On Trend Summer Swim Pieces

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It is officially August! I don’t know whether to sigh in relief (that I’m off another month) or to weep tears of sadness! July was busy month that was finally the perfect balance of productive, relaxed, and family filled. I can’t believe summer is halfway over for me. I always feel so grateful to have these two months to reset, recharge, and refocus on some other passions before the school year kicks off in September.

I’ve been eyeing some of my favorite swim wear this summer noticing some great pieces I love to mix and match and others that I’ve been waiting to go on sale as it gets closer to the end of the swimwear season. Keep an eye on this as many pieces that are traditional never go out of style and I always find my favorites come toward the end of the season and I get excited to wear as new the following.

I’m not putting away my swimwear quite yet! I’m actually planning on spending most of August on the water with an upcoming trip my husband and me have planned for our anniversary. I remember organizing it a while back thinking I had so much time to get everything set and counting down. But now this vacation is just right around the corner. I plan on spending most of this adventure in swim wear or casual pieces because it will be high temperatures for where we’re headed. Any guesses??

I’ll be putting together another post early next week of what I’ll be packing to bring along and there will be some major clues. Last month, for the 4th of July weekend we made our first trip to Cape Cod and stayed at the most quaint inn, The Escape Inn before we met up with friends who are Cape natives. More to come on that trip in another post for my travel section. It was a favorite short trip and I’ve been editing photos and wishing I could have a house there!

The swimsuit I’m wearing is a steal at the price point from Amazon, a less costly version compared to the scalloped one by a higher end designer. I had seen some other bloggers trying it so thought I’d see what the hype was about.


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Swim Details

Swimsuit/Amazon // Tote/Amazon // Headband/Anthropologie // Sunglasses/Gucci // Sandals/Steve Madden

I thought it my be helpful to leave a review here on this swimsuit because there’s some others I’ve tried from Amazon and loved and some I’ve passed on due to sizing, quality, or fit. I actually wasn’t a fan of the high waist bottoms in this style given my longer torso, depending on the cut this isn’t always a style I feel flattered in. I actually ended up switching out the bottoms for a different pair once we hit the beach. Overall, the quality is good, it is fully lined and the top is lined with light removable cups too. I just felt that for a set the bottom scallop area could’ve been more seamless in construction. But for under $30 it was a budget find that’s on trend.

There’s a few other brands and retailers featuring some swim pieces on sale that I’d had my eye on for our upcoming trip. Linking a bunch of my sale finds then favorite beach ware pieces in the widgets here so be sure to check them out.


The One Piece Swimsuit

The one piece I’ve noticed has definitely made a come back the past few years and there’s so many versatile styles that are made to fit so many different shapes and sizes. I’ve been loving the throw back to the belted swimsuits this season and anything with texture I can get on board with.



The Two Piece

This season I have been loving the one shoulder silhouette and the ruffled feminine pieces. I’ve been spotting a ton of floral combinations and pieces that can be styled with straps or strapless.

I’m looking forward to putting together some coverups next to coordinate with the swimsuits that are lightweight or could double as a blanket for the plane or a dress for lunch. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys what is left of summer!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Guide 2019: My Top Picks

The Nordstrom Anniversary is now open for public access for all level of shoppers through August 4th. I’ve also shared some of my favorite items that were restocked for the 2019 sale in this blog post: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Top Selling Items Restocked for 2019

Overall, I set a budget to stick to then ordered pieces that I knew I would wear through fall and winter. Many of the items sell out quick, so I highly recommend getting the Nordstrom card if you’re a responsible shopper for next season. It’s the only way to snag items before they sell out if that matters to you. Sale items will go back to regular price after the sale ends so if there’s any items you’ve wanted to to add to your wardrobe now is the time. I usually end up ordering whatever is on my list and sometimes in more than one size. Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns so it’s easy to buy now and return later if necessary. Highly recommend this!

During early access a lot of pieces sold out but there’s still a lot of great staple items left that may be worth purchasing depending what you’re in the market for. Everything in the widgets below are still available to shop!


Shoes



Sweaters

Athleisure and Loungewear


What I Bought from the #NSale: My Try On Guide

I’m also sharing my try on haul for most of these styles over on my instagram account in my stories. I get a lot of questions regarding fit and quality so hope that is helpful to you as well. Just for reference I’m 5’10” and have shared sizing of everything I styled.

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Long Sleeve Thermal Henley (wearing size small)

BlankNYC Faux Leather Snakeskin Skirt (wearing size 26) sold out but this one is similar and denim fabric. This is my favorite purchase!

Stuart Weitzman Darla Over the Knee Boot (wearing size 9, runs true to size to little big)

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B.P. Longline Leopard Cardigan (sold out) found a similar one here for under $30! Also loving this Something Navy mock neck sweatshirt from the sale.

Zella High Waisted Leggings (wearing size small) These are my favorite and best quality leggings that I wear year round for the gym/errands/with tunics. They’re so good and the last, no pilling or runs!

Also have and wear these Cropped High Waist version.

Gibson Lace Trim Camisole (wearing size extra small)

Stuart Weitzman Darla Over the Knee Boot (wearing size 9)

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Top Shop Patch Cable Crew Neck Sweater (sold out) (wearing size small, runs big)

I do love this slouchy version and this option that would work with denim and skirts.

BlankNYC Suede Mini Skirt (wearing size 26 fits true to size)

Leopard Booties (unavailable) loving this style for skirts & denim and this block heel bootie.

BlankNYC Faux Suede Jacket (wearing size small in Bankroll color) I have gotten so much use out of this jacket I purchased it from last year’s sale and love that it was brought back for 2019.

Top Shop Patch Cable Crew Neck Sweater (sold out) (wearing size small, runs big)

BlankNYC Suede Mini Skirt (wearing size 26 fits true to size) still in stock!

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Free People Knit Tunic (wearing size xs, runs big order one size down) this is the red color. So I this Caslon High/Low Tunic in two colors, it’s lighter in weight but I actually prefer how soft it is and for the price and great length I highly recommend. Great option because the Free People one is a splurge.

Zella High Waisted Leggings (wearing size small) though I would actually style this outfit another way with denim and perhaps these booties as an option. Love any Sam Edelman boots they fit true to size and they’re always beyond comfortable!

Stuart Weitzman Darla Over the Knee Boot (wearing size 9)

Tory Burch Everly Flap Saddle Bag (in light umber) blue & black are still available. This is my one splurge for fall and I was surprised how much space and compartments are on the inside of this purse!

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Barefoot Dreams Cozy Sheek Light Island Cardigan (wearing size small/medium) OMG this cardigan is a cozy dream that is just as soft and warm as my blankets. I will definitely be wearing this to lounge in and layer for fall. I’m tall (5’10” so it does run long) It was more than I usually spend on sweaters but I’m obsessed it’s SO good!

Socialite Leopard Print Tee (wearing size small)

Articles of Society Denim (size 26) These have great stretch and a good fit.

Marc Fisher Yakira Over the Knee Boot (wearing my regular size 9)

Tory Burch Everly Flap Saddle Bag

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Leith Wide Strap Sleeveless Sweater Midi Dress (wearing xs) if you like a looser fit I recommend sizing up. This is a little tighter on me than I’d like without spanx, but it’s a great color for fall. I like it paired with the suede moto jacket below.

Tory Burch Everly Flap Saddle Bag

Leopard Print Headband

Steve Madden Reece Sock Bootie runs true to size

BlankNYC Faux Suede Jacket (wearing size small in Bankroll color)

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I also plan to throw together a beauty post this week as well since there’s some good value in some full size products or packages that are exclusive to the sale for hair/makeup/body and haven’t sold out. Happy sale shopping everyone, now it’s time to return to what feels like 100 degree NYC heat for the remainder of the weekend!

I’d love to hear any questions/comments you may have regarding the #nsale or any items you found were to be a great value or quality you would recommend.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Top Selling Items Restocked for 2019


This week the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts July 11th! Also known as the #nSale on social media you may already be seeing all the hype into this special event that takes place in store and online. It’s a time to shop new released items for fall and stock up on whatever designer brands you’ve had your eye on and not have to pay full price. After the sale the items go back to regular price. If you’re not familiar with this sale, let me give you the simple break down and answer all of your questions here! I also have past blog posts on this topic found here.

What is it? Just a Sale?

Once a year Nordstrom showcases hundreds of new merchandise deeply discounted, many pieces that rarely go on sale. Unlike other retailers Nordstrom only marks these items down once a year, and many of them are staple fall/winter items and brands such as Tory Burch, Alo, and Michael Kors. Prices go back up at the end of the sale and many items are quick sell out. On social media you’ll see so many bloggers blasting your feed with the #nSale. If you have the Nordstrom credit card you will have access to shop the sale starting on different dates, depending on your status. The Nordstrom card is your first step in having the best chances to get your top items from the #Nsale before they sell out. You can apply here, and shop it instantly upon approval. New card holders can also score $60 in Nordy rewards just for opening before the sale starts. As part of the nordy club every dollar earns you points toward a certificate of savings.

So Who Can Shop and When?

This year Nordstrom is doing things a little differently. Beginning July 11th at 12:30 pm EST Ambassador and Icon Status cardholders can shop online and in store. Friday July 12-18th only Nordstrom debit/credit card holders have early access to shop the sale. This is key because so many items will sell out prior to opening to the public. I recommend applying for the card if you want to make sure you secure items in time to shop early access. The sale opens to the public ( for non card holders) July 19th and prices go back up August 5th!

What’s on Sale and for how long?

Each year there’s new items featured and some returning items from the 2018 sale that were popular. There’s anything on sale from beauty, to home, accessories, and clothing. Most of the clothing, accessories, and shoes are on sale with fall feels in mind. Cue the falling leaves and pumpkin spice…jk! It’s WAY too early for my fall mindset. However , I’m always glad when I can take out some of the items I stocked up on in summer and use them come fall. I always end up ordering a range of sizes just in case. With free shipping & returns it makes it so much easier.

Will any items from the 2018 sale be featured?

In comparison to 2018’s Anniversary sale I’m seeing lots of the items featured are Nordstrom labels such as Leith, Caslon, Halogen, Zella, and B.P. There are definitely still a decent amount of designer items available that will be marked down that usually can’t be found reduced elsewhere, so I find this is where the value is.

You can see the items I shopped from the 2018 sale here, many of which will return to the 2019 sale.

What should my shopping game plan be?

Many of the versatile pieces like booties, cardigans, long sleeve basics, sneakers, and accessories usually sell out the fastest. Just keep in mind the quality of the material and the mark down price. Some items from the sale I end up seeing just a few short months later at Nordstrom rack, or back in stock just not on sale.

My best advice is to have a strategy and list of what you need or want to invest in, rather than getting wrapped up in the hype or seeing something that looks cute on during someone’s instagram try on haul. You know yourself your style and your budget best so keep focused on what makes sense for your closet. I recommend taking an inventory of your fall items and only purchasing what sparks you joy..or what won’t light your wallet on fire :)

I’ll be featuring a range of items from the sale throughout the week and separating everything by categories in posts to come. I’m featuring some of the items in this post that I think are worth purchasing if you don’t already have and pieces that usually sell out quick. Don’t forget, it’s still summer outside so don’t go overboard ! Checkout a preview of some of what will be on sale in the categories below.

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Blank Faux Suede Moto Jacket (wearing size small in Bankroll) Sale Price: $125.90 Regular Price: $188.00

Franco Sarto Booties Sale Price: $76.90 Regular Price: $129.00

BP Heath Bootie Sale Price: 69.90 Regular: $109

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Boots

Stuart Weitzman Darla Over the Knee Suede Boot Hands down my favorite over the knee boot worth the investment. I have thin calves and this is the only brand that fits my legs like a glove.( For reference, my calves are 13”) The suede is smooth as butter and the block heel is practical. I love these over denim, leggings, or paired with a dress. The do run true to size or slightly big, definitely no need to size down. Just be warned that I did find these on sale not part of anniversary sale, but they do sell out quick. Took me months to score my size at the sale price.

Marc Fisher Yakira Over the Knee Boot I have the grey version of these boots and I like the pointy toe. The flat heel makes the boots look great with anything casual or a skirt. I definitely have to tie them tighter and they are a great height for longer legs.

Marc Fisher Arletta Over the Knee Boot Love this heeled version of the Marc Fisher Yakira. If I wasn’t 5’11” I would order them because they are gorgeous.

Tory Burch Riding Boot I have a similar version and they are my go to boots for fall that look incredible styled with denim or skirts. The quality of the leather is phenomenal and they are definitely a bit of a splurge. Mine do have some space in the calves and aren’t as fitted as the Stuart Weitzman or Marc Fisher brand. I’d say these are great for average or larger calve sizes. They go great with fall sweaters and vests.




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Sweaters & Cardigans

Thread & Supply Pullover $49.90 on sale, after sale price: $79.00

Leith Long Line Cardigan $45.90 on sale, after sale price: $69.00 Have the circle cardigan from last year and by end of summer on cooler nights I was wearing it and then all into fall and winter. I recommend a neutral color that you’ll get a lot of wear out of. The quality is good for the price, but the Barefoot dreams cardigans are my ultimate picks for soft comfort and warmth.

B.P. Long Leopard Cardigan $45.90 on sale, after sale price: $69.00 *This was a hot sell out last year that never made it as part of the sale, so excited it’s going to be on the sale. Will for sure be a quick sell out!

Gibson Off the Shoulder Sweater $45.90 on sale, price after sale: $69.00

Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Cardigan Sale Price: TBD Regular price: $134 Also love the length and flow of this version on sale too.

Free People Tunic Sweater This tunic is a must for winter and can be worn with denim or leggings. Comes in so many colors too! Sale Price: $98.90 Regular Price: $148.00

Leith Wrap Sweater Sale Price: $31. 90 Regular Price: $49.00 This is a returning item to the sale from 2018

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Home

Barefoot Dreams Blanket This is my go to blanket at home & I bring it when I travel because it is so soft and washes so well! I had snagged mine from Nordstrom rack. The larger size will be on sale for $119 and I can’t recommend it enough. I use it every day, not even kidding!

Diptyque If you’re looking to splurge on these scrumptious candles, now is the time. I love this mini set because you can sample all of the scents or can make them part of a gift for a friend. I love clearing them out afterward and using to hold matches/makeup brushes. Not a MUST but they usually don’t go on sale.

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Athleisure & Sneakers

Alo High Waist Moto Leggings Always a fast sell out If you’re looking for a legging that can go from the gym to an evening out or to lounge in with a long cardigan these are it. The quality is 100 and they’re a thicker legging. I peronally don’t think they’re as comfortable as a the zella high waist leggings, but they are my go to moto leggings. Sale Price: $75.90 Regular Price: $118

Adidas Sneakers I usually wear Nike as my go to, but I’ve added these to my list since I need a black pair for not just the gym but to wear out and about and at work. My sneakers last so I usually grab only one or two a year. The price in on point! Sale: $63.90 regular: $85.00

Alo Mirage Crop Top Runs true to size wearing this one the photo below. This one is part of the sale !

Patagonia Los Gatos Jacket Sale price: $89.90 Regular Price: $129.00

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Purses/Accessories

Tory Burch Saddle Bag Sale Price: $305 after sale: $458

Tory Burch Everly Leather Tote Sale price: $352.90 after sale: $528.00

B.P. Leopard Printed Belt Sale Price: $38.90 Regular: $59.00 I wear this belt all throughout fall/winter and love it with an all black outfit!

Something Navy Fedora Hat Sale Price: $38.90 Regular Price: $59.00

Hope you find something within your shopping strategy! I’ll be making more posts throughout the sale over viewing the items that tend to be quick sell outs.