Hello and happy Thursday! Since it’s almost the weekend and officially November (what!) let’s talk a little Black Friday and create some early 2017 Black Friday predictions.

My mom and I have been doing Black Friday for as long as I can remember. Each year we wake up very early, put on some comfortable clothes, grab a coffee and hit the stores. Through the years we have made some great memories. While visiting family in northern Michigan one year, my mom, aunts and I went out in our pajamas, trekking through the snow and all, to get the “pajama discount” that stores were offering.

Black Friday is not glamourous by any means, but it also doesn’t have to be the chaotic scene portrayed in the news. It’s a tradition we have nearly perfected. My mom and I both avoid big crowds. We plan our route strategically. We wake up very early. And we stock up and save – big time. Usually by 11am we are on our way home, and have plenty of time to take advantage of online sales going on throughout the day.

One recommendation for simplifying Black Friday:  start getting ideas now. Most companies do not release actual Black Friday details until Thanksgiving Day. Some may give a little teaser about a week prior to the big day, but usually it’s done via emails and mailings in the day prior.

Because actual details are not released yet, this year’s sales are still unknown. However, most companies repeat their Black Friday deals each year. Some may have small variations, but through the years we see a lot of repetitive deals.

With that being said, I have 2017 Black Friday predictions. They are simply educated guesses based on years prior, so I could be wrong. However, I expect the deals will be similar or exactly the same. Most companies offer their deals in store and online.

2017 Black Friday Predictions

• Amazon – buy an Echo Dot for $30 or an all-new Echo for $80, expect additional sales on their electronics, like Kindles and Fire Tablets
• Ann Taylor – 50% off store-wide
• ASOS – 20-30% off site-wide
• Banana Republic – 50% off store-wide
• BaubleBar – up to 35% off, plus free necklace with purchase over $40
• Chicwish – 25% off site-wide
• Coach – 30% off store-wide
• Express – 50% off store-wide
• J.Crew – 40% off store-wide
• Nordstrom – likely a good discount on Hunter Boots, and other sales on favorites like Vince    Camuto, Madewell, Patagonia, etc… Plus an extra 20-40% off sale items.
• Pottery Barn – up to 50% off items, 30% off holiday items
• Sephora – several items discounted over 50% to $10, plus other discounted items
• Shopbop – spend $200+, get 15% off; spend $500+, get 20% off
• Skin Store – 25% off site-wide
• Sole Society – 30% off all footwear
• Talbots – 50% off one item before noon
• Tory Burch – 30% off purchases over $250
• Ulta – likely a huge discount on an Ulta palette, and discounts of other popular brands

My hope is to simplify Black Friday and help you get the most for your hard earned money. To prepare for Black Friday, take a browse at your favorite stores to see what is available and add it to your wishlist or shopping cart on their website to be saved electronically.  This way everything is done in advance and come November 24th, you can just check out electronically, or have items already listed for each store.

What else is coming up this holiday season on Joyfully So?

• Gift Lists – For Him, For Her (Tartan gift guide), Best Beauty Buys, Stocking Stuffers Under $10, etc…
• Holiday Fashion & related content
• An updated Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday post as we get closer to those holidays
• The Holiday Shop! A virtual shop for all things related to the festive holiday season.
• More to be announced on Instagram and Facebook

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

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