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May 20, 2013

The Great Gatsby


As I am sure most of you know, director  Baz Luhrmann recently released his film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire (to name a few). However, I was most excited for the visual effects. Luhrmann’s movies are famous for being visual extravaganzas, and Gatsby is no exception.

I had high expectations for this film because I really love the book—and for the most part, I was not disappointed. Carey Mulligan made a great Daisy, and DiCaprio played the nostalgic, idealistic Gatsby well. Their chemistry was really evident. My only critique of the movie is that parts of it are so melodramatic that they feel a little like a farce of the book.

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However, the movie definitely had its high points. Along with the fantastic music in the film, the costumes are spectacular. Miuccia Prada designed all of Daisy’s opulent flapper dresses. The movie and costumes might be set in the Roaring Twenties, but many of the creations could be worn today. Drop-waists are coming back into style, as are fringe and crystal embellishments.

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I love flapper fashion. (I was even a flapper for Halloween this year!) I think the clothing is just so fun and feminine. I love the silhouettes and colors, and the Art Deco details that make each outfit so unique. While flappers might be a thing of the past, flapper fashion is still relevant in your modern wardrobe. You could take small Gatsby-inspired items and merge them into your closet. Look for drop-waists, Art Deco designs, beading and lace or netting.   Roaring-twenties-great-gatsby-flapper-nordstrom-fashion

Parker Sequin Embellished Jacket | Moyna ‘Deco’ Beaded Clutch | Elodie Lace Neck Top | BP. ‘Art Deco’ Embellished Headband

 

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ASTR Faux Leather & Lace Dress | Pisarro ‘Nights’ Beaded Illusion Cocktail DressLush Crochet Overlay Shift Dress

Have any of you seen Gatsby yet? Better yet, have any of you read the book?

~Brittany

Sources:


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The countdown to summer has begun! It’s almost time to travel to far-off places, do absolutely nothing, eat junk food, and make frequent visits to the pool and the beach. And you know what that means—choices, choices, choices. What will be your go-to swimsuit this summer? It’s definitely a summer for brights:

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My favorite BP. swimsuit is the The Bikini Lab ‘Hot Pant’ Bikini because it reminds me of artwork by Piet Mondrian.

XOXO,
Aya

Sources:
Sassy Mama in LA
Anthroposophie
Tanya Carty
Island-Oasis
Megan Keppler

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May 16, 2013

White Hot

We’ve talked about the monochromatic trend before, but the single-color look is being revamped for summer. From fingergnails to shoes, white is turning out to be the color of choice.

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I am all for this trend because I love wearing white. I am a huge fan of the LWD (the little white dress, cousin of the famous LBD), and I especially love flowy, white blouses. My mom makes fun of me because I have at least twenty in my closet right now. But white is so versatile, and it keeps your outfit light and bright.

The key to keeping your monochromatic outfit interesting is playing with texture. Instead of lots of colorful, visual interest, focus on the material and structure of the pieces to ensure an outfit that’s white hot.

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For me, the perfect white outfit for summer consists of…

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I challenge you all to a monochromatic day, think you can do it?

~Brittany

Sources:

When I was younger, I won a purple Bedazzled hand chain from one of those prize machines. I wore it constantly…I liked how unique it was. My friends might have had bracelets and rings, but I had both in one. However, I eventually lost my precious hand chain (probably for the better). Thankfully, though, hand chains are back and better than ever before. Gone are the purple rhinestones, replaced by delicate gold chains, natural stones and studs.

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Hand chains are no longer restricted to music festivals, either. They are becoming more and more casual. They are popping up on an increasing number of blogs and on celebrities; Rihanna even rocked one at a basketball game.

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A common misconception about hand chains is that they are heavy or intimidating. And it’s true, a lot of metal on your wrist and hand can be overwhelming. However, if you find one that is lighter and less medieval they can be great accessories to a casual or formal outfit. A crystal one with floral accents would be great with a dress, while a gold and shell hand chain would be killer with a crochet tank and jean shorts.

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Nordstrom carries a couple of really nice hand chains. My favorites are the:

  1. Statements by DCK Hand Chain (shown above left)
  2. Carole Turquoise Hand Chain
  3. Orion Three Finger Hand Chain
  4. Cara Hand Chain

Happy hand chain hunting!

~Brittany

Sources:

April 27, 2013

Best Piece Overall

I’ve only ever owned one pair of overalls and they were for a costume. Recently, however, I’ve been contemplating buying two pairs, one long and one short. Although overalls are traditionally associated with farms and the rural South, I’m learning that they can also be very chic and trendy. (Hello, Danielle Bernstein!)

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Danielle Bernstein makes denim overalls scream “casual cool.”  Overall shorts like these look amazing with tights. I especially love her white ones. Overalls don’t always have to be blue!

They also don’t always have to be casual. I think Eleanor Calder, girlfriend of Louis Tomlinson (you caught me, I’m a big One Direction fan), managed to make her overalls look utterly chic for fashion week.

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Styling note: Crop tops look great under overalls. They show a little bit of skin without being too revealing. Eleanor’s Topshop laser-cut crop top is availible at Nordstrom! I love how the mesh sleeves make her outfit even more interesting.

Still not sold on overalls? Maybe these will convince you:

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Are you bold enough to rock a pair of overalls?

Stay creative,
Samantha

Sources:
We Wore What
Calderholic
Harper’s Bazaar
The Pineneedle Collective
Guest of a Guest
Tendances de Mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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While in Germany, I picked up a beautiful khaki anorak. An anorak is basically a utilitarian parka, but it can be heavy or lightweight. Mine’s light enough for the warmer spring days (hopefully) coming my way while still being a functional rain (and maybe snow) coat. The greatest thing about anoraks, in my opinion, is their versatility.

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Because they draw so heavily on military styling, they work well with edgy outfits like the two above. Whether it’s with a black minidress or dark skinny jeans, an army green anorak makes a great layering piece.

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However, an anorak’s not limited strictly to edgy looks. In fact, I like wearing mine with dresses. Pairing this functional jacket with feminine, lacy pieces creates a lot of cool visual and textural contrast.

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If you’re craving an anorak of your very own, the Rubbish Army Jacket (left) is a great place to start. (And it comes in other colors besides the standard army green.) If you want something more unexpected, try the Sam Edelman Colorblock Utility Jacket, which will add a fun dose of color to any outfit.

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Added bonus: they’re full of pockets! I finally have a pocket for my phone, wallet, keys and lipgloss. What could be better?

~Brittany

Sources:
Vanessa Jackman
Happily Grey
A Lovely Escape
Purple Monkey

Skater skirts are an essential part of my spring wardrobe. But I’ve been wondering lately why it’s called a skater skirt. A skirt is one of the last things I imagine someone wearing while riding a skateboard down the street. So I did a little research and discovered that this modern take on the traditional A-line skirt gets its name from the skirts of ice skating dresses. That makes more sense.

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The Assistant Buyer for BP. bottoms was generous enough to give me these three skater skirts to try out:

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Here’s how I styled them:

1. Studded Gray Skater Skirt

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I wore this simple, structured skirt over a patterned dress with a Peter Pan collar. I threw on my black platform wedges to add a little height and I was good to go.

2. Black Eyelet Skater Skirt

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I thought that this skirt would look great over this striped peplum blouse and my brand-new cut-out oxfords.

3. Lily White High-Waist Skirt

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I absolutely adore this skirt. It is the perfect way to make a statement for spring and summer. I tied my sleevelss button-up blouse, pulled my hair into a topknot and slipped on my gold Sam Edelman sandals.

How will you style yours?

Stay trendy,
Samantha

Sources:
WikiHow

April 19, 2013

Boyfriend Jeans

I absolutely love boyfriend jeans, especially for spring. When I throw on some slouchy, cuffed boyfriend jeans, I automatically feel like I’m on vacation in some faraway place. OK, maybe it’s not that deep, but they’re so comfy! Can someone say effortless?

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My favorite way to wear boyfriend jeans? With a slouchy tee, lots of bracelets and sunnies:

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From left to right: Jolt Destroyed Studded Boyfriend JeansBP. Pyramid Stretch CuffKW Retro Sunglasses, and Ten Sixty Sherman ‘C’est La Vie” Tee

XOXO,
Aya

Sources:
Art Symphony
Eat Sleep Wear
Harper’s Bazaar

 

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April 18, 2013

Sam Howard’s Must-Haves

In my last post about BP. Assistant Accessories Buyer Sam Howard, we talked about the logistics and technicalities of her very cool job. This time we discussed fun and personal things like up-and-coming trends, easy ways to accessorize and how YOU can get more of the things you love into your local BP. department.

Brittany: Why do you think accessories are so important to an outfit? Can they really make or break it?

Sam: Accessories are the easiest and cheapest ways to change or update an outfit. They give you the final ‘oomph’ to make your look about more than just clothes.

B: Where do you look for inspiration?

S: I look at street style to see how people wear clothes and accessories. I look at blogs like FashionToastMan Repeller and BLEACH BLACK daily. I also look at independent designers to see what they are doing…designers like Pamela LoveVanessa Mooney and Concrete Polish. Another great website is BaubleBar because it showcases really trendy pieces.

B: Which statement do you agree with: Less is more, or more is more?

S: MORE! More is more. I am really into layering accessories right now.

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B: With whom would you like to trade closets?

S: Alexa Chung. I’m crushing on her ombré hair too.

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B: What trend are you loving for spring/summer this year?

S: Pendant necklaces, especially natural stones.

B: Finally, what are the three accessories every girl should own?

S: My favorite jewelry accessories are rings, and I think sunglasses can make you look cool even if you are not feeling great. Oh, and fringe bags—they’re great.

Before our meeting ended, I asked Sam if there is any way for BP. customers to request certain accessories be made available. Good news! She said that the buying team is in close communication with all the stores. So if you tell your local BP. manager about something that they should get (or get rid of), there is a very high chance that the information will make its way back to Seattle and to Sam.

So, fashionistas, what should the BP. accessories buyers consider bringing to Nordstrom?

~Brittany

Sources:
The Glamourai
Haute in Miami
BeaBeQu

As spring is just around the corner (fingers crossed), it’s just about time to break out your spring jackets. Maybe even time to buy some new ones? My three must-haves for spring are denim jacketsleather moto jackets and letterman jackets.

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Fashiontoast- rumi neely- rag and bone cropped varsity jacket- navy baseball letterman jacket

These jackets are great for layering with everything from jeans & T-shirts to skirts & crop tops. They’ll protect you from the lingering chill, not to mention making you look great at spring and summer music festivals.

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Clockwise from top:

  1. 1. Mural Mixed Media Moto Jacket
  2. 2. Mural ‘Turning Rose’ Letterman Jacket
  3. 3. Leith Distressed Denim Boyfriend Jacket

Bring on the spring!

~Brittany

Sources:
The Shady Side
Who What Wear
Whatstrend