Unwrap Joy at Westfield Trumbull

Last Friday I was invited to a shopping event at the Westfield Mall in Trumbull Connecticut, which is just a stones throw from me. While I don't visit it too often, it's undergone a lot of renovations and is really a lovely mall; home to Lord & Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, J.Crew, Uniqlo, and a Cheesecake Factory - just to name a few of my favorites.

Even with all the hype of Black Friday having passed, there are still lots of amazing sales and deals going on, and I have to say, going on a Friday evening there were no pushy crowds, no lines, and no stress. I love to take my time when I shop (as evidenced by the fact that the event started at five and it was nearly ten when I left) but I'm happy I was able to get some gifts bought as well as pick up a few things for myself.

To start off the evening, we were greeted by the Merry Makers, who visit the shoppers and spread cheer, and peppermint Hershey Kisses!

The first store we visited was Lord and Taylor, which has a new collection called the Design Lab. They are pieces just for Lord and Taylor and they get 130 new designs in every week. The prices are trendy and youthful, with the vast majority under a $100 price point. I tried on these jeans, which are a steal at $30, unfortunately they didn't have my size.

I also found this dress with a stellar print that would be perfect for the holidays on the clearance rack, and Meg tried on a fun bohemian fringe dress. 

Lots of gorgeous faux fur coats and vests, along with plenty of sparkly holiday ready fare were the other highlights of the Design Lab collection.

New to the Trumbull mall just this fall, Denali is a store which focuses on active outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The store design is full of wooded features, and all the twinkling holiday lights are just beautiful. While I'm a far cry from an outdoor enthusiast, I do love all the fun sweaters, especially the Vineyard Vines whales!

A wrist watch is such a classic piece, and The Time Store really has something for everyone. Lots of different price points, from Timex to Gucci. Of course I went for the shiniest watch in the store, a Fossil with a swarovski crystal pavé face. Right now they are having a promotion where you get $50 off for spending $200, $100 off of $400 or $200 off of $600.

Lush is another new addition to the Westfield Trumbull, selling all natural, handmade beauty products. The staff welcomes you to smell and try all the products and they have dozens of holiday ready goodies, like the cinnamon spice bubble bar, along with beautifully wrapped gift boxes (yes, up to my standards of gift wrap) priced from $15, all the way up to $330!

Banana Republic is of course a favorite, and a store where I can always seem to find something I love. This visit was different. The store carries a lot of fun gift items which are in store only, like cheeky holiday cards and drink coasters which have recipes for cocktails printed on them.

The shelves are filled with cozy sweaters, and I zeroed in on this fringy one that I wanted so desperately to work on me! I also found a silk scalloped collar blouse (going on my Christmas list immediately) and a fun sporty bejeweled jacket. Everything is currently 40% off, which is great for buying gifts and also great for buying fun skirts for me...

I was compensated for covering this event and writing this post, but as always, my views and options are my own.