What I'm buying on Black Friday | Shopping

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Black Friday has its haters and I know where they're coming from but broadly speaking I don't think it's a bad thing. For a last minute dot com shopper like me, it's a good push to get some Christmas shopping started and I do tend to pick up a few things that I'd have left to the last minute otherwise. It's also a great opportunity to pick up the things you buy regularly at a discounted price AND to buy items that are higher in price point and perhaps for an occasion - it's a great time to pick up a dress or a coat.

With this in mind, here's what I'm looking at this Black Friday...

1. Contact Lenses

I don't wear contacts as much as I used to but when I do, they're the expensive multifocal ones...which is probably why I don't use them as often! Last year, I realised I could get them on Feel Good Contact Lenses for about £33 a box...well below what the optician has to charge for them. It's clearly on a tight margin as they rarely have deals but this Black Friday, they're offering 8% off contacts using BF8 - it's not much but it's better than nothing on something I have to buy anyway. I know this isn't supporting a small business but I make a point of using my local optician for my eye test and glasses every year and never going online for that.

2. Elemis Cleanser

This is my luxury go-to product and I'm constantly scouring the internet for offers when I see my jar getting low. On QVC, the 200g Neroli cleansing balm is £51.48 with postage of £1.95. There's also £5 off if you've not shopped with QVC before. Use FIVE4U at the checkout making it 24.2p per gram, factoring in the postage.

There's a slightly better price  on the Elemis website where the 200g has 30% off, making it £47.60 or 23.8p per gram. Plus a free travel size gift and free postage!

But I'm going to go for the best deal out there which is the 100g cleanser on 3 for 2 on Look Fantastic (thanks Nic!!). PLUS 22% off if you use the code BLACKOUT. This makes it 22.4p per gram - postage is free. You then potentially have one or two that you can use as Christmas gifts!

3. Vouchers 

These are a no-brainer for Christmas and so many businesses are doing bonus offers if you buy a voucher. For instance, local hotel group Hastings will give you £10 extra with every £100 vouchers sold (and a bottle of prosecco or wine when you arrive at whichever hotel you want to use your vouchers in!) 

These kinds of offers are also very common with beauty businesses and hairdressers so do check your local salon.

4. Candles/Home Fragrance

I'm a bit biased (I used to work here) but I fill my home with Field Day fragrance...I just adore the Linen fragrance and always like to have the fresheners to hang in pokey smelly places (looking at you  teenage son) and the Linen diffuser is incredible - lasts for months and months. When it comes to the candles though, I'm a massive Winter and Fir lover - these two seasonal fragrances are all I want to smell in the house. 25% off at the moment and free shipping - not to be missed!

5. A Coat

My mother in law loves to buy me a coat every Christmas so this is the time that I look online to find one. There is 20% off in most local boutiques - Moi Bangor, Dresser Banbridge (use AVRIL20), Bottom Drawer in Portadown, Sarah Alexandra in Newtownards and Se7en in Limavady. She Boutique in Omagh has 15% off and Jonzara have 15% off one item, 20% off 2 items and 25% off 3 items. 

6. Leather 

Best places to look are Zohara for up to 50% off selected handbags and 15% off their newest collection.  This offer makes the beautiful neutral Glenada in Cream only £77.

AllSaints have 30% off their leather - good if you fancy picking up one of their famous bikers. The Dalby is my favourite because it's not got too much hardware on it - remember to size down with bikers. You shouldn't ever close them.

AllSaints Dalby Leather Jacket 

7. Christmas Day/Occasion Dresses

As well as the boutiques above with their discounts, local company Staples Stable have 40% off their dresses this weekend only. 

Designed by a local women, they're hand made and beautiful....one of them even converts to a coat! I tried them on this week and loved them all.

Closet London also have a massive range of past season dresses reduced to £20 and £25. Well worth a look especially if you have an occasion in the New Year. All designed and made in London. I love this one from the Gold collection - down to £25

Finally, Phase Eight have 50% off jumpsuits and maxi's for Black Friday - adore this gold one down to £60

8. Boots
Again a bigger ticket item so worth considering with the discounts on offer. I have my eye on these Hobbs elastic long boots..used to have a pair years ago and they were so comfortable. 25% off for Black Friday only. Perfect under midi dresses and you could walk for miles in them.

Ax