Nordstrom Memorial Day Sale

We hope that you’re enjoying Memorial Day weekend if you’re in the US, and that it’s good weather in your neck of the woods. Summer is definitely on the way in Seattle, which makes me happy. If you feel like browsing the Nordstrom sale, here are some items that caught my eye. I’ve seen some of the items in person. Browse the colour options, and read the reviews. I’m very surprised at how fast things have been moving in the sales.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Nordstrom
Vionic Robyn Flat
View Info
Top Pick
4

Outfit Formula: Pulled Together Denim Shorts

If you enjoy wearing shorts you probably have a denim pair, in which case I hope that you find these looks inspiring. I liked them because they’re fairly easy to pull together, but a little more interesting than the basic shorts-tee-flip-flops combination. Choose any wash and colour of denim, and sport a shorts length that is to your taste.

1. Shirted and Layered

Combine a pair of blue denim shorts with a white button-down shirt. Knot the shirt at the waist to create interest and structure. Layer a low-contrast long cardigan over the top, and scrunch the sleeves. Add earthy sandals and a straw bag. The cardigan can work well in the cooler morning/evening or in air conditioning as long as your legs don’t feel cold.

Ryllace Vigoss Cuffed Jean Shorts

2. Trendy and Heels

Combine a pair of white, trendy long Bermuda shorts with a white tee. Layer a black pullover over the top and semi-tuck or fully tuck the lot. Add black dressy heeled sandals or mules, and a bag that works with the outfit. Sub a black blazer for the pullover if that’s more your thing, and choose blue denim if you prefer that to white.

Denim x Alexander Wang Runway Scout Flip Shorts

3. Blousy and Flatformed

Combine a pair of distressed blue denim shorts with a dressier pop-over blouse in a solid or pattern to create an interesting juxtaposition. Finish off the look with trendy flatform sandals and a bag the works with the outfit. The white soles of the black sandals lighten the look of the sandals, creating a crisp and more Summery vibe.

Eloquii Distressed Denim Short

4. Classic and Preppy

An ultra easy one to end off with. Combine a pair of non-blue denim shorts with a striped tee, blue denim jacket, and fashion sneakers. White and black denim shorts work well too. Or sport blue denim shorts with a white denim jacket. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

M&S Collection Magic Shaping Denim High Waist Shorts

Link Love: Comfortable Quarantine Footwear

These days, many of us are wearing house shoes for a large part of the day, and comfortable footwear like sneakers when nipping out for a quick errand or a daily walk. The fashion sites are taking notice, and have been asking podiatrists for tips:

Fab Links from Our Members

Runcarla thought Aly Art’s video about 12 types of stylists was interesting given recent forum threads on style and the influence of Instagram.

Laura (rhubarbgirl) directs us to this interesting take on green fashion.

Cindysmith thought this article goes hand in hand with a topic that’s being discussed often on YLF these days: how retail is undergoing a sea change.

Christina F. wanted to share this article about how women are fretting about their appearance in the age of Zoom. Beauty double standards are tenacious even during a pandemic…

Why Minimalist Fashion Has a Privilege Problem.” Vildy says: “I became interested in this after reading a recent lengthy discussion thread about it on reddit/female fashion advice. Minimalist fashion can be seen as lazy and sloppy on fat people. Also, minimalist style is often associated with fashionably ‘healthy’ lifestyles, which many presume don’t include fat people. In the reddit discussion many short muscular women also complained that minimalist style on them can look sloppy and dragged down. As a short but not delicately petite person, I can relate to that.”

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Read More

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Read More

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More

Checking In: My Style Goals

2020 has taken and unexpected and unprecedented turn for most of us. My word. WHAT A YEAR. The world has changed and we’re adapting to new normals. I try to remember that each day brings us the power to be positive and hopeful amidst the stress, anxiety, loss, and uncertainty we’ve experienced over the last three months. Onward and upwards, always.

Earlier this week I talked about how my style might change after this period of isolation and social distancing. Today I’m going to drill deeper by reflecting back on the style goals I set in January. I’m tweaking some of my goals, deleting others, and adding a new one.

On to my goals. I set fourteen in January, and I’ve managed to reach some of them.

1. Have even MORE fun with fashion because I’m celebrating the fifth decade of my life. My priorities have shifted, and my celebratory milestone birthday trips have been postponed. That said, I’m having fun by continuing to dress up daily to stay at home, and have recently placed some fab online orders because of fabulous retailer discounts. THAT has been fun, and I hope to ramp things up.

2. Be more adventurous. Actually, I’m less adventurous and not in the mood to experiment with new-to-me silhouettes other than trendy bottoms and toppers. I am especially not in the mood to be adventurous with footwear and tops. Instead, I’m drawn to tried-and-tested items, patterns and colours for my style, and pieces that are well within my comfort zone. Unprecedented times call for extra comfort in every sense.

3. Be true to my style aspirations with outfits that are Modern, Crisp, Retro, Soft and Dressy. Check! I dress up while staying at home, and to walk our Yorkie Sam!

4. Prioritize quality. Check. My commitment to wearing beautifully constructed and finished items made of gorgeous fabrics that launder well, and LAST, is going well. I continue to have zero interest in renting my wardrobe.

5. Express my style through colour and my favourite patterns. Check. My style is more colourful, maximal, and pattern-rich than ever because it positively affects my mood. For patterns, I’m sticking to the classics like stripes, dots, plaids, and some florals because I don’t tire of them. For colours, I’m sticking with sour brights, whites, dark blue, light blue, gold, and blush. Double Check.

6. Continue adding elegant-to-me touches to my style. Check. While sheltering at home, I do my hair and make-up each day, apply a scent, sport pretty clothes, and wear my pearls, all of which go a long way to making me feel elegant. I’m also wearing midi skirts, pants, jeans, tops and dresses that move in a way that look elegant to my eye. Nothing too short, tight or oversized. Lots of tailored fluidity, swoosh, and romantic flounce. I miss my pointy-toe ballet flats, and hope to wear them soon.

7. Sport my signature style, despite the trends. Check. That means edgy short blonde hair, equal parts classic and trendy, an emphasis on the “soft and pretty”, statement eyewear and handbag, natural make-up, white pearls, white footwear, white jeans, structured outfits, lots of colour, classic patterns, hectic colour combinations, light neutrals, dark blue, flat footwear, fashion sneakers, and no nail polish. Double Check, after I’ve had a haircut!

8. Have a new pearl and gold wedding ring custom-made. Check. Unfortunately I haven’t worn my new ring much because I’m leaving off rings during the pandemic. I’ll have fun wearing it next year.

9. Refresh wardrobe basics like bras, knickers and camisoles. Check. Did that back in January and February, and am more than sorted.

10. Refresh my white jeans capsule with wider silhouettes. Check. Bought a fabulous new pair of white Everlane jeans in February.

11. Embellish my Summer pants capsule. Check. I’ve added trendy high-waisted paper bag chinos and micro checks.

12. Add a new navy, turquoise or light blue wool coat. Not yet, but something might turn up before the end of the year.

13. Embellish my beach & pool capsule for our Summer holiday in Greece. Not really. I bought a pair of long denim shorts and canvas tote for my beach capsule in February, and that’s it. We cancelled our trip to Greece so this is no longer a goal. These items will be put to good use next year.

14. Maybe get a new pair of specs if I see another fabulous pair. Not yet, if at all.

I’m adding another goal:

15. To support the retailers who helped our heroic healthcare workers on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, this has given new meaning to ethical fashion. These retailers had to deal with the enormous stresses of keeping their own businesses afloat, but they found the heart and energy to go into “wartime production” and support the healthcare effort. I’m fully aware that this isn’t entirely selfless on their part — it is no doubt a calculated part of their marketing strategy — but I still appreciate the impact that they are having. It pulls at my heart strings and they have my loyalty.

I’ve almost finished my little refresher shop for Spring and Summer, which is right on track because I prefer to shop early in the season. All that’s left to do is wear the heck out of my stuff and repeat my favourite outfits. I’ll think about Fall fashion if and when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale comes around.

Over to you. How have the changes affected your style goals?

Team Shorts or Team Skirt

Today’s poll pits two hot-weather options against each other. You are on team shorts if you prefer wearing a pair of shorts to a skirt, and vice versa. Note that any silhouette, length, colour, pattern and fabric of either item counts. 

I have one pair of longish denim shorts that I bought for my beach and pool capsule, and that’s it. I do not feel fab in shorter shorts, and avoid them completely. I also don’t wear shorts for working out. I like wearing dressy knee-covering shorts, like my very old pair of black silk harem pants, but those are harder to find. Knee-covering long shorts are a fringe trend, so perhaps I’ll find another fun pair this Summer.

I stick to breezy A-line or flowing midi skirts instead of shorts. I prefer dresses, but since we’re choosing between separates, I bat for Team Skirts. The collection below shows my current shorts and skirt capsules.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Shorts or Team Skirt? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you have to sit this one out because you can’t pick a side, I’m serving cauliflower mac ‘n cheese, a green salad and flourless apple cake in take-out boxes at the bench so that you can eat your meal safely at home and maintain social distance.