This year I ended up finding more than I anticipated after a first glance at the sale- I was looking for all day comfortable booties and flats for work, skirts and dresses with pockets for work, black trousers/bottoms for work, basic versatile tops for work, layering pieces, and a new winter coat.
I'm definitely in the cusp sizing twilight zone- size 16 is just too tight in most dresses, and jumping up to the plus sizes often means sacrificing tailoring and quality, not to mention the fact that 1X is usually just too big for me.
I went to the store twice(!) and ordered online what I couldn't find in store.
Things that didn't work:
Cole Haan anorak: this color is my everything, but it was just too small, and I didn't like the fabric enough to try the plus version.
Vince Camuto Wrap Dress- the XL was just too short for me to war comfortably to work, and the plus size was NOT a true wrap- not only did that mean it was way too big in the waist, but the surplice top had an awkward tack that created potential for embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. This dress epitomized the disappointment of shopping in the plus department for me.
Caslon shirt dress- i wanted this to work so badly but it was just too boxy/sacklike on me.
Vince Camuto striped shirt- fabric was much flimsier/clingier than I was anticipating.
Eliza J dress: loved the seams and the pockets, but the dress was not quite as versatile as i need. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....ite/433551
Sejour Midi Tube skirt- this skirt was really well made and surprisingly flattering despite hitting me at an awkward length. unfortunately, didn't really fit into my wardrobe/life needs.
seamless cami: runs stupid small- the 2x is sausage casing on me.
Bella Vita Live bootie: loved the look of these, but not so much on me. the leather was quite stiff, and the padding was minimal.
AGL flats: gorgeous shoes, but too narrow for me, and frankly out of my price range.
Things that DID work!
Halogen Long Merino cardigan- versatile layering piece- can wear at work or for casual downtime, works over dresses, trousers or leggings for me.
Halogen Cashmere drape front Cardigan: this piece sparked so much joy for me, even on a 98 degree day- I'd wear this every day this winter if I could.
Halogen V-neck merino cardigan: I love the polka dots!
Halogen belted short sleeve top: versatile top that I can wear at work or on my downtime. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....keywordsea
Caslon V Neck cardigan: Great lightweight summer topper; can wear it over dresses, tees, tanks all summer long. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....1144?origi
Finds I"m not sure I'll be keeping:
Nic + Zoe off the grid 4 way cardigan: interesting, versatile pattern, 4 season weight. I don't LOVE this, but I would probably get plenty of wear out of it. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/43.....-plus-size
Josef Seibel flat: all day comfortable, great versatile color- I'm just not sure the suede is practical for winter wear.
Pikolino's Andorra Bootie: comfortable, cute, I've been looking for a cognac bootie.. but I'm torn between these and the
AGL "Ella" block heel Bootie: I love the color, and the height and width of the shaft feels really flattering, and easier to wear with leggings/ dresses then the Pikolino's Booties; these are probably less comfortable for long term wear than the pikolino's- less padding, slightly higher heel, and honestly, outside of my price range, So they're likely going to be returned, but it's been fun to wear them around the house.
