Why shop Memorial Day sales?

I used to put together comprehensive Memorial Day sales featuring ethical and sustainable brands. At one point, sales roundups became a sort of compulsion. I would spend every holiday waiting for promotional emails to roll in so I could add coupon codes to my blog.

It wasn’t even really about the potential commissions. It was about the thrill of spotting a deal, even if I wasn’t the one shopping it. I don’t make those kinds of lists anymore. I like to think I have mostly moved on from an unhealthy obsession. But I still look at clothes.

memorial day sales banner with 5 images of jeans, shirts, and sandals overlaid with a blue background and red shell detail
Items are linked below

Lately, thanks in part to watching the show, Wear Whatever the F You Want, and some drilling down on color palette and silhouettes that suit me best, I have been taking another look at my wardrobe. I have a tendency to buy a lot of clothing at thrift stores that doesn’t *quite* fit, and then I wonder why I have a full closet and “nothing to wear” (I wish this was a new problem, but I’ve been doing it for years).

I’m trying to fix the problem by buying new clothes that I have tried on in-store and that I know actually fit. I’m also sticking close to my preferred colors so that (nearly) everything coordinates. I can wear business casual clothes most days of the week, and I’ll forego a clergy collar a couple times a week if I can manage it, so I always look for things I can style for work or dress down for my day(s) off.

The End of Sales?

Daniel and I walked around our local mall today and it was startling how few Memorial Day sales were actually going. It’s not surprising, with tariffs and threats of tariffs impacting brand profit margins.

There are lots of reasons the tariffs are ridiculous and detrimental, but the old sustainability advocate in me is curious about the way this will impact impulse purchases of cheap goods among American consumers. There may not be a net positive, but perhaps it will curb the ever more absurd influx of ultra cheap, one-time-use crap.

Alas! What I Bought

I actually went shopping while in Houston last week, so most of what I’m mentioning in this post wasn’t part of a Memorial Day sale (though it is now).

While “need” is a strong word, I have been in need of restocking my tee collection.I have been wearing old Everlane pima rib tees for years, but they’re all finally showing wear. Since I don’t shop Everlane anymore, I have been turning to Gap for simple basics in rich jewel tones and warm pastels (my preferred colors, whatever season that makes me).

I also wanted a pair of cushy black sandals, and found a nice Reef pair at Famous Footwear. Finally, I bought the split-toe flats from Lisa Says Gah (affiliate link) I mentioned back in March (now on super sale).

The Deals + What I Bought

These links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission should you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Did you shop any sales this weekend? What’s your take on the tariffs?