Saving on Amazon: how to find the best deals

 Getting the best deals on Amazon

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big amazon shopper. I even have a Facebook page and group dedicated to sharing the deals that I find. You can take the easy way out and like my page (HERE) and join my group (HERE) or you can learn how to find the best deals on Amazon as well. Read below if you didn't take the lazy way out.

For starters, you HAVE to have Prime. Just do it. You can sign up for a free trial and then it's $99 a year or if you're a student it's free for 6 months and then only $49 after that. 
Get it here: AMAZON PRIME

What do you get with your prime membership? Too much for me to even list but you can get all details on Amazon, I'm going to tell you what I use the most that make prime worth it to me.

- Free two day shipping: say no more. Anything that takes longer than two days now from other companies feels like it took a month.
- Prime Now: this isn't yet available in my area but you could be getting your purchases in one to two hours. I bet the two day shipping seems long to people with this coverage.
- Prime Video: comparable to Netflix. Download the app or use it on your smart tv. Lots of great programs for free and others to purchase. They now even offer channels like SHOWTIME and STARZ. You can even get a free trial:
- Photo Storage: UNLIMITED photo storage. My friends had been paying $50-$100 a year for photo storage websites with limited storage when they could have been getting unlimited storage PLUS all the other perks prime offers. 
- Amazon Family: 20% off diapers
- Early access for sales and deals
- Kindle books: Did you know you can choose one free Kindle book every month? Amazon will send you an email with a few book options and you can choose one for free. I save them up for beach reads. 
- Prime Music: lots of free songs, make your own playlists, etc.

Now you are convinced and you have amazon prime, so let's move on.

Find the deals:

First, check out the deals. Towards the top of Amazon's main page it says "Today's Deals." This is what we want. Here you will find lightening deals, coupons, sales, etc. You can search by category. Lightening deals means only a certain number of sales will be allowed at that price. If you see something you want grab it fast! 
Just because a deal or sale isn't listed here doesn't mean it doesn't exist; you'll just have to do some more searching for the item you want. I only buy things that are amazon prime. When you buy from a third party you are most likely buying a cheaper version from overseas. Sometimes third party sellers list an amazing deal, prices so low it makes no sense, but then they cancel all the orders and you are left to argue with them to get your money back. Amazon prime is legit.

Deals Pricing:

Amazon pricing is always changing. Amazon used to have a list price and a "sale" price however as many items were never at the list price Amazon is doing away with this and only showing one price. With prices changing all the time how do you know if this price you see is a deal? 
You check www.camelcamelcamel.com. 
On this website, just enter the item you are looking for and you can see the prices it has been on amazon: the highest to best price and when. It will tell you what price falls into a "good deal" category or "best deal." We want the best deal. If you see that the current price isn't a good enough deal for you, then you can set an alert. Once the price drops to your desired amount you will get an email to notify you and then you can make your purchase. Clearly, this isn't the approach you take for the birthday you have to go to next weekend, but you can start to set alerts for Christmas wish list items in October and wait things out. 

Subscribe and Save:

Have you gone into target recently for toilet paper and somehow spent $107 and have 7 bags full of who knows what? Been there, done that. Now I buy all household supplies (paper goods, cleaning, snacks,  diapers, etc) with subscribe and save. It's a monthly shipment but don't let that scare you. It's easy to cancel/change/update items each month and you always get a reminder email. Each item is an additional 5% off BUT if you have 5+ items that month all items are 15% off. Remember the today's deals page? I start there and search for coupons. If toilet paper is listed at a lower price, has a coupon, and I can get 15% off that's a good deal. Fill your subscribe and save up with those types of items for the best savings. Also I don't have to lug a 48 pack of toilet paper and other bulky items into the house. I also figure I'm saving money not buying an additional 25 unneeded items that I would have bought had I gone to Target - this is also what I tell my husband when he complains about breaking down all the boxes for recycling.

Pantry Box:

Not going to lie, I cannot figure this one out. I don't really see how it's worth it over subscribe and save. There are grocery and household items that are only available for a panty box. Each item takes up a certain percentage in your box until you fill it. I can't wrap my mind around this so let's stick with subscribe and save for now. 


What are your tips for finding great deals on Amazon? 

Trunk Club: How it Works & a Sneak Peek!

Trunk Club: My First Trunk!

Have you heard of trunk club? It's a service offered by Nordstrom where a stylist picks options and mails them to you. If you want to learn more, click TRUNK CLUB.

How it works:

My sister referred me to this service. My initial experience was really different than my sisters. I signed up with her stylist, answered some style and size questions, sent the stylist a message, and I was ready to go. Seemed odd...they didn't ask my price point, etc. My sister stated for her first box they talked on the phone about her price points, sizes, what she was looking for, and brands she liked. My sister did reach out to my stylist though and told her same style and price points as her so maybe that's part of it. My stylist messaged me back within an hour and had my trunk ready for me a few hours later.

I asked for a athletic wear trunk. I really just need to throw out all my work out clothes and start over. I got some Zella pieces from the Nordstrom sale and really liked them. That's also a pretty easy request for a stylist so I didn't give her much detail to go on. I find that with other similar services as well if you are open to a general category versus wanting specific pieces you will have a greater chance of being happy with your trunk.
Note: Trunk club will be starting to charge a $25 fee in October that can be put towards your purchase but I got my request in a week prior to this so no charge!

Initial Fix Options:

My fix included 12 items total. Shipping and returns are free. You may be asked to pay a $25 fee that will be put towards your purchase. Your stylist will send you pictures of what she has picked for you and then you have the option to remove. You can leave comments on all options. I only commented on the items that I removed to let her know why. There were three pairs of similar shoes; a white pair, a pleather pair, and a black quilted pair. I removed all but the quilted pair. It's almost winter and not white shoe weather and I have no idea what I would have worn the pleather pair with. When you remove an item you don't get a preview of the replacement, they just ship it out. My trunk shipped the next day.

The next step it to try it all on, keep what I like, and return what I don't. Stay tuned for my reveal in my next blog post!

Sneak Peek:

The items I will be receiving are below, along with two "mystery" items to replace the shoes.

What do you think of the options?

Stay tuned for my reveal post once I receive my trunk!

Want to see more reviews? Check out my sister's trunk reviews on her blog:

Why Won't Mom Clean the Basement.

Stitch Fix Review September 2016

Stitch Fix Review: How Stitch Fix Works + My Current Fix

I have been using stitch fix for at least two years that I can remember. I have also used it while pregnant. I don't know what fix number this is, but it's safe to say I'm a fan of stitch fix.

If you decide you are interested in signing up please use my referral link: REFERRAL LINK
Full disclosure, I get a $25 credit to help fund my stitch fix addiction. Mama needs new clothes!

A few things to know if you're new to stitch fix. Each "fix" costs $20, which is then credited towards the item(s) you purchase. When you sign up you will answer questions about yourself and select your style based on some images they give you. You can choose price points, select prints and fabrics that you never want to receive, and give information about how you like clothes to fit on different parts of your body (loose, don't like to show my legs, etc). You do not have to sign up for monthly fixes. You can sign up for automated fixes (I have done monthly in the past) or you can just schedule a fix when you want one. That's what I am currently doing.

There's also an option to include additional web links so they have a better sense of your style. I would recommend putting together a pinterest board for your stylist so they can get a better idea of what you like. Just be sure to change the comments on each picture.

If you love everything in your fix you get 25% off your entire fix! 

Newer Stitch Fix Options

There are a few things Stitch fix recently started offering: shoes, exchanges, and mens fixes!
The shoes are a lot of times found at Nordstrom (Stitch fix also price matches) and I've seen really cute shoes in other people's fixes.
Exchanges are also officially new. They existed in the past but you had to email customer service. Stitch fix has now made it an option at check out so it's more easily accessible. 
They also now offer a men's service, but my husband would look at me like I was crazy if I signed him up.
They also offer maternity boxes, which was newer around the time I was pregnant and I loved my maternity boxes. It was my first baby so while I had a lot of hand me downs, I wanted to get a few nice things of my own that I could use for future pregnancies. I got dresses for my baby showers and they sent me items I would have never picked out on my own but LOVED. A picture of me pregnant and in a dress from Stitch Fix:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to schedule a fix? 

Ok now we are ready for ordering our first fix!

Each fix you also get to leave a style note for your stylist where you can tell the stylist about any upcoming events you are looking for an outfit for or a style you are interested in getting. In the past I have mentioned I have a lot of baby/wedding showers coming up, please send some dress options or that I'm ready for some fall clothes. The people who end up disappointed are the people who are looking for very specific items, for example, they want exactly what they pinned. If you know the specific items and styles you need, go shopping. Stitch fix is best when you are open to trying items you would not have normally picked for yourself or give a general description (like comfy clothes since I'm a stay at home mom or vacation outfits for my upcoming Mexico trip).

I also suggest downloading the Stitch fix app so you can obsessively check when your fix ships and so you can SNEAK PEEK on the items you are receiving! If you click begin check out, you can see pictures of the items being sent and their price! Sometimes it's good to peek because you get excited over things, sometimes it's not because you think you will hate everything (but then end up loving it all once you try it on).

Review of my most recent fix

In my most recent fix I requested fall clothes that are comfy but don't make me look like a bum at daycare drop off (I work at home so I don't have to get too dressed up). I specifically asked for colored skinny jeans and a purse big enough for me to shove baby gear in. Below is a review of the items I received:

1. Market & Spruce Colibri Plaid Henley Top $48
Plaid is very in this year. I know, because I just bought 3 plaid shirts. Which is why I thought I would be returning it. However, I'm keeping it. It's light and perfect for fall. This lighter material is different from my other recent plaid purchases (at least that's my rationalization).

(Side note: One of my recent plaid purchses was this shirt. I found the brand at Nordstrom but then found it ON SALE on Amazon. It's worth full price. It's the softest shirt ever! I highly recommend it if you're ready to hop on the plaid train this fall)
Rails Shirt - comes in a bunch of colors


















2. Kut from the Kloth Callie Denim Jacket $78

My Stylist read my mind because I was just cleaning out my closet and putting away my fall clothes and thought to myself, I need a jean jacket! The one I own is from college. I love this brand as well! Fits like a glove, a keeper for sure. Also, if I keep it for as long as I kept my last jean jacket, it's an investment and a steal!


 










(Amazon has a few Kut from the Kloth jean jacket options, although the Callie style isn't listed: CLICK HERE for more options).


3. Market & Spruce Sam Hi-Low Short Sleeve Tee $44

My first thought was this is a grey t-shirt for $44. But it's not! It's amazing! It's soft, almost like a sweater, but not a sweater. And it really is high low, coming down lower in the back. I paired it with the Kamala skinny jeans I was sent as mentioned by my stylist in my note, but too much grey and I didn't like how you can see the top of the jeans sticking through. It will look better with leggings/pants without a button. I'm picturing myself now in my comfy outfit drinking wine under a blanket this fall. Keeping!









4. Urban Expressions Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Satchel $58
I asked for a purse in my last fix as well as my current purse has become a diaper bag catch all and the zippers inside are broken, yet I'm still carrying it around because it has all the baby supplies in it. Even though  my current purse is worn out and hideous, I've been so picky about selecting a new one. I just want one to arrive at my door. Hello Stitch fix! The purse from last month didn't work out because it was off-white and I can live in my mom reality that an off-white purse isn't a good idea. I immediately loved this purse and when I read my stylist's note I knew why, it was from my Pinterest board! Keeping!








5. Tinsel Kamala Skinny Jean $68

I asked for skinny jeans in my note, but I asked for colored skinny jeans. In my last box I got colored skinny jeans and it was the first time that a pair of pants I received from stitch fix did not fit perfect! I know, it's hard to shop for jeans so you wouldn't expect one random pair of a brand you aren't familiar with to fit, but they always have for me, even my first fix post baby! My last fix's skinny jeans came up way too low for this mom-bod. My stylist read my last note (this is why it's important to leave feedback!) and sent this pair which she thought would be a higher fit. They did fit great but while labeled as the color Olive, these are grey (I have two grey pairs already) and I don't love the material. It's not a jean, it's not a legging, it's slightly shiny. My note said to pair this with the Sam Hi-Low shirt but that was just too much grey. Then I remembered this black top from my last fix and threw on some heels and the pants were growing on me. I am keeping for the discount and I may resell.






My entire fix total was $296.00. Minus my $20 fee $276. I had a $30 credit (thanks referral!) and with the 25% off discount for buying everything my fix is only $172. It's important to do some math because even though I don't love the skinny jeans, if I were to keep everything but them I would pay $286 before my credits/ $236 after. So it just doesn't make sense to not keep them. 

There are a few facebook groups where people will sell things they kept for a discount so that's always an option. If you do this, especially in your first few fixes, let your stylist know in the feedback that you didn't keep it for yourself or they might think you love it and send similar items. I once got a poncho and I sent that back with a very strong stance on ponchos, haven't gotten one since!


Make sure if you sign up to use someone's referral link so you can help fund their addiction. Mine is above but you can get one from a friend as well who uses Stitch Fix. Then, once you sign up make sure to share your link as well! The normal credit is $25 but every once in a while they offer up to a $50 credit per referral. 

Have you tried stitch fix yet? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

Nordstrom Summer Clearance Sale Favorites

My Favorites from the Nordstrom Summer Sale

As if I didn't buy enough at the semi-annual sale, the Nordstrom summer sale is now upon us. The best thing about Nordstrom is free shipping and returns. This comes in handy when I need a dress for a special event, I order lots and keep only the one I like best (or the two I like best...). In summary, go crazy! Nordstrom also recently started a rewards program. I used my $10 free credit for signing up on the last sale. So sign yourself up and let's get shopping!

First things first before shopping: ebates. It's not a scam. You click through ebates and earn money back. It's so easy and I've earned an embarrassing amount due to online shopping. Nordstrom right now is 2% back. If you're not a member already use my link for $10 off a $25 purchase: CLICK HERE!


Ok, now we are ready to shop! (In a list format because I love lists).

1. NYDJ (Not Your Daughter's Jeans)

'Clarissa' Colored Stretch Ankle Skinny Jeans (Regular & Petite)

You need these in your life. NYDJ fit amazing and I swear make you look a size smaller. I love the white ones because they are not see-through! These are currently 40% off. Stock up on all the colors, ALL OF THEM! They will look cute with booties throughout the fall and then continue to wear them with boots in the winter so no one can tell they only come to your ankle.

Was: $110.00

Now: $55.00

50% OFF

 

 

 

 

 

2. KUT from the Kloth Jeans

'Catherine' Distressed Stretch Boyfriend Jeans (Yearn) (Regular & Petite)

I received these jeans in a stitch fix box (boo paying full price). They are currently 40% off. I love them. Just the right amount of distress. The fabric has some stretch and BONUS you could potentially size down. KUT jeans seems to stretch a little on me as I wear them. Or a reason to rationalize a belt purchase.

Was: $89.00

Now: $53.40

40% OFF

 

 

 

 

3. Pleione Top

High/Low V-Neck Mixed Media Top (Regular & Petite)

I love the different color and pattern options of this shirt. It's a versatile shirt that can be dressed up or down. Throw on a cardigan and continue to wear it into the colder weather. The fabric and fit is also very flattering. I ordered it in the sky blue/pink floral print.

Was: $48.00

Now: $23.98

50% OFF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Topshop Leather Jacket

Faux Leather Biker Jacket

Was: $90.00

Now: $60.00

33% OFF

YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE! I know you're thinking what will I wear this with. The answer is EVERYTHING. That is all.

5. Bobeau Cardigan

One-Button Fleece Wrap Cardigan 

Was: $58.00

Now: $39.90

30% OFF

I bought 4 of these cardigans last year (looked cute with my pregnant belly) and they are soooo soft and comfy and still holding up great despite repeated washing! They are worth this price but I bet they will be even cheaper around the holidays. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 6. Vince Camuto Bootie

'Campina' Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Was: $148.95

Now: $109.90

25% OFF

 I  love these but I did not buy them and I convinced my sister to send them back. Someone needs them though. They are so cute I just can't get past the "holes." Do you go barefoot? Do you wear socks? I can't own these without knowing those answers.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Louise et Cie Shoes

'Abri' Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat (Women)

Was: $128.95

Now: $77.37

40% OFF

Pointy toed shoes with lacing are so popular right now. Pair these with a pair of skinnies for a fashionable fall look. 

 

 

 

 

 

What are some of your favorites from the Nordstrom Summer Clearance Sale? Comment below!