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. 

Currently Craving: Posh Pencil Skirt

No one can deny the appeal of a chic pencil skirt, well at least I can't. The sleek lines and curve grazing silhouette are universally flattering. It's the perfect building block for any woman's wardrobe. This spring the pencil skirt is in full force oozing lady-like grace and style, but this year's twist to the perennial style is that it's no longer basic black, it's rainbow brights. Like this style from Nordstrom's in house brand Halogen, in an easy cotton with a hint of stretch, in not one color, but nine. It comes in a range of sizes from 0-16, some colors even come in petite. Plus it's super affordable at just $59! Now my only problem is deciding on a color.

The Amazing Technicolor Pencil Skirt, Halogen, Nordstrom, $59

What are your thoughts on pencil skirts, love 'em, hate 'em? Which color would you choose?

The Finer Things in Fashion

When I go into a museum, I expect to revel in the exquisite detail, the profound beauty and contemplate the meaning behind these magnificent works of art.  I have no expectation of actually owning any of these paintings, just a great appreciation that I am allowed to gaze on them for a short period of time.  When I recieved the Nordstrom November 2011 Unforgettable Gifts catalog I experienced a similar sensation.  Exquisitely beautiful fashions, lovely details, in a lavish glossy presentation.  The items in the catalog are completely beyond my reach, but sometimes it is just as nice to admire as it is to own.

 

Prada "Baroque" Sunglasses, $290, Nordstrom.com

Valentino "Rock Stud" Platform Pumps, $895, Nordstrom.com

 

Roberto Cavalli Metal Sunglasses, $450, Nordstrom.com

Jimmy Choo "Pearl" Wedge Sandal, $1095, Nordstrom.com

Is it just me that likes to flip through catalogs for the visual beauty, even when I can't afford the product?  Do you have a favorite item amongst the bunch here?  I personally love the shot with the Prada Sunnies.  The red lips, polkadots and pixie haircut are perfection. 

Small Size Shoe Event

Small footed ladies rejoice! This Saturday the Nordstrom Rack at Union Square, City Center and Bergen Town Center will be offering an enhanced selection of women's shoes sizes 4-6. Sadly I won't be around on Saturday so I am asking you to check it out and report back. I want to hear about your shopping finds, footwear fights, triumphs and tragedies (it would be a tragedy if you went home empty handed). I am living vicariously through you, remember to report back here and leave a note in the comments section.

Online Shopping 101: Petite Denim Resources

Asos:
Asos is an online catalog company.  They offer a selection of trendy petite pieces ranging from dresses to denim.  Their denim selection for petites is not as abundant as their women's denim, but they offer a variety that capture the latest cuts and colors of the season.

Gap:
If you are looking for classic cuts in a variety of washes then Gap is a good resource. Gap's petite sizes range from 00 to size 18.  I have personally had a few pairs of Gap denim and while not inexpensive they are great fitting and high quality.

Topshop:
Topshop has a small selection of petite denim. They are all slim cut in a variety of washes. Much like ASOS, Topshop focuses on trendy cut and colors.

Nordstrom:
Nordstrom carries of variety of brands that come in petite sizes. While some can be a little pricey in the ($100 range) there are still plenty of options under $70.  The cuts are more classic and conservative than some of the other sites.

Old Navy:
Old Navy has the lowest priced selection of petite denim.  They also have a variety of cuts and colors.  I have tried Old Navy's denim and the fit can be problematic depending on the cut, but then again there is such a variety that you are sure to find a fit that works for you.

FNO: Westchester Style

 

Hi all! I hope you had a wonderful Fashion's Night Out (I want to hear all about it, so leave me a note in the comments).  I was debating whether I would trek into the city or stay home and see what the internet had to offer, but when I found out that the Westchester Mall in White Plains was going to be participating in the fashion fun-ness, I knew I had to go there.  So here's how I celebrated FNO in Westchester Style. 

The Westchester Mall, if you have never been, is an elegant three level structure, think marble and indoor fountains.  Most of the action for FNO could be found on the main concourse of the first level.  Booths were set up to guide shoppers to the store's holding special events, food vendors had tables to distribute samples, stores were holding special raffles and feather hair extensions were being donned.  There was no one demographic out in force, which goes to show the mass appeal of an evening out, with shopping, food, entertainment and music.  A live DJ was spinning tunes on the concourse by Nordstroms, while women of all ages lined up for a custom temporary glitter tattoos.  Black and red feather boas were being handed out to the shopping revelers, who proudly wore them while they surveyed the fun and went off to shop. The two flagship departments stores in the mall hosted live  fashion events. Nordstroms held a presentation of the fall fashions and Neiman Marcus hosted a live fashion shoot.  The fashion shoot had up-and-coming photographers competing to capture a winning image of models striking poses in this fall's hot designer garb. 

All in all it was a great evening out for all ages, the shopping almost, almost came second.  I stopped by BCBG, Cole Haan and Dooney and Bourke who had treats and raffles for the special evening.  I also did some shopping damage while I sipped sparkling water at Ann Taylor.  I hope the Westchester Mall continues the FNO party next year.  

Black and red balloons flanked a table where guests entered a raffle to meet Tim Gunn of Project Runway.

Dooney and Bourke wore there FNO pride on their sleeve er.. window.  Guests entered for a chance to win a Quilted Gramercy Duffle Bag.

Some yummy treats provided by the Melting Pot restaurant in White Plains.  I went with the dark chocolate dip, it was fondue-licious!

P.F Chang's was serving up their famous and fabulous lettuce wraps.

FNO revelers, in black and red feather boas, check out the offerings on the concourse.

FNO attendees had feather hair added to their locks.

Photographers snapping pictures of the models wearing fall fashions from Neiman Marcus.

Model waiting on the side lines of the photo shoot wearing this fall's hottest trends

DJ spinning tunes in the entry of Neiman Marcus.

Woman accessorizing her arm with a temporary glitter tattoo.

Another DJ spun hot mixes on the concourse by Nordstrom.

 Shoppers sample some sweet treats courtesy of Nordstrom.

The are a couple things I would like to see for next year. One is more stores participating in the festivities.  I found that the more stores that were a part of the party with entertainment, food and raffles, the more excitement they contributed to their area. Second thing that I would like to see is the music, beauty and food vendors distributed throughout the main walkways of the mall.  While the main concourse was abuzz with action, some parts of the mall were left feeling a little desolate and far removed from the feel of Fashion's Night Out. 

Did you go to FNO? If so what did you think? 

Outfit Chronicles: Olive and Berry to the Max!

Dress handmade, Caslon Jacket from Nordstrom, Jewelry borrowed, Flowers from the garden.

Sometimes inspiration is born in the mind, sometimes it comes from an outside source.  I recently got a jolt of style inspiration from two of my blogger buddies.  Michelle over at The Fierce Glamour blog recently posted a pic of her wearing a deep coral color dress with a jade green necklace.  Love it!  Then I saw that Lydia of the Style Independent blog wearing a bright pink top with a turquoise necklace.  Definitely sensing a trend. Bright colors are everywhere this summer; from fashion editorial to in store, but pairing them with an equally bright accessory, brilliant!

Fashion Finds: What to Wear on a Rainy Day

Photo: Nina Leen/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Mar 01, 1956

Today I woke up to the sound of raindrops on the roof.  Normally I find the percussive pitter-patter of rain comforting, but I did not have the luxury of staying in bed.  I had to trudge out into the rain to head to work.  While getting dressed I couldn't help but wish I had some more water resistant pieces in my wardrobe.  As I hummed the children's rhyme "rain, rain go away, come again some other day" I made a mental list of some items that would help to keep one warm and dry on dreary, rain soaked day.