed great success with its styles, which add modern twists to classic vintage frames.   

Gentle Monster

Gentle Monster exhibits its products like museum pieces in "an immersive and experiential offline shopping experience." The Korean-born brand has also experienced a breakthrough in the upcoming trends market, showing up at NYFW on the faces of numerous celebrities. The brand is known for their comfortable, light frames and lens colors. Gentle Monster is not afraid to experiment with eclectic designs alongside their clean staples. They also have an entire optical eyewear collection if you’re on the market for a new pair of glasses!

Smoke x Mirrors

“Luxury is anything you don’t need, but you convince yourself you do. What makes luxury worthwhile is soul. We believe objects can have soul, and soul in luxury is not a matter of cost—it is a matter of shared love and passion between artisan and consumer” says David Shabtai, one of the two founding brothers of Smoke x Mirrors (Forbes). Their sunglasses will definitely make you feel like an art piece, so why not treat yourself?

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Under $100

Le Specs

With nine collections to choose from, you won’t be disappointed by the sea of options Le Spec provides. A pair for every style, mood, personality and occasion, shop their collection for budget-friendly options.

Chilli Bean

Solid frames made to seize the day. Take a look at their website, which is full of interesting content about the brand and its philosophy. Much like, Gentle Monster, they provide an innovative online store experience (find out more here).

Crap Eyewear

“Don't worry, be Crappy. Born in reaction to an overpriced and overly serious sunglass market, we’re on a mission to create funky, premium quality eyewear without the heavy retail mark-up” notes the LA based sunnies brand. Their range of options is something to behold, so take a break from studying to peruse their options.

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Zara Turns the Brand "Blanding" Crisis on Its Head

Yet another fashion brand has decided to revamp their logo, but (thankfully) unlike its peers, Zara is staying away from the basic, blocky sans-serif that is currently dominating the fashion industry. Last month, the fast fashion conglomerate got rid of the wide spaces between the logo’s letters in favor for a tightly squished serif text.

The decision is the latest in a long line of recent brand logo overhauls, often in response to appearing more universal and “millennial friendly.” Such changes, commonly called “blanding,” have been widely criticized by consumers as logos have long been seen as part of the very essence of fashion companies’ identity and aesthetic ethos. Logos are certainly a large part of the appeal of a luxury brand to the everyday shopper, particularly as a marker of wealth, style or refinement.

The serif font revolution. Image via

Zara’s new logo is certainly cluttered, not exceptionally unique and maybe hard to read, but I give it an A for effort. While every other brand is trending toward a unified minimalist direction, Zara went big, busy and bold, reflecting their recent efforts to climb the fashion industry clout ladder. Let’s just count our blessings that Zara’s brand isn’t changing in favor of a more “simplified” and “balanced” approach (looking at you, Hedi Slimane… justice for Celine’s accent aigu!).

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How Much Money Is Too Much Money to Spend on a Pair of Leggings?

I have never been a leggings fan, and I’m vehemently against the Lululemon cult following. It always baffled me how one could drop $100+ on something that you wear to the gym. That is, until I discovered the brand Ultracor.

I do not know precisely what it was, but I saw this girl wear them at a party and I just had to stop and say “Wow, you look great, I love those leggings!” She proceeded to rave about her Ultracor leggings, saying they were the most flattering bottoms she owned. They were sleek, had a cute and subtle design, and most importantly, looked so flattering… I just had to hop online and buy a pair! However, I was not prepared for the price tag. The leggings average at a whopping $200! Is an ultra flattering, super cute pair of leggings really worth the price of a one way flight to Florida? When does a online shopping splurge go above and beyond?

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Let’s be real here, the athleisure trend has been hot for a while now, but has it gone too far? From the rise of brands like Outdoor Voices with dedicated followings to mainstays like adidas, Nike, Puma and New Balance churning out endless collabs with the latest model/it girl/influencer/singer songwriter of the moment, it’s become kind of hard to keep up. While more and more brands are turning to more transparent pricing methods as means of earning consumer trust (think Instagram favorites like jewelry brand Mejuri or Everlane), we have yet to really figure out the true cost of a pair of leggings.

Ultracor isn’t too clear about what exactly warrants the steep price tag of their “luxury activewear,” but chances are their products are made of spandex and other synthetic materials (like most other leggings on the market). In the mean time, I think it’s time for some soul searching about whether or not a trip to the gym mandates made-to-order workout gear.

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Your 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday shopping can be hard, so we’ve gone ahead and done the job for you. Keep scrolling for a roundup of our favorite gift recommendations for the holiday season, crowdsourced from the MODA Blog writing and photography staff!

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For Family

Candles

It’s already difficult enough deciding what to gift your close family members, but distant relatives seem nearly impossible to figure out. I mean, what are you supposed to gift that cousin you only see once a year on Christmas or that uncle that you barely talk to? Say no more, candles are the perfect gift to purchase for someone who you might not know very well. Everyone has a room in their house that can use a little sprucing up and a pleasant-smelling candle can do just that! Of course, any old candle from Target might not do the trick if you want to seem like you put in some effort. If you’re feeling generous and have some extra cash lying around, then look into candles from Diptyque or Byredo! During the holiday season, department stores tend to carry gift sets as well. One gift set containing five mini Diptyque candles retails for $75 here. A cheaper option would be a single candle from Byredo for $40 and can be found here.

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Sheet Masks

Every time I go home, my mom asks me the same three questions: “How was school?,” “Are you hungry?” and “Did you bring me any face masks from America?” So I dedicate this gift to her. Face masks are a super easy gift to get for anybody in your life, but I always like getting them for my family since we all like to mask together during the holidays. Family bonding over skin care I suppose! Anyways, sheet masks are great during those cold and dry winter months where you may forget to practice a little bit of self-care. They come in so many varieties and can be purchased in bulk for all you last minute, buy-all-your-friends-the-same-present shoppers. I really like the Innisfree My Real Squeeze Masks, the TonyMoly I’m Real Sheet Masks, and the Face Shop’s Real Nature masks, but I’ve also heard great things about Tatcha and SKII’s Sheet Masks if you’re looking to splurge.

Image via Innisfree.com

A Class

Chances are your parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents still reminisce about college and the good old days every now and then. Well, good news: it’s never too late to pick up a new skill and you’re never done learning! Sign them up for a local lecture series in a topic they’ve expressed interest in… or maybe in one they have never even heard of! Snag them some class passes for a fun new exercise routine, art course or book club. A gift like this shows how much you care and pushes the older folks in your life out of their comfort zone.

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Barware Set

Alcohol is always a fairly foolproof gift, but why not up the ante and invest in some nice new barware for a parent or older relative? Whether you decide to splurge on a whole set of barware or simply stumble upon a cute cocktail shaker, a gift like this is bound to be used and appreciated by a loved one (rather than re-gifted for the next round of holidays!). It also saves you the trouble of trying to find a nice bottle of wine/liquor/beer that doesn’t scream “I judged this bottle by the label.”

Image via West Elm

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For Friends

Nail Polish

This is a foolproof gift. There’s a color or style for any of your friends guaranteed, and it’s so easy to put together amazing and personal combinations for anybody in your life. Not to mention, brands will always have huge discounts and amazing gift sets around this time of year so really, there’s no reason not to pick up some colors for the holidays. Some of my faves include Zoya’s Winter Wishes set for the friend who loves getting glam for the holidays, China Glaze’s The Grinch collection for the friend who is a little bit experimental, and Essie’s fall mattes for anyone who’s just getting started with polish. And honestly, you might as well go ahead and pick up some for yourself. For the holiday season, I highly recommend anything with a little bit of shine to it–it’s a pretty quick way to add some holiday cheer to any look!

Image via Zoya.com

Stationery

Okay, so I know that nobody wants to think about school over the holidays, but when stationery is as cute as this, I would be happy to receive school supplies any day. Whether you’re looking to inspire a friend to get organized in 2019, or maybe feeding a stationery junkie’s aesthetic cravings, you can’t go wrong with these picks. For a really special and unique journal, I definitely recommend Mossery’s custom pads. Not only can you get an adorable corgi-filled notebook, but you can actually have your name (or your friend’s name) printed on the cover. Custom presents are always a fun way to make something all the more special for the recipient, and with a journal, it’s the kind of thing they’ll be using every day. I’m also a big fan of Zebra Mildliners, which are now sold at Target in packs of 15 for $17! Originally sold exclusively in Japan, these amazing pastel highlighters are a staple for any bullet journalist, or aesthetic-note taker. Finally, if you’re looking to buy a cohesive set of stationery for that hardcore academic without breaking the bank, I stand by Muji stationery. Whether it’s their world famous gel pens or their adorable washi tapes, or honestly any of their super minimal desk supplies, you can please even the most meticulous friend.

Image via mossery.com

Speakers

Speakers are the perfect gift for that music loving friend who loves throwing parties, but really anyone can stand to benefit from a nice new speaker. Urban Outfitters has a ton of options for the aesthetically-inclined, whether you’re looking for a small portable gadget, to a waterproof speaker (for that friend who loves singing in the shower), to a turntable for the friend who still swears by vinyl. For a roundup of some of the best portable speakers on the market, check out this review.

Image via Urban Outfitters

Personalized Jewelry

Monograms, horoscopes, birthdates… the popularity of personalized jewelry has hit a fever pitch (judging from my Instagram feed and shameless targeted advertising). For a cute charm with your BFF’s initials, you can look to almost any big box retailer (the necklaces to the left are from Anthro). For something a little more unique and personable, spend some time perusing Etsy, which has literally endless options for personalized jewelry. This is a great option if you’re looking for multiple gifts for friends with a wide variety of interests and personal styles.

Image via Anthropologie

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For Someone Special

Polaroid Camera

Okay, a little bit of an investment, but if you want something that you and your SO can use together, I think a Polaroid camera would be a great idea. In the age of social media, photo-editing and face-tuning, it can be really difficult to get the instant gratification that a printed photograph brings. Polaroid photos are instantly printed memories with no filters or enhancements necessary, just life captured in its raw state. Purchasing a Polaroid camera is also an incentive to go out and make more memories with the person you love! Check out MODA’s article on polaroids to help you find your perfect fit.

Image via amazon.com

Beauty Sets

Finding the right beauty item for your makeup-junkie partner can be quite an exhausting search down the Internet rabbit hole. Instead of trying to pinpoint the product they can’t live without, take advantage of holidays beauty sales and snag a beauty set. These are pretty foolproof, offer an array of different products in sample sizes–perfect for testing out!–and won’t break the bank. If you’re still lost, you can gage how worthwhile the investment is by skimming through customer reviews or asking a store associate.

Image via Urban Outfitters.

Concert Tickets

What better way to surprise your partner than with tickets to a show or concert they’ve been dying to see? Chicago’s concert schedule is constantly filling up with newly announced shows, and with venues of all sizes and styles to choose from, you have your pick of anything from symphonies, to intimate gigs or stadium tours. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, comedy shows, musicals, plays and dance performances are also solid bets.

Image via StubHub

A Weekend Away

School sucks (for the most part), so why not whisk your loved one off to a nearby locale for a change of pace and scenery? With app-based rental services like ZipCar and AirBnB popping up everywhere, it doesn’t have to cost you much to take a mini weekend road trip. Venture out to Lake Geneva, WI for a beautiful retreat from Chicago’s harsh winter, or make the trek out to Starved Rock State Park and escape from city life. If you’re looking for somethign a little more metropolitan, major cities like Detroit, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati are only a short ride away and definitely worth exploring!

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A Reflection on Black Friday

There’s an insanely satisfying feeling that comes with snagging a good sale. I feel like I’m pulling one over on the big bad companies and their pricey products (never mind that I’m still giving them my money by purchasing the product…). Black Friday is perfectly tailored to fulfill that feeling, as retailers flash big signs displaying all their “deep discounts” that are too often faker than Kardashian family beefs. Stores are notorious for hiking up prices before the consumer holiday in order to deeply discount the inflated prices, bringing them back down to their normal value and labeling that a steal.

Chaos in Sao Paulo, Brazil over Black Friday sales. Image via

The Bargain Betties pack into department stores worldwide to grab those ‘special, one time only, can’t miss’ deals after every Thanksgiving. They’re often walking straight into an apocalyptic jungle, where survival of the fittest and most forceful rules. Under-stocking, overcrowding, and blocked aisles are all tricks of the Black Friday retail trade to increase consumer tension and drive up discount desperation. It can often get dangerous, as riots and shootings over products are common, and “consumers behaving badly” graces headlines every year. Yet every year people still wake up with the sun to get their place in line outside big ticket item stores and feel the accomplishment of scoring a deal.

“Black Friday creates a herd mentality that encourages people to buy things that they don’t want or don’t even love that much because of the perceived scarcity of the deals.” - via Phuong Vuong of Empower Finance

There are undoubtedly some amazing sales at select stores on Black Friday and the physically safer Cyber Monday–but are they worth the hype? Consumer group Which? found that 87% of Black Friday deals were the same or cheaper during other sales during the year! Our collective love for feeling like corporate #scammers clouds this reality, so retailers experience a whopping majority of traffic during holiday sales in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Huge crowds of bargain hunters have wrestled for Black Friday deals in South Africa https://t.co/0KNJiFApIk pic.twitter.com/BCJIglXP7W

— ITV News (@itvnews) November 23, 2018

This all amounts to the only advice I can give: shop smart! When making big purchases track and compare prices (using tools like Pricerunner) and if you’re looking for a real deal, look for and consider purchasing during more offbeat sale times. Don’t buy the sale, buy the item you want.

And while you’re out there, try treating the stressed, overworked, and often underpaid retail workers with respect and kindness!

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For a Laid-Back Look, Shop SugarHigh LoveStoned

For contemporary takes on 70s, 80s and 90s fashion, look no further than SugarHigh LoveStoned. The brand cites The Replacements, Talking Heads, and Siouxsie and the Banshees as sources of inspiration alongside Chloe Sevigny and Madonna as its eternal fashion muses. You don't have to look far for these rock-n-roll and grunge influences, from their breezy festival-ready frocks, to delightfully embroidered rompers, and vintage style tees with cheeky slogans.

The Hawaii-based brand is working to expand its tribe of "lovestoners," so shoot them a message on social media or pen a letter and get rewarded with their "ever-changing supply of stickers for your van, phone, window or favorite street sign."

Shop the latest spring/summer collection on their website and peruse their Instagram for endless, nostalgia-infused inspiration.

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Shop Local at Penelope's in Wicker Park

When I'm spending the day in Wicker Park, I usually end up along North Milwaukee Avenue, buy a funky jacket at Buffalo Exchange and hang out the rest of the afternoon in a coffee shop.

However, among the area's thrift stores and dive bars, I recently discovered Penelope's, a curated, locally owned boutique that I'll definitely be looking to in the future for easy pieces that will transition well from colder to warmer weather.

With an overarching aesthetic that merges Scandinavian style with modern, timeless silhouettes, all of the store's pieces can be easily incorporated into your current wardrobe, regardless of personal style or current trends.

Although the store says it "doesn't take [them]selves too seriously," it stocks a seriously wide variety of chic European and US brands, from Sessun to Rachel Comey and Paloma Wool. 

Most of Penelope's stock is available online, but you might see a couple of the owners' pugs if you go in person, so it's definitely worth a visit! 

In addition to clothing, the shop also stocks delightful accessories and home goods. While many of its pieces online run from $50-$300, you can always walk away with something more affordable from its eclectic home goods section.

So, whether you're looking to pep up your wardrobe for spring or add some decor to your apartment, Penelope's elegant but whimsical pieces are worth the trip to Wicker Park!

Address: 1913 W. Division St., Chicago, Illinois 60622

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11-7, Sunday 11-6

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Shopping: One of a Kind Chicago

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In an era where nearly everything is mass-produced, nothing coddles our nostalgia and sense of uniqueness like high-quality handcrafted goods. One of a Kind Chicago brings artists from all over North America to sell their goods in this biannual shopping event.

The large venue, located in culture-rich downtown Chicago, is a place that one can wander in for days—three to four days, if we want to be precise, which is the typical length of the One of a Kind event. Their blog showcases some of the creative artistic goods that are offered. Some crafts are even Chicago-themed, perfect for commemorating one’s stay in this city.

One of a Kind has both winter and spring events. The winter events are usually early December, in time for holiday shopping. One of a Kind Chicago’s Spring 2018 event is coming April 27th-29th. Artists can give free admission to their friends, but otherwise, admission tickets are $12.

Check out their site here!

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The Best Places to Shop for Shorter Girls

Being 4'11", I can't tell you how many times I've struggled with finding clothing that fit well straight off of the rack. There's always a part that's too long, too loose, or just unflattering in general. However, the market for petites has grown immensely in the past few years and shows no sign of stopping. Here's a rundown of my favorite places to pick up petite-friendly clothes!

Topshop

Topshop easily has the best jeans and pants for shorter girls. They usually fit me off the rack and aren't too loose at the waist. They also have a wide range of trendy clothing for any kind of look, whether you're looking for something casual, sporty, or edgy.

Petite Studio

Based in NYC, Petite Studio says their main goal is "to invest time and care into building the first fashion line exclusively for petites." Their clothing is tailored for girls 5'4" and under, and their style can be described as being refined and modern. 

J.Crew

J.Crew is easily my favorite place to pick up business clothing; their blazers and skirts fit very well and are great quality. J. Crew also has lots of basics and other more stylish and sophisticated pieces, and the constant sales make it one of my favorite places to shop from.

American Apparel

While American Apparel doesn't have a designated petite line, their sizes run small and many pieces work well for shorter gals. I've been particularly successful in finding skirts, shorts, and tops here, and the combination of their clothing's good quality and classic styles makes American Apparel one of my favorite stores to shop from.

Reformation's Wilder dress; image via.

Reformation

Reformation is known for their sustainable manufacturing methods and cute, summery dresses. Their "Don't Call me Cute" collection offers many of their beloved regular-sized pieces in sizes fit for girls 5'2" and under. Their pieces are perfect for girls who like the effortlessly cute look.

ASOS

ASOS has an extensive petite line, and even though you can't try their pieces on before purchasing, they offer free returns. There's something for everyone at ASOS, whether you're trying to find an outfit for a job interview or a night out. 

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Worst Buys of the Year

My stress-binge-shopping this quarter has been a little worse than before. I blame the endless hurricane that linked the LSAT, job applications, and midterms together. While some of the shopping relieved my stress, I had the misfortune of reevaluating some products that ended up making me regret more than enjoy. Here are a few run-ins I had so you don't make the same mistakes I did.

Milk Makeup - Cooling Water

Apparently this product is supposed to cool your undereyes and depuffs to enhance your skin and microcirculation. I feel scammed because this felt like I rubbed a semi-minty gluestick around my face. Not only did this product not do whatever it claimed to, it made my face feel cakey and didn't even make it past the first cut to be in my nightly skincare routine. For $24, I could list billions of products I'd buy instead.

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It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

Undereye concealers are a true hit or miss. Paired with setting powders and my generally sensitive undereyes that are plagued with unending bags, I have a high standard for these products. Really, the only product I like for this is Tarte's Shape Tape but I decided to try this since it had such glowing reviews. Well, it was all a lie. The concealer is very heavy coverage but it tends to cake and doesn't blend into your skin at all whether you use a soft brush or a beauty blender.

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Harper Marina Denim Skinny Jeans

Here continues the chronicles of Yeju Can't Find Jeans that Work for Short People. These looked fine because they had an incredibly short leg cut. I'm also a huge fan of distressed jeans. But the problem with these jeans? It has the strangest waist line. It's right in that awkward torso area where it's not high-rise, mid-rise, and definitely not low-rise. The waistband is therefore super annoying and confusing. The sizing is strange too, so unless you have body proportions exactly like the model pictured, these jeans are gonna suck.

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Millennial Pink Is Having a Moment

This year's go-to color has been spotted everywhere from Glossier's photo-worthy packaging to Gigi Hadid's enviable street style, the coolest app interfaces and Gucci's runways season after season. Whether you like it or not, pink in all spades of pastel and powdery hues is definitely having a moment.

If you haven't spotted shades of pastel and salmon pink adorning everything from Everlane newsletters, to the ads for the "revolutionary" period underwear from Thinx, the adorable camera bags at Pop & Suki, Sprinkles cupcake boxes, Mansur Gavriel's pop up shop in NYC and, of course, Glossier's bubbly branding, poke around the Internet and scroll through the biggest trending products, companies and brand aesthetics. Most will feature some iteration of this hue, accompanied by an equally appealing font and Instagram-able packaging. 

Clockwise from top: Pop & Suki handbags (image via); Acne Studios tote bag (image via); Rihanna x Puma Fenty (image via); Glossier packaging (image via) 

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So why exactly has this color persisted for the past several fashion seasons? According to buyers, it sells well. Unlike Pantone's colors of the year, which drift in and out of style over the span of several months, Millennial Pink first gained traction back in 2012, largely due to buzz on Tumblr, and since then has only skyrocketed in it's popularity. Of course, part of the color's continued appeal stems from its frequent use by online borne "it brands" like Glossier and Everlane. It also can't hurt that it's been adopted as a frequent street style staple for trendsetters like Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Harry Styles.

According to The Cut, the shade has also managed to shed its reputation as a color associated with traditional notions of femininity–baby showers and Barbie's pink-infused, dream life come to mind. In recent years, the color has adopted more androgynous connotations amongst millennials, who are happy to incorporate the color into their wardrobes and lifestyle. Maybe Paul Simonon (of the punk rock band The Clash) was right, pink really is the only true rock-and-roll color.

Pink spotted on the runway; image via

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The Ultimate Skinny Jean Guide

As a (relatively) lazy college student, sometimes even jeans can constitute as "dressing up" for me, thanks to the ease and comfort of wearing oversized tee shirts and leggings (I'm looking at you, Lululemon). Here is my roundup of my favorite jeans that cover all the basics!

1. AG Denim "Farrah Skinny Ankle"

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These wonderful jeans hold you in, and hold their shape. They never bag at the knee and are flattering with any kind of top- cropped, flowy, or tucked in. Find these here.

2. Citizens of Humanity "Rocket High Rise Skinny in All Black"

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These soft, buttery jeans are comfy yet sturdy, and are great for those days when you're just a little tired of wearing leggings, but don't feel like giving up the comfort. Find them here.

3. Mavi "Serena Super Skinny Ankle"

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Now, I have to support some good Turkish denim when I can find it- and Mavi jeans are famous for their fit and style. This is my favorite pair of light wash denim to date- and I rarely wear light denim. Find it here.

4. Gap "Super High Rise True Skinny Jeans"

I bought these when I was 17 and these have yet to leave my weekly roundup of outfits. These have held their shape through the years of wear I have put them through. Since I don't need to have 2 pairs of plain black denim, I decided to update them by distressing them at the knees with some blunt scissors and a safety pin, and it has made them even ~edgier~ than before. Buy them here.

 

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Brands to Know: SABO SKIRT

With sunny days and hot weather approaching, all of our wardrobes could use a little revamping. This season, turn to Sabo Skirt, an Australian brand that mixes simplicity with a playful edge.

I discovered this brand last summer and have been loving it since. Originally a fashion-blog turned into an online boutique, Sabo Skirt understands what exactly shoppers are looking for: trendy outfits with room for adding a bit of your own personality.

Sabo Skirt has a diverse array of collections. My personal favorites are the knitwear and swimwear collection. The fabric is extremely comfortable and the quality of the clothes are fantastic. The clothes are sometimes on the pricey side, but there are often sales and promotions make the purchase entirely worth it.

Wrap dress // Cold shoulder dress // Striped playsuit

The online store is constantly expanding to other areas as well. The accessories are boho inspired, and even include adorable bags resembling last year's Chloe bags.

Keep in mind that Australian sizes are slightly smaller than American ones, so don't be afraid to buy a size up. Most knits are pretty flexible and won't be too tight.

The new sleepwear collection features lots of luxe silky pajamas that can be worn inside and outside the bedroom.

Silky robe // PJ Shirt // Coffee print romper

Happy shopping!

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Online Shopping 101: Hidden Gems

Tired of scrolling down the websites of Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Zara, ASOS? European online shopping sites are here to redefine your style!

Even though I used to be a big fan of shopping in physical stores, I usually prefer shopping online nowadays. Given the level of weekend laziness I reach after a busy week, even the idea of trying out clothes feels like the biggest burden to me. That is when my lovely Instagram crushes (usually less known ones) came into help for me to find the best unique pieces to add into my closet. There are so many local online boutiques where many young designers showcase their designs. Depending on your personal taste, you can find anything on the internet from edgy/cut out t-shirt lines to sleek/contemporary dress brands.

Here you can find some tips on online shopping and our favorite Europe based online stores which have international shipping!

Tip 1: Follow less known bloggers or Instagram profiles to get promo codes!

Even though Chiara and her other big name blogger friends rule Instagram, there are also so many other hidden stylish stars in social media. Make sure you choose to follow the ones whose styles you connect with. Many online shops make collaborations with these bloggers whose style go well with the aesthetic of their brand and they offer you discount codes through them. 

Tip 2: Make sure you subscribe and register!

Most of these small business usually offer different types of discounts if you register into their websites for the first time. Make sure to get a good use of free delivery and discount opportunities.

Tip 3: Use Insta shop feature!

Most of these brands usually have more options in their insta-shop links. Make sure you check both their actual website and insta-shop link to see more designs.

Our favourites:

BNKR

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Paloma Wool

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Verge Girl

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Cinco

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