Christmas Shopping in January

Yes the title is correct Christmas shopping in January. This has been one of my favorite activities for years. If you have a big family, purchase gift for coworkers or maybe you are just someone who likes to have gifts on hand for spur of the moment occasions, a shopping trip in January can have you set for the rest of the year.

After Christmas you begin to see the sale of all of the leftover holiday items that did not sell but were specifically packaged for the holiday season. The same is true for holiday decorations as well. As it gets closer to the new year, the percentage off goes higher. In January the percentage is even higher. Then you get into the after the season sales which are another way to take advantage of the deep discounts offered by retailers.

Even though it has been years since I put up a Christmas tree, when I was putting up a tree every year, I would use the end of the season sales to purchase decorations for the following year. It gave me the opportunity to change my decorations each year. One year it was blue and silver, the next year silver and gold, the following year all crystal decorations you get it some variety. The best things is when you can purchase the decorations for 75-90% off, you end up with a collection of expensive decorations for a fraction of the cost. This is also the perfect time to purchase Christmas cards as well. I have purchased beautiful boxed Christmas cards for as low as ten cent per box.

Retailers like the The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works are also great places to shop at after the holiday season is over. The Body Shop always have holiday gift set which prior to Christmas can be upwards of $70 but after the holiday and the initial discounts, I have been able to purchase that same $70 gift set for as low as $5 in January. At Bath and Body Works you could get full sized holiday scented lotions for as low as $2. What a great way to stock up and have gift on hand for that surprise birthday. I used to work in a clinic and I would use this time to stock up on gifts for Nurse’s Week for the Nurses I worked with.

So you can see why i enjoy Christmas shopping in January. I normally have a tote that I keep my purchases in so that I know where the purchases are. This is a great way to save money and time and to get a jump start on the next holiday season. It is also a way to have nice gifts on hand for those unexpected birthdays or occasions where you may need a quick gift.

There is still time to head out and take advantage of the sales this year. Don’t let the good merchandise get sent back to the warehouses. Even though things are a lot different these days, there is still the opportunity to take advantage of the deep discounts. Let’s get a jump start on Christmas 2021.

Be Blessed, Be Fabulous!

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Spring Fashion

While I am not your typical OOTD kind of girl, I do consider myself a fashionista.  Though the calendar says that it is Spring, even if it doesn’t feel like it, you should be ready to rock your spring finds and prepare for summer since it is just around the corner.  I am trying my best to stop gravitating toward black, my go to color, and this year I definitely plan to experiment with color as well as print.  Here are a few observations I have made about Spring and Summer fashion trends.

Skin Is In

If you are shy about shoulder, leg or cleavage, then you are going to be left behind.  There are more dresses with splits, distressed jeans, strapless tops and dresses and off the shoulder items than I have seen in a long time. Fashion is becoming more daring and I am definitely here for all of it.  Just check out your latest stores and designers and you will see skin, skin and more skin.

Affordable Fashion

When stars promote stores such as Fashion Nova, and show you that you can be cute, trendy and not broke.  Thanks to stars like Cardi B.  who show us that your don’t have to go broke to look fabulous.  Other stores like Forever 21, JCPenney and GS Love also show us that Plus Size and Curvy girls can look cute and still have some coins left over.  None of the items in this post is over $50.00.

Tribal Prints

While this has been a trend for a few years now, it is not going away.  Especially with all of the stunning prints we witnessed in Black Panther, tribal prints will be around a little longer.  Not just for skirts and headwraps anymore, look for them on jackets, tops and pants.  They are everywhere.

Florals

Another trend that is not going away soon.  I have never really been a fan of florals, however I have found myself with several floral pieces in my wardrobe thanks to the modern and trendy way florals have been showing up lately.  From skirts and tops to swimsuits and dresses, the new modern floral is definitely a trend that I can embrace.

Camo

Not just for the military anymore, camo is everywhere.  The great thing about camo is that it can be worn as a neutral, so you can mix and match it with any color.  One great thing about the new trendy camo is that you can find it in dresses, jackets, pants, and tops.  Another great thing is that it is styled to fit.

Jumpsuits

They are all over the place.  And not just the denim overalls.  There are cute trendy jumpsuits available for all shapes and sizes.  They are available in solids, prints and patterns.  The options are endless.  To me a jumpsuit is a great way to go from work to play with the use of a jacket or sweater, and they can be worn with heels, flats or tennis shoes.  No matter how you style them, jumpsuits are a great on trend item.  (see the two in the floral section).

No matter where you may find yourself on the fashion scale or what your budget may be there is something out there for you.  Whether, floral or tribal, skin exposed or more covered, fashion is always your best accessory.  No matter the season or reason in most cases when you look good you feel good.  So here is to looking good and here’s to find trends that you love at prices you can afford.

 

Be Blessed, Be Fabulous!

pink-lips