Gatsby

Though I am still feeling horrible (and perhaps completely drugged on cold and sinus medicine), I had to share my look from our event Saturday night.  I have always been a huge fan of The Great Gatsby and am enamored with 1920's fashion.  With all the Gatsby-inspired dresses that have recently been seen on the runway, I was itching for a reason to "dress up".  This fundraiser was perfect.  And even though the ocean weather was not accommodating to the curls in my hair, it was still so much fun to put the look together.

Dress: All Saints / Shoes: Pour La Victoire / Acceessories: CEEK / Headpiece: Nordstrom / Makeup:  Sarah at Nordstrom

And here is another with our little pre-party group

Remember them from last year?
I am laughing at how different my looks are.

And now back to laying down, drinking tea and getting better!

So What Happened?

After this post on Friday, I had a couple people ask me over the weekend whatever happened and if I was able to pull off getting ready for the event.  I am happy to tell you that yes, it all did come together and mostly because of my 10 minute stop at Nordstrom.

Between my hair appointment and picking up my son, I had 15 MINUTES to run into Nordstrom to see what they might have.  This is how it went.

Minute 1: Walked directly to the Savvy and Via C sale rack
Minutes 2-4: Hit the DVF, Milly and Kate Spade sale items and grabbed three dresses in my size.
Minutes5-7: Tried on all three dresses and liked the DVF one.
Minutes 8-10: Purchased the DVF dress and was headed out the door.

I think it was a record.

Add to the fact that it was $230 off and I was pretty proud with myself.  Was it truly "black tie"?  No, but it was going to work!

Here is my look from the night.

A few pretty pieces added, a pair of shoes that were perhaps 20 years old and a hubby looking handsome in a tux and I was good to go.  Crisis averted!

The dress is still available at Nordstrom so I thought I would share because it really is a beautiful Plum color and could be worn to numerous events.  Plus, the price is pretty fabulous.  

DVF Daran Faux Wrap Dress

 This is now my first and last time EVER leaving something so last minute!

Military

My friend E recently asked me to help get her closet in order.  I jumped at the chance of cleaning out someone else's closet and shopping for them.  Who wouldn't?! 

First came the leopard print flats and then I found this military jacket that I thought was not only the perfect addition to her Fall wardrobe but an amazing price of $64 (which is why I bought it too.  I promised her I would never wear it when she did)!  We began discussing the challenges some women have to think outside the box and wear the same item a number of different ways.  I was instantly inspired and created two totally different looks, easily transitioning from day to night, with our her new purchase.

From Day to Night: The Military Jacket by sarah-jih featuring yellow gold jewelry

The first look on the left is E's typical day of the week.  School drop off, running errands, pick up and practice.  You all know I love stripes so that is a no brainer and every outfit is just better when there is leopard involved.  Plus, the stripes and print add a little texture to the jacket, denim shorts and simple handbag and jewelry.  You all now know her early Fall uniform.

For the majority of people, this jacket is and would stay in the "casual" category but I actually LOVE the idea of mixing a little masculine casual with some very flirty feminine pieces.  A quick change to skinnies and any black stiletto, followed by the addition of a printed blouse, earrings and a sassy clutch and this jacket becomes the finishing piece to a great dinner outfit. 

Anyone else have an item they want some help with?  Send me an email and I will pull together some looks for you too!

Fall Under $100 - Denim

Today I am going to focus "Fall Under $100" on Denim

Denim tends to be a year round trend but it has been fun to see all the new Fall colors and prints available.  I tend to lean towards skinny jeans the majority of the time but also love the look of a casual boyfriend cut.  If there is one pair that you pick up this year, I would have to say it is a black skinny.  They are an absolute closet necessity.

1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans in Mulberry - $69.95

The Legging - $68

Free People Ikat Print Crop Skinny Jeans - $78

1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jean - $69.95

See Thru Soul 'Fame' Animal Print Skinny Jeans - $52

Cheap Monday Narrow Jean - $65

Check out the rest of my "Fall Under $100" here!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Fall Under $100 - Leather and Fur

Here it is.

If you are a true follower of this blog then you knew it was coming.

The "Fall Under $100" focused on Leather and Fur.

Of course you are going to hear about my favorite trend!

For the most part, I would consider these items investment pieces.  Not only because of the hefty price tag but also because once you invest in them, they tend to last you forever.  I believe that leather pants, fur vests and leather jackets are staples for every closet and if you are going to invest, this is the year to do it. 

That being said, many designers are recognizing that not everyone is obsessed with the investment part of this trend and have therefore created some INCREDIBLE faux versions that are a quarter of the price and no one would know they were not real (for example, this little purchase I made).

BB Dakota Scotlyn Textured Faux Fur Vest - $92

Faux Leather Skirt - $69.90

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Peplum Top - $98

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Neck Warmer - $59.50

Steve Madden Asymmetrical Faux Leather Jacket - $98

Here are Monday's and Tuesday's "Fall Under $100" if you missed them!

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Fall Under $100 - The Sweater

Fall Under $100 - The Pencil Skirt

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

It is extremely sad to see summer go but I cannot help but get a little excited for all that Fall fashion has to offer.

Even though I have expensive taste when it comes to fashion, I tend to be very financially savvy on the items that I actually purchase.  I leave the big purchases to the hubby.  In order to help transition your wardrobe from summer to Fall, I thought that I would run a wardrobe updating series this week, titled "Fall Under $100".

I will share some of my favorite trends for Fall, along with some pieces I am loving, which will all be under $100.  You get to go shopping, your closet gets a pick-me-up and you don't break the bank.  PERFECT!

My first item is the Pencil Skirt.

This has been a staple in my closet ever since I graduated college.  A pencil skirt has so much flexibility when it comes to adjusting from day to night, casual to formal all the while, providing a sleek, classic look.

Though I am a huge fan of the classic black pencil skirt, I also think it is fun to shake it up a bit with different colors and patterns.  Here are some of my favorites for Fall. 

BR Heritage Silver Sequin Pencil Skirt - $98
Save 30% until 9/3 using code FALLCALLS

Greylin Viv Ponte Pencil Skirt - $75
Save 20% until 9/3 using code SPLURGE

Oasis Lace Pencil Skirt - $68.12

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jaguar Print Skirt - $79.50

Frill Peplum Skirt - $35
Save 25% from 9/2 to 9/9 using code DPFWD

Stripes

I admit it.

I love stripes.

All stripes.

Always have.

Always will.

via

via

via

via

via

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Check out this, this and this, for additional stripes I would like to add to my closet.

Don't forget to vote!

Anniversary Picks

Last Friday launched Nordstrom's Annual Anniversary Sale.  When I was a Manager in the Savvy department, this day used to bring on heart palpitations related to crazy women, long hours, messy dressing rooms and all that comes with a major sale.  Today, as a consumer, I have forgotten all the pain this day can cause for thousands of Nordstrom employees around the country and bask in the beauty of Fall coats, boots, accessories and more, at amazing sale prices.  I am now the crazy woman who pre-sales, picks out everything for the family and STILL comes back during the sale to see if there was anything I missed.  

Unfortunately, this year, with vacations, my husband traveling for work and all the crazy of summer, I was unable to take a sneak peak and STILL have not gone into one of the stores.  I think I am going to have to take care of this over-spending online but for now, here are some of my favorites from this year's sale.

MARC BY MARC JACOBS "Twinkle" Stripe Sweater
Oh hey cute sweater.

VINCE Color Blocked Blanket Sweater
Remember my post on this sweater last November?
It is as if Nordstrom knew just how bad I needed this.

Rag and Bone/JEAN Skinny Zip Detail Jean
Red skinnies all winter?  Why not?

Botkier "Valentina" Satchel

And for those other people in my house...

BOSS Pinstripe Suit
With a hubby that wears a suit every day, you cannot help but look at them.

Ted Baker London Jersey Jacket
For those casual dinners out.

Tucker + Tate "Christopher" Sweater
I think I just found what the boys are wearing for Thanksgiving....

Splendid "Brenton" Tunic and Leggings
Such a great casual outfit for Baby Girl

Have you been to the Anniversary Sale yet?  What did you pick up?

Double Take

I have been eyeing these DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" Sandals for a while now.

I have been going back and forth between the mint and hot pink color but then I came across these Mossimo Poeske Flat Sandals on the Target website last week.

Yes, I know there are some slight differences but COME ON!  I do like the mint color on the DV better but for a quarter of the price, I think I can deal.  There is also no question as to what color to get.  For this price, I will take both.

Green

My obsession with green seem to continue as the weeks go by.  I cannot get enough,  which is weird because I do not have a ton of green in my closet.  It is almost as if my mind is overwhelmed with how many items there are that I want and I cannot narrow it down.  Why do I love this color so much?  I have no idea.  I just do.

Definitely a "Wish List" item
Yigal Azrouel Pleated Silk Crepe Skirt

Gap broken-in straight khakis

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Finch Flight" Print Silk Top

Rebecca Taylor "Catch the Bouquet" Dress

Kate Spade and Color

As a follow up to my last two posts on color and Spring trends, when I think of bright and colorful, the first designer that comes to mind is Kate Spade.  I am not sure anyone does color better.  Every time I see something of hers I instantly think of vacation, summertime and celebrations.  Crazy visualization from a few colorful items?  Perhaps, but there is just something extremely cheerful about her collections.  Pops of color at its best.

Au Contraire Hinged Bangle

Cobble Hill Ellen Crossbody

Baublebox Clip Earrings

"Robin" Sandal

Mina Shift Dress

iPhone case

Good Times as a Nordstrom Manager

If you were curious at all as to where my love for fashion comes from, look no further than your local Nordstrom.  When I was in-between jobs in my early 20's, I started working at Nordstrom as a salesgirl and over the next two years moved into being the manager of the Savvy department at Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza.  If not for the weekends and holidays away from the family, I would have worked there forever.  It was incredibly fun.  Beyond fashion, I also learned a few other things while there.  Here are my Top 10...

10. Everything is on sale when you have an employee discount.

9. Making friends with the salespeople of designer shoes is a MUST.  They will find all the designer shoes in your size, EXTREMELY marked down (plus discount!)

8. It really is possible to spend your entire paycheck on clothes.

7. If it is slow, you can play "dress up" in Celine and McQueen (thanks to Designer Collections being right behind you)

6. You will never step foot in a mall on "Black Friday" after having to work it.

5. Managing the largest Savvy in the company means LOTS of free clothes

4. You will meet designers (some before they become well known) thanks to personal appearances (I still have the Robert Rodriguez outfit I wore when I met him for the first time and he was just launching his line and I will always remember my fashion conversation with Zac Posen in Designer Collections)

3. It is entirely possible to go to work in one outfit and come home in another

2. Anything less than the highest level of customer service is unacceptable (I still live this way and refuse restaurants and stores when the service has not met my expectations)

1. Expensive taste can be learned within minutes (perhaps seconds).

Miss you Nordstrom!  But don't worry, you still take a TON of my money!