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Beauty

Last December, Nordstrom announced that we would exclusively carry the first fashion-inspired fragrance by Issey Miyake, Pleats Please. Now, three months later we find ourselves backstage at the Japanese powerhouse’s show, getting the buzz on the makeup scheme for the fall ’13 collection. Head over to our Beauty 24/7 blog to find out how M·A·C Pro artists devised the futurist look donned by models on the runway.

Pleats Please fragrance and body lotion are available exclusively at Nordstrom, online and in stores.

–Qianna Smith
Photos by Ford Leland

We’re Instagram stalking our Fashion PR Director, Pamela Lopez, while she picks out her essentials for Fashion Week.

When your suitcase is packed to the brim with Miss Wu, Vince, Proenza Schouler, Marni and scads more names, you know you’re ready to tackle anything Fashion Week throws your way. Can’t wait to see more from you soon, Pamela!

Miss Wu Stripe Sweater| BCBGMAXAZRIA Bootie | Tom Ford Nail Lacquer

Want to see what else we can’t live without at Fashion Week? Check out our Fashion Week Essentials Packing List. And for all our coverage, don’t miss our Fashion Week Hub, where you can find all the latest from Nordstrom at Fashion Week.

Amy Squires and Jocey Canrinus (a.k.a the ladies behind the DIY and inspiration blog Wedding Chicks) are taking over The Thread and our Wedding Suite Blog for a day to share their quirky-glam style. What can we say? We can hardly ever refuse a peek inside a great closet.

Although we love the same look–jeans and cute tops—we tend to steer toward completely different looks. Amy loves a more classic tailored look – think Cameron Diaz. Her definite staples are J Brand, Joie, and Frye. It’s a given if you run into Amy, she’s most likely going to be in skinnies and boots.

1.  MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bag 2.  Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler 3. Kiehl’s Lip Balm 4. Joie V-neck Top 5. MICHAEL KORS Watch 6. Roberto Coin Earrings 7. Frye Zip Boot 8. Velvet by Graham Spencer Dress 9. kate spade new york Pump 10. kate spade new york iPhone Case 11. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Clutch 12. Lana Jewelry Necklace 13. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss 14. Yigal Azrouël Jacket 15. Kelly Wearstler Cuff

1. Rebecca Minkoff Satchel 2. Topshop Jacket 3. Marco Bicego Ring 4. Free People Sweater 5. Aveda Body Lotion 6. Frye Tab Boot 7. Essie Nail Polish 8. Estée Lauder Mascara 9. Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer 10. Classiques Entier Pump 11. MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Clutch 12. Free people Lace Dress 13. Lana Jewelry Earrings 14. Topshop Leather Jacket

Jocey drifts toward anything boho chic, adores anything Rachel Zoe, Parker or her favorite Free People. If you spot Jocey, she’ll most likely be in a flowy top, a great pair of Hudson boot cuts and fierce wedges (likely with a wooden sole!)

Top both of our looks off with gold hoop earrings, a chunky watch and an over-sized bag from Rebecca Minkoff or Marc Jacobs and we are all set. We also have to mention a few of our beauty staples: Amy loves her Laura Mercier eye-lash curler, and always has a great lip balm in her pocket. Jocey swears by Este Lauder ‘more than mascara’, a beauty secret passed down from her Mom.

xoxxo
The Wedding Chicks

For more inspiring style, check out Amy and Jocey’s guest post on The Wedding Suite Blog.

Sarah, our Personal Stylist Manager at Nordstrom Waterside in Naples, FL shares her 10 essential trends and tips for your best holiday season shine.

 

 


1 – Novelty Suit Separates. Mix-and-match suit separates will take you through your holiday season seamlessly. Whether you choose a bold metallic like the Topshop blazer pictured, or a luxurious velvet, you can wear them with classic pumps to an evening event, or separate the pieces to dress up your favorite black pants or classic white blouse. (Pictured:Vince Camuto blazer | Topshop blazer)

2 – Bright Lip. The easiest way to elevate your look—and get noticed—is to slide on a saturated, bright lip. Choose a classic red, or sass it up with a berry or pink: you’ll shine either way. My favorite this season is NARS in ‘Heat Wave’; it stays on day to night, so you can go straight from the office to hosting a holiday gathering with no transition necessary. (Pictured: NARS lipstick)

 


3 – Smoking Slipper. Not just comfortable, the smoking slipper is a throwback style that will give you a finished look, whether with your favorite skinny jeans during the day or a flirty skirt at night. I love their playfulness with a pantsuit, and they can give your feet a rest from the party heels when you need it! (Pictured: Jimmy Choo Slipper | Miu Miu Moccasin | Prada Smoking Slipper)

4 – Peplums. This vintage flair gives a little extra feminine shape, adding curve to your figure while still being comfortable. Pair with your classic black pencil skirt for cocktail, then finish it with your novelty pants and smoking slippers for effortless hostess style. (Pictured: Vince Camuto TopYigal Azrouël Blouse)

 


5 – A Beautiful Clutch. Your day bag just won’t cut it for holiday parties, so embrace the vintage romance of the season and find your favorite embellished clutch to carry to all the get-togethers. Choose one that you can easily fit in your day bag for when you’re on the go. Bonus: you can pull this jewel out during the day to fancy up a casual dress. (Pictured: DVF Leather Clutch | DVF Minaudiere)

6 – Stiletto Pump. If you don’t already have a clean-lined, pointed-toe stiletto, this season is the perfect time to find yours. Always a classic, it’s an important basic when pairing different patterns, colors and textures. If you want a little shine, find one in patent or with a hint of metallic finish. The sky is the limit with this style, so go with the tallest heel height that you can handle. (Pictured: Ivanka Trump Pump | YSL Metal Heel Pump)

 


7 – Embellished Button-Down. If you’ve already invested in bold colors and patterns, try a simple white blouse in a feminine material, like silk: it makes a seamless transition to evening. Or you can go with a patterned blouse to create interest around more neutral pieces. Wear these tops buttoned up, and if you’re feeling daring, add a brooch or necklace for an opulent finish. (Pictured: Ted Baker London Top)

8 – Bold Jewelry. Fun, bold jewelry can fit easily into your lifestyle, whether it’s an oversized cuff or a strong necklace. Have fun with your pieces, and don’t be afraid to wear them anytime as a way to punch up your casual, everyday wardrobe. (Pictured: Cara Accessories Cuff)


9 – Hostess Gifts. Make the party rush easier by filling up a gift drawer ahead of time for all of your holiday soirees. Along with being the best dressed, you should never arrive empty-handed. Grab one of these fabulous goodies that any of your friends or family will love, and be on your way—no last-minute stop for flowers this year! (Pictured: Ben’s Garden Note Pads | kate spade paperweight)

10 – Cozy Sweater. Even when lounging at home after a big holiday meal, we still want you looking chic and finished, so the last piece on my list is a cozy cashmere sweater, perfect for winter nights with family and friends. I suggest something with a metallic finish so you can look complete with very little accessorizing. Style over one of your favorite dresses or with leggings and boots. And most importantly: Have fun! (Pictured: MARC BY MARC JACOBS Sweater)

It’s impossible to work for a major fashion retailer and not fall in love with a few things (okay, like a million things). Luckily, this is the perfect time of year to announce your ultimate wish list to the world. So in the spirit of giving and receiving (fingers tightly crossed on receiving), we asked each of our blog writers and team contributors to name the top four items they hope to find under the tree.

1. Topman Bottle Opener Bracelet  2. Mushroom Growing Kit  3. Tom Ford ‘Tobacco Vanille’ Decanter
4.
Alexander McQueen Scarf

 

1. Danner Boots  2. Billy Reid Henley  3. 1901 Knit Cotton Tie  4. Scott-Nichol Socks

 

1. Jonathan Adler Pitcher  2. Stila ‘ Stay All Day’ Liquid Eyeliner  3. Comme Des Garçons Pouch  4. Lanvin iPhone Case

 

1. Articles of Society Coated Jeans  2. Topshop Sweater  3. Dr. Martens Oxfords  4. Chanel Eyeshadow

Guess what, you guys? Gabrielle made that amazing structural pencil skirt she’s wearing! Gabrielle is a young designer who came to the tents to network and get inspired for her own line, Etienne.

For fall, she says she can’t wait to wear oxblood tones and bold lips. Although she’s just starting out, maybe we’ll see her name on the FW roster soon!

xo, Crystal

Shop similar styles:

Dresses with Leather | Chain Collar Necklaces | The Perfect Red Lip

Shop our Editor’s Picks to re-create this look:

Alice + Olivia Peplum Sheath Dress
John Hardy Chain Necklace
YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick

September 12, 2012

Backstage at Rachel Zoe

Soft, center-parted waves and clean makeup made for an understated, natural look at Rachel Zoe‘s spring/summer 2013 runway show, which took place this afternoon at Lincoln Center. A few of the girls had eyelash-grazing bangs, which added to the ’70s feel.

Here’s the stylists’ accessories table, full of belts, bags and jewelry.

Designer Prabal Gurung stopped by to wish Rachel luck before the show started. In this photo, she’s raving about how much she loved his show, which took place last week (“It was RIDICULOUSLY amazing. Just beyond,” she gushed).

I’ll be back shortly to post photos from Rachel’s show. Headed now to Reed Krakoff!

- Mary

It was another scorcher at Lincoln Center today, but Caroline handled the humidity with grace. She says she’s a luxe-loving lady and can’t wait to break out her leather and fur for fall.

Her impeccable eye for color and creative silhouettes definitely puts her on my style-star list!

xo, Crystal

Shop similar styles:

Knee-Length Skirts | Aviator Sunglasses | The Perfect Red Lip

Shop our Editor’s Picks to recreate this look:

Helmut Lang Jersey Skirt
Ray-Ban Folding Aviators
Bobbi Brown Lip Color

September 8, 2012

Front Row at Suno

New York brand Suno was one of 10 labels chosen as a finalist in the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards, which provides support to up-and-coming designers. We’re getting in on the action for spring, buying items from each finalist brand and selling them in special pop-up boutiques inside selected Nordstrom stores.

Suno unveiled its spring/summer 2013 collection last night, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. But before we dig into the runway photos, check out the star-studded front row:

Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s little sister), in Suno. She’s the face of many a fashion campaign lately. I adore her style.

New York Times street fashion photographer and documentary star Bill Cunningham. (I first asked to take his photo and he said, “No, I’m working,” so I had to sneak around to get this shot.)

French blogger Garance Doré. (She’s incredibly sweet and approachable. Note the microphone on her shirt—a camera guy accompanied her to the show for her ongoing “Pardon My French” video series.)

The blondie on the right is Marie Claire‘s senior fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, who occasionally hosts Project Runway specials.

At right is the inimitable Anna Dello Russo, in Versace. Let’s check out her full outfit:

Cute! Love the Bvlgari watch and her ‘A’ earrings.

Vogue‘s Lynn Yeager. (I love fashion ladies who have a signature look. You’re always gonna see a red bob and kabuki lips on Ms. Yeager, who was super nice and gracious.)

Street Peeper photographer Phil Oh and a couple of his regular subjects: Shiona Turini, market and beauty editor for CR Fashion Book (Carine Roitfeld’s new endeavor) and Caroline Issa, Tank‘s executive fashion editor.

Bloggers Natalie Joos and Suzy Bubble. (I also spotted Natalie front row at BCBGMAXAZRIA’s show on Thursday.)

Jewelry designers Phoebe and Annette Stephens, and DJ Chelsea Leyland.

Time to head to my next show. I’ll update again soon!

- Mary

September 6, 2012

New York Fashion Week Arsenal

New York Fashion Week kicks off today! Here’s a glimpse into my accessories arsenal and the contents of my bag.

The first thing I did upon arriving at my hotel last night was set out all of my shoes, jewelry and sunglasses. Organization is key at Fashion Week. I also spent some time unpacking my wardrobe, ironing and painting my nails.

Take a peek inside my go-to Fashion Week bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new mini ‘Pashli.’ (Here’s the same one in aubergine.)

Space was the deciding factor for me in choosing this bag. I wanted something small enough to stay light on my shoulders all day, but large enough to fit the following essentials:

Umbrella
This week’s forecast calls for rain, and I found the world’s tiniest umbrella.
Notepad & pen
I’ll be jotting down notes at shows and taking down information about the people I photograph.
iPhone
I’m using Fashion GPS’s iPhone app to keep track of all my show invitations.
Tissues
The aforementioned rain could cause some issues. Better safe than sorry.
Mirror
I’ve tried using my phone’s camera as a mirror, but nothing beats the real thing.
Hand sanitizer
I’d be so bummed if I caught a cold this week!
Money
I’m going wallet-free this season to save on space and weight in my bag.
Business cards
I had special cards printed that list our blog URL, so it’ll be easy for my subjects to find their photos.
Lipstick
I’m only letting myself carry one lipstick at a time. This one’s Givenchy ‘Shocking Pink.’
Tinted moisturizer
Nars’ 30 SPF tinted moisturizer protects my face from the sun and evens out my skin tone.
Sunglasses
I’m thinking today calls for my vintage Paloma Picasso shades.

Now I’m off to Lincoln Center to pick up my credentials and get ready for some shows! Follow our coverage on Instagram for live updates: @nordstrom

- Mary, Senior Features Writer