There’s a wide selection of what’s available in Nordstrom’s Dress Shop. Just scrolling down a bit I note we start at $98. Very nice! Don’t forget girls, Double Points start November 4th! I’ll be at the Tampa Nordstrom store at International Plaza.
I stopped in at Macy’s today in Naples, Florida. I LOVE this Tommy Hilfiger look. The jean jacket is so cute; fits more like a shirt and this combination would look great with khakis or khaki skirt and flats. I’d even wear with white denim pants or skirt.
What makes this great is the jacket is casual but the blouse adds a feminine touch without being dressy. I’d also pair this jacket with a shirt or T-shirt and a scarf to add color and a little drama. For a more dressy look, wear the jacket with a dressy skirt, heels, camisole and statement necklace. You’d be surprised how many ways you can wear a little jean jacket!
The jacket and blouse were $79 each.
Last week I found myself in cold, rainy Chicago weather. It’s not that Chicago is a southern city, but the Midwest has experienced a cool summer followed by a cold autumn. Hmmmmm……… hope this winter won’t be like last year’s! Anyway, while checking out retail on Michigan Avenue, I was pleased to see what trends we will gladly follow this year. THE BOOT IS BACK – big time. While we’ve all worn boots, it is a MUST HAVE this season. I had many compliments and inquiries as to the pair of boots I was wearing, which are the “riding” boots I bought from Brooks Brothers last year. (See previous posts for boot “reveal.”) I’m also happy to see leggings and tights/stockings in many fabrics, colors, designs. I think a lot of women will be warm and feeling quite stylish this winter!
INC is one of my favorite lines. It is reasonably priced and “fashionable.” The clothes fit girls with curves and are flattering. I check out INC’s display at Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Price range is usually $59 to $99.
Here are examples of great outfits. In the “brown” display, I especially like the blouse with white tie and sweater. It is classic and lovely. The outfits I’m unsure about are the ones with the shiny puffer jackets. Both black and brown displays showcase this look. The looks here are okay because the shiny puffer is paired with a traditional bottom – tweed skirt. If you just have to have the shiny puffer, I don’t think I’d stray much from how it is shown here. Save puffy for the tweed pants or skirt. I can see the black puffer with a pair of Ralph wool charcoal-grey with thin white stripe pants I have. Throw on a white cashmere turtleneck underneath. Personally, I find the shiny puffer very limiting, and it would not be at the top of my “to buy” list.
Refer to my blog about the Aqua dress I recommended for the wedding reception and here is a cute cardigan you can wear with that dress. Again, if you have a good “staple” item, you can dress it up, down, or between. Nordstrom refers to it as The Versatile Cardi. I say good suggestion. A great addition to the wardrobe for $68.00.
I was asked to search for a dress for an evening wedding. My client was invited to her boss’ wedding and stated “cocktail attire.” One thing to remember for wedding apparel is don’t upstage the bride! Guests should be dressed respectfully according to season and time of day. To me, “cocktail attire” for a wedding is different than for a cocktail party. To address the situation further, my client is young, gorgeous with olive skin, green eyes, D cup, and it’s her boss. How do you dress, I ask? Very carefully!
Anyway, I knew she was on a tight budget and with all under consideration, I wanted to look for something that could be dressed up. Kensie at Macy’s had a dress I liked; higher neckline but sheer panel to keep sexy; black with sapphire and olive. BCBG offered many cool choices as usual, but pricing was a little higher than what I knew she wanted to spend. At Bloomingdales, I went to the Contemporary section and was delighted with the AQUA line. Wonderful sweaters, dresses, tops, etc. This dress caught my eye. The picture does not do it justice, but the material has a sheen to it, making it dressier. I figured this would work with great high-heels, a smoldering eye, hair done up with a clip, bling earrings and bracelet with bag. A bling belt and ring instead of the bracelet could work too. Also, “the girls” are “contained” and the outfit would present a sophisticated rather than “office bimbo” look.
Another consideration was the price and practicality of the dress. This dress could be worn with a cardigan or jacket and I am showing it with boots or you could wear flats. Simple or no jewelry would make it appropriate for office or a casual dinner. This is a great office to out-on-the-town dress with a change of footwear and jewelry. Also good for travel being dual-purpose. The price, $108.00, but I bought at 15% off SALE. That’s right, I ended up buying one for myself!
The color caught my eye as I breezed through the aisles at Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Bloomingdales. I couldn’t pass up the color. Wow! Women talk about how they buy too much black; they want to change but gravitate to black. Here was my alternative. Plus, this would be great with a black sweater underneath, or even black-belted! The salesgirl said the coats came in a few days ago and she expected them to fly off the racks when the 15% off sale went into effect (with using your Bloomie’s card, through Sunday, October 18th). She pre-sold the coat to me and I had it shipped as it would ring up on the sale date.
Why are we always looking at new coats? Let’s face it gals, in the cold weather the coat is your outfit! This coat will be great with black (here we go again) and I’m wearing it with red leather woven gloves for the extra punch. If I belt it, it will be black gloves. I can see it with a black sweater and skirt, black boots and gloves, belted, heavy pearl necklace, red lipstick. Let me add, the coat is the perfect weight; warm enough to ward off a chill but light enough to be perfect for errands, shopping or over a suit.
I’m glad I found my new coat for the season! Thank you Michael Kors!
Here is a great display of Calvin Klein found at Bloomingdales on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Leggings are big this year and the teal color is complementary to many complexion and hair colors. The middle outfit is my favorite. I saw a lot of leather out there and it is soft and comfortable. This pairing with a tweed skirt gives you a chic edge. Flats or the “now popular” boot along with a messenger bag and scarf will give you a professional yet approachable look for work, errands or a business meeting. Heels, necklace, decorative headband and fancier purse will take you to “happy hour” and dinner afterward at a nice restaurant. If weather dictates, I’d wear a pair of black and brown leather gloves- something with a subtle pattern.
I like this look because you can easily change the outfit with footwear and accessories. Also, you will use this outfit for years. A simple update would be a trendy scarf or bracelet.
NOTE: 15% SALE AT BLOOMINGDALES through Sunday, Oct 18th when you use your Bloomingdale’s card!
Here’s another example of Ralph’s Lauren line.
Nice clothes for every day. Easy to wear. Looks great!
