Five things I learned from partnering with TK Maxx

With 2018 in full swing now I have been taking a look at my blog from a business point of view, reviewing partnerships and successes of the past year and looking forward to the coming year and my direction.  There were some big changes for me last year, hey mama, and whilst I made a very conscious decision not to turn Thankfifi into one of those blogs, of course there has been a shift of some sort; I think part of that is growing older, and hopefully wiser, and there seems to be more now that I want to share than just fashion.  I want to include stories from my home and my life and my travels, and yes, still fashion.  TK Maxx was and still is one of my favourite fits because of the great range they offer and when I really thought about why that worked for me, I surprised myself with some of the things partnering with them and shopping there has taught me…

SOMETIMES THE BEST PLAN IS NO PLAN

I have rediscovered the lost art of browsing.  When was the last time you took the time to just wander aimlessly round the shops without a solid plan?  Flashback to when I was studying at art school and shopping was an actual activity, a social occasion with friends…  well, these days I find myself ordering so much online or making a mad dash to one store to pick up a very specific thing that the joy of browsing could easily become a distant memory.  Those tactics simply don’t work in TK Maxx.  What I discovered is that they have a huge and often random selection that changes weekly, they don’t always stock each piece in every size and once it’s gone, it’s gone.  So you go to the store and you browse.  And it is really, really nice.  This year alone I have come home with a ski helmet and chocolate covered cherries and I assure you, neither of those were part of any kind of plan.

GIVE UP ON PRESSURE TO BE CURRENT

As bloggers it is so easy to fall into the trap of shopping that ‘New in’ section.  We are inclined to focus on sharing pieces that you guys can click to buy but in doing that I think we lose a little of what blogging is about – style.  I started Thankfifi in 2011 (woah) and, back then, it was all about style – it might not be the style I have now, thank goodness, but it was about styling the same piece different ways and barely any of my clothes were current season.  Of course TK Maxx have an amazing selection of pieces that are on trend but barely any of those are things you guys can click to buy (see point 1 – you gotta go in and browse).  So I have learnt to shift my focus back to style and I hope this means I shop smarter.  I want to make purchases that will go the distance, not just the month.

HONE YOUR STYLE

And that brings me to my style.  I know my colours, I know what I like and I hope I know what suits me.  So when I browse the rails I am on the lookout for, you guessed it, mustard, haha.  But seriously, things that I know suit my shape and suit my life.  Flares might not be ‘on trend’ right now (or are they?  I can never keep up) but I got this pair in TK Maxx Glasgow, by one of my all time fav denim brands, back in July and guess what?  Still love them.  Probably always will.

SOMETIMES DESIGNER REALLY IS BETTER

Just not always for your bank balance…  Seriously though, I know the editorials in Vogue could destroy your savings in minutes but, it is true, there are certain things worth investing in and often designer truly is superior in the quality and fit stakes.  But you know what I am not a fan of?  Designer prices.  I am like a bee to honey with the Gold Label section and have had made some incredible savings in there – this silk sun dress was actually hiding in the clearance section reduced down to £24.99…  from an RRP of £245.  Mhmm.  So I try to invest, or rather, invest for less, whenever I find a gem.

SHOP HAPPY

Because is there any other reason to part with your pennies?  Did I really need another straw basket for my home?  No.  Does it make me happy?  One hundred percent yes.  I went browsing (see, it really is my new thing) to see what I could pick up for this post and happened across this handwoven pot which I knew would make the perfect home for my coconut palm and for £12.99 I did some quick happiness maths and determined that it was worth it.  And I picked up another candle because beautiful candles make me happy too.  But geez they can be expensive…  except in TK Maxx they are always around 60% off so that is another happiness sum where I come up smelling like roses.   I reckon if you truly love something then you should have it.  You will find a place for it and it will forever make you smile; two words – golden lobster.

jumper & jeans – TK Maxx
barrington armchair – Sofology
woven basket pot – TK Maxx   |   palm – Ikea
lamp, lobster & candles – TK Maxx
all that wine – definitely someone else’s…

With thanks to TK Maxx for supporting this post.

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7 Comments

  1. 22 Feb / 12:09 pm

    While I so rarely have time to browse I do love how relaxing it is, it’s nice to unearth a gem or the perfect piece for your wardrobe! 🙂

    I’ve been slowing my shopping lately too, after my no-shop challenge last year. I find blogs that show you different ways to wear things really inspiring! 🙂

    Hope you are having a lovely week so far! We are getting a lot of rain at the moment which is a welcome change after the heatwaves, haha!

    Away From The Blue Blog

    • Thankfifi
      Author
      28 Feb / 6:08 pm

      Wow that would have been a challenge and a half! Well done you…

  2. Syndacast
    25 Feb / 9:55 pm

    Thank you, Mica 3

  3. Gaylesbury
    26 Feb / 6:47 pm

    I love how you style your pieces in different ways, because, in all honesty, who has a never ending budget?! Love this post! And I love how your blog has evolved too x

    Gayle x

    • Thankfifi
      Author
      28 Feb / 6:09 pm

      Not me! And thank you.x

  4. Sharmeen Khan
    27 Feb / 4:06 pm

    I’ve enjoyed seeing the other parts of your life especially your home décor. I’ve recently bought my first place and I actually copied your ekby console table “ikea hack” for my dressing table. I needed a narrow one for the space.

    You’ve always had, and still have, style!

    • Thankfifi
      Author
      28 Feb / 6:10 pm

      Thanks so much Sharmeen, that is SUCH a lovely comment and you have made my day. Huge congrats on your new home, it is an amazing, stressful, exciting time isn’t it?! And yay for the Ikea hack.x

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