Nordstrom
Nordstrom Hops on the Twilight Bandwagon
What: Hot Topic famously exploited fanatical Twilight die-hards with its movie-themed merchandise. Nordstrom is now jumping on the trend and will release a line of Twilight-inspired clothing and accessories, like a $32 tee labeled “Team Edward” and a $30 “Cullen family” charm necklace. The collection will hit Nordstrom stores on October 15th (New Moon comes out in November). It will go on sale online on October 1st, however.
What The Cut Says:
Yet when the line hits stores October 15 — assuming it doesn’t sell out when the online presale begins October 1 — what was once a pleasant shopping experience in Nordstrom will undoubtedly become a treacherous survival mission, as shoppers try to avoid getting clobbered by weeping 12-year-olds with fake vampire teeth and R-Pattz’s face tattooed on their own faces.
What We Say: Can’t say we’re too shocked about this one. It’s a little unfortunate that the only thing good for the economy of late appears to be an emo vampire flick. But hey, if everyone else on Earth bought a “Team Edward” shirt, we probably would, too.
Nordstrom Rack to Head to New York?
What: Word is that Nordstrom’s Rack is expected to head to NYC sometime this year- possibly taking over the space left by the departing Virgin Megastore.
From WWD: A spokesperson from Nordstrom Inc. told WWD “We locked at Union Square and would like to have a Rack in Manhattan. Nothing is signed yet. We are talking to them.”
What I Say: This is a very good thing…. A very good thing and as it turns Union Square into the discount center of NYC, with Trader Joe’s,F21, Filene’s and DSW all located in the same area. The Rack is known for it’s amazing collection of discount designer shoes, which will make it a direct competitor to the DSW Shoewarehouse, also located in Union Square. Let the sales begin
Make Jewelry Travel Friendly, Nordstrom Sale, $20 Spring Sandal, DYI Earrings, TopShop Necklace
Tangled jewelry, lost earrings, stolen goodies… oh my! FabSugar has tips on how to keep your jewelry travel friendly, and a little safer.
Many of Nordstrom’s Spring Dress, Shoes and Handbags are now on sale! Second City Style gives us heads up on saving up to 40%.
Omiru’s got the right idea on how to step into Spring: a gorgeous faux-snakeskin sandal for less than $20 - oooh, nice.
We love DYI projects, and this one’s simple, cheap, and matchy-matchy. Get instructions on how to make your own covered-button earrings from the clever BlissTree blog.
Fashion Pulse Daily hows us that the TopShop for US online store has some great finds; check out the totally tight chain-link mesh ring necklace, for only $30!
The Budget Fashionista’s Weekly Retail Closing Report for March 3
Could the news get any worse? Very much so. Retailers keep struggling, stores keep closing, and stuff keeps getting liquidated. The Q4 results are in… here are the losers, and, well, the losers.
Fourth Quarter Blues
Nordstrom and Saks, two of the more upscale retailers out there, aren’t doing too well, and in fact - “given the uncertain economy, [Nordstrom] no longer will provide a quarterly earnings outlook.” Eeks. So much for optimistic thinking.
Macy’s, Target, and Kohl’s also reported awful fourth quarters. Gap joined the sad chorus, too, but was quick to point out that it has still managed to outperform competitors.
Slimming Up
Neiman Marcus is lightening its load, firing a bunch of folks (450 to be exact). Valentino is also letting go of some employees. J.Crew’s taking even more drastic measures, though, slashing 95 jobs, suspending its 401K program, and even getting rid of raises that are merit-based. Jeez!
Stores Closing
Aeropostatle is closing all 11 Jimmy’Z stores.
Zales is shutting down 115 stores.
Iridesse - a pearl jewelry chain by Tiffany and Co - is over. All 16 stores will be closed.
Could Barneys be on the same path? Probably not, but it did put a stop to its spring orders, for the time being.
Finally, the economy is hammering the final nail in the Fortunoff coffin. Liquidation is beginning.
In the midst of all this doom and gloom, Christian Audigier is rubbing the opening of his new Ed Hardy store in everyone’s face, celebrating it with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and NFL players. A little insensitive, don’t you think?
Read our past retail reports:
Feb 27
Feb 20
Feb 9
Feb 4
Jan 23
Save Up to 50% at Nordstrom
The Deal: Save 50% off or more on the styles you want to wear right now, online only at Nordstrom.com.
The Lowdown: As budget shoppers, we love that the winter markdowns come early enough for us to pick up some fashionable items we’ll still get plenty of use out of (unless you’re in the Florida Keys, a long cold winter still stretches out mercilessly ahead of us ...).
We always wait for a sale at Nordstrom, because while their regular prices will set us back more than we’d like, on a sale we can pick up quality pieces for about the same amount we’d spend on a lesser item at, say, JC Penney’s, and dresses are where we’re seeing the greatest value, in everything from cocktail and evening styles to day dresses (and in the midst of the winter doldrums, we’re particularly crazy about the color of the Tahari Ponte Dress pictured here). Our picks:
1. Nicole Miller Silk Twill Sheath Dress, on sale $189.90
2. Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Chiffon & Stretch Satin Dress $63.90
3. Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Button Detail Ponte Dress, on sale $63.90
4. JS Collections Laser Cut Gown, $123.90
5. JS Boutique Beaded Chiffon Dress, $89.90
Shop: Nordstrom
Save 40% or More at Nordstrom.com
The Deal: Save 40% off or more on women’s apparel, shoes and accessories online only, at Nordstrom.com
The Lowdown: Nordstrom is frequently outside our regular shopping budget (especially considering the economy and the just-concluded holiday season), but with a sale we can peruse the offerings without too much bottom-line guilt. This sale is online only, which we like too, because after the holiday gift-buying rush, we’ve had pretty much all we can take of hitting the mall .
Since we’re still trying to economize (one of our top two resolutions, natch, right behind quitting those double caramel mocha lattes), one of our best tips is to use what you’ve already got in your closet and change it up with affordable accessories. Pick up something like this Ariella Brushed Dome Ring, $23.90; this Cynthia Rowley Soft Leather Sash Belt, $38.90 ; or this Betsey Johnson “Buttoned Up” Mixed Charm Bracelet, $38.90.
Shop: Nordstrom.com
A Holiday Shopping Plan that Will Keep Cash in Your Wallet and Keep You Sane
Throw everything you’ve ever thought about holiday shopping out the window because it’s time for a massive reality check. We are officially in a recession, and while the results of Black Friday may show otherwise, America is broke. So this holiday season, it’s time for you to go old school- coupons, price comparison and shopping off priced stores.
Here’s Our Stress Free, Budget Friendly Holiday Shopping Plan
1. Get Over Yourself.
Your kids are not going to remember they only received four toys instead of eight, but will remember that January when the lights were turned off for failure of payment.Your mom isn’t going to love you any less if you bought her LeCresuet pot from HomeGoods instead of Macys. She, will, however remember that you had to borrow money from her to pay your January credit card bill. Remember it’s just one day a year and, if you’re religious, mass consumerism isn’t what the season is all about.
2. Set a Realistic Holiday Shopping Budget.
Your holiday shopping budget should not exceed more than 50% of yourpost life expenses budget, which is the money you have left over after paying off all of your bills. So if all your bills equal $3000 a month and you only have $500 left over, your holiday budget should not exceed more than $250. Small? Yes. Reality? You can’t afford to spend any more without going into debt.
3. Write a List and Check it Twice.
Write a list of everyone you need to purchase presents for this holiday season. Next to each name write the maximum amount you can afford to spend based on your holiday budget. Then write two or three gifts that fit into that budget next to each name.
4. Compare Prices Online
Take the list you just made and search for the best deal possible for each item online. I like to type in the name of the item into google, but MSN’s Live Search is also a great way to comparison shop (plus it offers cashback on certain purchases).
5. Create a Holiday Shopping Folder
Print out the products sheets of the cheapest items and place them in a holiday shopping folder. This is the folder you will take with you when you go shopping and it’s the folder in which you will place all your store receipts.
6. Search Sunday circulars and Compare in Store Prices
With your Holiday Shopping folder in hand, search the Sunday circulars (and online) for special in store deals. Also head to brick and mortar stores, letting your per gift price range guide to the stores you should visit (if you can only spend $10 per person, then there’s no reason to head to high end stores.) Make sure you check out stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, purchase the overstock of top designers and manufacturers. If find an item that is cheaper online than in store, ask to speak with a manager to see if you can get a price adjustment. Many stores, including Nordstrom, offer price guarantees.
7. Determine the Cheapest Option and Buy!
Compare the in store price with the price of the item online (make sure to include shipping and subtract any discounts from online coupons) and purchase the cheapest one!
Revisiting the Little Black Dress
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: The classic Little Black Dress as your budget go-to piece for fall/winter 08.
Why: If you need your fashion dollars to stretch even further than usual right now, it’s time to revisit that old standby, the Little Black Dress (or LBD). If you don’t already have one (and instead give into temptation each season to purchase a new, trendy, here-now-gone-tomorrow dress) we have some advice for you—get one. It may not be the most exciting option, but it is the most versatile, and with the right accessories? It’ll take you from function to function through the holiday season, in great style and without breaking the bank. Fortunately, black is in this season, and you’ll find everything from a simple sheath to some edgier options, as well as pieces that can go from casual to dressy. And as every good budget fashionista knows, value and versatility are the keys to being truly well dressed.
We’ve picked a few options (for under $50 each) that should take you through the season; just add a big clutch, a pair of peep toe pumps, and a statement piece of jewelry (maybe a chunky necklace or a metallic cuff bracelet) and go.
Knee Length Basic Dress, $19.90, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Embroidered Lace Dress, $39.99, Target.
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Envelope Back Dress, $49.99, Target.
Mock Neck Ponte Knit Dress, $39, Newport News
Plus size: Cachet Matte Jersey Dress, $49.90, Nordstrom
Women’s Plus Notch-Front Dress, $32.50, Old Navy
Juicy Couture’s New Plus Size Line
Juicy Couture, the designer line behind the rise of velour, has just launched a plus size line that is being sold exclusively online at Nordstrom.com. The line is no where near “cheap”, but it’s a triumph for plus sized fashionistas because fashion tends to diffuse downwards (meaning the more high end designers who create successful plus size lines, the more stylish lower priced/sale/clearance plus size clothing available).
Now if they could just make more items for petite fashionistas!
Fall Shoe Sale at Nordstrom: Daily Deal
The Deal: Shop the Nordstrom shoe clearance sale and save 40% or more.
The Lowdown: Designer and namebrand shoes for 40% off—or more—at Nordstrom is the only excuse we need to pick up a fab pair of shoes for fall. We’re sure we need something more practical, but we just can’t help ourselves with this Chinese Laundry Patent Pump, regularly $69.95 and on sale now for $39.90.
Shop: Nordstrom.
High vs. Low: The Headband
Recently popularized by headband-loving Lauren Conrad on MTV’s The Hills, the headband is a really great hair accessory, especially during those unavoidable bad hair days. A plain wide headband is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face, and give you a pulled-together look. However, a fancier headband with chic embellishments is ideal for evenings out to cocktail parties and even weddings! Even if you don’t want to splurge on different colors and styles, a sleek neutral toned headband should be in every fashionista’s boudoir. We love both of these high and low versions. The circles add a sophisticated touch without going overboard. So, which is which?
On the bottom: The Tasha Soft Circle Headband, $32, available at nordstrom.com. Up top: The Circle Jelly Stretch Headband, $8, available at target.com.
Free Beauty Gift with Purchase at NORDSTROM
What: Get a free beauty gift with purchase during Nordstrom
Anniversary Sale.
What We Say: Most of the time, we shop at NORDSTROM Rack because the prices at the department store are a bit too steep. But with their Anniversary Sale, we can purchase high-end beauty products and get free make-up, skincare, and perfume. In pouches, which we can use to store make-up. The brands offering gifts with purchase vary from the high end to very high end: Lancome, Clarins, Bliss, Christian Dior, and more. We like the Lancome and Estee Lauder offers the most: several free samples, in a pouch, with a purchase of $29.50.
News Alert: Designers on Video
What: Nordstrom is launching videos today to accompany their online shopping experience, according to WWD. The “Design to Inspire” videos, the first round of which is featuring Milly and its designer Michelle Smith, have the designers discuss the favorite pieces in their collection, their inspirations, where to wear them and what to wear them with. Consumers learn about what they’re purchasing straight from the item’s creator.
What We Say: We don’t plan on purchasing anything at the full price from Nordstrom, but these videos are an awesome tool for fashion-loving women like us who enjoy seeing what goes into the creation of a garment. Of course, watching this may make us swoon with jealousy for Michelle, who gets to play with beautiful dresses every day. Head to Nordstrom to watch the videos and get ideas for a budget version of the offerings from Milly. Many of the pieces are black and white, and all are elegant and very feminine.
Pictured: A dress by Milly ($585.00). Learn how to wear it—then find a budget version.
Image from Nordstrom
Free Clarins Beauty Gift at Nordstrom: Daily Deal
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Free Clarins beauty gift with any two-item Clarins purchase, see details at NORDSTROM.com.
The Lowdown: Fallen in love with Clarins beauty products? Now is the time to stock up on your favorites and get a free product with any two-item purchase. Just head over to Nordstrom online for the latest roundup of Hydra-Care masks, Toning Body Polisher, and more.
Shop It: Nordstrom.com
Save 70-75% Arrivals on Feb. 15 Rack Event at Nordstrom Rack Stores: Daily Deal
The Deal: Mark your calendars—and take 70-75% off original Nordstrom prices on new arrivals and designer apparel in stores only on February 15
The Lowdown: Head to your local Nordstrom Rack store to take a sneak peek at Spring arrivals and enjoy savings of up to 75% off! Nordstrom Designer Collections and new arrivals across all lines will be drastically reduced for a Spring preview. It’s a not-to-be missed in-store event. If you can’t make to a nearby store, jump online for Spring savings of up to 33-50% off the latest collections!
Shop It: Find your closest Rack Store at Nordstrom.com or shop online at Nordstrom.com for Spring savings.
Daily Deal: Nordstrom Designer Shoe Sale 33-70% off regular prices
The Deal: Take an extra 33-70% off designer shoe collections at Nordstrom.com
The Lowdown: If the shoe closet needs a little attention after holiday season, stock up on in-season designer shoes from Nordstrom’s shoe boutique. You can splurge without too much guilt on some of these great discounts: the Tory Burch ‘Audrey’ Ballet Flat is now $111.90, reduced 50% from $225, or get your Moschino Suede Pumps for 70% off, now just $135.90, reduced from $455. Put your ‘shoe money’ to work, or just exchange those unwanted gifts for a wiser investment with your favorite designer pair!
Shop It: Nordstrom
Nordstrom Comes to Manhattan
What: Nordstrom, my favorite department store, is one step closer to moving to in Manhattan.
The Lowdown: This from WWD: Nordstrom Inc. has signed a nonbinding letter of intent on the former Drake Hotel, bringing the Seattle-based retailer a step closer to securing a Manhattan location, according to real estate sources.
What I say: For those of you who live outside of NYC, this may seem like no big deal, but to shoppers like myself, who have to drive 45 minutes to get to the nearest Nordstrom, this is a godsend.
I just hope it’s a REAL Nordstrom and not some overpriced Manhattanized version of the store.
Fraud Alert: Nordstrom DID NOT BUY E.L.F
I’ve received about a dozen or so emails from readers in regards to a spam email stating that Nordstrom bought budget make-up brand E.L.F. (Eyes, Lips, Face).
Nordstrom didn’t buy ELF
From Nordstrom:
We have learned that some of our customers received e-mails regarding the website eyeslipsface.com. We want you to know that Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com are not affiliated with eyeslipsface.com or the e.l.f. product line, nor with any e-mail regarding that website or product line. Nordstrom
does not sell e.l.f. products. Please know that Nordstrom would not ask for your account information through e-mail communication.
Read Nordstrom’s entire response
Major Department Stores Caught Selling Dog Fur Coats: The Fake Debate Takes On a Whole New Level
UPDATE: The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891 DID NOT MAKE IT OUT OF IT’S HOUSE COMMITTEE AND WAS NOT BROUGHT UP FOR A VOTE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR
A story broke a few weeks ago about major retailers/designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Nordstrom, selling “faux fur” jackets really made out of dog fur (yes, fur from fido). Regardless of where you fall in the fur debate, this is a pretty disturbing story. Not to say that dogs are “more important animals” than say rabbits, cows, or minks (what is the plural of minks? Minx?), it’s just that when you purchase a mink coat, you KNOW you’re purchasing a mink coat and in this case it seems that several animal lovers may have purchased items that were made from dogs.
From the Associated Press:
The Humane Society of the United States said it purchased coats from reputable outlets, such as upscale Nordstrom, with designer labels—Andrew Marc, Tommy Hilfiger, for example and found them trimmed with fur from domestic dogs, even though the fur was advertised as fake.
In response to the public outcry regarding this issue, members of Congress recently drafted The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891, which “aims to strengthen the current law and protect consumers and animals by outlawing the import of fur from raccoon dogs and requiring all garments trimmed with fur to be labeled, regardless of value.”
I can’t help wondering why a manufacturer would use dog fur in the first place? I would think that using animal fur is a much more difficult process (you have to catch the animal, prepare the hide, etc.). Isn’t cheaper to just use faux fur? As a bargain shopper, I’ve always suspected that something was fishy (or should I say doggie) with some of the faux fur items I’ve purchased.
Fashion Advice: Petite Fashions
Q:Budget Fashionista,
I need your help. I’m a 5"1”, 110 lbs, 23-year-old female and I find it very difficult to shop for office clothes. It seems like there are very few fashion options for petite women. Any advice?
A: I’ve been getting quite a few questions from petite readers in regards to the sad state of petite fashion. I agree that there’s little, to no, options for truly petite women.
The fact is that as the size of the average American has increased, clothing sizes have decreased (read my entry that talks in greater detail about this issue). Furthermore, manufacturers use fit models to “represent” the largest number of consumers possible and if you fall outside of the size range of the fit models, like 90% of the people in the world, you’re not going to be able to wear things straight off the rack. However, all is not lost—find a good tailor and you’ll be well on your way to proper fitting fashion. In fact, prior to the 1970s, getting a piece tailored to fit you was a pretty common clothing care procedure. Most department stores offered free tailoring.
You could also try wearing Parisian and Japanese designers, who tend to cut their clothing a bit smaller. Try designers like Kenzo, Karl Lagerfeld, TSE, Issey Miyake, Marini, Louis Vuitton, or the French budget site Le Redoute. With the exception of Le Redoute, these designers don’t come cheap, so you’ll have to practically live at the local outlet mall or on the bargain site—Bluefly.com. But the clothing will fit you. You could also try a store like Ann Taylor, which sometimes can be as pricey as buying designer clothing at an outlet mall and not nearly as fashionable and the Gap
, which sells petite (and tall) sizes online. Macy’s, Nordstrom
, Bloomingdales
, and Lord & Taylor all have petite departments with a better selection online rather than in store. You might also want to save your money and head up to Canada—Ste. Catherine in Montreal and the Eaton center in Toronto have several great petite fashion shops.
Here’s some general tips:
Things to Embrace:
High Heels—Wearing at least a 2-inch heel will help to elongate your body (both torso and legs).
A Great Tailor—A great tailor is an importance asset for your wardrobe as he or she can alter garments to fit your shape. I’ll talk more about how to find a great tailor later in this section.
Low-rise Pants—Lower waist pants will make your torso look longer. Make sure the hem of the pants covers your shoe to give the illusion that your legs are longer.
Big Hair—If you’re looking to appear taller, wearing your in a high bun or ponytail will increase height as well.
Vertical Stripes—The stripes give the effect of looking taller and slimmer.
Things to Avoid:
Cropped Anything—Cropped pants, tops, and jackets will shorten your torso.
Flats—They will not give you the additional height you need.
Long unstructured skirts—They will drown your shape and make you look shorter. Hem the skirt to either three inches above your knee, at your knee, or three inches below your knee.
Mini skirts—Off the rack mini skirts will fall at an awkward length. Make sure your skirts fall either 3 inches above your knee, at your knee, or 3 inches below.
Great Designers for Petite Budget Fashionistas
INC—Trendy, bright, and affordable.
Eileen Fisher—Fluid fashions good for plus size petites.
DKNY—Hip, younger, urban wear.
Ellen Tracy—A classic line, great for suits
Forever 21—Not a petite store per see, but clothes are cut smaller
Dana Buchman—Another classic line, great for work clothes
Lily Pulitzer—Sportswear for the ladies who lunch set.
Lauren by Ralph Lauren—The classic American designer’s preppy petite line.
Anne Klein—Suits and tops perfect for work.
Gap—Online store stocks a large number of petite sized pants.
Banana Republic—Online store carries fashionable designs in petite styles.
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