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GIFTS & HOME

Don’t forget: Mother’s Day is May 13. We’ve put together a few of our highest-rated gifts for Mom under $100. Check out your fellow shoppers’ rave reviews below, and find something Mom will adore.

1 – philosophy ‘summer grace’ duo ($50). “Ladies, this fragrance is a must have. Light, airy, fresh and soft. Summer grace will lighten the senses and last all day. Enjoy”—coco49brown

2Voluspa ‘Maison Blanc – Saijo Persimmon’ 2-Wick Candle ($16). “probably the best candle i’ve bought in a while, the aroma is not overwhelming at all but even after it is blown out, the scent is left in the room. I am complimented on it daily!”—shopbns

3 – Nixon ‘The Time Teller’ Watch ($75). “Great watch for everyday wear! beautiful color for the summer, have gotten a lot of compliments on it!”—Mellow90

4 – MICHAEL Michael Kors Aviator Sunglasses ($99). “I was looking for aviator sunglasses and got these in blue…Had them for 2 weeks now, and got more compliments on them than any other sunglasses I own..!!! I’m ordering another pair in orange… :) ”—Bibi11

5 – Antica Farmacista ‘Peonia Gardenia & Rosa’ Home Ambiance Perfume ($62-$92). “The scent of this home ambiance perfume is absolutely divine but not over-powering. It is a soft, powdery, truly feminine scent that will not give you a headache as many home perfumes do. Beautiful product that I would definitely recommend to a friend.”—GreenEyedMuse

6 – Make + Model ‘Animal’ Scarf ($38). “Beautiful, reasonably priced scarf for Spring 2012!”—Rehnquist

7 – kate spade new york ‘garden society’ iPhone 4 & 4S case ($40). “This case is even cuter than pictured and is a bright addition to all of the other “stuff” in my handbag!”—Eglise

8 – Elliott Lucca ‘Cordoba’ Clutch ($98). “I was so excited when I received this bag – it is absolutely gorgeous. I was looking for a bag that was a little special, but not a true “evening bag” that couldn’t be carried with some dressy jeans and a cute top for a night out. This fits the bill perfectly…”—Happy2Shop2

Want to see even more options? Shop all our Mother’s Day gifts.

We’re so charmed by these ‘Rare Wonders’ talisman necklaces from Lagos.

In case you’re having trouble picking a favorite, Lagos’s handy quiz matches your personality traits to your perfect creature. Your blog editor’s result? The gecko: embodying creativity, intuition, fun and poise. Love! Who doesn’t want an inspiring reminder of how amazing they are to wear around their neck?

What’s your talisman?
Seahorse: Perception, originality, uniqueness and strength
Butterfly: Lightheartedness, grace, flirtatiousness and femininity
Gecko: Creativity, intuition, fun and poise
Turtle: Sensitivity, peace, friendship and kindness
Elephant: Power, strong will, honesty and trust

December 8, 2011

Entertaining Essentials

Hosting a party? Check off all the necessary ingredients to a successful soiree with our tips and entertaining essentials.

1 – Serving Bowls. Fill these with spiced nuts, candies, marinated olives and dips. Scatter thoughtfully throughout your entertaining space to encourage mingling away from the main-table spread. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Sleepy Hollow' Nut Bowl]

2 – Wine Stoppers. Preserve your favorite vintage with something decorative and functional—also good to have on hand as excellent last-minute gifts. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Sleepy Hollow' Wine Stopper]

3 – Candles and Candle Holders. Ambiance is paramount when entertaining. Be sure to set the right mood with accents of candlelight and your favorite scent. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Sleepy Hollow' Candle Holders (Set of 2)]

4 – Cheese Boards and Serving Sets. You took time to choose the perfect cheese. Show it some respect with a beautiful serving place. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Sleepy Hollow' Granite Cheese Board]

5 – Cheese & Wine—A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying. Speaking of cheese, delight your guests with your ability to marry wine and cheese like a master sommelier.

6 – Napkin Holders. Party perfection is in the small details. Napkins never stay in neat little stacks, and they inevitably get blown to the floor. Keep them from going rogue with an elegant holder. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Ocean Coral' Cocktail Napkin Holder]

7 – Soirée ‘Signature Series’ Wine Aerator Set (Nordstrom Exclusive). With all the prep and running around to make sure everything is ready for your guests, you may barely have time to breathe, much less remember to allow the wine to. Ensure every glass is served at its best right as you pour.

8 – Glassware. An accidental breakage or an unexpected guest shouldn’t mean reducing someone to drinking out of a tumbler. Always have extra wine glasses and champagne flutes at the ready. [Pictured: Schott Zwiesel Stemware]

9 – Coasters. One of Mom’s golden rules? Use a coaster. Nobody likes to disobey Mother, and people feel awkward when they don’t know where to set their drink. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—be a little eclectic, just make sure to have plenty. [Pictured: Michael Aram 'Forest Leaf' Coasters (Set of 6)]

From jeans and a simple blouse to an unembellished cocktail dress, a pendant necklace adds polished perfection to any occasion. Right now, we’re particularly into pendants full of big personality—beautiful eye-catchers that aren’t afraid of getting noticed.

Pictured:
Cara Accessories Faceted Crystal Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Nordstrom ‘Holiday Treasure – Love’ Statement Pendant Long Necklace
Elizabeth and James ‘Antler’ Round Pendant Necklace
House of Harlow 1960 Long Statement Pendant Necklace

“This holiday season, I encourage you to join us at TOMS and give a gift that really gives back…every single purchase will help someone in a one-for-one way.” —Blake Mycoskie, Founder & Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS

We caught up with Blake Mycoskie at our Los Cerritos store, where he shared TOMS‘ newest Nordstrom-exclusive styles, his company’s mission and more about his inspiring book, Start Something That Matters—available in selected stores.

November 23, 2011

Gifts for Him Under $100

Not to leave out the gents, we have 10 more favorite picks from our Gift Guide for guys—all under $100—with more ideas to fit any gift-giving budget.

1 – Cashmere, Sweaters & Fleece. These all make great gifts, but if your guy doesn’t have a black V-neck cashmere sweater, help him out—stat. It’s a cold-weather workhorse for layering over button-up shirts, under blazers or just on its own. [Pictured: 1901 Trim Fit Cashmere V-Neck Sweater. $99.50]

2 – Scarves, Hats & Gloves. Plenty of options here to help keep him warm this winter. We can’t get enough of tech gloves made with fingertip materials that let you use your touchscreen without taking them off. [Pictured: The North Face E-Tip Gloves. $40]

3 – Jeans & Pants. You can’t beat a classic. We’re all for chinos and slacks, but you won’t find anything in his closet that will get more wear than a simple pair of dependable jeans. [Pictured: Levi’s Red Tab ‘514’ Slim Straight Leg Jeans. $68]

4 – Gift Cards. Stumped? Nordstrom Gift Cards are ideal for sending in the mail… to the guy who has everything. [Pictured: Nordstrom Festive Flurries Gift Card. $25-$1,000]

5 – Bags & Accessories. You can’t go wrong with a tie or bag, but a pair of bright, high-tech headphones or ear buds is sure to be a welcome surprise for anyone’s inner audiophile. [Pictured: Urbanears ‘Medis’ Ear Buds. $50]

6 – Watches. Whether the recipient is a boyfriend, gentleman, jetsetter or outdoorsy type, every guy needs a few watches to rely on. This minimalist Nixon (in 13 colors) adds just the right amount of levity and style to a timepiece. [Pictured: Nixon ‘The Time Teller’ Watch. $60]

7 – Shoes & Slippers. From dressy to casualrugged to lazy. Get him something comfy to grab the morning paper in. These UGG® Australia slippers are so comfortable, “like walking on heaven.” —MicheleR, 5-star review. [Pictured: UGG Australia ‘Ascot’ Slipper. $99.95]

8 – Sleepwear & Robes. Speaking of things to lounge in, nothing says “perfect lazy Sunday” like flannel pants and a robe. [Pictured: 1901 Flannel Sleep Pants. $29.50]

9 – Fragrance & Grooming. A distinctive fragrance you’re sure he’ll love is always a good gift idea, but also consider total-body skincare—like a head-to-toe set that’ll take care of him from body scrub to shave cream. [Pictured: Kiehl’s ‘Ultimate Man’ Holiday Set. $50; $72 value]

10Coats & Outerwear. Find the best outwear for your guy with our Ultimate Coat Guide. A utilitarian, three-season jacket that’s lightweight and waterproof is a smart choice for anyone. [Pictured: The North Face ‘Venture’ Jacket. $99]

SHOP ALL OUR GIFTS FOR HIM

November 22, 2011

Gifts for Her Under $100

We love gift giving, but sometimes a helping hand to find the perfect item would be welcome. Here are just a few of our Gift Guide favorites under $100, with further inspiration for all price ranges.

1 – Cashmere & Sweaters. A cashmere scarf, pair of gloves and sweater should be a staple in every woman’s closet. We love all types of sweaters, but the decadence and versatility of a classic cashmere V-neck is always a go-to for looking put together. [Pictured: Only Mine V-Neck Cashmere Sweater. $79]

2 – Handbags & Tech Accessories. The perfect handbag is a girl’s best friend. Find inspiration for the gift of a new companion in our top-rated gift handbags. Or, help her personalize her favorite gadget with tech accessories. [Pictured: kate spade new york rigid iPhone 4 & 4S cover. $40]

3 – Denim. If you’re giving the gift of denim, we suggest bold colors and prints on skinny silhouettes. Shop our denim trend guide for more looks she’ll love. [Pictured: Blue Essence Colored Denim Skinny Jeans. $98]

4 – Shoes & Slippers. A comfortable slipper or casual shoe is a great place to start when it comes to giving footwear, and there are plenty of ideas in our customer favorites. We’re fond of these Sperry Top-Sider® rain boots, which come in a rainbow of colors and are much more fun for rainy-day puddle jumping than our favorite Louboutin heels.  [Pictured: Sperry Top-Sider ‘Pelican’ Tall Rain Boot. $69.95]

5 – Gift Cards. If you’re having trouble deciding what she’ll love the most, how about letting her choose with the gift of a shopping spree? Go with her and make a day of it shopping and catching up. [Pictured: Nordstrom Joyous Wishes. $25-$1,000]

6 – Jewelry & Watches. Earrings, simple necklaces, bracelets and watches are all classics, but we’re especially smitten with a great set of bangles. Their sparkling stackability means they can perk up anything from denim to date night. [Pictured: Nadri Pavé Bangle. $58]

7 – Scarves, Hats & Gloves. Everyone needs cold-weather accessories, which is probably why these are among the most given of gifts. (We keep a few extra on hand for unexpected guests.) But staying warm doesn’t mean she needs to be disconnected—these tech gloves let her use her gadget without taking them off. [Pictured: Echo ‘Touch’ Tech Gloves. $35]

8 – Outerwear. Keep her cozy with fleece. Keep her trendy with faux fur. Or give her versatility with a beautiful cape—it’s an outerwear essential. [Pictured: KUT from the Kloth Toggle Cape. $98]

9 – Sleepwear, Robes & Lingerie. Intimate items and sleepwear for lounging can make great gifts. We especially love the bold stripes and bright colors of these Josie robes. [Pictured: Josie ‘Tutti Fruity’ Terry Robe. $68]

SHOP ALL OF OUR GIFTS FOR HER

October 21, 2011

Lazy Autumn Sunday

The social season is here. Holidays, parties, cocktail hours and events will be keeping us busy until after the New Year. We’re already pining for a few stolen moments to kick off our pumps and put up our feet.

Our essentials for “me time”—even just a 10-minute cup of tea under a throw—double as fantastic hostess gifts. After throwing the party of the season, who wouldn’t love the gift of a little relaxation?

1 – Comfy Throws and Pillows. Essential partners in crime for a good book, movie night, pre-party power naps…the list goes on. Also an easy, inexpensive way to give a new look to old décor. [Pictured: Nordstrom 'Flokati' Throw & Pillow]

2 – Tea Samplers. Yes, a perfect gift, but also a wonderful way to discover new varieties and always have a choice of flavors on hand for guests and to suit your mood. [Pictured: Tea Forté Organic Loose Tea Sampler Set]

3 – Scented Candles. Essential for the home, a scented candle works wonders—setting an ambiance that’s as visual as it is pleasantly fragrant. [Pictured: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Scented Candle]

4 – Tea Sets. Whether you’re at the office or relaxing at home, there’s something so calming about the ritual of making a proper pot of tea—even just a single serving. [Pictured: Tea Forté 'Solstice Ensemble' Tea Set]

Fall’s cooler temperatures have us craving something delicious and rich in flavor. This recipe for roasted mushrooms is as simple as it is delectable—a perfect combination. Find this and other recipes in our Nordstrom Flavors Cookbook, available in store.

Download this recipe as a PDF to print or save. Bon appétit!

Salt and Pepper Roasted Wild Mushrooms
Serves 4

“Most supermarkets carry an interesting assortment of mushrooms, and it is worth combining a variety to experience their different flavors and textures. Roasting with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper allows their earthy taste to shine through. This is an impressive and easy side dish for accompanying roasts, steaks, or chops.” —Vincent Rossetti, National Director of Nordstrom Restaurant Operations

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns
6 ounces oyster mushrooms, stems trimmed
6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and large caps halved
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stem ends trimmed and mushrooms halved lengthwise
8 ounces white button mushrooms, stem ends trimmed and mushrooms halved lengthwise
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a small bowl, mix together the salt and pepper. In a large roasting pan, combine all of the mushrooms and the garlic. Drizzle evenly with the oil and sprinkle evenly with half of the salt and pepper mixture. Spread the mushrooms in a single layer as evenly as possible to promote even cooking.

Roast, stirring occasionally, until the edges of the mushrooms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving bowl.

Season the mushrooms with the remaining salt and pepper mixture, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with the parsley. Serve immediately.

Photo: Noel Bamhurst


Introducing Fiori Floral Design, now located inside our downtown Seattle flagship store. For the home, office, weddings or any occasion, innovative arrangements and flowers are a perfect dose of pretty to add to your fashion fix.

A Seattle-born company—and one of its most renowned florists—Fiori offers our customers individual arrangements for the home, office and gifts as well as floral services for weddings and other special occasions. Delivery is available from Seattle to almost anywhere in the world via their membership with an invitation-only network of fine florists.

Using only premium flowers, Fiori Floral Design specializes in a European style of design known as pavé—a method in which little filler is used and the flowers are tucked closely together so they remain the focus.

If you’re in the Seattle area, we invite you to visit the Fiori Floral Design boutique located at our downtown Seattle store within the entrance at Pine and 6th Avenue, or, for more information and deliveries, call 206.628.1910.