Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Shop Shoes Under $100

All my friends and family know I am a bit of a shoe fiend. Nothing on the scale of Imelda Marcos, but I have a small collection that I am pretty proud of. Every July/August when the Nordstrom Anniversary sale comes around I flip feverishly through the catalog, making notes on which pairs to add to my collection. While Nordstrom does have some effing awesome deals in all the departments it's the shoes that I will always go for. This year it was hard to pick my favorites, there were just so many pretty pairs, but I whittled it down to a few favorite picks. In reality I only have a budget to only buy one. I'm not sure what the lucky pair will be yet, but feel free to leave a comment on which shoes should be added to the ever growing collection. Have you checked out any of Nordstrom's sales in the past? Had any amazing shopping finds there? What are your picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

BP 'Runway' Boot, $89.90, After Sale $129.95

DV by Dolce Vita 'Folly' Bootie, $66.90, After Sale 99.95

Born 'Molly' Flat, $64.90, After Sale $94.95

Vince Camuto 'Vionet' Pump, $79.90, After Sale $128.95

Me Too 'Pria' Pump, $64.90, After Sale $98.95

P.S. For all you gals with small shoe sizes I'm talking 6 and under, Nordstrom has a great selection of smaller sizes in the sale too. Don't despair I'm sure you will find something in this sale, but remember to shop early. 

Shop My Closet with Threadflip

My closet is like a mood ring ever changing with my moods.  Instead of emotional moods though my closet is tied to my style moods.  Not to say that emotions don't have anything to do with what I buy to put into my closet or what I choose to remove from my closet.  For the most I wear everything in my closet to death, rags and ruined. There is a few pieces in my closet that were perhaps mistakes, oh well live and learn to shop better.  I have decided that it's time to part with those pristine pieces ignored on hangers, or hidden in drawers.  My loss in this instance can be your gain though.  I am selling these unique finds online, on a new fashion selling site called Threadflip.  I have never had much luck with ebay or etsy for my vintage items, they are just too big too impersonal.  Threadflip is a new and different way to sell those gently used gems from your closet.  The listing is free and they even send you a box and label when your item sells.  I just joined and I am really excited to share some of my closet with all of you.

My current offerings on Threadflip. I am going to continue to add more so please follow me on Threadflip or like J. Rose Style on Facebook for updates.

A Lacey Yoke

I have been off the outfit posting map for too long, but I am back, I have clothes and I am determined to post.  Today's look is a combination of pieces old and new.  I received this beautiful lace yoke top courtesy of Sugarlips Apparel, which is a perfect compliment to numerous summer pieces already in my wardrobe.  I have worn the Grandmother's Lace top a couple of times, once over a dress as a vest and the second time is this look here, with a classic pair of denim shorts.  I really like the pairing of the intricate and detailed top with my high waist Old Navy shorts.  The look is very 70's folk singer so I thought my guitar was a fitting accessory for this outfit.  I can definitely see this outfit working for some backyard BBQ's and summer music festivals. Bring on the open road and the summer sunshine, I'm ready!

"I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Traveling, traveling, traveling
Looking for something, what can it be"

"The only thing I knew how to do
Was to keep on keepin’ on like a bird that flew"

"Well I'm running down the road 
Tryin' to loosen my load 
Got a world of trouble on my mind" 

"Thoughts meander like a
Restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe"

"I was a free man in Paris
I felt unfettered and alive
There was nobody calling me up for favors
And no one's future to decide"

"If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true"

"Catch a cannonball now to take me down the line My bag is sinkin' low and I do believe it's time"
 

Close up of the gorgeous blouse! I couldn't believe this shirt retails for under $40 it is a nice quality and has beautiful details.

Top:  c/o Sugarlips Apparel

Shorts:  Old Navy

Belt: vintage

Necklace: handmade

Boots: Frye

Have you found a favorite summer clothing piece? What is it and how have you worn it?

*100,000,000 nothings will be awarded to anyone who can name all the songs that each of the captioned lyrics came from.

P.S. If you are a blogger and would like to partner with Sugarlips Apparel check out their Blogger Affiliate program, click over here.

Happy Monday! Let's Celebrate What Makes Us Unique.

I was waiting in some waiting room flipping through the March issue of Bazaar.  I flipped to the next page and was dumbstruck.  The editorial that struck me so was the Miami Chic in the Heat Story.  It wasn't the clothes or the setting that caught my eye it was the woman (Lindsey Wixson) in the editorial.  Lindsey Wixson has a certain kind of beauty that may not have been embraced a decade ago, but today the fashion world is gaga for her.  In the photos her cupid bow lips were almost always parted into a a wide grin revealing a very gap toothed smile.  She looked happy, completely comfortable in her skin.  Well enough text I'll let the pictures speak for themselves here. So happy Monday all and here is to embracing the features that make us uniquely beautiful.

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 

Link Love: Where I Hide My Beauty Tips

Happy Monday lovelies!  This Monday I want to introduce you to a little known side of me, my beauty blogger side.  That's right, this site might be all about fashion, but I have always loved makeup and the process of a beauty ritual.  I have been a beauty blogger for Yahoo Shine's Beauty Guru program since 2009 and have rigorously tested heaps of makeup and beauty products, doled out secrets and recently dumped out my makeup bag, all for the betterment of mankind.  If you would like to check out my secret (well no more) beauty reviewer life click over here to the Yahoo Shine Blog. 

Currently Craving: Tribal Print

Tribal Print Accessories by jrosestyle

Cynthia Vincent pouch bag, $46
Nila Anthony shoulder handbag, $46
Billabong genuine leather handbag, $38
Billabong genuine leather handbag, $38
Bright handbag, $42
Forever 21 backpack bag, $27
Neon Our Way Bag, $75
Big Buddha Lizzy, $55

Vintage Moment: Summer Casual

I love looking at vintage online on Etsy or on Market Publique.  Sometimes, I just like to look at the beautiful impractical clothes; the details, the design, not things I could incorporate into my wardrobe. But there are plenty of pieces that I could see easily integrating in my wardrobe.  Vintage can seem a little intimidating and you might not be sure how you can work it into your wardrobe.  My hope with these posts is to demonstrate how vintage pieces can be worn in completely contemporary ways. Here is a casual summer look I created around a lovely vintage pink eyelet top, from DearGolden Vintage, mixed with new pieces.  One things to keep in mind vintage is to only choose one item to be the focus and to mix it with a current off the rack piece, to avoid looking like you are wearing a costume.

Cutout blouse, from DearGolden Vintage on Etsy, $34

More Qupid...

Summer Survival Kit

Here's a quick peak at my essential products to get through even the most sweltering summer with style.

My Summer Survival Kit

 

1.  A lightweight summer dress, the kind that I can throw on and still look pulled together. Right now I want one in a bright color like turquoise.

Summer dress, $58

2.  Tank tops in every color imaginable.  It may seem boring, but paired with some chunky jewels it will definitely make a statement.
Old Navy striped tank, $8.50
Old navy shirt, $8.50
Old Navy ribbed tank, $8.50

3.  I know I was on a retro swimwear kick last year, but guess what I still love them! They are a must have for lounging in the back yard or hanging by the pool.
One piece swimwear, $90

4. A pop of color on fingers and toes in summer is a fun a easy way to be bright.
off the shoulder, $8

5. I need to protect my precious peepers and I want to look pretty darn cool too.  I need a pair of old Hollywood shades in a glam color.
Star sunglasses, $14

6. I don't love lipstick in summer, too heavy and cakey. This subtle balm with it's hint of tint is the perfect lip color substitute.
Burt s Bees lip treatment, $6.99

7. If I'm hanging at home I'm probably barefoot.  When I go out I need a little height, but not at the expense of comfort. These cute Naturalizers are the best of both worlds.
Naturalizer Ladell, $50

8. Look chic while protecting my fair complexion, um check and check.  A straw hat with a substantial brim is my best friend in summer.
Brixton Louella, $40

9. Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen, 'nuff said.  This Alba one has a light lovely scent, isn't greasy and doesn't make me break out.
Alba Gren Tea SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 2), $20

10. For the days when I need to look pretty and polished, but I don't want to wear a heavy foundation this Covergirl Natureluxe foundation fits the bill.
CoverGirl Natureluxe Foundation, Dune 335, $12

What are your summer must haves???

Makeup Must-Try: False Eyelashes

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I have been home bound for about a week and while did catch up on about a year's worth of sleep, I also did a fair share of random internet browsing. In one of my browsing expeditions I had a makeup epiphany, I realized the incredible power of the false eyelash. This discovery sent me into a Youtube frenzy looking up tutorials on how to apply false lashes without blinding yourself (something I might do). My research resulted in two things this amazingly simple video tutorial (from blogger Geri Hirsch, Because I'm Addicted) and shopping wishlist of lash-tastic finds to create the look.

More Rimmel...

Look For Less: Cameron Diaz in Valentino

I believe in love at first sight; that instant attraction, the insatiable desire, of course in my case in only happens with clothes and accessories. For example as soon as I saw the cover of the May issue of Instyle, I instantly fell in love with the lovely lavender Valentino dress as worn by the radiant Cameron Diaz. Of course my budget doesn't really cover Valentino, it doesn't really cover much now adays, so I created a similar look for a fraction of the price. This head to toe look rings in at $126, now that will keep you looking fabulous and keep your savings safe.

Get The Look: Cameron Diaz by jrosestyle featuring platform heel shoes

Lilac lace pencil dress, $55
Platform heel shoes, $25
Miss Selfridge metallic belt, $18
MAC Cosmetics lipstick, $15
Eyeliner, $13

Currently Craving: Bustier Tops

I am going to credit these images of Claudia Schiffer wearing retro-sexy bustiers for inspiring my latest shopping craving. The pictures are from Guess' 30th Anniversary Ad campaign; which features an apparently ageless Schiffer wearing retro Guess styles in sultry black and white photographs.  Fortunately for me or perhaps unfortunately, bustiers are cropping up everywhere and the abundances of colors, fabrics and price points gives a plethora of choices.  Here are some top picks that are pretty, printed and of course under $100.

Summer Look: Bustier Tops by jrosestyle

Miss Selfridge cotton shirt, $35
Topshop denim shirt, $48
Cotton shirt, $35
Asos, $42
Party at Pemberley Top, $40

Wedding Guest Garb: The Formal Wedding

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

This is the last look in my "Wedding Guest Garb" series.  The most perplexing and perhaps costly of all the dress code looks is the formal wedding.  Formal dresses are longer in length, there is more fabric and there are certain materials more appropriate for evening.  Look for fabrics like chiffon, satin, silk and even a high sheen jersey.  Baubles are a great way to dress up the look as well, the more sparkle the better, but remember if your gown is heavily bejeweled, keep the rest of your adornments simple. The look I created for the formal wedding starts with an inexpensive jersey dress and relies on sparkly accessories to complete the look. If you have a question about what to wear to your summer event send me an email. Be sure to include your budget, the type of event, time of day, venue and any other details that would help determine dress code.  

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding

Dorothy Perkins twist dress, $59
Dorothy Perkins navy handbag, $27
Forever 21 goth jewelry, $13
Clear earrings, $20
BB Dakota hair bow accessory, $28
Caparros Raquel Sandal, $69

Wedding Guest Garb: The Semi Formal Wedding

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

The ceremony is scheduled in that weird time between afternoon and evening, (nooning, or evennoon) the reception immediately follows. The reception is held at an upscale restaurant or a posh hall, but the dress code does not call for black tie formal wear. With this tricky dressing scenario it's easy to be confused, it's semi-formal, but what does that mean. In these situations I personally always ere on the more formal side (think: you would rather be overdressed than under dressed). Look for fabrics with a sheen, satins rather than knits or cottons and embellishments such as beading or crystals. The length can still be short, but keep it classy (nothing too short gals). Here is the 3rd look in my summer wedding series, I pieced together for a special semi-formal wedding.

Wedding Guest Look 3: Semi Formal

High heel sandals, $45
Magid frame bag, $20
Mixit crystal stretch ring, $9
Drop earrings, $20
Dress, $95

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 2

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. The second look in this series is tailored to a traditional church service wedding. For attending a church service, keep the look fairly conservative (as in more covered up), but have fun with colors and accessories. You can wear a sleeveless dress, but bring a jacket or cardigan for the nuptials, you can always whip the jacket off when you hit the dance floor at the reception.

Going to the Chapel

Dorothy Perkins flared dress, $44
Dorothy Perkins crop top, $44
ASOS high heel pumps, $40
Nine West cross body shoulder bag, $39
Lauren Conrad button pearl earrings, $11
Wallis feather hair accessory, $21
Chapel - 5x7 fine art print of old abandoned church, $15

Wedding Guest Garb: Look 1

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple of weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous. This week's look is tailored to an outdoor afternoon wedding. Be it in a backyard or in a lavish manicured garden, this look is a bright and sunny complement to the natural surroundings. Keep the dresses light and floating leave the form fitting frocks for the after hours. Floral prints are perfect, but if you detest prints you can easily choose a solid color that is light and bright. Don't forget to bring a little jacket or cardi for the outdoor reception when the sun dips and temperatures can drop. This is a perfect starting point for attending a friends afternoon nuptials.

In The Garden: Wedding Guest Look 1

Pastel dress, $43
Lime green jacket, $63
N Y L A platform wedge, $40
Straw handbag, $28
Twist jewelry, $24

Denim Shirt Take 2

The title isn't exactly accurate since I have worn my denim Madewell shirt more than two times since buying it.  However this is the second outfit post (first one is here) I am doing featuring my new favorite piece. The weather was a little chilly at the start of the day so I chose to wear stockings instead of bare-legging it, that and I don't feel that the blogosphere is quite ready for post-winter pasty stems.  The skirt is the vintage Yves Saint Laurent number I wore to the IFB conference in February (here).  The bright belt was my way of adding a pop of color to some classic pieces. 

 

What I am saying I don't know. I think this would be my diva face, if I was a diva.

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt: Madewell (current season)

Skirt: vintage

Stockings: Nordstrom (fall)

Belt: Ann Taylor (current season)

Shoes: Repetto

Necklace: LOFT

Fresh Pressed Shirt Dresses For Spring

                                                                                          Source: google.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

In my mind there is nothing so quintessential iconic in 1940's fashion as the shirt-dress.  It's at once utilitarian and chic. Masculine and feminine, perhaps it's the dichotomy that makes it so interesting to me.  The shirt-dress is an all in one fashion powerhouse and because of that it reappears every season. Sure there are slight variations of pattern, color and silhouette, but it essentially remains the same, classic.  If you don't already have a shirt-dress in your wardrobe I highly recommended adding it to your fashion arsenal and if you already do I am sure you wouldn't mind adding another.  Here are some flirty shirt-dresses that are sure to put a little "spring" in your step.

Fresh Pressed Shirt Dresses For Spring by jrosestyle

Tee shirt dress, $85
Bright colored dress, $55
Striped t shirt dress, $90
Topshop tee shirt dress, $72
Miss Selfridge tee shirt dress, $68
Oasis flared dress, $95
Forever 21, $25

Shopping Haul at LOFT

I have been on a self-enforced shopping diet for the last few months.  Well this week I decided to take a break from the torture...uh I mean diet, to indulge a little.  I had a $100 gift card that I had been saving since Christmas and a coupon for LOFT so off I skipped to my nearest LOFT location. This little video is a roundup of what I bought.  To shop the pieces in the video see the links below.

To Shop My Loft Picks:

Striped Sweater - $49.50

Chambray Drawstring Skirt - $59.50

Rib Tank - $14.50 or 3 for $35

Necklace in Store Only

Do You Pose?

Back in September I downloaded the mobile outfit sharing app Pose.  Initially I really didn't get into using it.  Didn't have time or didn't remember, either way it was seriously underused.  Poor lonely app just sat there until one day I decided I wanted to quickly share a picture of my nails.  Snapped a pic, tagged the items and boom posted it in a matter of minutes.  Fast, simple, fashion sharing, that offered instant gratification, now I get it!  In fact there are days where I love what I'm wearing and want to capture it, but just don't have the time to spare on setting up the tripod and getting out the DSLR, in those cases I whip out my phone, open up Pose, snap, snap, snap outfit captured for posterity.  Check out more of my poses here and download the app here.

A recent pose full of purples!

Na-na-Neon Nails: Kiss Nail Dress Review

What's in the pack: 28 Nail stickers in a variety of sizes, nail file, instructions/design idea book

These Kiss Nail Dress stickers were a complete and total impulse buy, along with the Easter shaped pasta and the dog toy puzzle. It was a wacky day, but sometimes impulse buys are a lot of fun, my dog had fun playing with the puzzle and I had fun playing with my nails.  Here's my complete and honest review of the product below.

Product: Kiss Nail Dress in Corset

What it Does: Creates some crazy, wild and bright nail art on your nails

What is in it: 28 adhesive nail designs in a range of sizes, a mini file to shape nails and a design booklet filled with ideas
What else You Will Need: A long wear clear top coat

Nail Stickers straight up with just a clear topcoat

My Verdict:

These Kiss nail stickers come in a range of patterns and colors, some designs even have crystals.  Cute, right?  The stickers peel off the plastic sheet easily and they can be trimmed to get the perfect size for each nail and also to modify the nail sticker.

The package recommends starting with clean, unpolished and buffed nails.  Even after following the steps to prep my nails I found that the stickers didn't adhere very well.  I especially noticed it around the cuticle, there were little air bubbles, where the sticker wasn't completely flat.  After rubbing the stickers in place the ripple became less noticeable and after applying the clear top coat you could barely see them.  Once the sticker is firmly placed on the nail I folded the excess over the edge of the nail and filed off. Easy enough.

The wear was about average, almost a week before the edges started to peel (I applied another color on top the next day and used a clear topcoat over the whole nail).  Honestly peeling them off was just as much fun as applying them.

Nail stickers with a little black glitter polish on the bottom half. Two looks, one sticker, you decide.

Final Thoughts

If I had my druthers I would love for the nail stickers to be a little more flexible.  The plastic was too rigid to follow the curves of the nail, especially around the cuticle and tip. I also wish the adhesive was a little stronger so they would last longer.  Those are my only two qualms though. The stickers allowed me to rock a wild nail look I couldn't have done with paint and there was no drying time (aside from the topcoat).

Price: $7 Plus they are super affordable!

Beauty Difficulty Rating
Like juggling oranges
Easy

Happy Friday

Happy Friday all! Here's hoping you have a weekend filled with adventure, laughs, relaxation and maybe ice cream.

You Better Hop To It...

Hop on Down Shaker Set, ModCloth, $12

First of all happy belated first day of Spring (Well at least if your hanging in the Northern Hemisphere)!  Second, today is the last day to enter the contest for the $50 ModCloth Gift Certificate.  What's that you say "how can I get myself entered in this awesome-ness".  Well just click on over here and follow the directions and you're in! 

Outfit Post: Nifty Neon

I like the word nifty, it's simply a word most people don't use anymore.  The word nifty draws to mind a 1950's type movie, in which the bespectacled suitor says to his love interest "it would be nifty if we can study calculus together".  So this post is about what I wore this week, not about underused words in the English language. The connection is the 50's style of the outfit and a nifty little neon sweater that made the look something special. 

An unseasonably warm March day demanded exposed pasty arms.

It looks like the wires are coming out of my head.  Curse you electricity, um nevermind.

Love the coral belt, bright accessories maketh the outfit.

My Repetto kitten heels puts a certain joie de vivre in my step.

Kiss Nail Dress stickers, which I will review later this week.

A cross between confused and amused is it comused or amfused?

Bonus Outtake Picture: Did someone say cookies?

What I'm Rocking
Cardigan: Mossimo Target
Blouse: Ann Taylor (thrift store holla!)
Jeans: Joe's
Belt: Ann Taylor (current season)
Shoes: Repetto
Nail Art: Kiss Nail Dress in Corset