Outfit Details: Pucci Bikini Top and Bottoms, Ciao Lucia Shorts, Loeffler Randall Scarf (similar here), By Present Belt, Briony Raymond Earrings

Certain pieces just feel like they were made to be worn on vacation. Not because of where you are, but because of where they take you. A scarf print drops you somewhere along the coast. A sandal trimmed in sequins belongs to warm nights with nowhere practical to be. Patterned swim carries a whole afternoon with it, striped umbrellas, painted tiles, salt air. Even a digital camera in a bright color feels like a promise that there will be something worth capturing. That is the feeling behind this edit, pieces that make you want to book the trip, or at least take one in your head, each a little like a postcard from somewhere far away.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As you may have heard, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just about to start. I’m busy reviewing the top reader favorite brands at risk of sellout, but I thought I’d ask Corporette’s other writers and editors what their top picks for the NAS were. Here are their answers! Big thanks to Elizabeth, Kate and Ann! – Kat.

If you’re not familiar with the NAS, the idea is that new fall merchandise is marked down for a limited time to celebrate Nordstrom’s anniversary. The sale isn’t open yet, but the preview is available and you can add items to your wishlist. Everyone can shop the sale July 18, but if you’re a Nordstrom card holder you can shop the sale possibly as early as July 14 (what date you can access the sale depends on how much you’ve spent; if you sign in to Nordstrom it’ll say at the top of the screen).

The Corporette Team’s Top 5 Picks for the 2026 NAS

Elizabeth’s Top 5 NAS Picks

I have been shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for nearly two decades, despite never living in a city that had a proper Nordstrom. (The NYC Nordstrom opened mere months after I moved away. Devastating.) I always use it as an opportunity to replace basics (pajamas, underwear, T-shirts) at a great price, and then I like to keep an eye out for things that feel a little more special. 

You can read all of Elizabeth’s posts here.

Polo Ralph Lauren Padded Cable Stitch Wool & Cashmere Puffer Jacket

This quilted puffer is the “special” thing I have my eye on this year. I love the idea of turning my favorite cable knit sweater into outerwear, and the style of the jacket is so chic. In the sale, it will be $399.99, and after the sale, the price will be $598.

Voluspa Mediterranean Lemon Luxe Jar Candle

I always use the Anniversary Sale as an excuse to splurge on a “fancy” candle. I’ve used this Mediterranean Lemon scent from Voluspa in my kitchen for years, and it’s great for covering up smells after cooking. I like using it with a candle warmer (not included in the sale) because it makes the scent last longer than traditional burning. The candle’s sale price will be $56.99, and after the sale, this will cost $56.99.

Osea Exfoliate & Glow Body Trio

When I’m browsing the beauty section of the NAS, I usually check the sets first, because I think that’s where the best deals are usually hidden. This set from Osea would cost well over $100 if I purchased the items individually, so I think it’s a pretty good deal for $70. My mom really loves the scrub and the body oil, so I’ll probably put this away for a Christmas gift for her. (Note that post-sale, the items may not be available in this particular combo.)

Rothy’s Double Bit Driver

I already have a pair of these Rothy’s loafers, but I wear them so frequently that I’m hoping to pick up another pair at this deeply discounted price. I hate wearing socks, so I love that I can toss these in the washer once every couple of weeks to keep them from getting stinky. These Rothy’s will be $199 in the sale and will return to $199 post-NAS.

Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Easy Rib Short Pajamas

I bought these pajamas in a different color in last year’s sale and I love them so much that they typically go right onto my body once they’re out of the dryer. I am definitely grabbing the “green park” color, and I may get the black as well. On sale, this set will be $42.99, and after the sale, it will be priced at $69.

Kate’s Top 5 NAS Picks

I really wish we had a Nordstrom near me (or at least a Nordstrom Rack, throw me a bone here!), but I’m a semi-frequent Nordstrom online shopper because of the free shipping, great sales, and free, easy returns. My ex-husband and I just sold our house last week, so I’m planning to use some of my portion of the profits as “fun money” for the NAS before being responsible with (most of) the rest.

You can read all of Kate’s posts here.

Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas

My typical summer PJ “outfit” is a random indoor-only tee (e.g., a purple one that reads, “Sorry I’m late — my cat was sitting on me”) paired with pajama shorts, but never a shorts set. I’ll take advantage of the NAS to snag some!. These cute Nordstrom PJs are available in several solids and prints (including a rather UPS-esque brown?). I may not actually sleep in these, because of the collar and the button front, but they seem cute and comfy for loungewear. In the sale, this set $38.99-$42.99, and after the NAS, $65. (See Elizabeth’s picks below for another PJ option!)

Ana Luisa Heart Ring

This ring is pretty basic, but I’ve had two sterling silver heart rings over the years and I miss having one. (One had a very thin band that split at the solder point — I’ve been meaning to get it fixed forever — and the other doesn’t fit anymore — thanks, pregnancy, for making my knuckles permanently larger!) This is an affordable and cute ring, plated in rhodium, and though I may or may not have paid full price, I’ll be picking it up for its NAS sale price of $50. (It also comes in a 14k gold plated version.) Post-sale, it’ll be $75.

Baggalini Wave Tote Bag

I’m a big Baggalini fan. (At my age, I think it’s required.). So many pockets, so little time! I have a bunch of totes, but most of them have either no pockets or only a few. This tote would make a nice, casual work bag, and also a smart choice for your “personal item” for your next flight. I really like this slate blue shade — it also comes in khaki and black — as well as its luggage sleeve, padded laptop pocket, phone pocket, and a RFID-protected pocket for your passport. The price in the sale will be $99.99, and after the NAS, it’ll go back up to $150.

Natori Bliss Briefs

These oddly-named “briefs” from Natori, which definitely have a bikini silhouette, have been my very favorite underwear for a long time — they’re the style I wear at least five days a week. They’re made from 94% cotton, feel light and comfortable, and are available in a bunch of colors. While they’re labeled “hand wash, line dry,” I’ve been simply tossing them in a mesh bag on the “hand wash” cycle for years with no problems. In the sale, they’ll be $15.99 each, and post-sale, $22.

Pursonic 3D Soft-Silicone LED Therapy Mask with Smart Controller

So I’ve been curious about LED therapy masks for a while (despite how creepy they look!), and the NAS is a good opportunity to try one for my 40-something skin. (Hey, my kid can wear their VR headset, I’ll wear this, and we can have a “We look like we’re in a sci-fi movie” party.) This light, silicone mask from Pursonic will be $129.99 during the sale and will cost $199.95 afterward. The features include five light options and a smart controller. The company claims this mask will “help improve skin tone, reduce imperfections, and promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.” (You’ll see below how I have something in common with Ann here!)

Ann’s Top 5 NAS Picks

NAS definitely gives me those “Christmas in July” vibes. Below are some things I would love to treat myself and others to.

You can read all of Ann’s posts here.

T3 Aire 360 Air Styler Blowout Kit 

I work primarily from home, so my daily makeup routine is pretty minimal. But I regularly blowout my hair — because while Zoom can touch up your complexion, it can’t (yet!) fake my preferred hairstyle. I’d love to try T3’s blowout kit. The ceramic curling attachments smooth frizz and boost shine, and the oval brush attachment smooths and shapes. The compact design and dual voltage means it’s travel-friendly, too! It will be $249.99 in the sale and $349.99 afterward.

Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo-LED Skincare Mask

Middle age has brought acne back into my life. Instead of the drying scrubs and serums of my teens, I’m turning to technology. TheraFace’s cordless LED skincare mask addresses acne and blemishes as well as the typical markers of middle age such as fine lines and wrinkles in just 12 minutes a day. This mask will be on sale for $299.99 and will go up to $379.99 after the sale.

AllSaints Sofi Leather Bomber Jacket 

I love using the NAS to start shopping for fall. This year, I’m eyeing a new leather jacket, like this soft bomber from AllSaints. This relaxed bomber is made from supple sheepskin leather and features a concealed drawstring waist. It looks perfect for layering over cozy fall sweaters. The sale price of this jacket will be $399.99 and the price will return to $649 post-sale.

Stokke JetKids BedBox Ride-On Carry-On Suitcase & Backpack Travel Set

We did several long-haul flights with my kids when they were young. Making sure they arrived reasonably rested (even if the grown-ups weren’t!) was a win. This travel set includes an expandable backpack and a ride-along suitcase that converts into a seat or a fold-out bed that turns that cramped coach seat into a toddler bed. The set will be $223.99 and goes back up to $299 after the sale.

Joolz Aer2 Lightweight Travel Stroller

Here’s another travel must-have I wish I had when the kids were little. This super lightweight and compact stroller can be folded with one hand and carried on your shoulder. It also fits into an overhead bin or packed trunk. The roomy undercarriage bin stores whatever you need for a day, and the reclining seat means napping on the go. The stroller sale price will be $429.99 and will go back to $579.99 post-sale.

Readers, do tell: What are you eyeing in the Nordstrom Anniversary Preview so far? Are you looking for something in particular, or will you be browsing for fun?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Not a fan of having to work hard to clean dirt from under your nails? I don’t mind getting dirty while gardening, but having to vigorously scrub my nails afterward bugs me (no pun intended). (What can I say? I’m impatient in most areas of my life!)

After scrubbing the dirt out the other day — after pulling up a ton of grass and weeds in a light drizzle — I went online and bought these gloves from Bellingham. I must have tossed my previous gardening gloves before our move, and these are an affordable replacement. I’m sure I won’t use them for all gardening tasks, but they’re handy (no pun intended, part two!), and I like how they’re made from bamboo. They have great reviews, too!

The gloves are under $15 at Amazon and are available in four sizes — with free returns!

Sales of note for 7/11:

• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Extra 30% off semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• Brooks Brothers – Up to 40% off sitewide + 40% off 3+ items
• Cuyana – Archive sale, up to 60% off
• Evereve – Extra 30% off sale!
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 30% off sale
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 50% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Strathberry – Up to 30% off select styles
• Talbots – 40% off your entire purchase + extra 15% off markdowns

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Bydee has built a devoted global following, but does the brand actually live up to the buzz? We break down what makes it stand out.

Every few years, a brand emerges that captures the collective imagination of the swimwear world and refuses to let go. Right now, that brand is Bydee. The Sydney-based label has accumulated a devoted following across the globe, with its vibrant prints and mix-and-match separates earning it a near-permanent spot on beach trip packing lists. But as with any brand that reaches this level of cultural saturation, it is worth asking honestly: is the hype actually justified? After looking closely at what Bydee offers, the evidence is difficult to argue with.

The first thing that strikes you about Bydee is its commitment to original design. In a market where many swimwear brands recycle the same silhouettes and colour palettes season after season, Bydee takes a genuinely different approach. Each collection is built around hand-drawn artwork commissioned specifically for the brand, resulting in prints that feel like wearable art. This is not a small thing. The print work alone elevates Bydee pieces above much of what competes at the same price point, and it is a major reason why customers return collection after collection rather than drifting to whatever is newest.

The brand’s approach to sizing has also been widely praised, and rightly so. Bydee sells separates that can be sized independently, which sounds simple but is genuinely transformative for anyone who has struggled to find a swimsuit that fits both their top and bottom comfortably at the same time. This functional design decision has turned the brand into a favourite among women who had previously written off bikinis entirely. It is the kind of thoughtful solution that makes you wonder why more brands have not adopted it as an industry standard rather than a point of difference.

On the quality front, Bydee consistently earns strong marks from repeat customers. The fabrics hold their colour through sun, salt, and chlorine better than many comparably priced competitors. The construction is tidy, with well-finished edges and hardware that does not discolour or break down quickly. For a brand operating at a mid-range price point, the quality-to-cost ratio is genuinely impressive, and it is a key reason why Bydee customers tend to stay rather than rotate to whatever is new on the market.

The wider fashion industry has taken note of what brands like Bydee represent. This season’s most compelling swimwear leans into personality, print, and considered fit. That is essentially a description of Bydee’s DNA. The brand has not had to reinvent itself to fit the current moment because it was already living there, ahead of the conversation rather than scrambling to catch up to it.

The community aspect of the brand is also worth factoring into any honest assessment. Bydee has cultivated an online presence that feels genuinely inclusive and enthusiastic rather than aspirational and remote. Seeing diverse, real-world customers wearing and styling the pieces gives prospective buyers a far more accurate picture of how the swimwear actually looks and fits. This transparency builds trust in a way that polished editorial photography simply cannot replicate, and it makes the purchase decision feel informed rather than speculative.

There is also a practical argument for Bydee’s versatility as a swimwear brand. Many of its pieces are styled to transition seamlessly from the beach to a cafe or bar, with prints and silhouettes that hold up well off the sand. A Bydee bikini top worn with high-waisted shorts or linen trousers looks entirely intentional, which extends the functional wardrobe value of each piece well beyond pure swimwear territory and into the broader category of vacation dressing.

Bydee’s longevity in the market is also a meaningful signal. Brands that survive on hype alone tend to peak quickly and fade as the next novelty takes over. Bydee has demonstrated that its following is built on something more durable: genuine product satisfaction and an emotional connection to a brand that feels like it was made for real women, by people who understand what they actually want. That staying power is not accidental. It is the result of consistently delivering on a very clear promise.

It is also telling that Bydee has maintained its momentum without relying on a single viral moment or celebrity endorsement to sustain interest. The brand has built its reputation steadily, through word of mouth, genuine product quality, and a design ethos that resonates with real women rather than a narrow editorial ideal. 

So is Bydee actually worth the hype? Based on everything the brand consistently delivers: original prints, inclusive sizing, strong quality, and a community that makes shopping it feel like a pleasure rather than a chore, the answer is a clear yes. The hype is not manufactured. It is the natural result of a brand that genuinely listens to its customers and delivers something the market was clearly asking for. If you have been curious about trying Bydee, this summer is the perfect time to find out what the conversation has been about all along.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

A few years ago, it was a struggle to find work-appropriate A-line looks, but I’m delighted to report this is no longer an issue. This short-sleeve dress from Carolina Herrera is one of the best I’ve seen this season. The built-in belt gives it a gorgeous shape, and the dark green color is going to be beautiful in any season.

I rarely wear heels, but I think this look calls for a truly fabulous shoe, like these tortoiseshell patent leather pumps from Stuart Weitzman. Add some gold jewelry and you’ve got a simple, chic look for any occasion. 

The dress is $2,490 at Neiman Marcus and comes in sizes 0-20. 

A few more affordable options are at Nordstrom, from Eliza J (0-16, $148), Halogen (XXS-XXL, $78.99 during the NAS), and Jessica London (plus sizes 16-28, $86).

Sales of note for 7/11:

• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale, 60% off sale and 40% off everything — readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Extra 30% off semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Summer sale up to 60% off sale styles + extra 20% off
• Brooks Brothers – Up to 40% off sitewide + 40% off 3+ items
• Cuyana – Archive sale, up to 60% off
• Evereve – Extra 30% off sale!
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 30% off sale
• J.Crew – 50% off select cashmere
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• Me & Em – Sale! Up to 50% off (new lines just added)
• M.M.LaFleur – 25% off jardigans (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clear the rack, extra 25% off clearance! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Strathberry – Up to 30% off select styles
• Talbots – 40% off your entire purchase + extra 15% off markdowns

This week’s Amazon Sunday is the last call for the little summer things, the fun, low-lift pieces you can throw in a bag for a long weekend or a last-minute trip before the season slips away. Nothing here asks for much of an investment. They just add a pop of color, a bit of joy, or the kind of pool day extra that makes an afternoon in the sun better.

There are crochet cover-up shorts and easy matching sets to pull on at the end of a long day outside, along with the pool accessories worth having on hand: a waterproof deck of playing cards, a to-go coupe for a poolside drink, and a pink and green float to drift the afternoon away on. And to capture it all, a fun reusable film camera for the last moments of the season. Browse the full edit below, and explore more in our JB Amazon Shop and Amazon Storefront, refreshed weekly.

You know my philosophy on spending: You don’t conserve your cash by buying cheap stuff. You do it by focusing on value. And value is the relationship between what something costs to buy and how much you use it.

That value equation underpins my cost-per-wear philosophy. If you can estimate how much you’ll wear a new top, you can assess its value relative to the price. Simply divide that price by the potential number of wears. A $200 jacket worn 100 times has a low cost-per-wear of $2, while a $50 top you wear once cost you $50 for a single use. The jacket is the better buy.

You can apply this value formula to any purchase, small or large: lipstick, a new car, and, yes, even cosmetic surgery. A cost-per-use analysis becomes particularly interesting when you apply it to big investments. It forces you to decide what you want to achieve with the purchase, which can help you make a more practical and less emotional decision.

Read next: Can fashion beat finance? How luxury handbags performed against stocks

Cost-per-wear applied to cosmetic surgery

According to the most recent Complete Plastic Surgery Statistics report, the most popular facial procedures are eyelid surgery, facelifts, and nose reshaping, aka rhinoplasty. Let’s use rhinoplasty as our test case because it has appeal among the widest range of women and men.

Cost

A rhinoplasty procedure can cost $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and where you live. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons pegs the average rhinoplasty cost at $7,637.

Use

The “use” you’ll get from a nose reshaping is unlimited. The results are permanent and, assuming you love the result, you’ll “use” and enjoy your new nose for the rest of your life.

Forgive me for getting morbid here, but the average lifespan for a woman in the U.S. is 81.4 years. Say you’re exactly 28 today. Going by the average, you have more than 19,000 days to enjoy that new nose even after accounting for the recovery period. The cost-per-day for the procedure works out to somewhere between $0.26 and $0.76.

You could also work out a more conservative analysis based on a set timeline. A $7,637 investment works out to $4.18 per day for five years or $2.02 daily for 10 years.

The cost of beauty workarounds

The analysis gets more interesting if you’re spending money on makeup to contour your nose daily. You’re buying a good contour palette or stick, concealer, highlighter, setting powder, plus brushes, sponges, and setting sprays. You could be spending $30 monthly, which adds up to $3,600 after 10 years.

And then there’s the time you spend applying that makeup. Ten minutes a day equates to 60 hours a year, on one makeup step that you wash off every night. 

Read next: Why am I broke? An expert answers

The confidence factor

Think about the clothes you wear most often. It’s likely you feel confident wearing those pieces. That’s why they’ve earned a regular spot in your rotation. In the cost-per-wear formula, the confidence factor encourages more “wears,” which makes the purchase more efficient over time.

The math doesn’t work the same way for a cosmetic surgery analysis, because you can’t help but wear a reshaped nose or newly lifted eyelids. Even so, renewed confidence has value. Research indicates that not liking an aspect of your face can be draining. You might feel uneasy about photos, video calls, and social gatherings. Over time, those feelings can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. That mental energy has a cost too, even if it does not show up on a credit card statement.

Research also finds that rhinoplasty in particular can improve quality of life, self-esteem, and anxiety symptoms in well-adjusted people. You can’t quantify that value of that in terms of dollars, but it has value.

Read next: The big budgeting mistake you might be making and how to fix it

Value case for cosmetic surgery

To be clear, I am not saying you should run out and get your nose done, face lifted, or tummy tucked. But an expensive procedure can make sense for you financially when all of these are true:

You are self-conscious. You worry about how you look in different situations, and you’re regularly spending on temporary fixes that aren’t very effective.

You are confident the procedure will boost your self-confidence. You’ve done your research, interviewed surgeons, asked questions, and confirmed outcomes. That last one can come in different forms, such as analyzing rhinoplasty before and after photos or conversing with other women who’ve had the same procedure.

You can afford it. If you are behind in your rent or struggling to buy groceries, now isn’t the time for a big investment. Consider reworking your budget so are meeting your regular obligations first. Then start a savings fund for your planned procedure.

Should you finance cosmetic surgery?

Many board-certified plastic surgeons offer payment plans or work with medical financing companies that break the cost into monthly installments. A $7,500 procedure financed over 24 months comes out to roughly $312 per month before interest. That is less than many women spend on beauty subscriptions, salon visits, skincare products, and makeup combined in a given month. It is not pocket change, and interest charges increase the investment. But the spend may be closer to your existing beauty budget than you thought.

Still, this is a major purchase that requires spending discipline. Here’s a solid approach:

1. Set a timeline.
2. Budget an amount to save monthly.
3. Know what you are spending in cash and time on beauty workarounds. You may need to track your current beauty spending for a month or two.
4. Research your options. Seek a realistic expectation of the outcome and its permanence.
5. Make a clear-headed judgment: Is the cost worth it? Then, wait a week and think it over again. If you come to the same answer, it’s probably the right one for you.

Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s intro to budgeting

The Budget Fashionista takeaway

Being financially responsible does not equate to depriving yourself of luxury. In my view, being financially responsible enables indulgence in a way that’s sustainable.

So if you’re dreaming of a different nose or smoother eyelids, do the research. Learn your options and the costs. Consider how your current beauty routine may change. Think about the confidence factor and what that may be worth to you. Then you can make the decision the way a Budget Fashionista would: with the full picture in front of you.

Gold may have retreated from its highs achieved earlier this year, but the yellow metal remains a hot commodity compared to a few years ago. In early 2025, the gold price was less than $2,700 per troy ounce. In mid-2026, it’s about $4,000.

Gold’s price appreciation may be a good catalyst to sell pieces you no longer wear, but there’s a caveat. Selling gold jewelry on impulse can increase the chances of a bad result. Namely:

• A lowball price from a bad operator
• Selling the jewelry for scrap gold when it’s worth more on a resale marketplace
• Giving away gemstones that may have value

The bottom line is, if you want to capture a fair price for your jewelry, you’ll need some know-how first.

Read next: Silver linings: Should you cash in your silver jewelry?

What to know before selling

You can protect yourself from low-ball prices by knowing the composition of your gold jewelry and how that relates to its value. You should also understand how to verify the legitimacy of online gold buyers. Lastly, it’s worthwhile to compare your piece’s value on a resale marketplace to its value as gold scrap metal.  

Karat and weight

When selling your gold jewelry as scrap metal, karat and weight should drive its sales value.

• Karats measure the purity of gold. Top purity is 24 karats, or 99.9% pure gold. 18k and 14k pieces are alloys, containing gold and other metals. The other metals make the gold more durable, but they are nearly deadweight with respect to resale.
• The gold’s weight, not including gemstones, is what’s important. The unit of measurement is the troy ounce, which is about 10% heavier than a standard ounce. A single troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, and a standard ounce equals 28.3495 grams.

According to Brandon Aversano, CEO of jewelry buyer Alloy, the jewelry’s condition and completeness should not be pricing considerations for reputable gold buyers. In other words, you can sell a bracelet with a broken clasp or a single earring. The karat and weight still dictate the price.

Pro tips:

• Broken gold pieces, especially dated ones, may be your best candidates for selling to a gold buyer. 
• If your jewelry has valuable gemstones, remove them before selling to a gold buyer.

Read next: Can fashion beat finance? How luxury handbags performed against stocks

The spot price of gold

Knowing the spot price of gold can help you identify lowball offers, if you know how gold resale math works:

• Gold buyers generally pay 70% to 85% of the gold spot price.
• For pieces that are not 24-karat, the weight is adjusted by the karat value. A 14-karat piece, for example, is worth 58.3% of an equally weighted 24-karat piece. The math is 14 divided by 24 equals 58.3%.

You can also use Alloy’s gold calculator to check a piece’s value.

Gold buyer red flags

Gold buyers set their own prices. Reputable operators use a formula based on the gold price and the karat and weight of the pieces. Bad actors try to low-ball jewelry owners who haven’t estimated the value of their pieces. You can sometimes spot these early by how they present themselves online. Aversano recommended watching for these gold buyer red flags:   

• No BBB accreditation
• Lack of customer reviews or only positive reviews
• No information on who is running the company or the business history
• No explanation of pricing estimates
• Catchy domain names, like sellgoldquicklyforcash.com, with no brand or company information

On the other hand, reputable online gold buyers should:  

• Be easy to research, with readily available information on the business, location, and contact information
• Offer customer support by telephone, text, or email
• Explain all estimates clearly
• Offer free insured shipping and returns

Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s intro to budgeting

Peer-to-peer resale

Aversano noted that jewelry in excellent condition can be worth more on a peer-to-peer marketplace like Poshmark than it would be to a gold buyer. To get a sense of resale pricing, search Poshmark and eBay for recently sold pieces. If you have jewelry consignment stores nearby, you can also walk in and ask for an opinion on pricing.

Once you understand the piece’s potential value, decide how much time you want to invest in selling it. You may want to set a timeline, as in: If the piece doesn’t sell in X number of weeks, you’ll sell it for a fair price to a gold dealer. Know that the gold price fluctuates, so the piece’s value to a gold dealer can change.

The Budget Fashionista takeaways

Inherited gold pieces, broken or incomplete jewelry, and items you don’t wear are good candidates for resale to a gold buyer. To protect yourself from lowball pricing, remove any gemstones, weigh the piece in troy ounces, and check the karats. You can then use Alloy’s gold calculator or a similar tool for a quick estimate.

Having a realistic estimate of your jewelry’s value helps you avoid lowball offers. But you’ll still want to research potential gold buyers before you commit. For the most value and best experience, look for transparency, fair pricing, and free insured shipping and returns.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Emporio Sirenuse Dress, Gabriela Hearst Sandals, Magda Butrym Scarf, Cordera Bag, Saint Laurent Sunglasses (similar here)

There’s something about yellow that feels perfectly at home in summer. It’s a shade that instantly lifts the whole day, making everything brighter and more cheerful the second I put it on. And there are so many versions of it to fall for. Whether it be marigold, mustard, deep golden, or limoncello, every shade shares that same sunny warmth.

This dress felt made for a garden, standing amidst golden blooms like it belonged there. That’s the allure of the color really, it doesn’t just fit into a place, it seems to glow a bit brighter because of it. Everything in this edit lives in that happy space, the pieces I reach for when I want summer to feel more golden.