Are you a perpetual “I have nothing to wear” type of gal? Get yourself a duster, friend! It’s the easiest item to pair with just about anything and complete an outfit.
When I was planning outfits for fashion week, I had a hard time choosing pieces that would be unique and special, but also practical and wearable outside of NYFW streets. This duster was the perfect item! These faux leather leggings are a wardrobe staple must. The $98 price tag does seem a little steep, but they are that good. They are made by Spanx and hold everything in (super flattering!) while also being comfortable.
How To Style A Duster
* Don’t be afraid to get it tailored. It’s hard to buy one straight off the rack that will be the perfect length. If you are petite, you can tailor it to hit at least a few inches above your ankles.
* Petite girls.. if you are worried about it overwhelming your smaller frame choose a lighter fabric that fits closer to your body.
* Pair it with a silk dress. Love this combo! It can easily pair with dressier items and the high/low difference creates interest.
* Throw one over a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. The easiest way to look more put together, and also add a layer for warmth.
* Pair with over the knee boots and skirts. This is a way to get more use out of your shorts or skirts going into the fall and winter. Add a duster and some booties or over the knee boots.
* Don’t shy away from a print! Plaid, houndstooth and leopard are all BIG trends this fall season. A printed duster is great to have on hand to add a trending piece to lots of looks you already have in your closet.
There is something SO magical about New York Fashion Week. So many dreams are coming true for so many, and the energy is amazing!
I loved strolling the streets, taking on PR meetings, meeting other bloggers, and finding so much inspiration in the street style.
For day one I decided to go with fall’s HOTTEST trend…animal print! We hit the ground running as soon as we arrived in NYC. This leopard blazer and matching silk shorts were great for meetings as well as more informal gatherings. Each of these pieces can be worn apart and extremely versatile. These were a bit of a splurge, but I’ve found several similar options that are a bit more budget friendly as well.
The exact blazer can be found HERE and the exact shorts HERE. You can find a more budget friendly option ($32!) HERE. These sunglasses are a chloe dupe, and an under $20 find!
HOW TO STYLE ANIMAL PRINT
*Treat it as a neutral. No, really! You can mix it with other prints or patterns. It can go with any color you wish as well.
*This trend isn’t just leopard (even though I’ve been seeing a TON of that!) Think tiger print, snakeskin, anything animal inspired!!
*Go BOLD! Head to toe animal print! For this, I prefer a neutral shoe.
TOP FALL FASHION TRENDS
1. Animal Prints- (YAY!)
2. Shades of White- Break the rules. White after labor day is totally allowed. This fall it’s even encouraged. 😉
3. Bold Shoulders- Last year was all about the cold shoulder, this year is all about the bold!
4. Saville Row- Houndstooth, Plaid, etc. Anything with that great texture!
5. Western Wear- A modern approach to western wear. Also, seeing a more “space cowboy look.” Lots of western wear partnered with metallics and modern touches.
If you aren’t familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…. you are missing out!! Take it from a level 4 Nordstrom shopper (I know, I know, it’s a problem…) this is the best way to shop the upcoming fall fashions. I’ve got tips and tricks to help you save the most and navigate through the sale.
Why this Sale is Different
This sale is different from most sales in that these are the upcoming fall season’s hottest pieces put up at majorly discounted prices rather than sizes that didn’t sell from a current season. Once the sale is over, whatever is left is then marked back up to MSRP. Pretty dang awesome.
Important Dates/Cardholders
From July 12-19th Nordstrom cardholders can shop the sale before it opens to the public. This is important because tons of the items will sell out before the public gets access to them. I’m not a big fan of store credit cards, personally, because it makes self control a little hard. However, they have an option where you can get all the rewards and it connects directly to your debit card! I love this option. If you have better self discipline with your spending, they have credit card options too! You can sign up HERE. If you are approved for the card, you receive a $20 Nordstrom note to use during the sale.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public from July 20th-August 5th. Prices go back up to normal MSRP on August 6th.
Items Sell Out…Fast.
Everyone loves a good sale and quantities are limited. SO… things sell out fast. Anyone remember the Topshop striped cardigan last year? People were selling it on ebay for triple the price because it was so hot.
A couple things you can do to make sure you secure the best deals:
1. Apply for the card so you can shop the early access.
2. Shop online first, and then in store. There is always a better chance of the item being available online. You can also buy online and pick up in store.
3. Buy first, return later. Ok, so I’m not a huge fan of having to return items. I’ve worked in retail and know the hassle. However, this is an exception. Nordstrom has one of the easiest and best return policies in all of retail. Go ahead and purchase the item and if you decide it wasn’t a great fit, or was an impulse decision, it is extremely easy to return. If you wait to think on it (which in most normal situations I would suggest) there is a great chance it will sell out.
4. Restocks happen frequently. They do restock items throughout the sale, so continue to go back to Nordstrom.com if you happened to miss out on something that you really would love.
How I can Help You
I’m pretty much a complete crazy A$$ when it comes to this sale. Early Access starts during my birthday week. I take that as a sign that I’m supposed to use that opportunity to the fullest. Year after year, I do. When the sale first goes live, I spend hours and hours browsing nearly every page for the best finds. (The sale spreads from women, baby, men, home, etc.) I typically look for classics that you can get tons of use out of in each category. They always have a killer leather jacket, great designer denim deals, designer handbags at majorly discounted prices, a beauty kit, booties/boots for fall, great staple coat, etc. This year I was able to get my hands on the media PDF’s and I’ve been creating lots of collages with breakdowns of the best deals in each category. Let me just tell you, it does not disappoint.
I’ll also go to the store the first day and check out everything in person. Be sure to watch my Instastories to view the items. This way if you have questions about quality or something similar, I can do my best to help you out. I so look forward to this as I don’t take nearly as many styling jobs as I did before the boys were born. It’s truly so fun for me!
Triple Point Day/Card benefits
If you decide you do not want to become a cardholder, you can still join Nordstrom Rewards. With the rewards program you will get 1 point for every $1 spent. I HIGHLY recommend doing that.
Cardholders rack up points quicker gaining 2 points for every $1 spent. (This applies to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club.) You get reimbursed in notes for alterations as well. Throughout the year, there are double points, and triple points days. These are great times to make larger purchases as the notes can really add up quickly!
You also get to choose a triple point day! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is absolutely the day to do that. Not only are you saving money from the discounted prices, but you also are making money from the notes to spend later. They don’t expire for a year. I typically majorly stock up during the sale, and get a ton of $20 notes. It’s hard to do, but I try to save those notes for Christmas time. I then use them for gifts. Around that time, it’s always great to have that option!
Hope this helps! If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact me HERE. . Happy shopping. 🙂
Ok ya’ll I have found the PERFECT everyday dress. It’s the softest material and so easy to throw on and go. I paired it with simple slide sandals (under $30 and come in several colors.) I wanted something I could chase babies in and be comfy in this hot weather. There is also a shorter version that’s less expensive as well. You can find that one HERE.
Back in my styling days I had go to items that I would suggest everyone have. Whenever you have those “I have absolutely nothing to wear” moments you can convert back to those few pieces and style them different ways.
You could also style this dress:
* With a bandana scarf and sneakers.
* Wedges and big statement earrings.
* Lace up sandals and a statement necklace.
* Tie up the bottom of the dress with a top knot hair style.
When it comes to a summer outfit I try to keep staple pieces in my closet and this is one of them. (As well as the slides.)
Here are some other under $100 summer outfit staples:
These days date nights are VERY few and far between. We don’t leave the babies very often. When we do, it is usually for work related events.
My mom was in town the other day and watched the kids so we could go on a little day date. It was one of the most fun days I’ve had in a long time, and the rest of the week we were just happier and ready to take on everything that came our way. It made me realize that taking time for one another is so important. It’s now a goal of mine to prioritize date nights!
Typical days at home with the boys are spent in pajamas. I do my best to upgrade to yoga pants at some point… On good days some distressed jeans and a band t-shirt. I rarely put on makeup during the week days unless I have an event, and my hair is often in a top knot. Trey never sees me dressed up. When we were first dating I was always dressed to the nines.
Every now and again it’s fun to get dolled up with some date night fashion and “date” each other again.
Since men’s fashion doesn’t change drastically from season to season, you can invest in quality pieces that can get a lot of wear. On our shopping venture we found SO many good deals at Nordstrom Rack. Several items we found at the rack were still full price at Nordatrom. The EXACT same items!
With men it doesn’t take a full suit to impress. A nice button down, fitted modern jeans and some suede shoes is all it takes.
I found these grey jeans that have a skinny fit without looking they are cutting off circulation… They are a great neutral color and look nicer than a blue denim color.
Rarely do I slip into a dress these days. A good dress can make you feel feminine and boost your confidence. I’ll invest in one from time to time that is flattering and wearable for all types of occasions.
The fit of a Veronica Beard dress is top notch. I caught this one on sale, and it’s becoming a closet staple piece. You know how you look in your closet on the day of an event and say “I have nothing to wear?” This is that kind of thing you can always throw on and have the fix for that. Pair it with flat sandals for day time or wedges for a more casual look.
I’m a sucker for a well made, designer heel. These M. Gemi suede heels are top notch quality, but at a lower price point than other Italian made quality shoes. They are comfortable, and made so well.
The second I spotted this high-waisted skirt I knew I just had to have it. However, I don’t get too dressed up these days. Big buttons are trending this spring, and this cut was just too flattering to pass up, so I decided to work on styling it for more of an everyday look.
Pairing the skirt with this cropped band tee made it both comfortable and more approachable. Spring skirts can seem overwhelming to style in your everyday casual looks, but it’s easier (and more comfortable) than it may seem. I sized up on this crop top tee so that I could wear it with high rise jeans or shorts this summer without baring any belly.
If you haven’t heard of Marc Fisher espadrille wedge sandals yet, check them out. They are so comfy to walk around in, especially for the wedge size. These were a little funky and added texture and that pop to a simple outfit. They also have great neutral options that I’ve been eyeing as well.
This would also be great for a night out with some wrap up heels and a tighter crop top. (That either showed some skin or tucked in.) You could also wear it with a blouse and pair of booties to a more formal occasion or the workplace. (I’m 5’6″ and the skirt was not overly short on me, for reference.)
White on white isn’t always practical when I am around the babies, but anytime I have a chance to get out it’s my go to. So fresh for spring and easy to pull off.
Here are some other SPRING SKIRTS that are great for casual everyday wear that can also be dressed up.
Well today was quite the manic Monday. We were out of baby essentials so I had to make a Target run with both boys in tow. All started out well and I was feeling proud of myself for getting both babes fed, diapered, dressed, bottles packed, and both in car seats. So proud in fact that when I first walked in I awarded myself a Starbucks.
Then the meltdowns began. It started with Wilder crying and he was inconsolable. (He is colic so nothing new there…) Then Georgie decided to have the meltdown of all meltdowns. Thrashing, screaming, throwing his shoes off,etc. Two sweet ladies even came up to me and offered to help. I practically ran to get two quick items and high tailed it out of there.
After I loaded G into the car and put his TV on to calm him down I realized someone had parked so close to me I physically couldn’t open the door wide enough to get Wilder’s car seat in. I tried from the passenger side front, but that wouldn’t fit either. G’s carseat blocked the way from the back passenger side. I had no choice but to load both babies back up and head back inside. They had to make an announcement of the license plate number over the intercom. Then I had to wait for them to re-park and re-load them back in.
With that being said I try my best to be a glass half full kind of person SO the good news is this duster jacket is back in stock! It’s one of my favorite staple pieces in my closet. It’s so cozy and feels like wearing a robe. Another luxe fall fashion trend I’m adoring are embellished booties. I’m loving THESE because they are neutral enough to still go with everything and the block heel makes them wearable for everyday.
Am I the only one that associates Labor Day with the Labor Day sales? It’s the first thing that I think of! Anything with sales and a long weekend and I’m a fan!!
My tiger motif obsession is truly out of control, but this one is under $50 so I couldn’t resist. Bonus: it’s from ASOS and they are having 20% off full priced items for the Labor Day Sales! I’ve also been wearing these black high-waisted pants non stop. They are flattering and strechy.
Which Labor Day Sales I’m Shopping
* ASOS – Use code “LABORYAY” for 20% off all full price items.
* EXPRESS – 40% off EVERYTHING. No joke. Stock up!!!
Fall is coming! Fall fashion is my absolute favorite. I love to layer, and nothing beats a good live in sweater. You know, the kind you wear day after day in a row? (Or is that just me?!) This mustard-ish color in the sweater and tank is really hot for fall this season. This tiger tie front shirt is so soft and on sale for $27! (I sized up to a large so that it wouldn’t fit like a crop top. This mama isn’t quite ready to be baring my belly.) These studded booties are my favorite fall investment piece so far. The block heel makes them comfortable and easy to wear for day and night. They are neutral enough to go with everything, but also have that little something “extra.”
Fall fashion isn’t the only thing I love about this season. I’m ready for the crisp air, all things apple and pumpkin, and dressing the boy’s up in Halloween costumes! Who is with me? I’m hoping to enjoy one more summer weekend for labor day, but after that I’m jumping on the fall train. We will be outside as much as possible. Nashville has lots of great things to do in the fall. Cheekwood has one of the most impressive pumpkin patches as well as thousands of mums. They have food trucks and a beer garden with live music on the weekends. I can’t wait to take the boys there and snap some adorable shots of them.
What do ya’ll do for family fun during the fall? Love hearing ideas of fun family traditions we can start. Now I’m off to go brainstorm/Pinterest family of four Halloween costume ideas!
I’ve been seeing the embroidered trend everywhere this season, and I’m really loving it. Of course, I had to do my own take on it. Which at 81/2 months pregnant means in t-shirt form. I found this designer, Banner Day, that makes these handcrafted, high-quality linen embroidered t-shirts and couldn’t pass them up. Yes, it was a little bit of a splurge. They source original artwork as the illustrations for the shirts. How cool is that?! You can shop the one I’m wearing HERE. I sized up for the bump, but I think it’ll be cute tied up later this summer, post baby. I also love this cactus version and this coyote version . Most days, I wear this with some leggings and flats. However, for a little friend date I wore it with the only jeans that fit me these days. These are NOT maternity, but are super low rise so I’ve worn them my entire pregnancy. If you are expecting, save your $$ on maternity jeans, and get a pair of these. That way you can wear them after too!
I’ve been loving the embroidered trend so much much I wanted to get a purse with that vibe. I searched long and hard to find this one that is completely embellished and it’s under $100! It comes in two other colors as well. I’m also tempted to buy the tote version as well. These days I typically need a big bag to carry all G’s (and soon to be baby #2’s) things as well as my own.
Let me just tell ya, it’s hard out there for an 8 month preggo in this summer heat. I’m anxiously waiting to meet baby #2 and see his cute little face. Most days I’m at home in the air conditioning with G in comfy clothes, but I am soaking up day time friend dates to grab lunch or a coffee as much as I can before his arrival. I know it will be hard to get out for awhile once he’s here!
