Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.

Shop Now, Wear Forever - Via a Nordstrom Sale

It seems strange to think of spring now but retailers are beginning to get their new merchandise, which means markdowns.  You can cash in on their need to clear their racks and score a great deal.  Some of the items on sale can be worn now and into the spring. If you choose wisely, you can find some classic pieces and some trendy items for a bargain. I've had my eye on a great pleated chiffon skirt on Nordstrom.com and since it's half price I decided to order it right away.  My online shopping excursion got me thinking about the great sale items that you all could buy now, on sale, and wear forever. Nordstrom has free shipping and returns and the quality of their items is top notch. You know me, always looking for quality at a great price.

Solid V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a crew neck cashmere sweater in fuchsia. I've been wearing it constantly.  Cashmere is timeless, it transcends seasons and can be dressed up or down. A v-neck is flattering on all body types. It will never go out of style. $50 is a bargain for a cashmere sweater!

Women's V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $49.90 and Plus Size V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $54.90

Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt
When I first spied this sheer cobalt blue chiffon maxi months ago, I was smitten.  As you know, my clothing budget is tight and $54 wasn't in the cards.  On top of that, I couldn't decide between the blue and the black. I know that some of you ladies don't feel maxis flatter you.  This semi sheer version could be your chance to change that way of thinking.  The under skirt is knee length but the sheer overlay won't make a petite woman appear shorter and it's sexy.  The micro pleats at the top of the skirt flatter a woman with curves. It could be dressed up with heels and dressed down with boots or flats. You could wear it now with a sweater or jacket and into the spring with a tee or a tank. When I realized it was now 50% off, I had to take the plunge. 

Women's Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $33.90 and Plus Size Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $26.90

Low Heeled Booties
I love my heels but it seems that my lower heel shoes get the most wear.  I also love wedges because of their stability. A 3 inch wedge doesn't feel as high to me as a 3 inch stiletto. This winter I've been gravitating toward my booties.  They're versatile and also stylish. They look fab with a pair of slacks or jeans and also great with a skirt or dress. Nordstrom is known for their shoe selection.  These are both available in two colors.  The Clarks booties come in sizes 4 - 12!  They are a bit on the pricey side for sale shoes but they are leather and their understated, classic style means you will be able to wear them for many years.

SamEdelman Wilma Bootie $86.90 and Clarks Water Row Bootie $86.90

Interesting Cuff Bracelet
A metal cuff in an interesting design can be worn with all types of outfits.  It can dress up a tee and set off an LBD. The rose gold of this one is on trend but timeless (it also comes in silver). I love the curves and the diamond dust finish. For only $24.90, it's a great buy.

Diamond Dust Cuff $24.90

Leather Tote
Studs, buckles, sequins and embellishments are fun but there is something to be said for simplicity.  A leather tote in taupe or black can be worn with everything in your wardrobe.  It can go with you on your weekend errands, carry your laptop to work, and serve as your carry-on for a flight. This tote has classic lines and leather can last you a lifetime.  It's a bargain for only $48.90. It's available in taupe and black.

Halogen Everyday Tote $48.90

All of these items are available from Nordstrom.com and you'll even get free shipping. You can also shop Nordstrom Rack online via the same site. I've already ordered the Pleated Chiffon Maxi in cobalt blue and black.  I couldn't pass them up at $26.90 each.  Two skirts for the price one cost originally. With a little searching you can find some great deals on items that you can wear for years to come. I may have to recheck my budget and do a little more shopping.
 

Sunshine and Flowers

I had a great Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day. My Honey and I did a little shopping and then went to visit family and have dinner. It's so great to see the world through the eyes of a child.  That carefree look at life is amazing.  I got to take some outfit pictures with my favorite modeling partner Laila, who obviously upstaged me.

Sweater - Old Navy, Shirt - Kohl's, Pants - thrifted (Goodwill), Belt - Talbots Outlet
Shoes - Tory Burch via Nordstrom Rack, Sunglasses - Chanel, Necklace - Kohl's, Watch - Loehmann's and DIY

Outlet Shopping - The Choices

This weekend my sister and I did a little outlet shopping at the Talbots Outlet in Virginia. I love this outlet because the items they sell are the same ones that have been online and in their stores.  I started thinking about the differences in outlet shopping. Did you know that outlet shopping has become such big business that some companies create lesser quality, lower priced items specifically for their outlet stores? It's a switch that they don't tell you about. One of the ways you can tell is by the tags. If the tags say outlet on them, the items were made specifically for the outlet and will not be sold in higher end stores.  In this case, you'll also notice that some things have been skimped on. Items may not be stitched the same way, lined, or have as much hardware.  The corners or seams may not be reinforced as well.  These are things that will make your items last longer. If that's not a concern for you, go for it.  The item is still a great deal if you love it and will wear it often.

I live close to an outlet center.  I am very picky about the stores that I frequent.  I find the real bargains can be found in the department store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th, and Neiman Marcus Last Call.  These stores have high end, designer merchandise at bargain prices.

I've sung the praises of Nordstrom Rack in previous posts you've also seen me wearing lots of items I purchased at the store. There is a bit of looking and hunting that has to be done at these stores. There are very few pretty displays and lots of sorting. If you're willing to do the work, bargains can be found.

My favorite story is about a designer trench coat that I fell in love with at Nordstrom. At full price it was over $400. Way out of my budget at the time. I walked away and decided to start saving. I told myself if I could save the money then I'd go back. I saved and went back but it was gone. I started searching, even asked a clerk to do a store search for me but no luck. One day I was wondering around Saks Off 5th and saw some jackets hanging on a rack. I wandered over to look and I almost fainted. The coveted trench was there, in my size and it was a little over $100!  On top of that, I had a coupon to get an additional 15% off. I couldn't believe it.  I saved over $300!

I've been able to buy some high quality clothing that I'll wear for years because of these department store outlets. I've heard that Nordstrom Rack is having a huge end of the season sale. If you live near a location and have time and money, it's a great place to score some deals.