Category Archives: Shopping

It Only Happens Twice a Year


That’s right, Nordstrom is having there semi-annual sale, we have talked about this phenomenon before, but time has gone by so quickly I didn’t realize we were back to sale time.  So, really it turns out that my night-time iPhone searches has paid off for both of us. 

Last time I pointed out all of the things I wanted, which looking back may have been selfish… Although, it did made sense because it’s my blog, and I don’t really know what you, as a reader, need at Nordstrom.  This time I will point out the best bets, deals, and a few favorites.  Besides, it’s almost the holidays you can treat yourself early!

Let’s venture into the shoe department: of all of the premium department stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus) I consistently think that Nordstrom has the best shoe department.  (No, they don’t have shoes with red soles, but honestly not many people can afford shoes with red soles.)

The Hunter boots are a great investment and one you’ll appreciate in fall and spring, and something I typically cannot justify paying retail for.  The Puma sneakers I own, and they’re great – seriously, easy wear.  The Via Spiga Boots are so classic that if you can keep them in good shape you can wear them forever, and the Stuart Weitzman style are a good deal on a hot boot, so that’s always hard to turn down.  The Pelle Moda and Charles David are good steals and good pair to pick up because you never know when you’ll need a statement shoe and it’s good to have options on hand.
Now that your feet are fashionably dressed, here are some shopping tips from me to you, with love: 
  • Make an investment in color:
It’s called the Jackie, I featured it for the Madonna: Dress Like an Icon post, and it is awesome.  The satin sheath is going to be a shape that will always be in style; D&G has an impeccable fit for dresses that fall into the category of look at me and the color is gorgeous.  Please, do it for both of us.

  • Save on trends:
This tyle skirt has been on every Kardashian in the country, and it makes sense: it is designed to highlight curves whether they exist or not.  This is not a classic skirt and you will not always love it, and unless your job is to be a Kardashian impersonator you cannot wear it to work.  You will not pay retail for the Sculptors Draped Skirt by Elizabeth & James.
  • Convince yourself to own something sequined; if sequins aren’t too much for the First Lady of the United States it is not too much for you. 
  • Do not pay retail for an evening clutch, if it’s not out of this world the price tag shouldn’t be either. 
  • Do not EVER pay retail for costume jewelry, it’s silly and there is no reason to put an investment is something that even you won’t appreciate in a few years.
  • Do not hesitate.  If you have been eyeing that tweeded Milly Jacket and couldn’t justify before and you still long for it, now is the time; if you think you’d like to finally try out skinny jeans I beg of you, please go for it.  Sales are great to try a trend, a new color or shape, stay true to your personal style and save.
I would love to know what will you try out – on sale?

P.s.Did you know that the Nordstrom Rack is also online?  Score one for savvy shoppers!

I Just Want to Wear Sweatpants


Less than a week ago the temperature was teetering around 75 degrees, I knew, it couldn’t last forever. But this morning as I woke up Mark said to me, “you know its 30 degrees this morning,” and that was enough to consider Caribbean real estate, or at least an extra sweater.

I have lived in DC for seven years, it is hard to believe time goes by so quickly, and every Fall transition it shocks me how cold it suddenly gets.  I go through the same cycle every year; look for boots, look for Uggs (which I have never purchased), look for a hat (and then resign that I don’t really wear hats, although I love them).

This morning when I got dressed all I wanted was to wear my comfortable chunky sweaters and extra soft lounge pants to work, but clearly that wouldn’t do – here are some finds for taking cold weather comfort beyond the couch.


Keep an eye out for ponte legging and pants; these are the extra thick, double knit pants (sometimes referred to as scuba knit) that not only hold you in, but they also keep you warm, and look more refined than a traditional knit stretch legging.

A sweater dress is a seasonal must have.  The tunic cut, and heavier knits are beyond forgiving for an extra slice of pie, and the accessorizing options are endless: scarves, jewelry, belts, all change the look of a basic sweater dress in an instant.

Pick up a soft, knit blazer.  It’s warmer than a regular blazer and will serve double duty for weekend wear.

Looking for new boots?  Try out some of the shoe brands that specialize in comfort footwear, Aerosoles, Merrell, Uggs, and many more.  They have finally wised up and put out shoes that are almost as chic as they are comfortable.

It takes a bit more thought to get dressed in the fall and winter and still look pulled together and feel comfortable, but you have to admit your office isn’t going to let you wear a Snuggie anytime soon!

Happy Fashionable Fall!

Couples in Costume


Halloween is just four days away!  Oh you didn’t get a costume yet?  Maybe you forgot that Halloween is always on October 31, maybe you got busy, maybe you just couldn’t decide what you wanted to be this year.

It is too late to order something online, and all that is left in the stores is a witch’s hat and a sexy nurse’s outfit – boring!  If you and your love are dressing up this year for Halloween here are five easy to execute on a budget ideas.  The couple that dresses together stays together!
All of these costume ideas are built off of items that you probably already own, and every piece is less than $30.00, and able to be worn again – score!

Since it is “Wedding Wednesday” we had to start with a Vegas Bride and Groom.  This costume just screams wedded bliss on the fly, and this time what happens in Vegas comes home with you.
 What couple is more recognizable than Brad and Angelina?  You and your beau can pull from your own wardrobe, lots of gray and black, but these accessories put it own the top.  If you’re baby-free don’t forget the Brangelina babydoll.
Maybe you and your beau are complete opposites, but together you’re the perfect match.  Just like Danny and Sandy.  Layer on the black, add some Grease, and get dancing!

Are you ready to go back in time?  All the way back to Bedrock?  This costume is a bit more DIY; take the togas you made in college and grab your Sharpie marker to make up the perfect Fred and Wilma.

Or, go for glamour as the ultimate glamour girl with her ultimate boy toy: Barbie and Ken.  Load on the color and the 80’s makeup to become the Queen and King of Pink.

Happy Halloween!

Inspiration via France


A few weeks ago The Sartorialist featured what he called the “Shoe of the Season”; the Valentino Studded Kitten Heel.  He wasn’t kidding.  

Photo via The Sartorialist
They are ladylike with an edge.  The studded detail elevates the feminine kitten heel and pointed toe without going over board.  I love the idea of wearing them with trousers for day, and then when the day turns to night, it’s surprise.

Not surprisingly this pair is a little out of reach, but there is a lot of more affordable options that is inspired by the Valentinos.  If you set out in search of a similar style you’ll want to focus in on the more feminine shaped shoes with a slim heel and delicate straps.  The look is more lady with an edge, than biker chick or rock and roll roadie.


Happy Shopping, make this fall fabulous!

Valentine’s Day in October


I love flowers; the way they brighten up a room, they way they smell, what they symbolize.  But, flowers die.  Ouch, so that was a rough point.  But just because they do doesn’t mean we can’t find inspiration in flowers everyday.

Today’s fashion proves that roses are red, and black, and beige.

There are high fashion options from Valentino and Milly what is not to love about this?

Valentino “Petale-Mini” Leather Tote via Nordstrom
Rose Toe Platform Suede Pump via Bergdorf Goodman
Milly Rose Skirt Dress via Bergdorf Goodman
Okay, head in the clouds and empty wallets, where else can we find rose inspiration?

English Rose Robe via Anthropologie
Torn by Ronny Kobo Lila Rose Print Dress via National Jean Company
daniblack Jasmin Rose Sandal via Endless
How about taking the roses home?

Diptyque Roses Candle via Saks Fifth Avenue
Flowering Twig Pencil via Anthropologie
Deconstructed Rose Pillow via West Elm
Come on you didn’t think we wouldn’t have a rose inspired baking tool? 
Nordick Rose Bundt Pan via Cooking.com
 Or go for the original, the real thing:
Sharing the Love Rose Bouquet via FTD

Wishing you a house full of roses, whether you get them as a gift, or buy them for yourself.  They are a happy, and delightful treat for anyday, Valentine’s or otherwise!

Finding the Wild Side


I am having a bit of an animal moment.  I don’t know where it came from, but lately I am gravitating towards animal prints of every variety; leopard, cheetah, tiger, zebra.  Wild animals on footwear and accessories are often on the prowl in South Florida, but spotting animal print in DC is like hunting endangered animals – as in the occurrence is rare.  There is a fine line between eye catching and over the top, let’s see what we can find…

Ralph Lauren Leopard Hair-Calf Peep Toe Pump
Jeffrey Campbell Kammie Ballet Flat
Vince Camuto Rues2
I love the idea of the leopard shoes.  You know I’m all about the classic aesthetic, and I think these all would work great as a surprise accessory with a slim, straight leg jean in a dark wash, or a black shift dress.  They add a kicky pop to any outfit that’s a little playful, a lot of fun, and still classically cool.  
I’m still hunting for animal inspired home pieces too, so look out for that in a future post!

Still Dressing on Dress Down Friday


Getting dressed for work is often a challenge that can be mediated with the answers to the following questions; what do you do?  where do you work? how does the more senior management dress?  Those answers should usually be a guide at 7am when you stumble through to find the right outfit.  Then it’s Friday.  And in most office around the country Friday is “casual” or “dress down”.  And that’s when the can of worms opened up…

Dress down Friday really isn’t about “comfortable Friday”, or pajama Friday, workout Friday, running to the grocery store Friday.  If anything I think of Friday’s as an opportunity to be a bit more creative with what I am wearing, have a little bit more pizazz, and yes, wear denim.

Today’s Dress Down Friday is looking like this:


The black blazer is a constant go to for me; it elevates what would otherwise be jeans and a tank top, and it adds more structure and sophistication than a cardigan or sweater.  The boots I just got, and while it’s not that cold today I couldn’t resist the urge to wear new clothes as soon as I got them.  I like this outfit because I would be comfortable wearing it from work to dinner, happy hour, or to run errands and it is very much me.

How do you work it on a Friday?

The Look for Less: Leather & Lace


At London Fashion Week, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Burberry Prorsum show in pieces from the Resort 2011 collection.  I loved her look, a ladylike take on leather and lace. 

Sarah Jessica Parker paired these two items:

Burberry Prorsum Leather Jacket via My Theresa
Burberry Prorsum Lace Dress via Saks Fifth Avenue

For this look:

Sarah Jessica Parker at London Fashion Week via Huffington Post

The jacket and dress are both available for purchase online.  What I love about this look is that it is completely accessible and wearable for any shape figure, and in any color.  The lace skirt (in Parker’s case a dress) is a great piece to repurpose over and over again, and the classic leather jacket is a great day to night wardrobe essential. 

In this pairing the toughness of the jacket elevates the lace skirt and together the look is neither too hard or too soft, but a playful mix that it great to wear as we transition between the seasons.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and often for much, much less!
Kate Spade, Chinese Laundry, Anne Klein, House of Holland

ShopStyle

A Pop of Color From Home


A favorite place to visit growing up was Lincoln Road on South Beach.  My Great Aunt had an art studio there, so my mom and sister and I would often go down to visit on school days off to be “ladies who lunch.”  We’d pop into stores and galleries and treat ourselves to a great day while people watching.  A favorite gallery of mine was always Romero Britto’s.  The Brazilian artist’s trademark is the bold colors, pop designs, and joyful characters in his art.

Growing up in South Florida, and as avid Heat fans, we had this poster:
Miami Heat Commemorative Poster by Romero Britto
If you are a fan of Bethenny Getting Married on Bravo you’ll recognize the gift Bethenny gave to her husband Jason: 
Follow Me by Romero Britto at Greg Lane Arts
I have always enjoyed the art for the wall, the signature Absolut bottles that Britto designed, and even a series of watches a few years ago.  And then I saw this:
New Day Luggage Collection by Romero Britto

Who else is ready to jet set, now?  I know this is completely over the top, but that is the Florida in me.  I love the color, I love the hearts (I love hearts), and I love joyful, happy attitude.  Besides what else do you need when traveling besides some clothes and a happy heart?

Life Lessons in Shopping


Rarely does shopping provide too much in the way of “Life Lessons.”  

Sure there are a few: if you see a splurge but must-have item walk away, and if you’re still thinking about it in 2 days go for it, or if you find the best fitting pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra buy multiple pairs because there is nothing better than a great pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra.   

But now I’ll share a life lesson that was reinforced by shopping.  Almost a month ago I bought a beautiful pair of boots.  They were designer, and gorgeous and would probably last forever, however they were very expensive.  
Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea via Zappos Couture
I couldn’t stomach the idea of wearing them and scratching them up, and I knew they weren’t for keeps when I found myself looking at other boots online the very next day.  

In the online search the next day I found another pair that was definitely within my price range and seemed to hit all the right notes of what I was looking for.  But, I waited.  I had lots of excuses.  I was going to India in a few days, and I hadn’t tried them on yet, and I wasn’t completely sure how they would fit, so I told myself when we get back from India I’ll go to the store and just buy them.  How clever, then I would also save on shipping!

When I got back from India they were sold out.

Poor little blogger girl lost her boots?  Not quite.  There are many, many boots out there, but the larger lesson learned and reinforced by my life that exists outside of my favorite online stores and this blog is that life doesn’t wait, and that the unexpected does happen.  And we must always be ready to go and take it head on and win – yes, I’m that competitive. 

Wishing you a weekend full of adventure, wherever you may find it.