I’ve been shopping with Erstwilder for over a decade and over the years, I’ve loved watching the brand grow, expand, being one of their models and of course, seeing the stunning jewellery pieces they release. Erstwilder, and similar jewellery brands such as Deer Arrow and Lipstick and Chrome, release a fair amount of collections every year and with each collection, there are always pieces that sell out at lightning speed (Pete Cromer anyone?). After every release, I always get so many messages asking me how I manage to get the pieces I wanted and if I have any tips for shopping come release day so I thought it’s about time that I just turn it into a blog.

-Get your computer ready
I’ve heard mixed reviews from people who swear by using their phone or their computer to shop but personally, I prefer my computer as I feel like I see more items on a bigger screen. Make sure your chosen device is connected to good internet, it has battery and you know the time and release for the new collection.
It’s worth being on the stores website 10 minutes before release so you’re ready to go once the countdown is over.

-Have your account set up
Be signed/logged into your account (or create an account) as this means all your log out information is already put into the system and it’ll save you time.
If you have a discount or promo code, you can also add that into the system.

-Have a list
Most brands release some kind of collection sneak peak or list before the actual release which is a great way for you to find out exactly what you want. Create a list in order of your wanted items in order of most wanted to least and stick to it come release day.

-Don’t get disheartened or Distracted
Once the almighty countdown has ended, the sheer amount of people attempting to shop the Erstwilder website is insane and with uploads to the site being a little scattered (essential earrings and pins mixed through the collections page), it is likely that some of your items may sell out when you’re still shopping. Don’t get discouraged and just keep going through your list as fast as you can. It’s also worth noting that focusing on your shopping is paramount as speed and efficiency will help you through.

Tip: If you find the item you want, click “Add to Bag/Cart” rather than opening the item in a new tab. This will save you time!

-Stockists
There’s always a chance that your item will sell out so have a list of stockists ready to go just incase. I sometimes have had multiple tabs open with stockist websites already up so incase I miss out, I can instantly keep looking for my item.

-Physical Stores
Depending on where you live, there might be some local stockists with physical stores that have the new collection available come release day. It’s worth researching in advance to find these stores and calling up to find out how the sell their new collections. I’ve heard of stores taking down pre-orders (which I don’t think is actually allowed but I’m not sure), and some stores only allowing the items to be displayed and sold exactly at Erstwilders release time. It’s very dependant on what the stores policy is so do some research and find out well in advance.

-Don’t leave nasty messages on social media
It happens, you missed out on the brooch you desperately wanted but please don’t go onto social media and start leaving nasty comments. Leaving comments complaining about the number of items or how quickly things sold out doesn’t make anyone feel good and trust me when I say you’re not the only one disappointed. Be happy for those that managed to find their items and stay hopeful that maybe someone will want to sell one later on. At the end of the day, it’s just a brooch.

Shopping for brooches can feel like a competitive sport some days but remember that there are so many people wanting the items that not everyone is going to get what they want. There is still a chance to get older and sold out pieces at a later day so don’t lose hope. No matter what you managed to snag on release day, try to leave a positive comment on the stores social media because trust me when I say they are all exhausted as well.

Happy brooch shopping!

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.