My Nordstrom Rack Picks

My Nordstrom Rack Picks

Happy Friday! I STILL can't believe that it's February. Can you?! My wardrobe is feeling distinctly wintery still...

Typically, when I run errands I also stop by stores to window shop for ideas for this blog and for my clients. I like to stay on top of what's out there, what's on sale, what's gone by. Sometimes, though, I end up shopping for myself. Recently, I went to Nordstrom Rack and did just that. Here are the things that I loved for myself-and I even got a few of them! 

The Rack has a lot of interesting scarves, and I loved the rust colored infinity scarf above. As you can see, I showed up in all black with a pop of color (below). I love neutrals with brights here and there.

One of the things I've noticed about Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth, and other discount versions of higher-end stores is that they're the place to get cashmere. Unlike Macy's or lower end stores, what you'll find will be 100% cashmere but without the astronomical price of the full price store. I loved this cashmere wrap.

I also liked this angora wool blend sweater for how swingy it was near the waist. I like to wear sweaters like this in the spring with tighter, cropped pants as the winter wanes. I particularly liked the color blocking in neutral on this one.

And above, I swapped the maxi skirt I came in for a pair of edgier, moto-inspired jeans. Those are the first thing I did actually purchase here.

Then this happened...

I think I was just looking at the cute pleating on these pants and didn't realize just how wide-legged they were?! So yeah, I didn't get those...

I also didn't get the NYDJ, waxed green jeans below, although I really liked them. Let me rephrase that, I really liked how they made my butt look! The fabric was thick and oddly supportive, but very flattering as a result. However, I just didn't see myself wearing the dark green into spring.

Lest you think all I ever wear is neutrals (sort of right), I also tried on a bunch of patterns, primarily with a dark background. The two kimonos were gorgeous, but I've already maxed out on light-weight kimonos so I skipped them. 

I did get this shirt, though, which I would wear with a skinnier bottom or tucked in to work. I wanted to show you the length here, which was a big selling point for me. I like a shirt that's versatile enough to wear to work and with skinny jeans. And I still love a dark floral for winter and spring.

Now this one is really a stretch for me! But I love it. I really do. I'm picturing wearing it with neutrals, jeans, or a navy blue and white striped midi skirt that I have to just play up the craziness of all that pattern!

Fall Weekend Style Ideas

Fall Weekend Style Ideas

Don't get upset! It's NOT FALL YET. Let's make that clear, but I do know that the fall stuff is coming to stores, and you might be looking around. Here is what I want to wear this fall on the weekends. Let's pick pumpkins, sip hot apple cider, and make winter vacation plans for somewhere warm and by the water, ok?

This Jcrew tshirt would look great with jeans, a puffy skirt that was overly feminine in a nice contrast with this shirt, or patterned harem pants like they did here.  

Or this Born to Boogie tee, maybe Vote for Love on Saturday and this on Sunday? I'd love this with a blazer and a tight skirt for a date night out with my husband. Put on some heels and make him turn his head.

 I have loved the look of multiple rings since I was a kid, and I still love this look.

A Perfect (Gluten Free) Weekend In and Around Carrboro, NC

A Perfect (Gluten Free) Weekend In and Around Carrboro, NC

Recently, I spent a few days in and around the Chapel Hill area. While I visited Raleigh and Durham, we stayed in Carrboro (at the newly gorgeous Hampton Inn!), and it was fantastic. If you go, and I recommend that you do, here's how to have an incredible time.

WEAR

As you buzz around town, wear flats to walk or ride your bike. Be sure to bring a lock since it's a busy area with lots of people coming and going. In the late spring, I wore layers (a tank under a t-shirt) because the warm days turned into chillier nights, and they blast the AC in restaurants like every good Southern town. Bring a large bag with you to carry all the treasures you'll find!

Let's Go Shopping!

Let's Go Shopping!

This past weekend, I went to Old Navy twice. The first time was for jeans for me (a black skinny pair and a skinny pair with distressed knees) because they are on sale for $19 (and I got $5 at the time for trying on a pair-not sure if that deal is still running). I like Old Navy for basics and for things I'm experimenting with but don't want to commit to spending more than a few bucks.

The second time, I went with a personal styling client who was interested in trying the "skinny jeans" look for the first time. I think Old Navy's styles and prices are a great way to do just that! The same thing with black skinny jeans, white jeans, or even just a different fit than you usually try. They had some great boyfriend cut jeans, for example, and Old Navy would be a nice way to experiment with them.

So let's imagine that you and I were shopping together. Here's what I'd encourage you to try on.

Jeans

Start with a dark wash and look for fit. Then, if you like the fit, try on a lighter wash, a black, or a white jean. Old Navy has plus size, petite, and tall, as well as many mid-rise jeans that really help a woman's lower belly appear as flat as possible. That's my pick.

Rockstar Mid-Rise

Plus Dark Wash Skinny Jean

T-Shirts and Tank Tops

Old Navy has some revealing tops and some horrible, stiff t-shirts that won't ever soften up no matter how many times you wash them. Avoid those! Instead, look for softer feeling t-shirts and tank tops that you can wear a bra with. For the next couple months, top one of these with a cardigan, moto jacket, leather or jean jacket, or (best!) a blazer.

I have a few guidelines when it comes to graphic t-shirts: I don't like ones that say Old Navy, and I don't prefer ones that are colors. I find the look more grown up and modern with a white, gray, or black background. Old Navy has a few (in a great range of sizes!) that fit the bill. I'd send you in to try these on with the jeans you're already wearing and a blazer on top.

Tank

Tee

J'Adore tee

LLL tee

I got the one above for myself, too! I'm imagining it with the jean jacket that my husband got me and white skinny jeans with low boots for now. I bought it a size larger than normal so that it balances out a shorter short when the summer hits.

Oh yeah, Old Navy? Not a sponsor.