This post is sponsored by HIPS Resale Boutique, this is my second post about HIPS go HERE for my first post.
Thanksgiving week is upon us, and you know what that means!! Black Friday AND Small Business Saturday are this week. Each year I try and get out to shop on Friday or Saturday, but the past couple of years I have started my holiday shopping on small business Saturday. I love going out to small businesses not only to support them but also to enjoy specials and events that they might have going on. In todays post I am collaborating with HIPS Resale boutique to share some affordable holiday outfit inspo AND hit you with the top 3 reasons I prefer to shop local.
Lets get started.
LOOK ONE– Lets call this first look “Low Key Holiday Glam,” Do you have a holiday office party to attend? Maybe this event is happening RIGHT after work, or even in the middle of the day? If so then this look is for you! I found this LB office appropriate sweater at HIPS to pair perfectly with this plaid pleated midi skirt, instead of grabbing black pumps or booties I decided to amp up the christmas factor with some red suede pumps. I love the pops of color in this look, and the ease of wear, women in general feel so much pressure during the holidays to have everything perfectly prepared and in place. That includes their appearance as well, with this look you are blending pieces that all work with other outfits(outside of the holidays) to create a low key glam holiday outfit.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just for American Express users anymore, this day of shopping has become for everyone! I love to shop on the last Saturday in November because I love supporting other entrepreneurs, especially other female entrepreneurs. In the fashion industry so many small boutiques are owned by women, I love being able to support other chicks with a passion. I will happily drive out of my way to stop at a shop that has exactly what I am looking for, on Small Business Saturday I get the chance to support those shops during the holiday season! HIPS is great for me as a curvy babe, I sell a lot of my clothing through HIPS AND I find the most unique pieces there. Detroit babes, if you ever see a piece on my blog that you love, here is a little secret its most likely at HIPS, or will be in the next month!
LOOK TWO – If my first holiday look from HIPS was low key, then this look definitely falls into the “Statement” category! HIPS has some amazing City Chic pieces at both stores right now, while I was shopping on my last trip in I immediately pulled this gem off the rack. I love me some sequins, and the rocker glam is soo there with black sequins. In my first post about HIPS(HERE) I shared that its so important to look at all sizes when shopping resale, and I took my own advice with this one. I am typically a size small in City Chic pieces, and this dress was only available in a L. Instead of giving up on it I grabbed a belt, and rolled up the sleeves for a casual-esque vibe. I love wearing sequins during the holidays, its my excuse to be extra. LOL. I paired this dress with my OTK boots(go HERE for more info on them) and my favorite red earrings. I love how chic and sparkly this look is, perfect for NYE or a holiday concert!
When I was growing up my mother always took me to “Holday Open House” events at local boutiques and shops, these special events always always had a refreshment table, store specials and the owner on hand to chat with customers. I loved the special feel and welcoming spirit of this type of event. On Small Business Saturday literally ALL boutiques will be having something like this. As a customer you can pop in, grab a donut and a mimosa and do some shopping for yourself OR your loved ones. Small businesses will have their best and brightest sales associates on hand to help you, they have been preparing for the holidays since July, and this coming Saturday is the kickoff!
LOOK THREE – The last look I am sharing from HIPS is a casual shopping or hanging at home look. I love how big and cozy this red sweater is, I paired it with some jeans and OTK boots for a trend forward look, but have since worn it with leggings and my slippers at home. When it gets cold I crave cozy fabrics to cuddle up in, and this look fits the bill perfectly, cozy, easy and chic. I am all about balance when it comes to dressing, and this type of look is no exception. When you are going with an oversized top, wear fitted bottoms to balance the look. If you pair oversized with oversized then your look can end up drowning you in fabric and look sloppy.
Are you shopping for a person in your life if specific tastes or needs? If the answer is yes, then Small Business Saturday is a great way to shop for and really wow that hard to buy for person in your life. HIPS specializes in plus size clothing at affordable prices, they have staff that knows their stuff and can help you shop for that curvy babe in your life. OR you can grab a gift card and some jewelry and be happy knowing that you will be giving the gift of choice to your loved one. I myself have been told that I am a person that is really hard to shop for, shopping with a small business will connect you with other people with a similar passion, thus upping your chances of getting the right gift. AND added bonus, you can share your new found small business with the person you are buying for! The more the merrier right!
Do you shop Small Business Saturday? Tell me in the comments below!
This post was sponsored by HIPS, as always all opinions are my own.