Yesterday was the first day of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pre-selection. The sale actually starts on July 19, but if you are a Nordstrom cardholder you can make an appointment with a sales assistant to see the merchandise in store and make purchases before the 19th.

This year, for the first time, Nordstrom is allowing everyone to see the sale items online before the sale starts. 

A few quick tips:

1. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement, but beware of buying things you don’t need. Rather, make a few informed purchases.
2. Of course the focus will be on wonderful designer garments and statement pieces, but don’t forget underwear. This is a great time to get quality underwear at 40% off.
3. Don’t worry too much that items are out of stock. As the sale goes on many of them will re-appear as other people return them.

I will still do my traditional roundup of top picks with more information when the sale starts on the 19th, but as a preview here are the boot styles I saw yesterday that will make the list:

• Stuart Weitzman ‘Panache’ Boot

• Munro ‘Robyn’ Boot (also in burgundy)

• Donald J Pliner ‘Tillie’ Bootie

• Clarks ‘Rosepoint Dew’ Bootie

• Stuart Weitzman ‘Setaside’ Boot (also in leather and textile)

• Joe’s ‘Saki’ Boot

Enjoy!

Some of my Mom-on-the-Go clients were pushed out of their comfort zone for Summer when I suggested that they occasionally swap out their boyfriend jeans, denim cut-offs and shorts for a knitted tube pencil skirt. Some of them said, “you’ve got to be kidding, Angie!”, to which I replied, “I’m dead serious”. The outfit formula was a success, and offers a great alternative to denim bottoms. 

The trick is to find an extremely comfortable jersey knit pencil skirt, like Vince Camuto’s midi tube skirt, which is also available in plus. Dress it down further by pairing it with a relaxed and comfortable support act. And Bob’s your uncle.

Here are the components: 

• Casual Knitted Tube Skirt: Keep it soft and stretchy so that it’s easy to stride, and feels as comfy as pajamas. Choose the length that works for you. My clients have stuck to knee-length, or just above the knee. I’ve chosen a fashionable bold stripe, but any pattern or solid is fab. 
• Casual Top: De-bombshell the skirt by wearing it with a roomy drapey T-shirt like the navy one shown here. A T-shirt tank top is a no-brainer and so is a breezy sleeveless swing top. A pullover in a slubby linen knit is another option. Pattern mix the top and bottom if desired. 
• Casual Shoes: Lots of options! Converse sneakers, distressed laceless oxfords, slipper flats, ballet flats and boat shoes are casual closed shoe options. Ankle strap sandals, wedge sandals, espadrilles and thong sandals are breezier options. 
• Casual Bag: Wicker bag, slouchy hobo, Cambridge satchel, small crossbody or fun canvas tote get my top votes.

Finish off the outfit with jewellery, watch, eyewear, or a straw hat. I’ve chosen neutrals and pastels, but do change up the colour palette to suit your style preferences. It’s a great outfit for a hot Summer day, so no topper required. But a denim vest or jacket would be a great addition.

Furthermore, if “inner thigh rubbing” is problematic when wearing skirts without hosiery, there are plenty of solutions to keep you comfortable and our forum members have some great suggestions.

These fashionable booties can be worn in Summer, and transition magically into Fall when the temperatures are still warm. It’s amazing how a high vamped bootie with exposed toes adds a little edge to your outfit. Totally fab with dresses, skirts, cropped pants and shorts. 

• Jeffery Campbell Produce Open Toe Bootie: A little sci-fi metallic if the black is not your cup of tea. 
• Anyi Lu Wedge Bootie: A beautifully made bootie with a stable low wedge heel and classic tassel. The comfort level is off the charts. 
• Paul Green Passion Bootie: This is more of a versatile shootie. Fab for business casual and very cushioning. Read the rave reviews. 
• Paul Green Pandora Peep Toe Bootie: A little chunkier and more relaxed than the shootie. Works well on both a high and low volume foot. 

Remember that BodyGlide can work wonders if your toes rub in peep toe styles. Paint your toenails a contrasting colour, or keep them tonal with the bootie.

Forum member Vildy recently mentioned that she likes clothing pieces that capture “fluidity without excess volume”. That’s what she liked about the fit of my long cobalt shorts. I used the word drapey to describe the shorts. But I much prefer Vildy’s use of the word fluid, and will be using it from now on to describe clothing items that are looser than a tailored fit and quite roomy. But they aren’t roomy and baggy enough to be described as intentionally oversized and slouchy. It’s what I am calling The Fluid Fit. 

My structured fits are usually on the looser side of tailored, and now I can refer to this preferred fit as fluid. I like a fluid fit because to my eye, clothing often looks more flattering when it’s slightly loose on the body. The effect is slimming, camouflaging of lumpage and bumpage, and streamlined. But not too loose that garments look ill-fitting, or too unstructured that you disappear in your outfit. Furthermore, I find a fluid fit extra comfortable because I can drive, reach, bend over, and walk fast without feeling restricted. 

Granted there is also a time for a very formfitting piece in my style, like the way I like to wear a black turtleneck, or some of my dresses. But for the most part, I like my clothing fits truly tailored, fluid, or oversized. 

I was wondering whether you also enjoy wearing a fluid fit. Do you think that wearing a structured item that is slightly looser all over has a slimming effect? Or do you feel your most streamlined in a true tailored and/or bod con fit? Remember that this is all about personal fit preference, and that there is no right or wrong answer.