Top 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

At A Style Breeze, we are all about taking the time to carefully select pieces that work for you, your life, and your personal style.  When the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale comes around, we like to take the opportunity to stock up on both quality items and trendy pieces for the upcoming season. We know that it can be overwhelming to search through all of the options on your own, so we curated a list of our favorites for you to shop below. 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Women's Picks
1.Plaid Blazer 2. Raw Edge Tank 3. Loafers 4. Silk Pajama Set 5. Leather Pants 6. Jean Jacket 7. Metallic Sneakers 8. Western Booties 9. Square Neck Bodysuit 10. Belt 11. Leather Blazer 12. Ribbed Long Sleeve T-Shirt 13. Pebbled Leather Crossbody

For our women’s picks we selected tried and true classics like the raw edge tank top that is a favorite in our client’s shopping lists.  We also included bold pieces to bring some excitement to your closet for the fall like the two tone western boots or the leather blazer.

2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Men's Picks

1.Five Pocket Pants 2. Pima Cotton T-Shirt 3. Watch 4. Chambray Button-Up 5. Blazer 6. Sneakers 7. Plaid Shacket 8. Metal Money Clip 9. Zip Polo 10. Suede Jacket 11. Commuter Pants 12. Chukka Boot 13. Straight Leg Jeans 14. Leather Sneakers

We focused our men’s selections on buildable items that can be worn in a variety or ways for any occasion. From high end basics like the Robert Barakett Pima Cotton T-shirt to the trendy zip polo shirt, any of these pieces would be a perfect fit in a well curated closet.

These pieces are sure to go fast so be sure to snag any thing you love quickly. Happy shopping!

 

How to Style A Long Cardigan

A long cardigan is a must-have in any wardrobe because it is versatile, flattering, and helps to unify your look. Wear yours with loungewear, casual weekend wear, date night outfits, and office wear – this easy layering piece works for it all! Not to mention, this piece looks great on. It creates a long vertical line for a figure-flattering effect that ties together your top and bottoms.

Even if you own a long cardigan or two now, you may not be taking full advantage of this piece while putting together your outfit for the day. It’s easy for our wardrobe basics to become part of a tired, uninspired outfit formula. So, let’s discuss some new ways to try styling your cardigans!

First thing’s first: check your wardrobe for the options you currently own. Are your cardigans in good condition? Do they fit well? Make sure you have at least one quality, well-fitting option to work with. Versatile colors like black, grey, cream, and camel are great. Put these at the top of your shopping list if you are looking to refresh your selection. Now that it’s summer, look for lighter-weight fabrics like linen and cotton blends to keep cool. Now, let’s try styling them.

 

Bodysuit + Light Wash Straight Leg Jeans + Long Cardigan

how to style a long cardigan

The first outfit that comes to mind when styling a long cardigan might be layering it over a tank or tee with jeans. It’s an easy casual look you can wear anywhere and look put together. Let’s tweak this classic look a bit for a more modern take.

Top

First, replace your tank or tee with a bodysuit. Don’t be afraid to give a bodysuit a try! They are ideal for layering because they stay in place all day and create a sleek bulk-free look. Opt for one in a neutral color for an easy base for your outfit. To personalize the look for you, choose a neckline that works for your body type, whether a v-neck, scoop, crew, or square.

Bottoms

Next, update your jeans for the look. Swap out your skinny jeans for on-trend light-wash straight-leg jeans. This slightly looser cut pairs beautifully with the form-fitting bodysuit on top for a well-balanced silhouette. Try a pair with a vintage look and light distressing for a relaxed warm-weather look.

Shoes, Cardigan, and Finishing Touches

Next, add your shoes of choice and a cardigan! Nearly any footwear will do. Try it with a pair of slides or mules for an elevated casual look. Then, top it off with your long cardigan. The simplicity of this outfit means you can choose an option with a few more design details if you want. A marled or textured open knit would look great here. Feel free to accessorize with layered necklaces and your shoe of choice to pull the full look together!

 

White T-shirt + Joggers + Sneakers + Long Cardigan

long cardigan outfits

Wearing your long cardigan with a casual jeans look might be second nature, but have you tried it over an athleisure look yet? This outfit transitions perfectly from lounging at home to running errands or even meeting up with friends, all while comfortably wrapped up in your cozy cardigan.

Top

Start the look with a simple white tee. It’s a piece that’s surely already in your wardrobe and will make a great foundation for the look! Any tee will do. Again, this is a wardrobe essential, so be sure to add a fresh option to your wardrobe this season if you don’t have one now or yours needs replacing. It will get tons of wear, so choose an option that is good quality, fits you well, and isn’t too sheer for every day.

Bottoms

Pair your tee with a pair of joggers. We all stocked up on them during quarantine, so we might as well look for fun new ways to style them now! They’re not just for lounging at home anymore. Your joggers can easily be elevated with thoughtful styling and a couple of accessories to wear out. For this look, choose a pair of joggers that aren’t too baggy or slouchy. This helps to keep things looking neat and polished. Because the rest of the look is more relaxed in fit, it’s nice to find a pair with structural details like ribbing at the hems and waistband or fabric that holds its shape well. Try them in a fun color or pattern to add dimension!

Shoes, Cardigan, and Finishing Touches

Next up are shoes. What better footwear is there to go with joggers than a pair of sneakers? The white leather sneaker has become a mainstay in our wardrobes and has proven to be endlessly versatile. Try your leather sneakers here (white or other neutrals are easiest) to maintain the effortless but put-together aesthetic. Comfortable yet stylish is always a winning combo for footwear.

Of course, round out your look with a long cardigan! This is another opportunity to add a pop of color, or a neutral shade will work as well as ever here. The cardigan adds intentionality to your athleisure look to keep things elevated.

 

Slinky Cami + Tie Waist Shorts + Long Cardigan

cardigan date night outfit

We’ve seen a couple of casual options for your long cardigan, but what about a look for date night or going out to dinner? Not a problem, a long cardigan is perfect here too.

Top

Much like the last two looks, let’s start this one with a layering basic. The slinky cami is perfect for a simple date night top. Look for fabrics that drape nicely, such as chiffon or satin, to give this outfit a more romantic feel. Slightly lower cut necklines such as a V-neck are perfect.

Bottoms

For bottoms, try an on-trend tie waist short or pants. This detail has been immensely popular the last few seasons, and for good reason! It cinches you in at the waist while still providing a forgiving fit, so the result is very figure-flattering. It also adds a touch of playfulness to keep this look fresh and just youthful enough. Plus, it’s always good to have an alternative to jeans so your wardrobe doesn’t get too monotonous. Shorts are great in this look for summer, but a cropped wide-leg would also work beautifully.

Shoes, Cardigan, and Finishing Touches

Wrap up the look with a long, lightweight cardigan and your shoe of choice. A lightweight, fine gauge knit cardigan keeps the slinky feminine feel of the top and allows the tie waist bottoms to remain the focal point.  For shoes, go for a strappy heeled sandal. They give your outfit a bit of a lift while keeping things clean and simple.

 

Wrap Up

Try these outfits yourself to fall in love with new ways to wear your long cardigan! These looks are just a start to the styling options you have with this versatile layering piece, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try incorporating a cardigan into your outfit for various occasions or pair it with a different pair of pants every day to keep the inspiration going.

Looking for a little extra help translating this piece in your own closet? Reach out to us to set up an appointment. We’ll help you shop to fill in wardrobe gaps and style your new and old pieces together for cohesive looks. Plus, we offer services virtually to make this more convenient than ever! Be sure to read through our intro to our 3-step process to get a better idea of what this would look like for you. There’s never been a better time to get started on your style goals, and we’re here to help you get there.

For more fashion tips and styling ideas, be sure to check back on our blog page weekly!

How to: Swimsuit Shopping

Swimwear is notoriously challenging to shop for. Let’s break down what to look for to make swimsuit shopping a little easier this year.

With warm weather approaching, you might have started your annual search for the perfect swimsuit. It’s hard to know where to get started. Shopping at a store in person isn’t always the most practical choice. The selection in stores is often limited in style, size, or price point. Plus, trying on swimwear in a store’s fluorescently lit dressing room is typically not the most comfortable experience.

So how do you shop online? Trendy cuts that may or may not work well in real life, concerns about tan lines, and inconsistent sizing between brands…these factors, along with the headache of online shopping and returns, can truly make this endeavor a nightmare. Let’s discuss what to look for in swimwear to maximize your chances of success.

See What Has Worked for You in the Past

best swimsuits

The first step to determining the right swimsuit for you is, of course, to do some research. Peek through your closet to investigate what has worked well for you in the past.

Size and Fit

First up is to take your measurements! Measure around the fullest part of your bust, under your bust where a bra band would lay, at your natural waist, and around the fullest part of your hips. Write these down to reference later as you begin shopping.

Silhouette is equally important to get the fit right. The right shape, strap placement, and adjustable features will help ensure the best fit for your unique body. Not sure about the right shape for you? Try on any swimwear that is currently in your wardrobe. How does a triangle bikini feel? A bandeau?

Consider your best-fitting bras, too. Do you typically prefer demi bras with a more sculpted shape, or is a sports bra your go-to? Let this guide your swimsuit top shopping, as the pros and cons of these shapes will translate into swimwear. For example, if plunge silhouettes cause gapping for you in bras, they will likely do the same in swimwear. If you have a large chest, you’ll probably want to look for more supportive shapes with wide shoulder and back straps just like you would for a bra.

Flattering Cuts and Colors

The cut of a swimsuit is not just important for fit – it’s important to find a swimsuit that best complements your body type, too! Look for design elements that play up your best assets and flatter those you are less confident in. High waist bikini bottoms offer a little more coverage in the midsection and draw the eye to the narrowest part of your body. Other tricks for flattering a midsection are designs with a belt at the waist, ruching through the midsection for a forgiving fit, or tankini tops that float away from the area. Bottoms that are cut higher on the hip will elongate your legs, which can be great for petites. For those looking to create curves, try separates with ruffles or gathered details around the bust and hips to create volume.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of color in your day-to-day attire, swimwear can be a fun place to play with bold colors. Consider the colors you look best in. This will depend on factors like whether you have warm or cool undertones and your hair and eye colors. Not sure? Look at photos of yourself wearing different colors to see what compliments you best to aid in your swimsuit shopping journey.

Purchase Tops and Bottoms Separately Based on Measurements

womens swimsuits

Now that you’ve done your homework on swimsuit size, fit, style, and color, it’s time to get into the shopping itself. It’s crucial to have your measurements on hand because brands differ so significantly in fit. You may be a small in shirts, but a medium or large in swimwear tops. It’s arguably even less consistent than jeans sizing. Take the guesswork out of it and compare your measurements against the brand’s size chart.

If you’re between sizes, many swimwear sites will have a live chat option to get extra guidance. Keep in mind that measurements don’t always tell the full story about your unique body shape, so it may be beneficial to buy two sizes to compare at home. It’s more convenient to return the size that didn’t work than to go through the buying and returning process multiple times.

The best part about buying swimwear separates is that you can purchase the top and bottom in different sizes. Whether due to bone structure or simply the way weight is distributed, many of us are not the same size on top and bottom. For those with more significant differences in top and bottom sizes, separates will probably be a much better option than one-pieces. Choose the sizes that align best with your measurements, and don’t be afraid if the top and bottoms you order are vastly different.

Have a Suit for Any Occasion

how to shop for swimwear

Swimsuit shopping gets easier as you go. Once you find a fit that works for you in a favorite brand, build up your swimwear wardrobe! Always keep in mind what has worked for you in the past in terms of shape, design details, fabric content, and color. That’s not to say you have to keep re-buying the same type of swimsuit over and over! Try something a little different each time you buy.

It’s a good idea to have a few options in your swim wardrobe so you have something to wear for any occasion. Start with these pieces for a well-rounded selection:

  1. The tried and true basic: One with a simple cut that fits well, is high quality, and you plan to have for years. The clean lines make this a timeless option you’ll reach for over and over, and it’ll be great for tanning.
  2. The trendy vacation-ready suit: This one can be a little bolder in color and pattern. This option may not be in your wardrobe for as many years, so plan to invest less in this set. Have fun experimenting with different designs here!
  3. The sporty swimsuit: Ensure that this suit doesn’t slip with movement and is designed for activities. Bonus for swimsuits with UPF sun protection! The ideal cut may be a little more conservative and compressive. It may also have fewer ties and decorations to get in your way. Buy from brands known for their activewear if you plan to use them for more intense activities like beach volleyball. Just because it’s functional doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Look for bold colors to make a statement.

Additionally, we advise that you have at least one one-piece and one two-piece swimsuit. This may or may not always be possible based on your needs, but it’s a good idea for a well-rounded swim wardrobe.

Wrap Up

With many of our 2020 summer vacation plans postponed to this year, now is the perfect time to refresh your swimwear wardrobe. Approach it strategically to find the pieces that fit beautifully, flatter your figure, and will get the most use. Follow these tips as you begin the swimsuit shopping process to maximize your success! It may still take a bit of trial and error as you learn about the best cuts for you. Doing some research upfront will save you tons of time and money.

Looking to discover new swimwear brands or get advice on what would work best for you? We would love to help. Reach out to us to get started! We offer fully virtual services from shopping to styling to make the process a breeze. For those who are new here, check out our full 3-step process to set you and your closet up for success. This is great for those looking for a spring/summer closet overhaul!

Don’t forget to check back weekly for blog posts on personal style, shopping tips, and other insights on your summer wardrobe!

A New Mom’s Guide to the Best Postpartum Clothes

As a new mom, I’ve had to go through a lot of changes when it comes to fashion. From dressing a rapidly changing body for 9 months to taking into consideration things like nursing and spit-up stains. I’ve also for the first time in my life, not wanted to deal with considering what to wear in the morning. With all the things new moms are dealing with (i.e. sleep deprivation, colicky newborns, breastfeeding, taking care of a tiny human) the last thing on their mind is postpartum clothes.

However, I noticed how much better I felt when I took a little time (even if it was only 5 minutes) to put myself together in the morning. I’m not alone-studies have shown that things like showering and getting dressed can help with postpartum depression symptoms.

But it isn’t easy to dress a still healing postpartum body. Your hips may have widened as mine did, your breasts may be enlarged, and let’s not forget that it takes 6 weeks for your uterus to shrink back to its normal size (which is what creates that ‘still 5 months pregnant’ look that new moms have come to expect). So this one is for all the new mamas like me out there, I’m discussing all the postpartum clothes I’ve been living in during my 4th trimester.

Postpartum Loungewear

The category of postpartum clothing that you will be wearing the most is undoubtedly loungewear. Comfort is key when you are spending your days either on the couch holding a snoozing babe or taking laps around the kitchen bouncing them around. However, that doesn’t mean you should have to wear the same worn-in sweatpants and one of your husband’s t-shirts every day. There are plenty of postpartum loungewear items that can still make you feel put together.

Joggers

Say it with me “Thank god for the athleisure trend.” These days, joggers are perfectly acceptable, even stylish pants to wear in public. Select a soft jersey or cotton version in a neutral color to give you the most wear and versatility. You can wear it with a v-neck t-shirt at home and throw on a moto jacket for grocery store pickups.

Leggings

Another wardrobe basic that will be pulling double duty during maternity leave is leggings. Instead of your pre-pregnancy compression leggings that may feel too constricting right now, opt for a cozy knit option. Wear them with an oversized sweater in the fall/winter or a short sleeve striped shirt in the summer.

Biker Shorts

Probably the most worn item currently in my wardrobe. My biker shorts are comfortable enough to wear around the house but still feel current and trendy enough to feel good during a stroll around the neighborhood. I wear mine with either an oversized graphic t-shirt or a utility button-up. Add a baseball cap and sneakers to up the sporty factor.

Postpartum Bras/Underwear

Underwear is perhaps the most important postpartum wardrobe category, especially if you are nursing. I wasn’t prepared for just how much support I’d need after labor. My flimsy t-shirt bras just didn’t do the job and prepregnancy undies were cut in all the wrong places. Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself with a new set of bras and underwear built with your new needs in mind.

Sleep/lounge Bra

A set of cotton lounge bras with no wiring or padding helped keep me comfortable during multiple wake-ups through the night. A crossover style makes them great for nursing as well.

Nursing/Maternity Bra

These soft no wire bras unhook to make daytime nursing convenient while still offering the support needed to go out in public.

High Waisted Cotton Underwear with Tummy Control

My son was delivered via Cesarean so I had to deal with an incision that was painful to the touch. Which made any bikini-style undies a no go. High waisted cotton underwear gives the advantage of being comfortable while also providing a subtle amount of compression so clothes fit just a little bit better.

Postpartum Fashion Items

In addition to a great postpartum loungewear and intimates collection, you need a few go-to pieces for when you feel brave enough to venture out of the house. These are the items that I swear by and have served me well these past few months.

Button-up Blouses

I have been wearing button-up blouses with everything from bike shorts to elastic mini skirts. They make feeding easy and the flowy silhouette of a utility or chambray button-up blouse means they are instantly flattering.

Big Billowy Dresses

Another postpartum clothes staple that I’m thrilled about also happens to be a trend. Tiered billowy dresses. Whether it is a button-down puff sleeve option or a sleeveless midi style, they conceal your midsection while also feeling feminine.

Pull-on Shorts

Buttons and zippers are the enemies of postpartum bodies. Not only are they uncomfortable but they also mean a fluctuating waistline isn’t taken into account. What luck that elastic pull-on shorts are all over the shelves of retailers. I wear a pair in black with a ribbed tank or white t-shirt for a foolproof outfit combination.

Paperbag Pants

Another pant that grants a lot of tummy forgiveness and instantly slims are paper bag pants. Instead of a cream or linen pair, opt for a utility green option that hides unavoidable new mom stains with ease. They can be worn with a boxy cropped sweatshirt for a fun sporty look or a graphic t-shirt for an edgy errand outfit.

Scrunchies

The last item on my list is a bit of an outlier. But without a doubt, the most used item in my closet is my scrunchies. Any new mom will know that newborns love to grab on and pull hair. Every night I find myself reaching for a scrunchie before bed. Bonus points-they make beachy waves last an extra day.

Wrap-Up

Motherhood has enough challenges without adding fashion to the mix. Stock up on the essentials and keep your closet to a curated minimum. Having a handful of go-to items will leave tired mamas less stressed and with more time for taking care of little ones. Need help creating your dream postpartum clothes wardrobe or know someone who does? Reach out and schedule an appointment with A Style Breeze Stylist, we’d be thrilled to make your fourth trimester just a little bit easier.

Author: Stylist, Lotte