All the Practical Stuff I Waited for Black Friday to Buy

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I’ve never been great (or even good) at prioritizing my money, which is why I own $300 sunglasses but buy travel-sized toiletries for my apartment. The things I need — like socks and workout clothes and a weather-appropriate jacket — typically aren’t exciting, and surely not worthy of an Instagram. So I find myself more often than not putting them off.

Enter Black Friday: the answer to all of my practical problems! It sits better with my soul to buy all that normal stuff when it’s marked up to 50% off, so today was my day, and I think I did a pretty good job.

J.Crew Matte Chelsea Rain Boot, $65

J.Crew Toscana Shearling Earmuffs, $118

I honestly haven’t purchased anything from J.Crew in my entire life, but why would one overlook a Black Friday deal promising 40% off your entire purchase? I had been putting off buying rain boots for months, hearing an “I told you so” from the responsible version of myself every time I had to step out in the rain in my new leather boots. These are great because they have a relatively slim silhouette, aren’t obnoxiously shiny, and came in right at $40 after the discount.

The earmuffs are fun, albeit extra, and are my first attempt to deal with how I feel like my ears are going to freeze off every winter.

Glossier Boy Brow, $16

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, $26

Ever since Glossier nixed its referral marketing program that once kept me comfortable enough to place bi-weekly orders, I’ve had to actually pay for my no-makeup makeup. So naturally, I haven’t bought anything since. But today, the brand is having its only sale of the year — 20% off sitewide with free shipping — so I caved. I stocked up on the Perfecting Skin Tint and Boy Brow, times two.

Uniqlo Stretch Down Coat, $80

Uniqlo Heattech 2- Pack Socks, $8

Surprise! I went to Uniqlo, and wasn’t disappointed. For Black Friday, the brand is offering a ton of deals — mainly on things to keep you warm — both in-store and online. I knew this was the year I’d revert back to my elementary school down puffer jacket days, and the Stretch Down Coat was exactly what I was looking for. In theory, a Very Fashion option in cropped shiny metallic sounds great, but in reality, a non-offensive, neutral piece is all I need. Plus, it was under $100. I bought three pairs of 2-pack socks too, because why would I ever pay full price for socks?

Outdoor Voices Turkey Trot Set, $145

Outdoor Voices Turkey Trot Set, $145

In the same way fancy pajamas make me want to lay in silk sheets surrounded by $80 candles, trendy activewear actually makes me want to work out (the power of product!). I’ve always wanted something from Outdoor Voices, and the brand’s limited run of holiday sets seemed like the perfect (most wallet-friendly) way for me to get in on the hype. I went for the Turkey Trot Set, which comes with a super lightweight track jacket and matching shorts for $145.

Watch: The History of Black Friday