We are kicking of what is likely to be a great week for sales with the Nordstrom Designer Sale! The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale starts tomorrow and I will be combing through that one too! And there will be tons of Memorial Day Sales as we get closer to the weekend.
This time of year I generally like to use the sales to find transitional pieces. I am looking for pieces I can wear NOW and ALSO in the heat of summer. For the designer sale, though, I make an exception. This is the time to stock up on wardrobe staples as well as grab that one special piece you have been eyeing all season.
These are the brands (with links to all their sale pieces) that I typically shop during a sale like this: Rag and Bone, Veronica Beard, Hugo Boss, and St.John. Below are my top picks as well as the pieces I ordered. Don’t hesitate here … a few of the items have sold out and sizes are getting limited.
Wardrobe Staples
Because you generally go to work everyday you want quality pieces that will last for seasons. These fit that bill. And in neutral colors and shapes that make them timeless.
Sheath Dresses
There is no simpler silhouette than the sheath dress. It is such an easy one-and-done piece that makes you look elegantly pulled together. I love St. John Knit pieces but they are usually far beyond my budget. At 60% off though we are now starting to talk reasonable. There were lots of St. John styles and options but sizing was all over the place; to see all the options use this link. I ordered both of the ones below hoping to narrow to just one. All these dresses are 60% off!
Emporio Armani Draped Cady Shift (sleeveless) – Forget the fact that it is gorgeous, this is one of the dresses you wear all summer long because it is comfortable! And then you continue to wear it into the fall with tights and a button down. Also available in grey!
St. John Navy Knit – Angled seams create flattering lines on a sophisticated sheath that seamlessly transitions from desk to dinner.
Emporio Armani Draped Cady Shift – If the sleeveless version isn’t calling to you then try the one with sleeves instead! Still gorgeous!
St. John Black – Tailored elegance turns edgy on this short-sleeve sheath, which contrasts smooth lambskin-leather panels against a textured knit.
Blazers
I wear blazers nearly every day. I toss them on over dresses, with midi skirts and pants and even to dress up jeans on the weekend. #WardrobeStaple
Black & White Blazer – Similar to my Veronica Beard blazer but less than half the original price! I love the black trim! #SoUnique
Black Crepe Blazer – A very travel friendly Blazer in work-horse black. See the matching pants below and make a designer suit on a bargain budget!
Silk Blouses & Shells
Because there is nothing better to pair with suits, pants or pencils than silk! These two are both unique and lasting. #HardToBeat
Ivory Blouse with Ribbons – I love the trim detail and the tiny little ties! On its way to me already!
Faux Wrap Top – The subtle print and alluring neckline provides just enough interest to not be just an off-white silk blouse.
Hugo BOSS Tank – Wear under every suit, every day.
St. John Shell – When you aren’t wearing the dark one … wear white!! #EveryOtherDay It was also available in a light blue and navy.
Black Pants
Simone Stripe Pants – I have two pairs of Simone pants and it is all I can do to not make it three. The only thing stopping me? I tried these on in Maroon in Boston and those are the ones I really want (at the price of these though). I size up in these.
Hina Pants – These give my Oshima’s a run for the money and at 50% off it was a no-brainer to put them in my cart and send them immediately. I recommend you size up.
Helmut Lang Pants – If you don’t own a pair of high-end, high-waist black pants, you are missing the most versatile item in your closet.
Crepe Pants – Pair these with the Crepe Blazer and you have a high-end suit at a bargain.
Everyday Totes
Navy Tote (from Zappos) – A fun little cotton-and leather-trimmed tote in a unique shape. I had to have this one as my Navy tote has seen better days! The Nordstrom sale tote sold out before I was able to get the post live … here is a similar silhouette on sale.
Black Tote – My black tote has gold hardware and my black purse has silver hardware. Both annoy me when I want one but happen to be wearing mismatched jewelry. #ProblemSolved This really is an everyday tote that will wear beautifully.
Shoes
Quality pumps for work are an investment that will pay dividends. I used to replace my cheap pumps every six months! My current Ted’s are four years old … FOUR!!! Choose wisely because you will wear them forever!! #ThatGood
Valentino – Even 40% off these are still not in my budget but they are beautiful and at the very top of my wish list!!
Cap Toe – Classic, gorgeous and extremely practical.
Choo D’Orsay – A timeless silhouette and the patent makes them even more lasting.
Choo Vanessa – I have this shoe in a nude and snake combination. Such a comfortable shoe that can be paired with anything.
Black and White Choo – The crosshatch texture means they will be indestructible. Also comes in a nude.
Choo Strap D’Orsay – The inspiration for my Choo Dupes from the Fall!!
Manolo Mary Jane – You know I can’t refuse a good Mary Jane
White Choo – I’ve had my eye on these all Spring. Now that they are 40% off they are about to mine! I go up a half size in Jimmy Choo. There is also a sandal version.
Moto on the Mind
Style Inspiration from Elements of Ellis, Bus Bee Style, My Style Vita
I love Moto jackets! So much so that I have a black one and a grey one! But ever since my trip to Boston I’ve been thinking I need one with color. I saw so many stylish Bostonians sporting these fun Spring toppers. I have a full Boston roundup with lots of styling ideas coming soon but at these prices these pieces won’t make it until that post goes live! #CheckOutNow
Butter Moto – This one is a lovely neutral color for the warmer months and will pair with literally anything.
Pink Moto – Similar to my blush one from Zara … this is the real deal though. More colors and sizes for less than $200 here.
Blue Moto – 33% off and a gorgeous blue color this lamb leather beauty is no doubt as soft as it is gorgeous. This is the one I ordered. More colors and sizes for less than $200 here.
Just Because they are FUN
Because these pieces are just amazingly adorable and I couldn’t refuse. There is a little bit of a stripe theme here ….
Joie Sweater – These are the softest sweaters and black and white is classic.
Veronica Beard Sweater – This one has been in my cart for awhile. Now 50% off it isn’t in my cart any more! #OnAUPSDeliveryTruck
I purchased the red pair in Boston (not on sale) and then when I was putting together a post to show how you could wear these five ways … I discovered they also come in pink … and plaid (both very much on sale). The post is still coming (so are the pink pants)! #IOwnTwoColors Look for the post next week but by then the pants may be long sold out!! #GetThemWhileYouCan
I have these Veronica Beard jeans in blue with a red stripe and I love them!!
Fun Shoes
Do I really need to say anything about any of these??
Choo Pump – Two shades of pink or a chocolate brown. The perfect statement shoe!!
Prada Bow – No words!!! #Gorgeous
Snakeskin – I’m loving the mix of colors on an otherwise neutral shoe!!
If the designer price tag is too much for these weekend play shoes (they also come in denim) try the equally adorable Sam Edelman version.
This is just the beginning of the Memorial Day Sales fun! Check back tomorrow when the rest of the Nordstrom site goes on sale! Send me a note if you are looking for something specific otherwise I will be rounding up what I’ve had my eye on … I’m talking about you white blazer! #OnTheHunt