Monday, May 30, 2011

My New Summer Staple

Sometimes I find an accessory or piece of clothing that induces instant swooning, instant vows to include it in my daily wardrobe.  My most recent swoon-worthy purchase?  This Panama hat.  I stumbled upon it about a week and a half ago in the men's department at Nordstrom and was certain it was the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe.  But just to be sure, I plopped it on my head and wore it around the store for a good 15 minutes.  After that time, I was certain it would be on my head for the rest of the summer.  So it came home with me.  I have a feeling it'll see its fair share of blog photos, but until then, I wanted to introduce you.  Readers, meet my new summer hat...summer hat meet my fabulous readers!

DSCN4900Hat: Nordstrom
Jacket: Gap
Belt: super old...Gap? Banana?
Necklace: Ann Taylor
Bracelet: Ann Taylor

Monday, January 11, 2010

Run (Don’t Walk) to Nordstrom’s Winter Sale

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I’m baaaaaaaack…(Did that sound like that creepy movie line?  If so, all my apologies.  It was supposed to sound like a smart and sassy announcement that I’ve returned from my arctic vacation.)  And guess what?  I SURVIVED.  That’s right people, I survived my snowy, frozen and blizzard ridden vacation.  Take that Chicago!  I will post a recap of my trip as well as some of the very important lessons I learned from traveling to the arctic later in the week.  However, for now, I sit propped up in bed with lots of fluffy pillows, nursing a scratchy throat and a desperate craving for Dairy Queen (willpower, Allison, willpower.)  And under these conditions, the only thing you can do besides watch the past 3 episodes of the Kardashians and Giuliana and Bill (which um, duh, I totally did) is shop!  And with Nordstrom’s Winter Sale currently going on, there is so much to gawk at.  Check out some of the things I’m currently drooling over, and head over to Nordstrom.com to find your own drool-worthy delights :)

_5972066 Free People Snugglebear Glitz Sweater.  I mean, if the name doesn’t win you over, what kind of crazy are you?  You all know I die for winter white, but when you add the oversized fit, the deep V, and the blingy detail around the neckline, I’m completely head over heels in love.

_5904237 Kenneth Cole New York Silk Sheath Dress.  Though I think this model is wearing this dress two sizes too big, I can see beyond that and reeeeeally like this dress.  I try to keep my eye out for versatile pieces that can work in several different situations, and this dress is one of those pieces for me.  I think it would look great with black tights and a cardigan for work or a snug black jacket and oversized jewelry for dinner and drinks.  The cinched waist is calling out for a belt, and I’m fairly certain I have a few in my closet that would definitely work.  Clicking “add to bag” as I type :)

_5911302 Donna Morgan Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress.  I know this is called the “winter sale,” but I’m fairly certain this dress could be worn across several seasons.  (I mean, it has a bright floral print just begging to be worn any time of year.)  I also love love love the shape of this dress.  The sweetheart neckline is flattering on almost everyone and the gathered bust is perfect for those of us that are not-so-large up top :)  Like everything else in my closet, I think I could totally make this work appropriate with a closed cardigan, belt, and some simple jewelry.

_5968516 Caslon Ribbon Trim Cardigan.  Speaking of cardigans…I love this one!  Now, I know it’s not a “wow” piece, but I am OBSESSED with cardigans (read about my obsession in this October post) and the detail around the neckline adds the perfect dose of femininity to the sweater.  It comes in seven different colors and at less than $40, I think its something I’d definitely get my wear out of.  PS: if I buy this cardigan, will my hair look at good as the model’s?  Ugh, love it.

_5749375 Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jewel Neck Halter Dress.  For anyone looking to start, add to, or update their LBD collection, this dress is for you.  Simple, but with some delicate detail, this dress could work for a million different functions.  And at 40% off, it’s hard to pass up.

_5811325 Aidan Mattox Niteline Chiffon Halter Gown with Beaded Straps.  Ok, I know many of you are wondering why on Earth I posted this, but hear me out.  When Matt and I went on our honeymoon this summer, I packed nothing but swimsuits and dresses.  Dresses for coverups, dresses for day excursions, and dresses for dinner everynight.  (I seriously love dresses!)  I would have LOVED to have had this dress in my suitcase and would have paired it with simple flat sandals and simple, swept up bun!  I think it would be perfect for the girl on a beach/resort/tropical vacation who loves to get dressed up and doesn’t mind being the dressiest person at dinner (someone has to be, and I’d much rather be the sassy, dressed up girl in the room than the girl in the corner in a tank top, skirt, and flip flops.  If it works for other people great, but it doesn’t work for me.  Just saying…)  I also would have totally worn this dress if Matt and I had gotten married on the beach!  Looooove the details straps and waistline!  Though some of you may find it slightly impractical, I know a handful of readers who would totally rock this dress and love being “that” girl at dinner.  Oh, and if the front isn’t enough to convince you…

_5811436Hellooooooo…look at the back!  It’s not as crazy expensive as you might think, so if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, give this dress a chance!  I love it so freaking much!  In fact, this dress makes me wonder if one year is too early to renew Matt and I’s vows :)  This dress sure would look good…

_5904633 In Bloom by Jonquil 'Melodie' Chiffon Wrap.  The sale also includes a ton of great lingerie and sleepwear, but since my dad reads this blog (hey Dad!), I won’t go into detail there.  I will say however, that this robe/wrap is totally precious, slightly practical (I said slightly, not completely) and really pretty.  I might go ahead and pick this up for my BFF who is getting married next year.  (Yes, her lingerie shower is a year away, and yes I’m already looking at gifts for her.  Psycho-preparer or thoughtful friend, I’m not sure, but I like to think thoughtful.) :)

_5932489 Kate Spade Queen of Hearts Ring.  The last item (for anyone who is actually still reading) is this ADORABLE Kate Spade ring.  I wrote about my cocktail ring love affair here and this little gem certainly makes me happy.  Precious, playful, cheeky and just so stinking cute.  I love it and have to have it.

So what do you think?  See anything that tickles your fancy?  (Why do people say that, what does it mean, and do I really want to know?!)  Regardless, I said it and am curious to know what you found in their winter sale and just have to have (or would have to have if your bank account weren’t still reeling from the holidays.  Can I get an “amen” on that one?)  Let me know, I can’t wait to hear!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale



It's heeeeere!  The fabulous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started Wednesday, and I can't believe I wasn't paying better attention.  I almost missed it!  For those of you that don't know, the Anniversary Sale happens twice yearly, and it an awesome opportunity to get up close and personal with a dress, sweater, or pair of shoes that you've been eyeing for a couple of weeks.  The cool think about this sale is that Nordstrom feature's stuff from the current season.  That's right, they put stuff on sale that they just put out on the floor.  Of course there are some older things on sale as well (I saw the dress in bought in April for my bridal shower for 60% off, ugh, depressing), but some stuff that just came out for fall and winter is marked down as well.  After the sale, they go right back up to full price, which for me, makes thoughtful buying go right out the window :)

Usually, I am overwhelmed when they release the sale's wish list; it's usually full of special treasures and tops that I just can't live without.  But this year, I was a little overwhelmed, as there isn't anything I'm just dying to get.  However, there are a few things that caught my eye, that are definitely worth giving a chance.  Because we don't have a Nordstrom in the awesome, tiny, disconnected town I live in, I typically order everything I think I want, then try it on for fit once it arrives.  I'll usually send half or more back after trying it all on.  Stuff in the Anniversary Sale sells out fast, so I don't wait to try one on, then exchange, etc etc.  I just place one gigancitc order and get it over with, then I'll send back what doesn't work.  Much more effective if you ask me, but this year I should probably warn my husband before I do this, to ensure he doesn't have a mild freak out looking at our bank statement.

So even though nothing really blew me away at first glance this year, there are definitely some things that need further examination.  So check out what's catching my attention and head over to Nordstrom.com to check out the goodies for yourself.


Anna Sui Baroque Lilies Wool Blend Dress
I think this dress is precious and can easily make the transition to officewear with tights, a cardigan and a belt.  Fun and flirty, yet structured enough for me.  Cute, cute.



Bellatrix Rosette Trim Silk Top
I really really like this top and think it will be perfect for the office with a pencil skirt or great for date night with jeans.  It pulls pink in the picture, but is actually cream.  This one will probably be a keeper.


LA Made "Kalvin" Kimono Sleeve Knit Tunic
Ok, I know this looks a little plain, but with my recent attempt to reign in my spending, I've been purchasing versatile pieces and then using accessories to really jazz up my look.  The reason I love this sweater so much is that it is perfect for "fall/winter" in Texas.  We don't really have either of these seasons here, but at times, I feel ridiculous wearing a short sleeved top in middle of November.  I mean, that's not fall?!  I want to swear rich fall knits and and cozy coats.  But with this sweater's lightweight and short sleeved take, it might be the perfect answer for Texas fall.


Charles by Charles David "Pompadour" Pump
The perfect black pump, which I can never have enough of.  I currently have four pairs of black round toe heels in rotation, and I would love to have another.  Because I spend all days traipsing around campus, from my job, to class, to meetings, to teach, I probably walk two miles or so a day in my heels.  Therefore, I have to change them up for the comfort and sanity of my feet, but also for the sanity of my shoes.  I think this little guy will fit in nicely with the others.



  Kate Spade "Say Yes" Message Necklace
I have had my eye on this necklace for about a month; I love it!  It's totally dainty, yet the message is anything but.  Love love love this.

So those are the main things I'm excited to see in my mailbox, although while I'm ordering stuff, I might as well throw in a couple more things.  Why order twice right?   So if you've got some money to spend (or even if you don't) check out the sale and see what treasures await you!