5 Expert Tips for Winning Every Epic Labor Day Sale

Meredith Lepore
Sep 03, 2015

It’s finally happened. We’ve reached the end of summer, which means it’s all back to school ads and it is only a matter of time before the leaves change. We still have one more fun-in-the-sun long weekend thanks to Labor Day, and with that, a slew of sales that promise some of the best deals of the year. Know that it’s no small task though — this is basically the retail Hunger Games, and you need a strategy. We talked with someone who lives and breathes bargains, Kendal Perez, the woman behind HassleFreeSavings.com and the Marketing Manager for Kinoli Inc. She has the scoop for helping you survive — and *thrive* — at every Labor Day sale you hit up now through the long weekend. Read this and you’re all but guaranteed to come out of it all with a cute sweater… or five.

Navigating major sales is not for the faint of heart, so grab a pen and paper or use one of the 60 list apps on your phone and devise a plan. To avoid getting caught up the rush of the moment, take a minute (like before you enter the parking lot) to think about what you really need to buy. Don’t nab something just because it’s a great deal. Make sure it actually has a place in your wardrobe or apartment.

Also, find those coupons, regardless if your “gotta get it” list numbers 3 or 30. Discount codes will do wonders for your budget. Search Google before you head out for the day (duh), or try a coupon-specific site like Coupon Sherpa to see if a deal applies to your needs, just not the other way around. If coupons seem a little hit or miss for you, sign up for a price-drop notification service like TrackIf, which will reveal the price history of the product itself to help you identify when the product was priced at its lowest and what price you might expect this weekend and help you make the decision to hold off or pounce.

Be Equipped

On one shoulder, a handbag for your wallet and other day-to-day essentials. On the other, there should be a tote stuffed with pick-me-ups you need to get you through the day, like water, a Luna Bar and a portable charger. Not only do you want your phone fully juiced to text your bff about the great sale you just stumbled into, but you can use it as a tool to comparison shop. Perez said it’s the key to saving money on any purchase, along with knowing the general price history of the product you’re buying. “Most stores will advertise the ‘best deals of the year,’ with some going so far as to mark up products in order to offer bigger discounts. Combat this sneaky strategy and use your smartphone to help you quickly compare local prices on products you’re looking at.” She recommends making sites like ShopSavvy or RedLaser your go-tos if you feel like something’s up.

Go for the Big-Ticket Items

Have you been wanting a mattress? A couch? A new flatscreen? This is the absolute best time to buy ’em, according to Perez. But, scoring the best deal on these big-ticket items all comes down to having done your research. “Scope out mattress and furniture stores after work this week and narrow down your selections. Then, put your haggling hat on and negotiate for the best deal.” Perez said.

Skip Everything Fall

You might be well into the summer-to-fall-switch in both your wardrobe and home, prepping your bod and your abode for the colder weather to come, but according to Perez, snap out of it for the sales. “As badly as we want to wear fall’s latest fashions right now, they do not represent a good buy and should be avoided during Labor Day sales!” Instead, she says to get into a summer state of mind: “Summer clearance items represent the best buys of Labor Day sales because retailers are eager to rid their showroom floors of these end-of-season garments.”

Look for deals on luxury labels, too. Designers put their summer leftovers on sale over the Labor Day weekend. Last year Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Saks, Bloomingdale’s and Lacoste discounted their merchandise between 20 percent and 86 percent. Brooks Brothers and Club Monaco also had great online sales, so do hold out hope for that discounted Celine bag.

If you’re dying for fall-focused deals, hold tight. Perez said if you can hold out till October, especially over Columbus Day, the deals will be amazing for fall fashion and home decor. The same applies to harvest and Halloween accessories. For now, it’s just too early in the season. “Sales cycles on clothing are typically two months, meaning two months from when new styles debut on the sales floor, you can expect savings of up to 50%.”

CASH ONLY

If you’re on a tight budget, leave the credit cards at home. Period. You can easily get really swept up in the spirit of sale shopping and forget that, you know, you’d also like to eat regularly and pay your rent ;) Remember, you can also place items on hold and give yourself a day to think over the purchase. Sometimes what seemed absolutely necessary in the moment may seem a little less vital to your life after you sleep on it.

What’s your Labor Day sales strategy? Tell us what stores you’re planning to hit up in the comments below.

5 Home Trends That Are Cringe-Worthy (But You Probably Have Them)

Barn doors, millennial grey, and all-white kitchens have officially faded from the home decor spotlight. Heading into 2025 we're seeing more dynamic, layered, and personalized styles versus cookie-cutter looks. Vintage pieces that add character, rich, earthy tones and textured finishes that bring in warmth, and natural materials are now defining the new modern aesthetic, making homes feel more inviting, lived-in, and elevated. Here are five design trends that designers are excited to see exit the home decor scene ASAP.

Outdated Design Trends For 2025

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Goodbye: Overly Industrial Aesthetic

"One design trend we would love to see disappear in 2025 is the overly industrial, exposed-pipe aesthetic," says Taylor Hahn, cofounder of LA-based House of Rolison. "While it's had its moment, it often feels cold and impersonal, especially in residential spaces."

Nils Timm, House of Rolison

Hello: Warm, Organic Elements

Instead, cozier spaces that combine texture, warmer colors and organic materials are in. "I believe people are craving more warmth, comfort, and organic design elements that connect them to nature," adds Taylor.

Taryn Elliott

Goodbye: Trend Shopping

There's a shift toward more thoughtful and intentional interiors rather than stocking up on everything you see trending on TikTok. The 2025 design trends look to emphasize sustainability, comfort, and timeless elegance. "Another design trend we are not fond of is over commercialization and trend shopping for your home, specific to furniture," says Amanda Leigh, cofounder of House of Rolison.

Nils Timm, House of Rolison

Hello: Investment Pieces

"Although there is nothing wrong with shopping for dupes of trendy designer furniture, we would rather see people invest in pieces they truly are passionate about and will love for years to come," adds Amanda. She suggests investing in long-lasting pieces that you curate through travel, moments in life, or "simply falling in love with a piece online."

Dacotah Studio

Sustainability is also a key focus, with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and organic fabrics. Mix vintage and antique pieces with contemporary furniture for a more personal and timeless look. Top the look with bold, statement pieces, such as sculptural lighting or handmade furniture, over mass-produced items for a stronger sense of individuality. Invest in pieces that you love, have a back story, and make your home uniquely yours.

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Goodbye: Smart Home Technology

Smart home systems manage your heat, AV, and lighting automatically based on pre-set programs, but they can be more complicated than convenient. "I believe it’s getting too complex to navigate, upkeep and spend even more time with technology in the home, which should want us want to simplify, disintegrate and make our homes the warm place where AI has no place," says Natália Severdia, founder of Interior Studio Natália and an interior designer based in Truckee, California.

Maria Orlova

Hello: Biophilic Design

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like plants, water features, and natural light to promote a deeper connection to nature, and create a calm and healthy living environment. Overall, modern home decor trends are embracing individuality, sustainability, and a connection to the natural world.

Mister Mister

Goodbye: Dark Maximalism

“One home décor trend that could be left behind as we head into 2025 is "dark maximalism," a style that leans heavily into dark colors and rich textures to create moody atmospheres," says Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors. "While this trend offers drama and depth when achieved correctly, it can easily overwhelm a space if not carefully curated." Without the right balance between richness and cohesion, Johanna says, "the abundance of dark tones and excessive ornamentation can make rooms feel cluttered and heavy, rather than cozy and inviting."

Michael P.H. Clifford, a1000xbetter

Hello: Softer Palettes

Styles like Scandinavian minimalism or eclectic designs that mix boldness with light, airy tones are excellent alternatives, adds Johanna. "These trends emphasize contrast, cultural influences, and personal expression, while avoiding the potential of a space feeling too crowded or dark. By embracing softer palettes, curved furniture, and sustainable materials, homeowners can still enjoy expressive, cosy spaces — just with a touch more lightness and harmony.”

Shutterstock

Goodbye: Kitschy Kitchens

Kitschy kitchens was a 2024 trend that was set to take off, but as with anything too kitschy, it got old fast. "Burn out and informational overload need to be balanced out with homes that feel therapeutic, calm and simple, acting as places to recharge and regain peace and tranquility. We need to let the eye and mind rest and not be overly stimulated," Natália says.

Nico

Hello: Tranquil Spaces

Earthenware, plants, terrazzo are all trends we're seeing in kitchens. Some designers were still on the fence about open shelving, but it's something that if you have the space and design with intention (choosing quality items that you love and eliminating clutter) they are still a popular trend among our favorite designers.

Gavin Cater, Bungalowe

In the end, it all comes down to creating spaces that bring you joy and reflect your unique self. Whether you're someone home in a way that feels authentic to you. Incorporating meaningful mementos alongside timeless, durable furniture will keep your space not only fresh and stylish but also enduringly relevant. The focus 2025 is on blending quality with personal expression, ensuring your home remains a sanctuary for years to come.

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Header image via Squared One

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11 Expensive-Looking Amazon Christmas Decorations Under $35

Now that Halloween is officially over, it’s time to lean into all things holiday cheer. My favorite way to get into the Christmas spirit is decorating my space to match all the cookie decorating parties, gift wrapping sessions, and holiday cocktail hours to come this winter. But I’m one to do this on a budget – I often hit the thrift store for Christmas decor. When I’m not there, I’m scouring Amazon for pieces that are cute, but still take it easy on my wallet.

These are the best Amazon Christmas decorations I found that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but rival styles you’d find at more upscale stores like Anthropologie and Nordstrom:

Amazon

Peiduo Small LED Light Birch Trees

These tiny trees lit by twinkly LED lights are perfect for topping your mantle or dinner table. I think they add just the right amount of whimsy to your space, no matter how you decorate with them! They're not necessarily Christmas-specific, either. Their simple design allows you to spruce 'em up in all kinds of ways year-round. Similar pieces at Target and Anthropologie range from $21 $68 for one tree, but you can get two trees for just $25 on Amazon right now.

Amazon

Plaid Throw Pillow Covers

Plaid – specifically red plaid – is timeless when it comes to Christmas decor. It never fails to make a space extra cozy! These 18x18-inch covers are perfect for throw pillows on your bed and couch alike. You can snag this set of 2 in a few other holiday-ready colorways for just $10, and they'll likely last you a while with the right care.

    Amazon

    Artgar Real Touch Pine Garland

    If you have a mantle, use it! A mantle is prime real estate for Christmas decorations like stockings, candles, and cards – but none of that is truly complete without a good garland! This 6-foot faux pine garland can easily span your mantle to fill in any negative space and simply make things cozier. It comes with attached LED lights (no wall plug necessary, just a few batteries) as well as pinecone accents to make the garland itself feel fuller. Plus, $30 isn't so bad for a statement piece like this!

    Amazon

    Vintage Bow Decorative Tray

    This piece reminds me of a tray Pottery Barn Teen and LoveShackFancy sells in their collaborative collection, except it literally costs $60 less. It's not a total dupe, but the one thing it does have in common is bows: the most adorable reference to gifting season! I think this $9 pick could be so cute as a serving platter for Christmas desserts or even as a festive catchall you keep on your coffee table throughout the holidays.

    Amazon

    Kate Aspen Retro Floral Drinking Glasses

    The intricate design on these green-tinted glasses really has me hooked. They'd look so good with any sort of Christmas party tablescape – as long as you're sipping Christmas cocktails out of them! A similar set of 6 is currently being sold on Quince for $48. This one's only $26.

    Subscribe to our newsletter to shop even more holiday decor!

    Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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    Taylor Swift Just Gushed Over Travis Kelce After Years Of Extreme Privacy

    We might not have a royal couple here in the U.S., but as far as I'm concerned, Taylor Swift is the people's princess! Taylor and Travis Kelce are at the absolute top of their games right now (hello Eras Tour and Super Bowl ring!), and they're absolute masters at privacy, meaning they only let us see exactly what they want us to. That’s why when they go on the record about their relationship, it’s a huge deal. (Because let’s be real, it’s always adorable when a couple gushes over each other). Here’s everything this power couple has said about each other — and some other FAQ's like "How did Taylor and Travis meet?" and "What did Travis Kelce say about Taylor Swift?" you might have asked yourself recently.

    Everything Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Have Publicly Said About Each Other

    Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

    July 26, 2023 — Travis Kelce Expresses Interest In Taylor

    After Taylor's Eras Tour show in Kansas City, Travis told his brother on an episode of New Heights that he had hoped to give her a friendship bracelet displaying his phone number. "I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings," he joked. "So I was a little butt-hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her."

    “I said what I said,” Travis later told NFL's Andrew Siciliano. “And I meant what I said when I said it.”

    @chiara_ / Instagram

    October 22, 2023 — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Basically Hard Launch Their Relationship

    You know what they say: a picture's worth a thousand words. After lots of rumors, dates, and car rides, this kiss on the cheek was all the confirmation I needed that these two are serious!

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

    November 11, 2023 — Taylor Swift Changes The Lyrics To "Karma"

    While Travis Kelce was in the audience during the Eras Tour, Taylor changed a "Karma" lyric from "Karma is the guy on the screen coming straight home to me" to "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me." Yeah, it's safe to assume I freaked the freak out.

    Even though Travis revealed he had a clue Taylor would change the lyrics, he was still super surprised. "Definitely when I heard it come out of her mouth, [it] still shocked me," he said. "I was like...'Oh, she really just said that, alright.'"

    Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

    November 20, 2023 — Travis Kelce Calls Taylor Swift "Mind-Blowing"

    “I’ve never been a man of words. Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f—king mind-blowing," Travis Kelce tells the WSJ Magazine. “Obviously I’ve never dated anyone with that kind of aura about them…But at the same time, I’m not running away from any of it…She’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that I better not be the one acting all strange.”

    Even Donna Kelce had something to add! “I can tell you this,” she says. “He’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time… God bless him, he shot for the stars!”

    Inez and Vinoodh for TIME

    December 6, 2023 — Taylor Swift Reveals When She And Travis Actually Started Dating

    Travis wasn't the only person who spilled on their relationship in a cover story! While speaking to TIME, Taylor revealed that the public's perception of their relationship timeline was (and had always been) way off.

    “We actually had a significant amount of time [together] that no one knew, which I’m grateful for, because we got to get to know each other," she said in the interview. "By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple. I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date.”

    Taylor also mentioned how they "show up for each other" and that they're "just proud of each other."

    Patrick Smith/Getty Images

    January 28, 2024 — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Are Caught Saying "I Love You"

    After Travis Kelce and the KC Chiefs won the Super Bowl, Taylor and Travis had some celebrating to do. The first order of business? Saying those three special words!

    According a post-game video, Travis says, “Tay, I'm going to enjoy with the guys I love you," Travis says in a post-game video, "so much it’s not even funny.” And it appears Taylor responds with, “I love you too... I’ve never been so proud, EVER.”

    Taylor Swift/Universal Music Group

    February 5, 2024 — Travis Kelce Says What We're All Thinking

    After Taylor Swift announced The Tortured Poets Departmentwould drop on April 19 (and won Artist of the Year at the Grammys for the fourth time), Travis revealed that he'd already listened to some of the music.

    "She's unbelievable, she's rewriting history books herself," he said during a press conference. "I told her I'll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with some hardware too...It's been fun to kind of gather the Swifties in the Chiefs' kingdom and open them up to the football world and the sports world."

    "I have heard some of [Taylor Swift's new album], yes, and it is unbelievable," he continued. "I can't wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops."

    Amy Sussman and Jason Hanna for Getty Images

    March 8, 2024 — Travis Kelce Gushes Over Taylor Swift (Again)

    After spending some 1:1 time together in Australia (and getting hounded by the paparazzi), Travis Kelce had one easy answer for why this couple is so popular: “This is all because Taylor is the biggest and the best thing possible."

    Patrick Smith/Getty Images

    April 2, 2024 — Travis Kelce Has Never Been Happier

    After a winter and spring full of amazing moments, Travis Kelce revealed just how happy he is with life. "I'm the happiest I've ever been," Travis Kelce told People. "I'm a guy that some people say is glass half full, half empty, and my glass is all the way full. It's all the way full...I'm oozing life right now."

    And when asked about his relationship with Taylor, he hypes up how dedicated they both are to their crafts. "I think we both love what we do and any chance that I can show my support to her — knowing that she has shown me all the support in the world throughout the season — it’s just been an amazing experience getting to know Tay," he says in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

    Amy Sussman/Getty Images

    April 10, 2024 — Even Travis Kelce Doesn't Know Why Taylor Swift Is Dating Him

    During an April episode of New Heights, Travis admitted he doesn't quite understand how he's dating everyone's favorite popstar. "I don't know how I did it because she wasn't into sports," he says. "So I don't know how the f—k I did it."

    Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

    April 19, 2024 — Taylor Swift Finally Releases Songs Rumored To Be About Travis Kelce

    Okay this one might require you to suspend your disbelief for a little bit, but there is NO WAY "The Alchemy" and "So High School" aren't about Travis. Especially after Taylor Swift started mimicking his on-field moves during her concerts!

    With lyrics like "Call the amateurs and cut 'em from the team" to "We've been on a winning streak / He jokes that it's heroin, but this time with an 'E'" in "The Alchemy" (which I think is about how Taylor literally made his game better) and "Truth, dare, spin bottles / You know how to ball, I know Aristotle" is "So High School," you'll never be able to convince me they're about anyone else.

    JC Olivera/Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

    April 27, 2024 — Travis Kelce Gave Us A DTR On His Relationship With Taylor Swift

    When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce arrived at the 15 and Mahomies Foundation Golf Classic in Las Vegas, I don't think Travis intended to confirm his relationship status with the popstar — or to auction off tickets to her concerts!

    “I think I was just talking to my significant other, and we might have one other alternate item that wasn’t on the docket," he says (via People). "Um, has anybody heard of the Eras Tour?” The crowd was super excited, and they raised $80,000!

    Rob Carr/Getty Images

    June 1, 2024 — Travis Kelce Comments On Viral Engagement Rumors

    The internet has been talking about Taylor Swift's engagement (or lack thereof) for literal years, and it appears Travis and Taylor's IRL friends are talking about it too. During the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend's onstage comedy sketch Jason Sudeikis asked, "Hey Travis, real talk, OK, just the guys here...When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?"

    "Guys," Travis responded, "you're really pushing it." Good on you Travis.

    Taylor Swift/Instagram

    June 22, 2024 — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Finally Go Instagram Official

    When Taylor Swift posted a selfie from the London Eras Tour with Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, not only was she showing off her new friends but she also went Instagram grid official with Travis (a move she hasn't pulled since 2016!)

    "Happy Bday M8!" Taylor captioned the photo. "London shows are off to a splendid start."

    Patrick Smith/Getty Images

    September 3, 2024 — Taylor Swift Literally Drafts Plays For The Chiefs

    Travis Kelce nonchalantly revealed that Taylor Swift started drafting plays for him, and I NEED to know if and they use them! “She’s a little biased and just creates plays for me," Travis tells the Rich Eisen Show. “She had just been so open to learning the game, she didn’t know much about the rules or anything…I think she was just curious about the profession...I know none of the plays have gotten to Coach Reid yet, but if they ever do I’ll make sure everyone knows it was her creation."

    Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV

    September 11, 2024 — Taylor Swift Calls Travis Kelce Her Boyfriend On Live TV

    During the VMAs, Taylor Swift accepted the award for Video of the Year for "Fortnight," and thanked Travis Kelce for his involvement — and confirmed they were boyfriend and girlfriend!!!

    "Something that I'll always remember is when I would finish a take and I'd say ‘cut,’ and we'd be done with that take, I would always just hear, like, someone cheering from across the studio where we were shooting it, and that one person was my boyfriend, Travis," she says. "Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic. So, I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot because I’ll always remember that."

    ​How did Taylor and Travis meet?

    Christian Petersen/Getty Images

    In his WSJ profile, Travis Kelce revealed he had his own assists when it came to connecting with Taylor.

    “There were definitely people she knew that knew who I was, in her corner [who said]: Yo! Did you know he was coming? I had somebody playing Cupid," he said — which he found out when Taylor contacted him. “She told me exactly what was going on and how I got lucky enough to get her to reach out."

    How long have Taylor and Travis been together?

    Jason Hanna/Getty Images

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been together since summer or early fall 2023. After Travis' friend "played Cupid" and they started talking, they were basically already a thing by the time she showed up to that first Chiefs' game in September 2023!

    What is the age difference between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce?

    Jamie Squire/Getty Images

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are only two months apart. Travis was born on October 5, 1989, and Taylor Swift was bornon December 13, 1989.

    Can't get enough of Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce? Here are 5 Wild Predictions About TayVis We Really Want To Happen!

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