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Tips for the Nordstrom Sale and More!

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Hello friends. Our summer is in a bit of a lull here and I have been dealing with a few things .. Someone is raising turkeys in our neighborhood. The people aren’t even regular neighbors, but family staying with an elderly neighbor and their kid is in 4H, but he’s not caring for the turkeys and guess what happened? The entire neighborhood has become inundated with flies like you would not believe. They are everywhere.The parents claim they are telling the son to clean it more regularly, but when flies are waiting to get in your home at every door, and making one neighbor unable to even go in her yard anymore, or hang out her laundry, and they are all over me while I work in the garden -it’s ruining summer! I’m one of those people who will try to listen and mitigate, but it’s getting worse if that’s possible…

In better news, I hope your summer is enjoyable and you’ve had time to make a summer bucket list! One of my list items, a San Francisco trip, happened last Saturday. We had a late afternoon high tea at a cute spot called Lovejoy’s Tea Room in Noe Valley. It was something my husband sweetly found for me as I was dreaming about travel and tea rooms..

We loved it ! They have vintage mismatched china and excellent cucumber sandwiches and scones and desserts. Across the street is their Lovejoy’s Attic shop with hats, tea and china and antiques to purchase. We had a good trek around the darling neighborhood of Noe Valley, which has some cute shops and homes and restaurants. We discovered the fantastic Noe Valley Bakery and took home a wheat bread and a seeded levain bread that was so good I had probably eight sandwiches this week. I love discovering new neighborhoods when we go to the city. Parking and getting out there on foot is such a great way to know an area better.

Now about the Nordstrom Sale. Honestly it’s pushed so hard by everyone, I am sometimes a bit reticent to even mention it, but as a former Nordstrom employee I know there are some good things to be had. It’s changed a lot over the years. It was originally begun as a way to sell things during the dog days of summer when retail was VERRRY slow, and people wen’t shopping all the time, as they seem to now.

My personal tips for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale..

–Look first at what your wardrobe and if you can clean it out during summer and see what is missing – And what you keep buying that you need to stop buying!Think about it a bit and you shop smarter.

-If you can get to the store even better. They have a lot that is never listed on the sale. They also have most of the summer stuff marked down and on sale racks.

-It’s the middle of summer, but do you need another pair of booties? If you’ve put them away for the summer, maybe pull out the boots. You may have forgotten what you own. Last year I bought two pairs of booties only to realize I had two similar pairs. Take stock before you buy.

–My top things to buy at this sale are outerwear, jackets and jeans.

–Underwear is a good buy, but the bras I’ve bought always seem to be off. I’ve repeatedly bought my favorite bras on the sale, only to have them arrive and fit and cut seem off. It makes me wonder if the ‘sale’ versions are seconds. I can’t recommend the bras from my own experience.

–Cosmetics can be a good if you need a new regimen or a great gift sets.

-Ask yourself before you buy anything- would you buy this if it was not on sale?

Below are my choices of some chic classics from the sale that every closet can use..

Top of my list are this blazer by Zadig & Voltaire – a cool classic piece with a bit of rock & roll to it with the stars on the shoulder, (also this one with a skull on the back ), these Rag & Bone Boyfriend jeans -which can work for summer too and booties later, with the crop hem, this Bernardo wool coat, this Vince Chunky Wool Blend Sweater, this quilted double-breasted Ralph Lauren coat, this Claire V. Simple Tote ( I bought one at last year’s sale in green leopard), this Gorjana Coin Pendant necklace, the Simplehuman 5x Sensor Mirror (I bought this last year and I don’t know how I lived without it ), this classic and understated pebbled crossbody wallet bag from Tory Burch, and this convertible one, this cute Kurt Geiger Straw Tote is a great buy at $89, these Blondo Waterproof Slip-ons will be wonderful for winter in house and out, and I always get a few of my favorite Natori Bliss Perfection underwear.

And all the beauty special deals here– so much this year!

I plan on doing a big closet purge next week so I’ll post about it soon, and my skincare favorites I’ve been using this summer.

One other thing I wanted to share is a great recipe for making your own falafel. Max did it last weekend and it was so delicious. It was worth the extra work- making them from scratch. The key is not using can chickpeas and soaking them overnight. The falafels were amazing with fresh cucumber from my dad’s garden and tomatoes from our farmer’s market. Recipe here from Once Upon a Chef. Jenn’s recipes are always so good!

I’m hoping to do a day trip to Carmel this weekend – another summer bucket list item, in between swatting flies.

Happy Weekend!

Kim

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My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

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I’m away in Utah moving my son in to college, but I wanted to share some of my own picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which begins for the general public today. This is a once a year event and the best time to get some great pieces to add to the wardrobe. I usually buy a few of my favorite bras and panties, a pair of jeans and any cute fall thing that might catch my eye..

Tops on my list are theses cute Madewell jeans. I have these in black and have lived in them the past two years. This wash and mini-flare of these Cali-Demi Boot Jeans will be cute with ankle boots as well as flats and sandals come late summer. I love the quality of these jeans and how they hold their shape.

I’m also a fan of these cropped black Kut from the Kloth jeans for fall with their raw hem. I know I would wear these a ton with white button ups and big sweaters in cooler months!

This ALLSAINTS drape top has cool details and would be a chic with jeans and cool sandals and work for fall with its pretty russet tone.

I also love ALLSAINTS sweaters and I noticed this cashmere Tara Sweater in many lovely colors. It’s oversized, so I would order a size down. Their sweaters are like butter and last for years. The two I have have been my favorites forever.

I really need no shoes for fall, but I have been missing a black bootie in my wardrobe and the Cole Haan Val Bootie has have cute details and the right heel height. They also come in a pretty rust and off-white.

I also love the Vince Camuto snake print which is a good neutral…

These Soft Brand Slipper Mules would be my daily go-to come fall. I love the ease of slide ons!

A pull on bootie is another thing I know I’d wear a lot and would be super comfy as well as a modern update to my closet. This Blondo Bootie is a good buy, so cute in this color- and a few others. People say this runs narrow on reviews..

This Sam Edelman Trench has lovely details and it’s single breasted – something that’s not always easy to find and a lot more flattering on most people that the double-breasted trench. It reminds me of my Burberry I bought on this same sale many years ago and sadly lost.

If you can splurge for the Burberry they have this Kensington Trench on the sale in a tan or black taffeta which is a nice lightweight coat for all seasons especially good for travel. The Burberry Trench run tight and smalls so you should order up if you haven’t tried one on before.

This Sam Edelman dress is a pretty cute piece for the price..

I also spied this cute pair of leather Adidas. If you don’t yet have a pair of white leather sneakers, these have that tennis look and a reflective heel and logo for a little flair..

Another great buy is this set of Diptyque set of 5 Travel Size Candles. Cute for holiday gifts too!

All the beauty exclusives – many made just for this once a year sale for Nordstrom can be found here.

Hope you all are having a good week. I’ll share about our four day Tahoe trip and all about Utah coming soon!

Kim

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Looking at the Coat Closet..

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Happy 2019. It’s chilly here in Northern California and though I was lucky to get away to Hawaii during the holidays, it feels colder than usual back here in Northern Cal. With the cold weather and the rain, we are stuck indoors, so I like to start the new year by taking stock, purging and cleaning out. The first place I usually begin is with the entry coat closet! Any coats we haven’t worn as of yet this season could go and are just taking up space. (No not sparking joy either.) Some of my own were looking a bit shabby, one had a moth hole, and another just was beginning to fit tight. (I have no idea why that could be happening! – Another thing to work on in the coming year.)

My quick coat closet survey helped me realize that many of the coats we have could be donated. (Look for a One Warm Coat donation spot in your area to help those who need warm things now.) I noted that even me, who shops pretty often, could use some upgraded outerwear. Have you noticed long coats are back? I do love a nice coat and yes even here in California it’s nice to not wear fleece or a puffer all the time. It’s easy to get into that habit, but it can look too casual and has not a lot of style. The other thing is a nice structured coat can give you a better look overall, and a more streamlined silhouette.

Coats take a beating and it’s worth it to refresh every few years or so. This is the time to get a good coat and even a few deals, as we all know spring clothes will be in the stores before Valentines is even here and those after Christmas markdowns are already happening. Coats will be harder to find in month and if you don’t do it now, there you will be next year with a closet full of shabby coats that fit poorly that you should have purged. Right? Okay so let’s do this! You need one or two nice coats that look updated and are flattering.

You could also check your local shops too. (You know I love to support local small businesses!) I just found the Emerson Fry coat above at my favorite new local boutique called Parker in Willow Glen. I am having fun with this coat styling it different ways. (Check out Parker when you can. Brenda is the owner and has a great eye and packs a lot of stylish options in a small shop in the old Garden Theater mall.)

Nothing makes you look more put together than a nice jacket or coat. Get rid of anything shlumpy, faded, fraying and just plain outdated! Think you are going to sew that button on? If you haven’t done it, maybe donate it instead. Are you cold? Many of the newer coats have some terrific insulating materials and the older I get, the more I care about warmth as well. Below are just a few of my favorites online right now.

I have to start with this beautiful rendition of a vintage faux leopard coat by Emerson Fry. It is flipping gorgeous and is one of those statement pieces that will give your wardrobe a coolness factor. This particular item isn’t on sale, but the price is right being made domestically and by a quality company. It’s worth the splurge with your extra holiday dinero if you have any left.
This Bernardo packable long jacket is now just $66 and I dig this teal green. This is a stylish topper for all those errands, can cover your backside when you wear leggings, and not too heavy. I’d call this California weight, so it is not for Chicago unless you are layering it with a real coat.
This stylish water resistant puffer from Banana looks cute with the sash tied behind in the back as well as the front. It comes in khaki as well and would be great from now and until spring. I am in love with the sleeves and the obi style belt!
I adore the pretty pink of this Charles Grey London coat. I think it’s nice to have a statement piece or two in your coat wardrobe and who wouldn’t feel pretty putting this on? It’s made in England so you know this isn’t going to be a flimsy piece of wool.
This burgundy menswear style coat from Avec Les Filles, is the perfect foil for all those deep winter tones. I would dress this classic up with scarves and tall boots as well as sneakers and jeans to look hip.
This coat looks modern in its length and a tweed with the prettiest blue running through This Sam Edelman coat  is something you can be rough on as tweed wears well. You also don’t need to be de-linting yourself every time you out it on, which is nice. Again it can be dressed up or used as your everyday go to.
This gorgeous Fluerette Coat is made of Loro Piana wool from Italy and is exquisite. Coats made of this special Italian wool cost a small fortune, but I am featuring this coat as it was nearly $1,000 and has been marked down to $498. It’s a beautiful piece and is a great price if you are looking to buy better things that will last.
Faux fur coats are hot this year and feel as cozy as they look. This version by Leith seems to have a nice shape and feel about that doesn’t scream bathrobe as a lot of them can. You have to make sure they lay right and don’t make you look like a small bear. I love this color and would wear this daytime as well as night.
I had to add this edgy wool plaid coat as it reminds me of my favorite 1980’s toppers that were oversized, manly and worn by all the cool girls with those asymmetrical haircuts. Does that bring anyone else back? This updated version has hot pink details on the button holes and the lining which make it super cute and I can see some of the younger gals rocking this coat as well.
I’m a sucker for baby blue and this Tahari wrap coat is really lovely and is on sale until the 15th of January at Bloomies. It just looks luxe and cozy and expensive.
Lastly, my friend Ani and I are forever searching for the perfect peacoat. We loved those old J.Crew ones. I think this may be the best version yet to replace those. This Emerson Fry peacoat is gorgeous and a cashmere wool blend so it is not too heavy. I love everything about Emerson Fry, and of course it’s made in America.
Okay that was eleven. Sorry I had to add this peacoat as it was perfection!

I hope you all have a cozy week! It’s going to be a wet one here in California, so see what you can purge and donate and treat yourself to something warm if you can.

Kim



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