Closet Confessions - Nordstrom - Anniversary Sale

Today I ventured out to the burbs where the closest Nordstrom is from the city and checked out all the Anniversary Sale items. I gotta admit, the selection Nordstrom offers here is a bit weak which just reinforces how vital online shopping is {never mind the two hours of traffic it took me to get home}. I tried on lots of items but only are sharing a few favorites and at the very bottom you can see what made it into my shopping cart as I decide which items I absolutely love!

First up, this DVF sweater was heavenly. It has a great cowl neck collar that isn't too stiff nor too droopy. I loved that only the cuffs and hem were ribbed. I find that anything ribbed on my chest just makes my already ample top look too heavy. This was a size medium & I would suggest it runs true to size. 

Since I am soul cycle obsessed I always want new work out gear. This little tank & coordinating sports bra came home with me today for Sunday's class. I am wearing a L in the  top & XL in the bra. I felt they ran a little small but I am also heavy in the chest area so I generally size up in work out clothes.

I just cannot pull off that half tuck if my life depended on it. I always think it looks so cool on others then I do & I feel like a dang fool. I however loved this sleeveless blouse for it's loose fit subtle print in black and white. Perfect for work or play. I am wearing a large and had no issues with the buttons on my chest causing a gap. 

This Vince striped car coat is like wearing a blanket. Therefore it makes me want to sit on the couch with a  glass of wine and a great book. I also loved the Vince blouse {similar style for much less} I tried on with it but isn't part of the sale. This coat runs super big. I am wearing a medium and it was huge. I also hate that it didn't have pockets or a tie closure. 

This sweater vest was so fun. I love the split sides and the uneven hem. It worked really well with this comfy t-shirt that had the same style. I feel like this would be super cute with knee boots and leggings for a comfy weekend look come fall. Wearing a large in both & run true to size.

This Vince coat was one of my favorite items I tried on. This was a medium and it was just right. I however only had a silk blouse on under it so I may size up for layering with sweaters. It's an oversized fit so it's up to you the look you want. 

This Joie top looks horrible online but looks so much better in person. It's a bit sheer so it will require a camp of some kind if you are like me. This is a large and I would say it runs true to size. 

This Joie leopard print cardigan was super soft and the grey tones were right up my ally. I am wearing a medium and would suggest it runs true to size. I paired it with a grey Equipment sweater also in a size Medium, that isn't part of the anniversary sale but is marked down!

Last but not least was this side zip Vince sweater. I love this sweater but they only had a size small which I am wearing and is way too small on me. I also feel that someone with my chest size should avoid ribbed sweaters all together. One day I will get my reduction and be free from these monsters on my body. 

shop all the above

What I wanted to try on & wasn't available in store is below. Now to the important job of narrowing it down to only one or two items!

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Currently Coveting - Gray & White

Maybe it's all the gray weather and the snow covered city or perhaps my addiction to everything neutral but gray and white is having a major moment in my clothing right now. I absolutely love the two together for a crisp clean look that help me brighten up a dull winter wardrobe. A few of my favorites are below. 

shop all of the above & more with the images below

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Host/Hostess

I know it feels way to early to be thinking about your holiday shopping lists but I couldn't resist sharing my first holiday gift guide with you all to help get prepped for all the festivities that are surely filling up your calendar for next month. We have been so fortunate in our new home to have hosted a few dinner parties and our guests have seriously spoiled us with the most generous gifts. So I wanted to kick off the gift guides with some inspiration for giving to the host/hostess that show know how to throw a party. Some are items I have personally received and loved and some are on my list to give to friends and family this holiday season. 

Clare V. is always a stop for me during my holiday shopping lists. Her clutches are seriously stylish so I naturally adored her market tote. 

Who doesn't love a sassy gift here or there. These naughty & nice glasses are adorable and hilarious. If you want to be a little more sophisticated there are a ton more to choose from. 

Giving gifts to men always seems to be a challenge for me. I always thinking picking up their favorite six pack with a nice bottle opener fits the bill for the male host. 

Who doesn't love to receive a good bottle of vino?! Make the gift a little extra special with a this wine tote, or these adorable wine brown bags. 

A throw may seem like an odd thing to gift for hostessing a party but I couldn't resist the adorable pom pom trim on this one. 

 A special memory can be gifted in a beautiful geometric shaped frame. 

A soft scented candle and coordinating matches are always a solid go to gift. 

We always see flasks for men that are super cute, but this one is perfect for ladies...I love how it looks like a bracelet and comes in fun colors. 

Game night in is always a welcome gift for a family. Love these colorful cards & this artistic puzzle. 

I was gifted this salt cellar & fresh sea salt last year & it's so functional and pretty on our countertops. 

A chic desk calendar to keep a stylish friend up to date. 

Monogrammed gifts always let the receiver know you thought ahead, these shield style boards are so perfect for the entertaining at the holidays. 

A chic paper weight let's your gift recipient know they are a good egg. 

A great gift for the gardener/cook who loves their own fresh herbs at an arms reach. Or flowers in this darling vase. 

This entire set of blue & gold ceramics is stunning but I am partial to the pedestal bowl filled with a holiday snack of course. 

What kitchen or bathroom doesn't need a pretty soap/lotion duo?

all of the above and a few added extras can all be shopped below!

Lovely In Lace

Is there anything more feminine then lace? I love how a little detail of lace can give an outfit an extra oomph. What used to be reserved just for lingerie now can be seen in everyday clothing such as a peekaboo detail, a beautiful cap sleeve, a decorative strip on a scarf or a sheer back with a sexy touch. I definitely plan on incorporating some lace pieces into my wardrobe this holiday season!

Neutral Territory

If we are friends on Instagram it should come as no surprise that I rarely wear color and have been all about neutrals in my home and in my wardrobe. Some of my summer looks featuring everything white and beige as well as a little round up of some transitional pieces that bring this look right into fall are all below. Because let's face it, who follows the rules of no white after Labor Day? Not this girl!

shop the above looks 

shop the above looks

Off To The Beach

Every summer I anxiously anticipate our annual trip to the majestic little island of Nantucket. There is something so magical about this summer destination. I mean, almost every year we go something happens that would normally sour our mood {hurricanes, illnesses, swarms of mosquito bites and so on} and not once have we ever had a bad time. I look forward to some quality down time with my overworked husband and just enjoying the slower pace of life that the island has. My packing list is all casual attire to hit up the beach as much as possible with a few flowing sundresses for dinners out with my man and friends. I will be signing off for a bit and enjoying some time away from the computer but if you want to come say hi - please do so over on instagram!

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Stylish Sales

As the holiday weekend approaches you can always count on the retailers having a slew of great sales. I put together a few of my favorites online sales and stylish items from each store that will help create the perfect summer wardrobe without breaking the bank!

Amazon fashion is a new resource to me. I love their variety of brands and sizes along with easy checkout & shipping. A fun feature of their shopping experience is seeing the fashions in movement as well as the ability to zoom in on the styles to see the details up close. I am particularly impressed with their dress department that has a huge selection of fashions that will take you from summer weddings to casual days at the beach. Use code FUN20SUN for 20% off select fashions, valid 5/19 - 5/25. 

J.Crew is having a major sale right now and on a ton of new arrivals! My shopping cart is out of control, need to narrow it down STAT. Oh & Boston peeps - if you are around tomorrow come see my friend Lauren host the "first look" event 6-8 at the Copley store. Use code SUMMERLOVE at checkout to save 25% or if you have a store credit card you save 30% with code CARDLOVE. Valid to 5/21. 

Nordstrom is having it's half yearly sale where tons of fabulous items are deeply discounted. 

My favorite store Club Monaco is offering 30% off sale & clearance with code MEMORIALDAY.

Stylish Sales - Bloomingdales Friends & Family and more...

Starting today Bloomingdales is hosting their Friends & Family sale with 20% savings on a ton of great designer brands. Enter code HOLIDAY at checkout & enjoy free shipping, free returns and a deep discount on treats for yourself or your family for the upcoming holidays. Sale is good through 11/16/14 and starts in stores on 11/12/14 {pre-sale available now}. A few of my favorites are below. 

Also, have you checked out the sales at Nordstrom & Sak's Fifth Avenue? BIG designers are offering great deals up to 40% off. 

Nordstrom

Sak's Fifth Avenue

{last day for sale is today}

Happy Shopping!

Girls Only

No offense to the fellas but today is strictly for girls only. Today I want to to talk about the garments that we wear underneath all our fashionable items. You know those torture devices that keep everything in place and smooths out our figures to look it's best in your clothes.  Pretty much every woman I know has worn some sort of shape wear, even the thin gals need a little help keeping everything where it should be. I will never forget the first time my husband saw me putting on a pair of tights {it looked something like this} that had the built in control top. The ridiculous maneuvers and moves I displayed as I squeezed my german hips into these impossibly taught nylons left him stunned like a deer in headlights...I knew when he stayed with me after that it was true love and also that some women's secrets are better put on in the bathroom where no one witnesses you squirm into spandex. So back to the task at hand being the curvy gal that I am I have tried about a million different styles and finally have a few favorites that I thought are perfect for wearing under dresses, pants and whatever else your body desires. 

Stop...Collaborate & Listen

Often collaborations with high end designers with affordable retailers don't always translate as well as we would hope. I often get excited over the hype and then let down when I see the actual products in person. I still can't help but hold hope when two awesome brands come together and create limited edition products that are not only stylish but also affordable. First up, the Missoni & Converse capsule available at Nordstrom. I personally am not a sneaker gal outside of the gym but I think I would totally sport some of those fancy kicks below {probably not the high tops} for travel and in place of flats on casual dressing days. 

shop them all here

Next up is the super chic line of clothing created by Roland Mouret & Banana Republic. The office ready looks are sleek and modern without losing that classic style that Banana customers love. Never mind all the swoon worthy new arrivals since Marissa Webb took over  - so good!

shop all the looks here

Finally have you seen the new line of fine jewelry that Jennifer Fisher did with J.Crew? It's so dainty and the layering of charms is so fun, I love the simple design, something you won't tire of. You can see more of their In Good Company lines here. 

shop all the looks here