BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Thoughts on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Best of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016

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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, or #NSale as you’ll see on social media for the next few weeks, is touted as the best sale event of the year. And, on its face, it is an enticing event with fall merchandise on sale before the season even begins. However, I don’t think the hype around the event is justified. I muddled through all 96 pages of the women’s sale and struggled to come up with a list of my favorites. Many items are inexpensive pieces from lower-end brands, others are just ugly (who is wearing this or, worse, this?), and some pieces are simply lackluster. I don’t know how many people are waking up today thrilled to discover a surprisingly high number of socks at discounted prices. I just don’t think the sale is as great as bloggers make it out to be.

Eventually I did find a few pieces I could get behind (listed above) and I’ve even added a couple to my wish list to revisit after the early access portion of the sale ends on July 22 and opens up to everyone. While there’s an option to sign up for a Nordstrom credit card or a debit card that pulls from your bank account, I’m not doing that. I’ll roll the dice and see if anything is available in a week. By then, I suspect some of the sale sparkle will have worn off anyway.

You can browse the sale merchandise here, and if — unlike me — you do spot something you can’t live without, snag it before the sale ends on Aug. 7.

The Best of the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

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Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale 2016

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Nordstrom’s anticipated Half-Yearly Sale is back with up to 40% off select styles through June 5, making it the perfect time to scoop up your spring and summer favorites just as the season kicks off. As you might expect, the selection of home goods has also captured my attention with our house hunt in full swing. (We see another house on Sunday that seems to have potential. Here’s hoping it’s the one! I purchased this doormat for our eventual home.) On the sartorial front, I’m beyond enamored with this clutch. Below, you’ll find my top ten picks in a few additional categories that I’m scouting out for summer:

DAY DRESSES

FLAT SANDALS

BAGS

SWIMSUITS & COVER-UPS

SUNGLASSES

 

Top Trend :: Pastel Handbags

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Pastel Handbags for Spring

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Spring weather has been absent from Wisconsin after the unseasonably warm temperatures we experienced in February and March. I suppose we had it coming, but it hasn’t stopped me from yearning for springlike accessories to beat the why-won’t-winter-end? blues. My suitcase for Denmark and Belgium is full of sundresses, pastels, and florals; and I’m optimistic that Mother Nature will take pity on me. (I grudgingly threw in a sweater and a pair of jeans juuust in case.) If not? Well, at least there are candy-colored accessories, like these gorgeous handbags, to keep me in sunny spirits.

 

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This post is in collab with House of Fraser, but my unapologetic love of warm-weather clothing and accessories is all me!

It’s the Last Day of the Shopbop Sale

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Shopbop Sale Picks

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Rise and shine, ladies, and get those trigger fingers ready to breeze through the rest of your shopping list on the last day of the Shopbop sale. This is the best time to stock up on spring merchandise that you’ll wear all season, classic pieces you’ll reach for throughout the year, and items that rarely go on sale. (I’m looking at you, Ferragamo.) My top picks are above, but I’m staying strong and saving that money for our trip (even though I’ve wanted those Loeffler Randall sandals forever and the tassels on this bag are incredible). Let me live vicariously through you! What did you buy?

DISCOUNT
Spend $250+ Save 15%
Spend $500+ Save 20%
Spend $1000+ Save 25%

CODE
BIGEVENT16

Before you start clicking away, here are a few strategies to make sure you make the most out of this sale event:

  • Check in with your loved ones to see if they have any items on their wishlists from Shopbop or East Dane. You can combine orders to get up to that $1,000 threshold for 25% off.
  • Log in with your Amazon Prime account for fast two-day shipping.
  • If something doesn’t work out, no sweat. Shopbop has a great return policy. (And it’s free.)
  • Items are reserved in your cart for 30 minutes. Add everything you love–especially if there’s low stock–and edit before you check out.

Note: The following brands are excluded from the offer: Canada Goose, Hanky Panky, and Kate Spade New York. Other items excluded from the promotion will have language stating “Shopbop Staple,” “East Dane Staple,” and/or “this item is excluded from the current promotion.” These items are excluded on their product information pages. Such items do not qualify, regardless of the nature of the item.

Last Day of the Shopbop Sale

Yes, You Finally Need a Winter Coat

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Winter-Coats-On-Sale

The warm start to the season was costly for retailers. Reports indicate that specialty stores lost $572 million due to the lessened demand for winter coats and boots. That staggering number doesn’t even take into account department stores and sporting goods stores. While the weather has finally shifted in their favor, that’s still a lot of puffer coats and faux fur to move to make room for the spring merchandise. But, bad news for retailers means good news for shoppers. Winter’s best coats and accessories are finally on sale — just when we finally need them!

Winter-Coats-Wrap1
WRAP: A wrap coat is pajama dressing at its finest. There are no buttons, no snaps, and no clips. Just a sash to make you feel like you’re wearing your warmest throw blanket out of the house. Be wary of overly fuzzy styles or fleece. Those are straying too far into bathrobe territory.

Top Row: Ganni, $231 | Intermix, $269 | Ralph Lauren, $220
Bottom Row: Ivanka Trump, $210 | MICHAEL Michael Kors, $130 | Johnston & Murphy, $190

Winter-Coats-Faux-Fur
FAUX FUR: If you already have a solid collection of outerwear, it’s time to add a little luxe to your life with a cozy, faux fur topper. At first blush, these seem like they would have been better suited for the holiday season. They’re ultra glam and add a warm layer to your party dresses without sacrificing style. However, they’re still a practical purchase with two months left of brutal winter. And, they might be the only thing to make bundling up more bearable! I just placed an order for the navy Eliza J coat, which is the one I’d recommend if you’re looking for longevity with this purchase. The understated color with short “fur” makes it a classic piece you’ll want to wear next year. It also comes in burgundy and silver.

Top Row: Eliza J, $150 | ASOS, $93 | ASOS, $83
Bottom Row: Topshop, $130 | Ann Taylor, $209 | MICHAEL Michael Kors, $200

Winter-Coats-Peacoats
PEACOAT: A classic peacoat is a wardrobe staple. If you don’t already own one, chose versatile black or navy this sale season. Already checked that off your sartorial list? Try something unexpected like this preppy plaid version. Me? I’d go with olive green. It’s not a color I’m normally drawn to, but I think the coat would look darling with a scarf in either aqua or pink.

Top Row: Tommy Hilfiger, $95 | Via Spiga, $80 | Boden, $206
Bottom Row: J.Crew, $200 | Lands’ End, $90 | Gap, $119