Prime Day: Inside Amazon’s Sales Blitz

Some call it the Super Bowl of shopping, others a “Black Friday” in July – However you spin it, Amazon Prime Day has become a significant day for retail. Isn’t it funny that a company can invent its own holiday so effectively? Amazon knows modern shoppers follow the bargains… and Prime Day is a source of major deals!

Hoping to compete, other retailers are also jumping on the bandwagon. Consequently, you will see significant reductions on Monday, July 15 and Tuesday, July 16 at places like Target (e.g. “Deal Days”), Ebay, and Walmart. Because I’ve mentioned Amazon fashion quite a bit on this blog, I’ve been getting some questions about Prime Day.

Bottom line: If you are in the market for something specific, this is a great week to shop around!

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Amazon Prime Day: What to Know

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These massive sales days can get a bit overwhelming given the volume of products involved, so this quick post will walk you through the basics of Amazon Prime Day. Consumer experts suggest going in with a plan of attack. Their advice? Resist those impulse buys, have a starting point (e.g. know what you want to purchase), and wait until you see a really good deal.

Polka Dot Dress ($24) | Purse ($22) | Earrings ($13) *gorgeous, but the back falls off! | White Heels (similar)

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Prime Day FAQs

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What is it all about? Prime Day is a two-day discount event. According to Amazon, it will feature new deals as often as every five minutes. The goal is to encourage Prime members to keep returning to the site. Important note: You must be a Prime member to get these deals.

That said, if you’re not a member…  just sign up for a free 30-day trial. This will allow you to score all the Prime Day deals. Best of all, Amazon’s trial membership includes all the trimmings of a regular membership, for instance two-day free shipping and Amazon Video streaming with access to Amazon Originals.

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The Schedule

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• When does Prime Day start?  Monday, July 15 at 3 a.m. EDT

• When does Prime Day end?  Tuesday, July 16 at 3 a.m. EDT. It’s two full days – 48 hours long.

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The Deals

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• Expect the biggest discounts on Amazon-owned products: For instance, Echo speakers ($49.99 vs. $99.99 regular price) or the Fire TV Stick w/ Alexa ($39.99 to $14.99). Because I’m not a “techie,” I’ll stop there. But you get the idea!
• Men’s and women’s clothing from Amazon’s lines like Goodthreads and Amazon Essentials will be up to 50% off.
• Select furniture, area rugs and mattresses will be up to 30% off.
• Dyson vacuums/air purifiers & the iRobot Roomba will see deep discounts (we are on the hunt for a new vacuum)
• Amazon’s AmazonBasics, which includes everything from kitchenware to small electronics, will be up to 30% off.
• Brand name fashion is also steeply discounted including:
  • Up to 40% on select Under Armour clothing, shoes and accessories
  • 30% on select Lacoste clothing, shoes, and more
  • Up to 50% on select J. Crew Mercantile clothing (really excited about this one!)
  • 30% on select Calvin Klein clothing for men and women
  • Up to 30% on select active wear from Champion, Spalding, Adidas and more
  • 30% on select fashion styles from Alo Yoga, True Religion
  • Up to 60% on select Eddie Bauer clothing and accessories

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What’s the difference between lightning & spotlight deals?

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Lightning Deals are only available for a limited time, typically a few hours, or until inventory is sold out. A customer is limited to one item per purchase. Per Amazon, these “include jaw-dropping prices on top top-tier brands.” In contrast, Spotlight Deals last for 24 hours (or for the duration of Prime Day) once the deal is released.

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What should I stay away from?

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Don’t get sucked into “bundled” deals, unless you will truly use/need each item. These are designed to get  you to buy more than you need. Experts also warn that some third-party sellers will boost an item’s original price during Prime Day to give it the appearance of a deep discount. While toys are discounted, you can snag better discounts leading up to Christmas. The same goes for laptops. Prime Day will offer deals, but according to U.S. News & World Report, you will find better prices during the “Back to School” season.

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My Amazon Favorites

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Need more shopping inspiration? While I can’t guarantee any of these items will be included in the Prime Day discounts, here are a few Amazon finds I highly recommend. These are pieces I love and wear regularly.V-neck Dress (under $30)

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Amazon Prime Day: Work Attire

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Amazon dresses have achieved almost cult-like status among women who work in TV news. The wide range of sophisticated styles in bright, bold colors can’t be beat… and the low prices are pretty great too! In general, these pieces run small and are unlined, so be sure to read the size guide carefully. When in doubt size up. Also, don’t buy anything that doesn’t offer free returns. It’s not worth the risk! This post covers few additional things to keep in mind + tips & tricks for ordering Amazon fashion.

Here are a few of my favorite Amazon dresses. While I purchased these dresses for on-camera work use, they can double as cocktail attire!

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Amazon Prime Day: Swimwear

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I’ve had great luck with Amazon swimwear. In fact, this pom pom bikini impressed me so much I have it in 3 colors! The fit of the bottom is fairly TTS, but the top felt a bit small. Here are a few other swim options…

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Amazon Prime Day: Shoes & Bags

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When it comes to bags, you will find some great sales on Prime Day. I gravitate to neutral styles, as they work with every outfit. These three have really served me well and will offer an elegant finishing touch to whichever look you pair them with! My clutch above is one of Amazon’s “Lightning Deals” right now!

If you are on the hunt for statement shoes, look no further than these amazing bow pumps! While some reviewers say they are uncomfortable, I didn’t find them bad at all. At just $33, they are outfit makers! They also come in red, blue, pink and green. Here are my other favorites in the shoe category…

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Amazon Prime Day: Casual Dresses

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If you are on the hunt for more relaxed styles, there are so many fun options to choose from. Amazon has a plethora of summer dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits at very reasonable prices. The trick is examining reviews carefully and taking a close look at photos other shoppers (particulary those who have a similar body type) have shared. This can give you a much more accurate idea of the fabric quality, fit, and appearance of the garment. Here are a few casual styles I love!

This super versatile 3/4 sleeve dress comes in 10+ colors! The fabric has a nice stretch to it and the variation in stripes helps elongate a petite frame. For size reference: I’m wearing the XS and typically wear a XS or S in dresses.

Who doesn’t love a good pom pom? This flirty dress is ideal for summer vacations and offers a “linen-esque” look. It also comes in blue/red. That material is light weight but not overly sheer. One thing to keep in mind, it has a very deep V neck. I am wearing a cami to conceal that.

This maxi dress takes comfort to a new level. The material is sooo soft and stretchy. The dress is quite long. Then again, I am quite short. Taller gals you will be in good shape with this one!

Finally, a casual T-shirt dress with pockets! This style is simple but polished. It travels exceptionally well. I had this one bunched up in my suitcase, yet it always came out wrinkle free.

—Happy shopping!