There’s a bunch of great sales going on this weekend so naturally I made my way into a couple of stores today. I’ve rounded up a few things that I tried on today and some others that are sitting pretty (probably not for long) in my online shopping carts.
wearing size Small (great quality, not super thin like most silk camis)
I’m also loving these black booties. The heel is the perfect height, especially for this tall girl!
If you’re in the market for a new jacket this one is 50% off and so classic. I’m in need of a good Winter coat so I’m currently contemplating purchasing this one (sizing: I tried it on today and it runs big).
I purchased this cardigan a few weeks ago and now it’s only $24. I may need to order another color. Anybody else cardi crazy?
I feel like a champ right now, survived a post-vacation Monday at the office and I’m writing a blog post. Thats’s huuuuuge. I had such a relaxing week in Cape Cod with my family. It was our first family vacation since 2009! Ice-cream, beach and wine (lots of wine) made for the perfect week. Now I’m just counting down the days until my next vacation and a trip down south for my besties wedding next month! Waiting all Summer for these vacations to begin was quite tough but I am so grateful to have spent this past week with my family and so excited to spend my next trip with Jeremy and some of my very best friends.
I just picked a few pieces for next months trip including these tie waist shorts. I love the tie detail and the loose fit on the legs. I always find that a looser fitting short is the most flattering and obviously way more comfortable than anything form fitting. Looking back, I probably should have paired these with a bodysuit because my shirt was just not cooperating/staying tucked in #RUDE. My shorts are on sale but selling out quick so also linked some similar pairs in the widget above.
So many retail stores are coming out with their new arrivals for Fall which means two things- 1. Fall is coming and 2. Summer clothes are ON SALE. I’ve found a few great deals and some of these pieces can even be transitioned into your wardrobe for the cooler temps.
I have and love these sandals which are now almost half the original price. I also really love this lace-up pair.
I recently purchased this kimono and the colors are SO pretty. I plan on wearing this with white jeans and a simple white tank underneath. It’s marked way down right now.
There are just a few more days left to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Prices go back up on August 7th so I wanted to share what I purchased AND KEPT from the sale. Keep in mind that although a lot of items may be sold out I know Nordstrom is randomly re-stocking them so be sure to keep checking back if there is something you want (and then check out right away!).
I’ll sum up all my purchases by categories so that this doesn’t seem like a completely unorganized rambling of a post. Or maybe it will be either way? Okay, here we go…
Jackets
Blank NYC Suede Moto Jacket : This is my favorite purchase from the sale. This was also a huge hit last year but this years version is MUCH better. Last years version had a belt that hung quite awkwardly in my opinion. This version was a much better fit on me and the gray was a no-brainer. This is an item that is in and out of stock- if you see it in stock I say grab it!! (Remember that Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns.) Wearing a size small.
Madewell Catskills Jacket : I love the unexpected bluish gray color for a military jacket as most are usually some shade of green. The sleeves definitely run short on me so I contemplated returning it but the color is keeping me hooked and I’ll likely be wearing it with the sleeves rolled (as I do with my current military jacket). This is a similar option in the olive color. If you don’t already have a military jacket I’d bet you’d be surprised at how much wear you’ll get out of one, they really go with everything casual! Wearing a size small.
Shoes
Kristin Cavallari Capri Mule: I’ve had my eyes on these for quite some time. I love the light shade of greige (ya know, gray-beige). They are the perfect neutral shoe for Fall and I can’t wait to break them out in a few months! Fit TTS.
Treasure & Bond Easton Chelsea Bootie : I was quite disappointed with a very large majority of the boots and booties on sale. It seemed like SO many were round or almond toe and I’ve been gravitating towards the exact opposite. Once I saw these pointy toe booties they were immediately added to my cart. Unfortunately they are a bit delayed on shipping even though I ordered them back on 7/13! Luckily I won’t need them for another few months but nonetheless I am a bit antsy to see how they look and fit in person. I’m convinced that these will be keepers! Ordered my regular size in the black leather.
Tops/Sweaters
Love by Design Cuff Sleeve Pullover : So this wasn’t in my very first order but I am SO glad I grabbed it a few days into the sale. I am a complete sucker for sweaters that are 100% cotton because the slightest bit of wool will drive me nuts. This sweater is soft and MACHINE WASHABLE. I really really really appreciate machine washable sweaters. This is the perfect oversized sweater for Fall. Definitely size down, I went with a small but could have easily fit an XS.
Treasure & Bond Stitch Play Cardigan : If you’ve been following for awhile then you are well aware that cardigans are my JAM. This is also 100% cotton!! The charcoal color is different than any cardigans that I currently own so obviously this needed to make its way into my closet. A comfy cozy win!
Lush Raw Edge Side Slit Tee : You can never have too many basic t-shirts! I’ve needed a black tee so this fit the bill. I bought a Medium because I’m sure it’ll shrink a tad and I like my t-shirts to have a loose fit.
Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee : I actually bought this tee during a past Nordstrom Sale and I still wear it all the time. I spotted this grey shade in store and couldn’t resist. The color is a lot prettier in person! Also wearing a medium in this one.
Accessories
Kate Spade New York Bright Idea Stud Earrings : I was in desperate need of a new pair of everyday studs. My ears were turning green from my current pair…GREEN! These were definitely a bit bigger than I expected but I’ve still been wearing them daily and love them. I purchased the clear/silver pair. If you are looking for something smaller these may fit the bill.
BaubleBar Mini Piñata Statement Earrings: These are unfortunately (currently) sold out but another color option can be found here. These are the perfect statement earrings and they will definitely be my go-to for some upcoming weddings and events!
Jeans/Bottoms
DL1961 Intasculpt: I tried several pairs of jeans from the sale but these are the winners! Most flattering pair and the perfect length. These will work well with both flats and booties and I love the darker wash. They are currently out of stock but this is the same style in a different color (unfortunately this wash is not on sale). These do have some stretch. I’m wearing a size 26.
Zella Live-In Leggings: I’ve talked about these too many times to count. I currently own the regular rise pair and love these even more. The high rise is SO comfortable and really sucks you in. Super flattering! Hands down my favorite leggings. Wearing size small.
ANDDDDD my wallet is now screaming bloody murder so that’s all. It was a lot of trial and error (thank goodness for Nordstrom making returns SUPER easy) but I am SO happy to have a few new pieces for Summer and a few great staples to wear this Fall.
I can actually say good morning and mean it! Usually I’m not much of a morning person BUT early access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today SO I’m shopping and shopping = happy Jessica. I currently have my online shopping cart filled up and I plan to head to Nordstrom on my “lunch” (/ shopping) break today. Maybe I should warn my boss that someone may need to come drag me out of the fitting room if I’m not back at work within an hour. Anyways, so many items tend to sell out SUPER quick during the sale so I wanted to share my purchases with you ASAP as in right now. I’ll have a few more posts up during the sale (public access for non-cardholders starts 7/21!). All items in the collage below are shoppable- all you have to do is click directly on the item!
I’m also in desperate need of a warmer coat for the winter and have my eye on this one.
I included a few pairs of Zella leggings in the collage but I also own these and they are by far my favorite leggings (if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile then you’re already well aware of that). They always sell our pretty quick so I grab mine right away.
If you’re in the market for a leather jacket (closet staple!) then check out this one. The quality looks amazing and I love the texture! I’m also loving this lightweight jacket and the cut of this blazer.
I’ve raved about Madewell jeans a lot and they really are SO flattering. This pair is part of the sale.
Kind of random but I came across this picnic set and I think it would make a really cute engagement or bridal shower gift!
I’m not typically one to buy body con dresses but I found two that are really tempting me: here and here. I think the necklines would be super flattering and buying them in black is a given!
Okay now I really need to get my butt to work but happy shopping! I’ll be sure to snap some pictures of anything I try on in store today.
I’m not sure what it is but I have taken a liking to sleeveless sweaters. Maybe its because I LOVE sweaters and owning sleeveless ones means I can wear sweaters year long! When I saw this one with the stripes I was obviously sold. Stripes give me life! I’m loving the high neckline #workappropriate and the ribbed texture. I also have my (heart) eyes on this one.
Other sleeveless sweaters I’m loving:
I also have to mention these shoes because I have been sliding into them so much since I bought them. The heel height is perfect making them SO easy to walk in and super comfortable for all day wear. I have the camel color sitting in my cart because no matter what Jeremy says I could always use another pair of neutral shoes.
I’m feeling like the week has flown by (for a change!) and I am oh SO excited for the weekend. Tomorrow night I’m heading to the mall for some shopping with a friend and on Saturday I am going to a winery with a bunch of pals. Hopefully this weekend doesn’t fly by as quick as the week did- that just wouldn’t be fair!
My days of wearing anything colorful are few and far between. I am a sucker for neutrals and you can’t go wrong with beige on white on white on taupe. I mentioned these shoes on Instagram and they really are my new favorites! I actually wanted these all last Summer but was patiently (for a change) waiting for them to go on sale. When I saw them back in stock this Spring I knew I had to grab them. They never got marked down but luckily they were part of the Shopbop sale so I did get a wee little discount. I am loving the tassel detail and how they have the look of a lace-up shoe without the hassle! Tassel and no hassle…CHECK. I’ve found that I rarely ware any lace up shoes I have purchased because getting them tied perfectly is way too time consuming. I am already ALWAYS running late so a five minute putting-on-the-shoe routine just doesn’t work. This pair has an easy little zipper on the back…thank you, Jeffrey Campbell!
Okay now on to the update! It only took me 6+ months to find a venue and get things going. I am admittedly very venue-picky and insisted on getting married someplace other than in a ballroom. Wellllllll, guess what? We are getting married in a ballroom and I couldn’t be more excited about it! So, what gives? Our ballroom is different. No really, the light fixtures are so elegant and like none I’ve seen before, the floors are a gorgeous wood finish, the windows and drapery are on point and there isn’t a tacky looking rug. It has a Great Gatsby vibe and I was SO pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed with excitement when we found this gem. So aside from the venue and food our next priority was the band. We headed to Boston and checked out our potential wedding band which is now officially our wedding band. This was basically a no-brainer after hearing them play. My favorite part about weddings is all the dancing so music is KEY. Our next task is finding our photographer. We will hopefully be meeting with one in the next couple weeks and will soon have that crossed off our list. Not so bad for a year out. I am hoping that we if we can cross some of the important things off our to-do list now we won’t be too overwhelmed in a few months. Oh, and lastly I went dress shopping!! My mom and sister (/MOH) came to Connecticut on my birthday to take me dress shopping. We visited 3 different stores and I found TWO dresses which I loved. Two VERY different dresses, both which I never imagined I’d love so much- kind of like my ballroom of a wedding venue. One is unique and unexpected while the other is classic and timeless. I haven’t purchased either one yet as I am the most indecisive person ever but I am definitely leaning towards one. Well, thats a wrap…I’ll leave you guessing which dress I choose (if I ever decide).
I have come to terms with the fact that I can’t seem to shoot, edit and write blog posts featuring each of my new purchases before they end up selling out. The fact is that I am shopping way more than I am blogging. ::Less shopping, more blogging, less shopping, more blogging…you can do this Jessica! :: While I try to post fairly regularly on Instagram I figured it would be fun to start rounding up my recent purchases over here on the blog. You’ll get to see all the goodies that I buy here in one post, some will eventually be featured in upcoming posts but until then it’s mirror pictures galore. I’ll be keeping the windex nearby. My plan is to keep these posts coming every 4-5 weeks but just promise me ONE thing…let’s not tell Jeremy how much shopping I really do. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s ignore my sunburnt chest and get to it…
Top: Banana Republic (TTS, wearing size small) // Shorts: Revolve (also Shopbop); run slightly big but I got my regular size- I HATE snug shorts!
Top: Loft (TTS, wearing size small) // Pants: Gap (TTS) // Sandals: Old Navy
This top has been perfect for work!
Top: Ann Taylor (wearing a Small) // Shorts: Old- have and love these
When I first started blogging I featured SO many extremely affordable pieces of clothing. While I loved those pieces at the time, I currently own about 10% of them. Why? Because I was so excited about the inexpensive prices and great ‘deals’ I was getting that I overlooked the quality and ended up with lots of items that only lasted through a few washes. I also was much more into trends than I am now, trends that didn’t last or ones that I no longer loved the following season. Don’t get me wrong, I still buy certain trend items but I am much more picky about my selections and try to think about what I will wear long term.
If you’ve been reading along for the past few months you’ve probably (maybe?) noticed that I am all about buying staple pieces lately. Basically, I’m realizing that donating clothes every few months is ridiculous, especially when I’m donating items I’ve barely worn. A lot of times those items are ones that I bought on sale and I just couldn’t pass them up for the price. Nowadays, when I try something that is discounted or on sale I try my best to disregard the price and ask myself “If this were $100 would I buy it?” I am no longer purchasing pieces because of the prices, I’m purchasing them because I love them. I can’t live without them. They complete me. We were meant to be together. Okay, a tad dramatic there but I hope you’re catching my drift. That being said, I purchased these shorts for over $100!! WHAT?! Who am I? Last year I would have NEVER paid that much for a pair of shorts, let alone admit it. I also spent last Summer continuously wearing whichever shorts in my closet I hated the least. Finding a pair of shorts that fit just right is a struggle. I’ve tried SO many over the past few months, none which were worthy of purchasing. I had my eyes on these for a few weeks and continuously read any reviews I could find about them before pulling the trigger. I knew I could have them delivered with no shipping cost and no return shipping cost so I had nothing to lose…and everything to gain! The shorts fit perfect and I quickly decided that I will be wearing these non-stop this Summer.
The skin bearing months of Summer are tough ones. There’s no denying that it’s a bit tougher to hide parts of our bodies that we feel insecure about. We can’t just throw on some dark slimming skinny jeans and an oversized sweater and call it day. My lower body is definitely an area that I struggle with and if a pair of $100 shorts make me feel more comfortable for a few months then heck yes they are worth it! They also come in a darker wash which you better believe I will be buying if they ever go on sale.
Now it’s back to working for the weekend. We are so close! Happy Friday Eve, friends!
If you haven’t caught on by now let me spell it out for you- I L-O-V-E CARDIGANS. I have more cardigans in my closet than I do shoes, jeans, shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses. I can basically have a cardi party every day of the month without re-wearing any of them. So… you’d think since I have so many I would chill out on buying more? You’re WRONG. I CAN’T STOP. I could be addicted to worse things, right?
I was instantly sold on this one because it is 100% cotton. As I’ve mentioned I am very picky about itchy fabrics (I’m talking about you, wool) so when I find a sweater that is 100% cotton I do a quick happy dance and reach for my wallet. I am loving the neutral color, ribbed texture and length of this one. It also comes in blush and navy- I am so tempted to get another. I paired this one with my new white denim for a casual Spring look and it will definitely be tagging along with me for all those chilly Spring and Summer nights.
I am so excited for some warmer temps that are coming this weekend. My bestie will be in town for her bridal shower and I cannot wait to hang with all my favorite gal pals! It’s officially wedding season and I don’t hate it! Hope you all have some fun plans brewing.
If you had told 17 year old Hollister-jean-wearing-Jessica that she would be wearing straight leg jeans before her 30’s she would have laughed/cringed/cried. Following my distressed Hollister jean phase I turned to skinny jeans. While at times tight and restricting, they’ve been by my side through the Freshman 15, my post college days, the recent years of my slowing metabolism and everything in between. Yes, my jeans and I have our own little love story. I have a few boyfriend jeans sprinkled in the mix but straight leg ‘mom jeans’ never made the cut…until now. I started my hunt for a relaxed fit, mid to high rise jean a few weeks ago and soon realized that all the boyfriend/girlfriend/mom jeans were just not working for my shape. Every jean that was supposed to have a ‘relaxed’ fit either fit my thighs like leggings or flattened my butt to nonexistence. I decided to try on this straight leg pair because I clearly needed to look for something different. I was SO pleasantly surprised by them. It was the slightly relaxed fit I was looking for without being too sloppy, a comfortable mid-rise, and the perfect width for a leg opening. Gap has really been speaking to me lately, probably because I’ve been stocking up on lots of timeless wardrobe staples. I picked up this striped popover along with another blue and white striped shirt a few weeks ago. I’ll take all the blue & white stripes that I can get!
Is this week dragging for anyone else? March and April are always a struggle for me because there are no holidays for which we get off of work. C’mon MDW, I’m waiting for ya! Its pretty pathetic that I have such a hard time working a consistent 5 day work week. And with that, it’s bedtime for this chick/grandma. Thanks for stopping by!
Jeans: