Merry + Happy: Black Friday Sales

In honor of the upcoming honorary shopping holiday, I've decided to share another round up of all the amazing steals and deals this Friday (and sharing the tips & tricks I noted last year).  More codes are coming, stay tuned the next few days!

Tips & tricks for the Black Friday Shopper: 

1. Make a list and do your research. Search locations, compare prices, and return policies! Don't want to be stuck with an item that does work or doesn't fit!

2. Sales are now starting on Thursday evenings (crazy!). Arrive early to your late evening, pre-midnight, midnight, 4 am stop. Pick up some Starbucks, bundle up, and find your spot in line! Just don't trample anyone when they open the doors!

3. Work in teams. Stores may open at different times, refer to guideline number 1 to make sure you are covering all of your wish lists!

4. Don't want the rush? Hit up your local small businesses and boutique! 

5.  Black Friday shopping just isn't for you? Prefer to sleep in? You can always online shop! Make sure to read the list below to find out the deals!

ALDO :: Save an extra 30% off all reduced footwear + save 50% off select Men’s footwear. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1

ASOS (US):: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2 CODE: GIMME20. 

Ann Taylor :: Save 40% Off Entire Purchase. SALE INFORMATION COMING / CODE COMING

Bloomingdale’s :: Save up to 50% off. DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 1. 

BonLook :: Save up to 50% off on select eyewear. Also enjoy free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 & Dec 2 only.

C. Wonder :: Save 30% off 3 items or more, full price or sale + free ground shipping. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1. CODE: GIFTS30

Charm & Chain :: Save 20% off all orders under $150, save 25% off orders between $150-$400, and save 30% off orders over $400. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2. CODE: thanksgiving20, thanksgiving25, thanksgiving30 (respectively) - http://rstyle.me/ad/nca3c77w

Cynthia Rowley :: Save up to 65% off fall markdowns, save 50% off angora sweaters, and save 20% off full-priced clothing. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 2.

The Dreslyn :: Save up to 50% off site wide. DATES: Nov 26 – Nov 29.

French Connection :: Save 30% off your total purchase + free ground shipping on orders over $150.

DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. CODE: W13COUPON. 

Heels.com :: Save $25 off your purchase over $100, save $50 off your purchase over $150, and save $75 off your purchase over $200. DATES: Nov 28 – Dec 1. CODE: BF75.

Henri Bendel :: Save 25% off your order over $100 and receive a $20 Splurge Card with every purchase.

DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 1 CODE: TURKEY25.

Hurley :: Save 30% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Nov 29. CODE: CARVE 

ILY Couture :: Mix and match select items (1 for 50% off, 3+ items for 65% off, and 5+ items for 75% off).

DATES: Nov 29.

Jeweliq :: Save 20% entire order and 30% off orders over $100. Free shipping.

DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: BFTREAT20 & BFTREAT30 (respectively).

Joie :: Spend $250, save 20% off – Spend $500, save 30% off. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. 

Kate Somerville :: Save 30% on all orders. DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2. CODE: HOLIDAY2013

Kendra Scott :: Save 20% off site wide and enjoy free shipping (excludes LUXE collection and gift cards). DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 2. CODE: BFCM201. 

LOFT :: Save 40% off  EVERYTHING! DATES: Nov 29 – Nov 30. CODE: ENJOY.

Loren Hope :: Save 20% off orders over $100 + free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: THANKS.

ModCloth :: Shop hundreds of new items at 50% off. DATES: Nov 27 – Dec 1.

Nordstrom :: Save 25%+ off on select brands. DATES: Nov 27 (10AM PST) – Dec 1 (10PM PST). 

Nordstrom :: Save 33%+ off on select brands. DATES: Nov 28 (10PM PST) – Nov 29 (10PM PST).

OTTE NY :: Save an extra 40% off sale items. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 29. CODE: BLACKFRIDAY.

THE OUTNET :: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 26 (10AM EST). CODE: THANKSGIVING. ALSO: Enjoy free standard shipping (Nov 30-Dec 1, Code: FREESHIPWKND); Enjoy free shipping (Dec 17-Dec 31, Code: HOLIDAYGIFT).

Poppin :: Save 25% off all orders over $75. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 1. CODE: POPBF.

Rent the Runway :: Save 20% off site wide. DATES: Nov 28 – Nov 30. CODE: RTR2013. 

Serena and Lily :: Save 20% off site wide and enjoy free shipping. DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 2. ALSO: Receive a $50 gift card when you spend over $100 on December 2. Code: THANKS20.

Shopbop/ East Dane :: Save 15% when you spend $250, save 20% when you spend $500, and save 25% when you spend $1000. DATES: Nov 26 – Dec 2. CODE: BIGEVENT13.

Sole Society :: Save 33% off all jewelry, handbags and shoes (with new offers being presented everyday at 10am). DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2.

t+j Designs :: Save 30% off the entire site (excluding Monogram Items, Glam Gift Sets, and Flash Sale Items). DATES: Nov 25 – Dec 2. CODE: TDAY30. ALSO: Shop the Thanksgiving Flash Sale for items as low as $6! (Nov 27 – Dec 2). 

Target :: Save 40% off select denim, women’s loungewear, and women’s party dresses. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 30. 

Tory Burch :: Save 20% off orders over $300, save 25% off orders over $500, save 30% off orders over $750 plus free shipping. DATES: Nov 29 – Dec 2. CODE: HOLIDAY.

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Free shipping on orders over $50. DATES: Nov 22 – Nov 29. 

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Save an extra 50% off all sale merchandise. DATES: Nov 29

Urban Outfitters (US) :: Save $15 off $75, $25 off $100 and $50 off $150 and enjoy free shipping.

DATES: Dec 2. ALSO: Free shipping on orders over $50 from Nov 22 – Nov 29.

Wallis :: Save up to 30% off site wide. DATES: Nov 25 – Nov 30.

West Elm: Spend $100+, save 10%. Spend $250, save 15%. Spend $500, save 20%. Spend $1,000, save 25%. Good till 12/1 with code STOCKUP.

Merry + Happy: Holiday Mantel

Shop the Look:

This time, every year, I tend to hit a snag when it comes to documenting my outfits. The temperatures have started to dip too low for any sane person to walk outside sans puffy coat and snap what he or she may be wearing that day. Keeping in mind daylight savings time, I can only shoot on the weekends. I spent Saturday running around with my mom and talking table decor and flowers. The next items on our list are finalizing the guest list and getting out our save the dates (which I happen to be designing...I am crazy, as I think I have a million hours a week to do it all).

Sunday was spent watching a movie in bed with our breakfast, then scouring open houses with my parent's, we love browsing dream homes, and making a fun Christmas-themed trip to Target. My long blog to-do list went unchecked and I simply enjoyed the day. I'll be paying for it tomorrow and Tuesday as the Thanksgiving weekend starts on Wednesday evening for my family.

As for the outfits, they will be a bit more sporadic through this winter months and I have a few that will be hitting the blog within the next few weeks that I can't wait to share, just asking for a bit of patience and understanding! So in lieu of an outfit post, here's a little inspiration I have to decorate my mantel for the holidays!

Don't forget to enter my Chloe + Isabel Earrings giveaway!

Giveaway: Chloe + Isabel by T Earrings

To celebrate the grand opening of my friend Theresa's Chloe and Isabel by T business, we’re giving one lucky fan a pair of Pearl + Crystal Floral Filigree Earrings (worth $42)! It's easy to enter, just fill out the form below. Make sure you also head on over to Theresa's Chloe + Isabel Boutique to browse the entire collection!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Style: fibi & clo Flats

J.Crew Sweater & old Scarf | old Express Pants {Similar} | gifted fibi & clo Flats | Target Purse

For days when getting dressed is a chore, consider this look your saving grace. An oversized boyfriend sweater and a pixie pant to the rescue. I've been in need of a new pair of black flats for ages and fibi & clo graciously sent me these Audrey flats. I wear them religiously as they are a perfect fit; they don't dig into the side of my foot nor do they rub on the backs of my heels. This leopard pair has made it to the top of my holiday wish list! 

Event: J.Crew Style Sessions

It's that time again, join me this Wednesday at J.Crew at Jordan Creek Mall for another J. Crew Style Sessions! I will be there styling my favorite Holiday looks from their Holiday Collection from 6-8pm! I can't wait to get my hands on this red dress, this scarf, and this hat!

Shop a few more of my favorite pieces here:

 If you stop by and try on the latest collection make sure to tag your photos on Instagram with #jcrewstylesessions!

Hope to see you there!

My Style: Pink Teddy Sweater

gifted H&M Sweater | Gap Sunglasses, Shirt & Jeans | Steve Madden Boots | Target Purse | Stansberry Design Necklace

I picked up this sweater a few months ago and had to wait until it was officially sweater weather. This is one of those blanket cardigans that once you put it on, you never want to take it off. Disclaimer: people will come up to you and ask to pet you. It happened on more than one occasion. I also love this sweater because it's a take on the pink coat trend that is currently all the rage (not that I'm complaining), this is a lighter investment if you aren't ready to take the plunge on something like this or this. 

Housekeeping Notes: In hopes of getting more into the holiday spirit, I've started working on this year's holiday gift guide. There is a new icon on my side bar that will link you over to all of my favorite gifts this season ranging from stocking stuffers to gifts for the hostess with the mostess. The list will continue to grow so make sure you are checking in for new items!

I'm also making a few changes on the backend of things with The Brunette One, so I apologize in advance if there are any hiccups this week! 

My Style: Snake Print Sweatshirt

Standard Style Sweatshirt {Similar} // F21 Skirt {Similar} // Gap Tights // Steve Madden Boots // Target Purse

Shop the Look

I picked up this sweater back in October and it's been in constant rotation in my wardrobe ever since. We snapped these photos a few weeks ago and just now remembered I had them saved on my laptop - sorry for the grainy quality! This look has a mix of all of my favorite trends - snake print, zipper details, all rolled up in a comfy sweatshirt. Paired with my trusted pleated skirt and the only boots I seem to wear during the fall and winter months, this is another fall uniform!  I wore a version of this look yesterday at the Fashion for Charity event (more on that to come).

And can we just pause for a moment and talk about this snow and cold weather? I seem to be in a bit of a Scrooge mood and am so not ready for the cold weather, snow, or the holidays. Time is simply flying by too fast, I need to slow down! Still debating if I will get it together enough for holiday gift guides this year! I think I need a strong dose of holiday music, a showing of Elf, and lots of spiked hot chocolate!

Event: Fashion for Charity

Today's the day! I will be leaving work early and heading to Iowa City for a the Fashion for Charity Fashion Show. This show is hosted by the Fashion Management Club of the University of Iowa. Last week I had the honor of speaking to their club (via Google Hangout) and tomorrow I will be speaking at the fashion show and helping style a few models!

I can't wait to head back to my alma mater, though I'm a bit nervous about public speaking. It was only three years ago I was finishing my senior year and wondering what would be happening next. I can't wait to share my story with everyone! 

Here is a bit more about the event - hope to see you there! Tickets will be $10 at the door!

The show is tonight from 7:30-9:00pm. Enjoy desserts, drinks and freebees from their partners including Rent the Runway, BCBGeneration, PINK, ASOS, and Widespread Threads during our mocktail/networking hour! Libby Glaser, UI student and creator of the blog Stylin Iowan is our newest partner! Also, hear from our partner charity United Action for Youth and UI Alum Samantha Peterson on her endeavors in the fashion industry through her blog The Brunette One. 

Watch models strut the runway in outfits styled completely from donated clothing. The event will also host a raffle with IT Works spa items, Godiva chocolate, 2 free Rent the Runway dress rentals, 2 $50 ASOS gift cards, Widespread Threads merchandise, and more! 

Blog Talk

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I'm making some changes to The Brunette One over the upcoming months and a lot of these changes start with you. I've been so busy lately with my day job, freelancing, and wedding planning that I feel like I'm putting out sub-par content on the blog. While my blog is not my full time job, it's my passion and I want to be making it the best space I can for both myself and my readers. So this is where you come in, please leave a comment below, tweet, or facebook comment and let me know what content you wished you were reading, not only here but anywhere else on the internets, or what content you love and wish there were more of! There is so much I want to do and say in this space but I need help streamlining. Of course I cannot thank you enough for coming to The Brunette One each and every day, it means the world!

Beauty: #DoveGreatHairDay

Soft & managable straight hair, ps. my long bob is growing out so fast! 

A car #selfie to document a good curly hair day.

Do you remember back in September I told you that I switched hair care products over to Dove’s Hair Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner? After a solid month of use, my hair has never felt healthier. My hair has less split-ends/breakage and softer, more manageable than it has been in the past few months. Always smooth to the touch! I had selected the intensive repair combo because I am constantly styling my hair with both a straightener and a curling iron. I have naturally wavy hair {that rarely is seen on this blog}. However, it is only ever seen in natural form when I hit snooze too many times and am left with no time to dry, I am definitely not a morning person. But I'm even noticing my curls have a little extra bounce in them, I am putting the blame (the good sort) on the switch in shampoo and conditioner. 

Now I want to give my readers another chance to win a sample from the Dove Hair Care product line! All you have to do is fill out this survey, so easy! Only the first 500 entrants win a sample - so hurry, go enter now!

Dove understands that having beautiful, healthy-looking hair gives you the confidence to feel your best. Whether your hair is dry or damaged, Dove has a tailor-made solution for your hair care needs.  After just one wash hair is shiny, healthy-looking and full of life. Thanks to Dove, you can look and feel beautiful from the inside out.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dove via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dove.