what I scored at Nordstrom today

This shirt in all three colors (because it's cut and fits so well, and it was deeply discounted to around 32 bucks!). It actually looks really nice open, like a jacket, over a camisole:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fo.....tback=4313

I really need some basic blouses. I have gaping holes in my wardrobe I'm trying to fill right now.

At Nordstrom Rack I picked up some cute slate-colored oxfords for cheap (can't find a good pic).

And Angie's famous and lovely Giveable ballet flats that really gave me pause because of the price, but they are so comfy and cute and I'm thinking of biting the bullet and not returning them because, hopefully the ROI will be great:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....sultback=0

(is there anyone besides me who feels slightly embarrassed to be buying something styled so well by someone else on here? I feel kind of unoriginal in a way...I also bought the fab red coat from Angie's blog post....oh well, no one would ever mistake me for her!

So all in all, it was a good haul...not at all what I expected but I think what I got, I needed.

I thought the merch in both Nordstroms, even though it was all newly turned over, looked kind of meager and unattractive, to be honest, compared to all the nice stuff i saw only a few weeks ago when I was there. I don't know if that's typical for this time of year. Not just for stuff I'm able to wear and afford...even the high-end section that usually makes me drool, didn't look anything special.

And what else did I learn?....Trying to keep an open mind while I act as my own personal shopper, and I have made GREAT strides in keeping impatience and frustration down, which is good.

I do think that still, in some ways I'm stubborn/fussy, however you want to call it. I don't want to wear acrylic or polyester, never liked it. I want to wear silks, wools, cottons, or at least blends. I didn't see enough of that today.

I also was won over by the idea that I should just take a break from buying big items (apart from coats, because I don't have the kind I need and I live in Boston!). With my body still changing from weight loss (which will hopefully continue, at least down two more sizes), I think I should try and squeeze by as much as I can with what I have now, and maybe just pick up some layering tees, tights, and a couple pairs of shoes and a nice bag. Anything else, whenever it happens to show up, or if I can pick it up at a local Goodwill (jeans is a good example--my body size is likely to change a lot there), that would be fine.

I flip flop between allowing myself something a bit lavish (like the ballet flats) and a lifetime habit of not spending money on myself...I have to find a medium ground here. All in all, I'm not a crazy shopper, so I'm trying to stretch in my self-generosity here. And I do have a very small wardrobe still. (It's getting much more user-friendly now!)

One thing, unfortunately, is that for now it's going to be hard to take pics of myself for posting here. Need to replace our camera--this iphone camera is lousy.

Anyway, who knows and don't hold me to any of these rules...I may find the leather jacket of my dreams next week! But I tend to get very obsessed when I like something, and this is how it's going down right now with shopping, so I feel like I should just relax and not feel I have to complete my closet this season.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Those look like very useful items! And it also sounds as if you are making some great shopping discoveries. This is such a fascinating process for each of us. I find it so interesting to hear about others' style journeys. Some of us need to let go of scrimping or not buying habits; others need to buy less and more mindfully; some need to focus on a style, others need to broaden their horizons. It's all fun!

By the way, what colour did you choose in the J Crew coat?

Mochi

(sheepishly hanging head)

The red flame, of course! It just looks so fresh and mod!

KILLER choice! <grin>

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! (the blue did look pretty killer too...the rest of the colors, meh IMO)

Queen Mum

I steal stuff right off of peoples backs here all the time. I feel kindof funny sometimes but nobody seems to mind

Anonymous

Oh Mochi! Good for you! I think the blouses are very pretty and will be practical .Even if you shrink out of them in a few months they weren't too expensive. I am super-cheap but I fussy feet and if I ever find a pair of shoes that make my feet say, "Ahhhhhh." I could drop a few hundred on them (I have warned the hubs of this). Shoes and bags are pretty much safe as far as gaining and losing weight. As price-y as your new flats are, I think they are a good investment. You are wise to wait on some of your items until your weight levels off. Once you get a feel for where you will be size wise you can re-evaluate. Your wardrobe plans sound great to me and well thought out. I understand the feast or famine feelings you are having....I am in the same boat. Cheers!

MsMaven

I've also noticed there isn't lot of merchandise that really appeals to me in Nordstrom this fall--except that if I go to Stanford mall and just spend a lot of time browsing, I find things. I found a great jacket I have yet to show here. (Tired, run-down.) Frequent trips to Stanford because it turns out I have a bit of basal cell carcinoma on my nose and I have to keep going back. What a pity that the mall is across the street from medical clinic.

I felt slightly guilty about buying not one but two pairs of the Giveables. I got the black and cream and also the red suede. I have such a hard time finding decent shoes, and I did remind myself that this is my personal Year of the Shoe and it is almost over. Also, the Nordstrom notes from the shoes helped defray the cost of the jacket.

Very nice shirts. I'm with you on being fussy--I think it saves you money in the long run. Acrylic is nearly always a mistake for me unless I get it on sale with a huge discount. Lately I keep reminding myself that I need quality, not so much quantity. It's better to be fussy.

I think you need to go with the flow when it comes to shopping. So many times I have shopped for a specific item and not found anything, yet I found something unexpected and unusual that turned out to be a long-lasting workhorse.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You'll love those flats, Mochi! And those foxcroft shirts would have been my first choice for you too. I hope you get another camera asap because I'd love to see you in your fab new stuff

If the coat doesn't work because of the high collar and your fuller bust, opt for one of J.Crew's revere collar coats. Alternatively, Macys is full of coats at 40% off right now. The bright colours aren't there but the styles are a plenty.

Thank you, Angie. Yeah, the free shipping and returns means I am willing to take the high risk that the fit won't work, but I appreciate the alternate coat rec!

I will try to get a camera...would love to start getting feedback

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