Link Love: Travelling in Style

I’ve been enjoying “Travel Week” over at Fashionista. With summer-getaway season in full swing, they’re sharing product recommendations, outfit ideas, wellness tips, packing advice, and more:

Fab Links from Our Members

April loved this article about the brand Bode: “I’m only partially biased because the photos are by one of my ‘extra sons.'”

Minaminu is delighted to read about this new approach to reduce waste, and hopes many other countries will follow!

Roberta has always had mixed feelings about expensive clothes and shoes that look ratty. This article looks at a brand that is almost couture in its fabrication, but looks like decades-old cast-offs. 

“Time to jettison that tired athleisure wear and adopt some tennis-core,” says nuancedream.

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” Runcarla says: “We’ve discussed this topic before, but it bears repeating — and, Susan at ‘une femme d’un certain âge’’ has articulated it particularly well.”

Suntiger directs us to this article about the smart coat revival.

Kyle enjoyed this bit of cartoon humor about Summer dressing.

She also found it interesting to read that men are getting onboard with tailoring all their clothes (not just suits).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Accessories

On Saturday I listed my 25 top picks for the entire sale. Yesterday I did top footwear and jackets and coats. Earlier today I posted about the best tops and bottoms at the sale. Last, I’m suggesting my top picks from the accessories department. 

The handbags and belts were particularly good this year. My top picks are below. I haven’t provided detailed descriptions, but I’ve seen them all in person so don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments below.

Handbags

Belts

I bought the bag and belt set in bubblegum pink, which you can see me fitting on in the dressing room.

That’s the finish line for the marathon of NAS posts for 2023. Feel free to ask questions about items in the comments section, or in the NAS section of the forum and I’ll do my best to help out. Remember that items do come back into stock, and that there are plenty of other departments to visit.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Tops & Bottoms

On Saturday I listed my 25 top picks for the entire sale. Yesterday I did top footwear and jackets and coats. Here I’m going to go into a little more detail on tops and bottoms.

The bottoms were better than the tops this year, which might be a first in my 19 years of going to the NAS. Knitwear was disappointing, but jackets and shoes more than made up for that. I was surprised to see the abundance of neutrals and earth tones. Reds in all tones, shades and hues are trending for Autumn and Winter, but there wasn’t much of it at the sale. Fewer jewel tones than I expected, although teal was there if you looked for it. I guess neutrals and earth tones are safer winners!

Tops

  • Reiss Haley Silk Button-Up Shirt: GORGEOUS dramatic and luxe blouse for Team Cobalt and Team Tall. Sleeves and length are long.
  • NYDJ Pleated Yoke Long Sleeve Peasant Blouse: This blouse was an astounding success in all four patterns because it looks great, is easy to wear and launder, and does not crease. It hangs well and not like an unattractive tent. The pintucks are a great structuring detail. SIZE DOWN at least a size. Some clients sized down two sizes.
  • AllSaints Hadley Cowl Neck Satin Top: A beautiful camisole blouse for Team Silver. The straps adjust and the neckline is quite secure. It's gorgeous under a jacket or cardigan. Has a skirt to match. There is a similar one in black.
  • AllSaints Tia Diana Long Sleeve Mesh Top: SUPER cute knitted mesh top with side ruching. Great with a camisole underneath. Fitted. The high neckline is not suffocating because the mesh is forgiving. Might need to size up.
  • French Connection Mozart Mixed Stitch Cotton Sweater: I haven't seen this in person yet but am highlighting it because it's 100% cotton, a great price, has a good review, and is something that French Connection typically does well. Comes in colours.
  • Nordstrom Cashmere Crewneck Sweater: Affordable Cashmere Fabness. Comes in colours and you might need to size down.
  • Treasure&Bond Stripe Sweater Vest: A fab little neat and tidy vest with a '70s vibe that is well made and $35. Might need to size up. Wear it as a top, or layered over another top.
  • Treasure&Bond Space Dye Cotton Blend Zip Cardigan: A unique zip-through cardigan with a sporty and '70s touch. Cotton-rich, and fab with black and white. The collar folds down and looks fab if the height bothers you.
  • Halogen Lacy Sleeve Square Neck Sweater: A Dark Romance sweater that is unexpectedly forgiving and a good fit. The neckline covers bra straps and is not too low. You might need to size down. Comes in cream.
  • RAILS Perci Star Cotton & Cashmere Intarsia Sweater: A winner on petites who enjoy star patterns. Works well on a broader shoulder line. Fab with wider jeans.
  • Nordstrom Tie Neck Sleeveless Top: This blouse is clever if you like the vibe and enjoy high necklines. The faux pussy bow is fixed and does not move. It has pretty pleats on the back neckline too. Interesting and different under a blazer. Comes in solids like teal and lilac, some neutrals, and another patten.

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

Bottoms

  • Maggy London Sleeveless Stretch Jersey Jumpsuit: One of our forum members modeled this for us and looked SPECTACULAR. Give it a whirl if you like the vibe. The fit is good, the draped knot hangs well, the V-neck is not too low, and the length is easily hemmed.
  • Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Skyrise Plaid Wide Leg Ponte Pants: These pants are INCREDIBLE. They fit every varying body type and look on-trend, elegant and chic. They worked extremely well on apple-shaped body types. They have stitched down front pleats which keep them sleek. Comes in solids and petite sizes so do the search. They are FULL LENGTH - not cropped. Might need to size down. Comes in solid black and brown. But the plaid looked best.
  • Treasure&Bond Double Pleat Wide Leg Pants: These are VERY comfy and super on trend. They fit every body type I tried them on. They are WIDE, soft and poufy in a great way, although consider yourself warned. The stitched down pleats streamline the midsection. Fab for travel with a tee, sneakers, and denim or utility jacket. Comes in beige. $50.
  • Eileen Fisher Ribbed Side Slit Wide Leg Pants: My petite clients ROCKED THIS. Super easy to wear and style, and easy to hem. Fabric feels lovely against the skin. Size down at least a size.
  • BP Corduroy Wide Leg Jeans: These are worth a mention because of their great '90s vibe and comfort. They are VERY soft, a little stretchy, and extremely cosy. The rise is lower, with plenty of room in the thighs. Size down a size. Comes in pink.
  • Theory Double Pleat Wool Blend Pants: Dramatic swooshy BIG leg pants with statement pleats. The fabric is a textured BROWN. Gives a '40s Katherine Hepburn and '80s MC Hammer vibe. Impeccable quality. Pass on the pants if you don't like bottoms that pouf out and narrow at the waist. Very long hems that are easily shortened. They have a short jacket to match. I have the suit.
  • Nordstrom Stretch Twill Pants: These classic pants fit well and look a lot more streamlined compared to the wide flares and swooshy drape of trendier bottoms. Some of my clients greatly appreciated this!
  • Theory Admiral Crop Straight Leg Pants: Gorgeous shade of cranberry and luxe fabric that has a '90s gilet to match. The pants are fluid, and can work well on a curvier and straighter body type. Might need to size up.
  • LIVERPOOL LOS ANGELES Kelsey Plaid Trousers: Knitted, thick, substantial, streamlined, and very forgiving. Rise not too high. Fits a range of body types because the fabric moulds to the contour of the body. VERY comfortable. Not clingy.
  • FRAME Le Palazzo Raw Hem High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans: BEST jeans at the sale. They are wide, yet not too wide and drape beautifully. Soft, a bit stretchy, and mould to contours of varying body types. VERY long hems that are easily hacked at home.
  • Treasure&Bond Flare Denim Pants: If you're after a pair of trouser jeans that are comfy, polished, dressier, and not too rigid - try these. They work well with sneakers, and fit a range of body types.
  • Vince Camuto Plaid Straight Leg Pants: Soft, fluid, and fits various body types. Good on curvier and straighter hips. Fab on apple shaped body types too. Streamlined and comfy. Has a very long blazer to match. The plaid is more low contrast in person.
  • Theory Treeca 4 Fairfield Stripe Crop Pants: Soft and stretchy cropped pinstriped navy pants that have a blazer to match. Very streamlined, but not body con. Might need to size up.

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

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.

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Casual Summer Vibes

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

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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

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Jackets and Coats

I listed my 25 top picks for the entire sale yesterday, and top footwear picks earlier this morning. Here I’m going to go into a little more detail on jackets and coats. I’ve thrown in some vests too.

It was a good sale for jackets, which is where many of my clients spent the lion’s share of their budgets. Neutrals and earth tones reigned supreme, which had mixed reactions. I was surprised to see so few red and jewel-toned toppers. Many coat styles were belted, which put off some of my clients. That said, there were plenty of winners and everyone was happy. Be sure to browse the size and colour options.

Jackets

  • Nordstrom One-Button Blazer: If you like teal, this is a fab and fully lined on-trend blazer that does not break the bank. It worked as well for petites as it did for taller clients. It has pants to match to create a suit. It was fabulous with wide leg jeans too.
  • AllSaints Balfern Denim Biker Jacket: A short and interesting denim bomber to wear with skirts and dresses. Worked well on petites with longer arms. Comes in grey.
  • Thread & Supply Plaid Long Polar Fleece Shacket: Cosy Shacket Fabness for Team Tall with POCKETS. Something you can wear at home or out, and comes in neutrals.
  • Treasure&Bond Leather Bomber Jacket with Removable Faux Shearling Trim: Aviator or flight jackets were a fun update for clients who regularly wear bomber jackets. This was the leather flight jacket with the most streamlined and versatile fit. The fit is forgiving and looked good on a variety of body types.
  • L'AGENCE Angelina Houndstooth Open Front Blazer: The best houndstooth jacket at the sale if you like the on-trend shape of sharp shoulders. Quite fitted. It's dressy and looked as good with jeans as it did with skirts and trousers.
  • Pendleton Foxglove Range Fleece Bomber Jacket: Casual Fleece Topper Fabness. Has a fab '70s vibe and runs big. The narrowing welt provides an effective bit of tailoring. Well-made. Comes in a black pattern.
  • KUT from the Kloth Chantria Puff Shoulder Faux Suede Jacket: Washable Suede Jacket Fabness. The puffy sleeves are a trendy '70s and interesting touch. Jacket comes in grey and looks fab over dresses.
  • Zella Quilted Recycled Polyester Jacket: This is a repeat style that clients like to throw over leggings, joggers, or jeans. Very easy and forgiving to wear. Has great side zippers that provide extra comfort when the jacket is closed through the front. Fab for travel too. Comes in black.
  • Theory Chevron Wool Blend Shrunken Blazer: A beautiful BROWN short tailored jacket with a narrower fit. It has matching BIG swooshy high-waisted pleated pants to create a suit. The jacket looks fantastic over sleeveless dresses and with skirts if you don't fancy pants. Impeccable quality. The suit is mine.
  • Vince Camuto Plaid Double Breasted Longline Blazer: This jacket was a delightful surprise. It's dramatically long, and drapes well. Very comfy and reasonably tailored. The low-contrast check is easy to wear, and has matching pants to create a suit. It worked as well on petites as it did on tall clients. Super funky, and fab with jeans too.
  • Nordstrom Leather Moto Jacket: If you like your leather jackets a little longer - this is the best leather jacket at the sale. It's fluidly tailored, and not that fitted through the waist. Stretchy sleeve panels are comfy. Nice back detailing. Comes in cream and black. Works well on petites. Sleeves are easy to shorten.
  • CeCe Puff Shoulder Open Front Ponte Blazer: Extreme Puffy Jacket Fabness that comes in black. Fits petites. Sleeves are slim so lighter layers are best for underneath.
  • SAVE THE DUCK Elvira Water Resistant Hooded Puffer Jacket: Italian Chic. This is a pearly oyster colour - not silver. It swings both warm and cool-toned. It runs a little smaller because of the the VERY cosy sherpa lining. The zipper zips up high so you don't need a scarf. Handy double zipper too. NOT DOWN to Save The Duck. Warm and insulating nonetheless. Streamlined despite the sherpa lining. Very popular with my clients. Works on Team Tall too.
  • SAVE THE DUCK Mei Faux Fur Collar Puffer Jacket: Italian Chic. The best hoodless puffer at the NAS and NOT DOWN to Save The Duck. Warm and insulating nonetheless. The faux fur collar looks VERY glam when it's zipped up. The tiny side slits are a great visual detail. Slightly A-line, and comes in burgundy. Works on petites and talls. Very popular with my clients. Handy double zipper too.
  • Theory Admiral Crepe Vest: '90s Gilet Fabness, and very lightweight. Easy to layer over tops and under coats or jackets. Looks great worn open too. Has matching cropped pants. I am thinking about keeping the set. It's not my red, but gorgeous when I wear it with bright pink.
  • Nordstrom Two-Button Longline Vest: The drama of this gilet is divine. I had clients ranging from 5ft 2 to 5ft 10 in the look and they all rocked it their way. Great over sleeved dresses and flably on-trend over wider pants and jeans. Comes in black.
  • Blanc Noir Breakthrough Vest: Futuristic Sporty Vest Fabness. Check out the party at the back. Runs small and comes in a very soft gold. Size up.
  • Halogen Check Bustier Vest: '70s Fabness worn as is or over a blouse or turtleneck. It's great worn under the matching blazer too. The buttons are positioned close together to prevent gaping, but do the sit-down test anyway.
  • Halogen Check One-Button Blazer: This was part of a five-piece set that is a great fit, on petites especially. Tailored in a more fluid way. It has a great '70s vibe when worn with the matching vests underneath (of which there are two styles). Good price.
  • Theory Fairfield Stripe Riding Blazer: If you're after a stretchy and soft classic blazer that looks VERY polished and sharp - try this. It has matching narrow cropped pants to create a suit. Might need to size up.
  • Thread & Supply Crop Corduroy Vest: Architectural Vest Fabness for $25. Well made, cosy, and a great layering piece. The waist toggles give it a nice shape. Comes in grey and mustard.

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

Coats

COLLECTION: 

  • Sam Edelman Long Twill Coat: Gorgeous wool blend coat that does not itch. The pink is not as bright in person but still a fun bubblegum pink. The buttons are a fab matching pink tortoiseshell. The side entry pockets are greatly appreciated. Fab drape and looks playfully sharp. Excellent versatile knee-length. I have the coat and am thinking about keeping it. I'm figuring out whether the quality is sufficiently robust for my doggie walking lifestyle.
  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Quilted Coat: A repeat style that works every time if you're after a versatile, dark and dramatic "throw on with everything" topper with an iconic equestrian vibe. Excellent versatile length. Well made. Comes in navy.
  • Soia & Kyo Water Resistant 700 Fill Power Down Puffer Coat: I have this navy puffer from many, many NAS's ago and it's a BEAUTY. Impeccable quality. It's very warm and great for snow and below freezing temperatures. It has a brilliant shapely fit, and the BEST shawl collar and hood. It does not pack easily though. Might need to size up. Comes in black.
  • BCBGeneration Longline Coat: I passed on this coat because it was a little scratchy, and the fit and collar overwhelmed my narrow shoulders. But it was STUNNING on my tall clients who could fill out the silhouette (especially on the shoulders and bust). Comes in cream and pink. Playful and fab.
  • Bernardo Tailored Wool Blend Coat: I have this coat in navy from last year's NAS, and it was a favourite of the season. It's longer on me than on the model and fably dramatic. It drapes beautifully in a fluid way, and looks clean and sharp. Elongating. I wear it with almost everything! Comes in charcoal and Taupe this year. Elegant.

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

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Footwear

Yesterday I listed my 25 top picks for the entire sale. Here I’m going to go into a little more detail on footwear. 

There was practical, good looking, and comfortable footwear at the sale amongst treacherous sky scraping heels and inflexible wooden platforms. Sneakers, flats, loafers and boots were the winning categories for my clientele. I’d have liked to see more non-neutral footwear and low heeled options, but high heels are trending so there you go.

  • Steve Madden Blair Cap Toe Ballet Flat (Women): This glitzy darling was a surprise. The fit is good on a lower and higher volume foot. Wider feet sized up. Worked on narrower heels too. The tiny heel is wonderful and makes the supportive difference. Comes in black, tan, and pink.
  • Cole Haan Danica Sneaker (Women): Best metallic sneaker at the NAS. Roomy, supportive, not too shiny, and very comfy. It fit a range of foot shapes. Comes in black.
  • Ecco Street Lite Sneaker (Women): These were a hit with clients who enjoy wearing ECCO sneakers. Clean, crisp and Danish fabness. The insoles come out so you can add orthotics. The tongues are a little close to the ankle, which might annoy you so watch for that. Comes in black and taupe.
  • Veronica Beard Arlie Loafer (Women): These are extremely comfortable on a narrower foot. Supportive, dainty, pretty, classic and soft. Can work on a wider foot if you size up because the suede is forgiving. They almost came home with me in the toffee. Comes in black leather and navy suede.
  • SARTO By Franco Sarto Calista Kiltie Loafer (Women): Very comfy and lightweight on-trend loafer that comes in dark solids. It stayed on every client's foot. Comes in burgundy, black and navy.
  • Paul Green Shay Bit Loafer (Women): Paul Green shoes are astounding because they work well for a variety of foot widths and shapes. A very clever and well made Austrian product. It's often a question of sizing up or down to find the right fit. These loafers are very comfy, classic, and casually chic. Comes in black.
  • Vionic Lynda Slingback Flat (Women): The best slingback at the sale. Comfy, supportive, pretty, and does not slip off your feet. Comes in black.
  • BERNARDO FOOTWEAR Bernardo Eloise Bow Flat (Women): A pretty and supportive flat that works well on a wider foot, and stays on! Comfy and pretty. The round heel is an unexpected fun detail. Comes in black and cheetah.
  • Paul Green Samona Pump (Women): These have a gorgeous champagne sheen to them. Super stable, good arch support, and fab room in the toe box because of its round shape. Might run a little short if you have long toes. Comes in black.
  • Munro Viv Lug Loafer (Women): A very supportive and comfy on trend loafer that comes in FOUR widths. The gold hardware makes a statement so make sure you like it.
  • Aquatalia Rozaria Knee High Boot (Women): I FOUND MY HEWI after 15 years. If you need a low-heeled, knee-high boot for NARROW calves and ankles - try this. Like most Aquatalia footwear, it runs narrower on the foot. Extremely comfortable for low-volume feet, WEATHERPROOF, versatile, and exquisite quality. Made in Italy. Some clients sized up half a size for a roomier toe box. My calf circumference is 13 inches and these are a PERFECT fit. That is a VERY rare thing.
  • AGL Stefy Block Heel Pointed Toe Pump (Women): This is often my first suggestion for clients when they are looking for tan heeled pumps. Very stable, soft, and reasonably comfy as far as pumps go. It can work with bunions too. It has a wider toe box than you expect. Visually, extremely sharp on the foot. Made in Italy. Comes in black.
  • Vionic Apron Toe Loafer (Women): An extraordinary dainty loafer with incredible arch support. It's astounding how well the loafer fit wider and narrower feet. Good for narrower heels too. Comes in wide widths, and in black and animal print.
  • PIKOLINOS Royal Water Resistant Bootie (Women): These were the most comfortable flat and casual booties at the sale. Roomy fit, well-made, and comes in black.
  • Aquatalia Renza Block Heel Zip Bootie (Women): Gorgeous classic weatherproof boots for narrower feet and ankles. Supportive, comfortable, and versatile. Made in Italy. Comes in black.
  • Rag & Bone Retro Court Sneaker (Women): These sneakers worked well on clients with wider feet. A little retro and comes in fun colours.
  • Pedro Garcia Idoia Sock Bootie (Women): If you're after a very sleek black bootie to wear with skirts and dresses, this was the favourite with my clients. Good fit on narrow ankles. Room for long toes.
  • Munro Heath Chelsea Boot (Women): Best casual black boots at the NAS. Extremely LIGHTWEIGHT, comfy, supportive, and there is a side zipper that they do not show in the stock photos.
  • Blondo Shanna Waterproof Bootie (Women): An excellent casual and comfy weatherproof boot at a more affordable price. Works well on a wider foot and shorter toes. Comes in tan.
  • Gentle Souls By Kenneth Cole Everly Bootie (Women): Soft, comfy, versatile, and room in the toe box. The high shaft does not dig into your shins because of forgiving suede. Comes in three more neutrals.
  • Munro Bedford Leather Bootie (Women): The footbed comfort and support of this shootie blew me away. WOW, and soft leather too. I'm figuring out whether the elastic inserts will rub my ankles. It comes in varying widths, and in black. They worked on all sorts of ankle and foot shapes, and look great under full length pants.
  • SARTO By Franco Sarto Vance Boot (Women): If you can manage the heel height, these are on trend and fabulous with skirts, dresses and shorts. Reasonably comfy. Comes in black and grey.

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