Happy Anniversary!

I was so thrilled to head over to Nordstrom to check out the anniversary sale and scope out some possible bargains...but this may just be my Nordstrom, in Chicago, but I was actually kind of underwhelmed. I will admit that I didn't have a lot of time, so I didn't really get to go into the clothes, but from what I saw as far as accessories are concerned, there wasn't really much that got me going. I suppose I didn't really go in with a mindset to buy something, but I did just deposit a paycheck and would have splurged had the right bargain come along.

There was one thing that caught my eye, and it usually is this type of thing that does during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It's a punchy, pink, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch that I tried on in-store. It's only $82.90, reduced from $125...and I love it. I've been looking at watches lately, because I've been wanting to up the ante as far as staple pieces are concerned (like wallets, watches, and other things you use every day) and I figured a really cute designer watch would be a great way to do it. Unfortunately I didn't make the jump today, but I wasn't really in a spending mood. Maybe next time?


Also, just a side note: I've never really been into fancy brand-name brushes, because I think they're a waste of money, but I tried out the MAC 131 brush, and all I have to say is...love. It's super-soft and light and perfectly shaped and I can just feel that it would be amazing to apply foundation. The lady in-store said the brush was $32, but she might have forgotten because on the site it's listed as $40. Ah well...

Entrenched

The Mod Trench


Off to the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, naturally. Dinner will follow, at the cute little restaurant atop the museum.

The Classic Trench


Off to go meet the girls for a quick lunch. Then, a meeting with the boss.

The Girlie Not-A-Trench


Out on a shopping trip to find the perfect pair of sunglasses.

Stripped Black

I fell in love with this Thakoon Crepe Shibari dress from the moment I saw it. Alas, it is on "sale" for $837.20.


So if you'd like, you can head on over to Nordstrom and pick up this top for $78 and pair it with a plain black skirt.


Or, if you're like me, you can dream about DIY-ing it using some black ribbon. I'll let you guys know how that goes.

Also, update: I took the tag off both my bag and my sunglasses. And I love them.

Splurge vs. Steal: Black and White

So, while browsing Nordstrom's post-anniversary-sale-sale-offerings, I came upon this wondrous piece of bandaged greyscale goodness:


But alas, even on sale it's $116.90. Definitely not budget-friendly. Thank goodness there's this alternative at Urban Outfitters!


Though the Urban dress is decidedly less formal, I love it to pieces. It's $48, and I'm kind of considering buying it...except for the simple little fact that I don't exactly have an occasion for it and I have a plethora of other dresses that I should probably wear before purchasing a new one. But isn't the print lovely! I'm even considering getting it in a -gasp- colour!


I know, I know, potentially picking the coloured one over the plain one is pretty life-changing. But it's just a possibility! I happen to like the colour combination in this particular dress.

Charming Little Tidbits

My current mission, fashion-wise, is to do a complete closet re-evaluation/revamping before school starts. It's a little far-fetched, since I have about a week, but I've adopted a main style mandate that will help to shape my future, school-ready wardrobe.

Though it seems simple and obvious, my wardrobe will be composed of several basic items, which I love (like a good black cardigan, a few pairs of dark skinny jeans, a white wifebeater, etc.), and then be peppered with interesting items. Recently, the "interesting items" have been taking over my closet, which unfortunately means that I've often felt myself at a loss for things to wear. Things that I buy as a spur-of-the-moment sort of thing never really turn out to be good long-term investments, and they end up in the back of my closet. So for every single piece I buy from now on, a full thought process will be put into whether or not it should be purchased. Let's hope I stick to it!

Another idea that I'm hoping to circulate more throughout my wardrobe is fun accessories. When I was younger, I was very involved in arts and crafts, especially jewelry making. As a result, I was often seen sporting unbelievably flamboyant earrings in all sorts of interesting colours. But in the last year or so, I've completely turned around my jewelry/accessories vibe, wearing only very plain and basic jewelry. So, in my effort to invest only in pieces that will spice up basics and that I love and adore (and will wear for more than a few months), I'm going to try and revamp my jewelry/accessories wardrobe with some cute pieces that add a bit of spice to my outfits.

I found three items that fit the agenda at Nordstrom's accessory sale...one of which I am currently pining for, and two of which are from an unexpectedly enjoyable brand.

First, there's a very "now" Marc by Marc Jacobs resin ring with a lock detail. I like this ring, first of all because it's Marc by Marc Jacobs, and second of all because it's only $33.90 for a piece of Marc Jacobs. However, because I'm a petite person the rings I wear are usually much more delicate, so I think I'll be giving this one a pass.


Second, there's a pair of adorable little violet earrings from Juicy Couture. In case you haven't guessed, Juicy Couture is the "unexpected brand" I was talking about earlier, just because it's known for unflattering tracksuits and other velour things proclaiming "Juicy." But these earrings are darling, and pretty reasonable at $27.90.


Finally, my one great love and something I am hankering to own...this Juicy Couture camera charm. I love the kelly green colour, and I think the detailing on this charm is adorable. I almost want to buy two and make them into earrings, but I think I'll have to settle for one, to wear as a necklace, because the charm itself costs $33.90. Note to Juicy Couture: You guys make necklaces and bracelets for your charms, why not make rings for them too?


Another place I'm looking to find cheap accessories to amp up my wardrobe is a thrift store. In Chicago, the pickings aren't that slim, but I have to say that the usual romance associated with thrift stores isn't always present here in Chicago. However, after reading fellow blogger Thrift Eye's accounts of secondhand shopping, I'm definitely going to check out Chicago's Buffalo Exchange, a shop she mentions frequently as stocking some interesting finds for less.

A Junior Out to Lunch

Usually when people think of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, they think of fabulously expensive designer pieces that have been brought down to a mortal price range. When I think of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I think of relatively reasonable sale pieces going down to ridiculously small sale prices.

An example of one of those pieces would be this cute little black top, found in the B.P. Juniors section. I'll post on some other good finds from the Juniors section (and how they don't have to be worn by juniors) later, but for now, these next few pieces are going to be mainly for younger people. I love the ruffle detail at the bottom, and how the top plays with texture rather than colour.


This top is only $31.90, so I challenged myself to make a cute, casual, out-to-lunch outfit where each additional piece did not exceed the price of the top. Here are the results:

Outfit pieces: jeans ($25.90), bracelet ($12.95), earrings ($7.50), purse ($5.49), shoes ($6.24).

It's probably really hard to see everything, and I apologize for that, but I don't know how I can post larger images on Blogger. Can anyone help? Anyway, concerning the outfit, I tried to steer myself away from the Nordstrom sale and move into some other cheaply chic shops. The jeans are from the Nordstrom sale, but all other accessories reflect other teenage-y stores that have great bargains. I personally am in love with the leather bracelet and the bow moccasin-flat mix, because they're cute, but they also lend a very earthy-girly vibe to the outfit.

My Big Fat Indian Wedding...Bradshaw Style

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I had the fortune of attending an Indian wedding, held at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. For those of you non-Chicagoans, the venue was a very large room at the end of a pretty touristy pier. The entire event was beautiful and vibrant, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. One thing that really stood out to me during the wedding was the colour scheme. Perhaps I haven't been to enough Indian weddings (which is entirely likely, as this was my second), but the fact that the wedding centered on three colours which seem like they would clash entirely really astounded me. The three colours were a bright fuschia pink, bright yellow, and red. Though the wedding was mainly the pink and yellow shades, it managed to not be tacky and instead look very cheery and playful, like a true celebration. Everything, down to the rose petals sprinkled onto the tables for people to stand around by and sip cocktails, was in these three colours.

So, while I was shopping around the Saks dress section ("Dresses" is always my first click whenever I'm shopping anywhere, even if I know I really should be getting more practical things) I came upon this beauty, by Laundry by Design for $133.90.


Ordinarily, I would have completely bypassed this frock, deeming it "too loud" and "totally unwearable." But after having been a guest at the wedding held the previous Saturday, this dress seems like total genius to me. On the one hand, the bright colours ensure that you won't look like anyone else around you, and on the other hand, everything still manages to coordinate. This, to me, is an example of how fashion isn't just ditzy girls staring at magazines of beautiful people in beautiful clothes. Me considering this dress is me taking experiences from my life and injecting them into my own personal expression through clothes. Take that, fashion cynics!

After looking at this lovely dress, I was given a sudden burst of bright and colourful energy. I say "sudden" because now that I'm typing up the description for this outfit, it has sunk into my head that I would never wear such a thing, but this blog isn't just for wearability...it's also for having fun. I decided to build an outfit based on this dress, inspired by the colour scheme of that wedding. I haven't overstepped my boundaries though, and I chose not to include the red shade in this outfit because I really don't like the idea of a pink dress and red shoes. Anyway, here's the finished product:


All items are available at Nordstrom: dress - $189.90, shoes - $169.90, coat - $75.90. I'm still unhappy with the shoes, but I wasn't able to find anything better. This outfit was partially inspired by Carrie Bradshaw, just because she's a figure who would have the attitude to pull this sort of thing off. What I tried to do with this outfit was to let the colours speak, rather than anything details or texture-wise. The dress on its own is like a fresh and modern Audrey Hepburn, and the coat is a great, classic way to add some punch to your wardrobe. The coat was actually a pretty good find; it's a Michael Kors trench, which should last you a while, and it's only $75.90.

I warned you guys about the Nordstrom-themed posts for a while...

Are You Watching?

Sorry that I haven't been posting lately, I've been incredibly busy. We had to attend an Indian wedding (which was so much fun!), and I've had some work to do around the house, which doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging, sadly.

So, if you're a hardcore shopper like myself, then you've undoubtedly heard about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was completely wowed! There are SO many things to buy, I don't know if my card can take it! So, in case you were wondering...you should definitely be expecting a lot of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale blog posts in these next few days.

I wanted to start off the celebration with an item that isn't really associated with the Nordstrom Sale. It's not that there are specific items that are related to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but there are specific beauty launches and things that people look for specifically. So, to change things up a bit, I decided to base this first post on an item that is a great staple in every person's wardrobe: a watch. Oftentimes, I base my own wardrobe on classic pieces, and I really try to keep my budget low. But when I want to have a few "designer" pieces, I have to think of items that I'll really love and wear a lot...or else, to me, it really isn't worth it. What most people think of are bags and shoes, since those can go with many different outfits. The only thing that bugs me about getting a designer pair of shoes or a new bag is that I'm always conflicted. On one hand, you want to get a really classic pair of shoes or a classic bag that'll last and last. On the other hand, you want to get a really standout pair of shoes or a standout bag that will really show off its designer quality. I know I always have that conflict when I'm trying to sprinkle a little bit of designer quality into my wardrobe. I've found that a great way to treat yourself to a little bit of branding is getting a really classic watch. Which, surprisingly, I've found a fair bit of at the Nordstrom sale. There are a lot more to choose from, but these four are my favourites out of the entire selection.

This first watch, from Michael Kors is just a really classic, simple, silver watch. If you want something that will last, this is definitely up your alley. It's the cheapest of the four watches, at $106.90, and you really don't have to worry about it coordinating with almost any outfit.


This next watch from Emporio Armani is like the leather equivalent to the silver watch above. This watch reminds me of Levenger catalogs, antique globes, and other scholarly, classy office accessories. Something about the Armani name and the luxe brown leather strap makes this watch really classic, and gives off a very "serious" vibe. Like the Michael Kors watch, this is also a great piece that will go with almost any outfit. It's on sale for $129.90.


I'm sure many of you will dislike this watch immensely but for some reason...I kind of like it! My wrists are sort of small and skinny, so having a more delicate watch like this one is really nice and flattering. Even for people that don't have really small wrists, the great thing about this watch is that it can even be worn with evening dresses, because of its delicate nature. Yes, there's a really obvious logo on it. But personally, I think that the styling of the watch and the logo almost makes it seem a little bit vintage, which you all know I love. It's on sale for $129.90.


This final watch, which is the most expensive out of the four at $133.90, is from a brand we all know and love. It may not be one of the super-retro watches that Marc by Marc Jacobs usually stocks, but it's still got some interesting detailing and that lovely little logo on the watch face. If you've been hankering to get yourself a little piece of Marc, this is a perfect way to do it.

Blair Bands? Go Ask Alice.

Though this is kind of the "calm before the storm" in terms of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (so excited!), I was browsing the Handbags and Accessories section of Nordstrom's normal sale section and I found these two headbands I wanted to feature. Neither of them is very typical, but they're great for adding some extra spice to an outfit if you're daring enough.

The first one is inspired by a lovely girl whose style has been featured much more than I thought it would on this blog. Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl is notorious for her headbands, and I found this one from Tasha that's on sale for $44.90. The rich satin and the large rosette just screams "society princess."


Speaking of society princesses, do you remember Princess Beatrice's famous Alexander McQueen...thing...that she wore to the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly? I don't know whether it's a bonnet or a headpiece but it sure was memorable. I was really not a fan myself, but that's just because my personal style isn't particularly ostentatious. I suppose it's slightly unfair to criticize her, though, because it's hard to tell what you can do to be stylish if you're bound by fashion restrictions of royalty. Personally, if I had to go for a prim and proper look I'd steal my cape outfit in my previous blog post and add the "Blair Waldorf" headband from above for some extra pizzazz. But again, if the only way to think out of the box style-wise is incorporating a crazy headdress, then by all means Princess B, go for it.


Getting back to our mortal world where we rock items from Nordstrom instead of from Alexander McQueen...sigh...right next to the "Blair band" was another headband that instantaneously put a picture of Princess Beatrice in my head. You can think of this as the "tamer" version of her headpiece, which one might actually to be able to wear outside! Well, the more daring out of us. Someone might exclaim that a butterfly just landed on your head, but if that's your thing then I would definitely suggest this headband, also from Tasha, for only $27.90.

Fresh Scallops

No, no...I don't mean the seafood. Though I don't mind a nice seared scallop...mmm. Anyway, while I was perusing the Saks sale in search of pastel frocks for you guys (the post is right before this), I found this lovely white shift dress from Walter, on sale for $178.80. The scalloped detail is so fresh and light, and the white is perfect for summer. What I like about this dress is that it works for summer, but it could also be paired with a nice cardigan for cooler weather, or even black tights and a jacket for winter (very Zooey Deschanel).


If I had to pick a pair of summer sandals to wear this with, I'd probably go matchy matchy and pick a pair of white or cream sandals. Really, almost anything in a neutral colour (though I'm not so hot about the idea of black shoes and a white dress) would work, even a fierce pair of gladiators. Here are some choices from the clearance circuit that would complement this lovely dress perfectly.

For those of you that want a simple, basic summer sandal that you can use again and again I'd try this crossover flip-flop like variety from Steve Madden. It's on sale for $19.99, and it comes in silver, gold, and black. If I was coordinating this pair of shoes with the Walter dress, I'd go for the silver and gold, but if you need a pair of black sandals by all means try those.




For those of you that want something edgier to neutralize the super-girly scallops on the shift, I would try a more unique sandal, like one of these two pairs. I'd still stick with white, but the first pair of flip-flops, on sale for $25.90 from Chinese Laundry, are a great way to add a little tiny bit of punky studs to any ensemble. The second pair of shoes, on sale for $49.99 from Steve Madden, echo the gladiator/Grecian styles that have been popping up so much. The ankle detail is reminiscent of many avant-garde styles of footwear, yet the simple buckle detail and strappy structure keep this sandal wearable with many different outfits.

Be Like Blair

Though many may find it difficult to pick between the equally gorgeous styles of Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl, I personally find it much easier to take style tips from Blair, just because Serena's style often requires long, skinny legs like hers (which sadly, not all of us are blessed with). I am about 5'2", so pulling off some of those shift dresses isn't exactly easy. Though Blair's style is pretty extreme, I like getting inspiration from her outfits rather than attempting to pull off an entire one. So, while browsing the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale today, I came across a large number of pieces that I thought would be fit for Blair Waldorf herself (not counting the price tag, of course).

I'll start off with one of the more simple ones, a beige puff sleeve dress. This neutral colour would be flattering on many different skintones, and leaves the way for a fun pair of flats or heels, depending on the occasion. But the fitted silhouette, puffed sleeves, and bow detail are all Blair. The $68.90 sale price? Not so much.


This short-sleeved white shift dress could be styled in many different ways, and may not seem to scream "Blair!" at first, but I found a couple of accessories that might bring it more into Waldorf territory. It's on sale for $68.90.


For a Blair Waldorf-approved look, I would pair this dress with a pair of red bow pumps ($29.99 at Piperlime) and a red bow headband ($2.80 at Forever 21)


This red, structured dress with bows on the sleeves is so Blair Waldorf that the Nordstrom model is even styled in a Blair Waldorf sort of way. The high bun, the pink lipstick...though I imagine if it was Blair she'd have a bit more blusher on, just to push the whole "innocent doll" look. It's on sale for $165.90, which isn't too bad for a nice evening dress that makes you stand out from the crowd (high bun and bright lipstick not required).


Finally, this black ruffled trench coat (which is a steal at $26.90) is a great way to add some girlie to a basic, everyday piece. A trench like this can be used in the fall or the spring, because the ruffled soften what would be a harsh piece. Plus, we all know Blair loves her belts and this trench sports its own. Unfortunately, it's only available in Medium, but if that's your size I would grab this ASAP.

Silver Sales

Here's a cute little sale-inspired outfit for all of you silver-loving folks out there:

I found this jacket while scoping out the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. There are some pretty good finds out there, but a lot of things are only available in really obscure sizes. This pretty little silver jacket is only available in Small and Medium, and I think I would replace the buttons if I were to buy this jacket (maybe some vintage silver ones?), but I love the collar and the pleating detail. Plus this jacket is on sale for $58.90, so if you want it you'll have to grab it fast!


I would pair this with a pair of dark skinnies and a pair of grey pointed-toe flats, like this pair. They're on sale at Piperlime for $25.97 but they're only available in size 8. I love the button detailing on these flats.


I'm actually a big fan of this sale outfit idea, so look forward to many more of these in the future!