Inspired By | Minimal Femme

WhatIWore: Each season I attempt to mix a few new trends into my established wardrobe. I would have loved to play around with cut outs, lace panels and mixed textures, but as any pregnant gal knows, maternity clothes aren’t cheap, so I’ve been going with basics instead. But that doesn’t mean I can’t day dream! 

I must confess to you guys: While I might be just browsing now, I’ve been saving for a big shopping spree once baby arrives! 

I’ve gone to NordstromRack.com for a morning of play shopping these minimal femme looks. See my inspiration above for streamlined silhouettes in pretty shades of white and gray accented by exagerated sunglasses. With price points between $26-$80 I might even buy something in my pre-baby size (or maybe one size up?) Just like the brick and mortar stores, quantities are limited, so if you love it, don’t hesitate! 

Top Row: Aryn K Sheer Panel Shirt Dress, $29, Alternative Jersey Dress (also in gray), $55, Cynthia Steffe Fit and Flare Eyelet Dress, $59, Aryn K Terry Panel Dress, $35

Middle: Betsey Johnson Oversized Wayfarer Diane von Furstenberg Oversized Sunglasses Kate Spade New York Oversized Gray Sunglasses, $60

Bottom: Trovata Sleeveless Linen Sheath, $80, Socialite Lace Dress, $26, Wow Couture Jersey Maxi Dress, $29, Max Studio Tiered Lace Dress, $40

Heads Up! This post was brought to you by Nordstrom Rack, one of my favorite places to find designer pieces at a major discount (and now… online!) Thank you for supporting the brands that make What I Wore possible. 

Confessions of a Shopping Genius

UPDATE: A winner has been selected! Thanks for all of your entries! 

WhatIWore: I’ve got a love/hate relationship with rules, but I do think it’s important for every woman to set her own standards or game plan when it comes to her wardrobe. For example, when I have a shopping trip coming up, I have a rough list and a definite list. For my trip to Chicago a couple weeks ago, I knew I REALLY wanted a white leather satchel, so when I saw that Rebecca Minkoff white leather number at Nordstrom Rack, I scooped it up right away. Other times, I’ll go with a little more of a rough idea like for the Columbus (Dublin) Ohio Rack opening, when I just wanted a cute summer dress (not posted on WIW yet, but I instagrammed it here). Here are a few more of my “rules." 

My Shopping Confessions: 

I don’t think white should be limited to the summer season (like my new satchel!)

95% of my purchases should work for at least three different outfit combinations (see how I’ve worn my white leather jacket here, here & here)

…The other 5% can be just because splurges.

I’ll totally copy your outfit (imitation is the best form of flattery, darlin!) and might even ask you where you got it. 

What’s your MO when it comes to your wardrobe? Together with my friends at Nordstrom Rack, I’m inviting you to share your shopping confession (and what makes it genius!) for a chance to win this gorgeous Michael Kors Handbag and all of the goodies featured inside (Fendi Sunglasses, Coach Fragrance, Stila Lip Gloss Trio, Kate Spade New York Lipstick, MICHAEL Michael Kors Wallet, evoque candle and Trina travel makeup case). Trust me, I was tempted to keep a few things for myself, but this was too great a prize not to pass it on in all it’s glory. Hint hint: open that wallet to reveal a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card inside too! They’re opening new stores all over the country this year and recently launched online at NordstromRack.com too. I have no doubt one of you lucky gals will be able to put it to great use. 

To Enter:

1. Follow @whatiwore and @nordstromrack on instagram.
2. Comment on this photo with your own Confession of a Shopping Genius. 
3. Use the tag #shopgenius

Winner will be selected at random. Open until May 19, 2014, 11:59PM EST. Pretty simple, huh? 

Fine Print and Heads Up: Open to US residents, ages 18 and up. Void where prohibited. These items were provided as a giveaway prize, thanks to Nordstrom Rack. Thanks for supporting the companies that make What I Wore possible. 

What I Wore | The Little Things

WhatIWore: Confession: There’s no occasion too small to get dressed up. At least, that’s my logic when it comes to our weekly farmer’s market. I use it as a chance to play with some sort of outfit that’s casual, floral or earthy and wear it throughout the day each Saturday.

Truthfully though, sometimes I do sneak out in yoga pants, but I always feel so much better when I take 20-30 minutes to do my hair and makeup and pick out an outfit that makes me feel good about myself. 

When: April 26, 2014

What:
Hat: Self Made (more summer styles here)
Dress: Target (styled differently here)
Kimono: Nordstrom Rack
Bag: Coach (more options here)
Flats: Toms

Where: Farmer’s Market, Little 500 Bike Race, Picnic at the Park

Today’s post was inspired by festival style. I’ve actually never been to a music festival (huge crowds! anxiety! ugh!), but I do like playing with laid back, bohemian style looks (especially now that I’m pregnant! I love the Earth goddess kind of vibe!)

I took one of my very basic knit maternity dresses and styled it with a self made straw hat, chambray flat sandals and a new kimono style top I bought at the Nordstrom Rack in Chicago. I think it could also be really cute with a basic tank and some jean shorts this summer too. No matter how inexpensive, I always like to envision the multiple ways I can wear a piece before I buy it. This is what being a shopping genius means to me! 

Speaking of the Rack, tonight I’ll be attending a new store Private Shopping Event in Columbus, OH (the store officially opens on May 1st) To celebrate, I’m doing a real time instagram giveaway for TWO, $100 gift cards. To put this into perspective, on my last trip I bought not only this kimono top (under $20) but a marked down DvF dress for $48 which would still leave around $30 for something else on your wish list! 

Follow me on Instagram tonight (April 29th, 4-7pm EST) for details on how you can win!  In the meantime, I’d love to see your boho/festival style on instagram! Tag @NordstromRack and me in your comments plus #shopgenius for your chance to get featured (and followed!) by their 30K+ fans!) 

Heads up! As always, I’ve purchased everything featured in this post, which is a collaboration with Nordstrom Rack. Show how you’re a #shopgenius on instagram, by using the tag to feature your best buys from the Rack. Thank you for supporting the brands that make What I Wore possible.

What I Wore | Confession

WhatIWore: Confession: You CAN wear your regular clothes when you’re pregnant. Gone are the days of mumus and tent like dresses. Depending on how you show, a size up might hold you over into your 4th or 5th month (like me right now!) I recently invested in this DvF silk blouse (and when I say invest, I mean it was under $50!!) that will work now AND have staying power after baby. 

When: March 22, 2014

What:
Aviator Sunglasses: Ted Baker
Silk Blouse: DvF (similar style in more colors)
Moto Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)
Jeans: Rag + Bone
Shoes: BCBG via DSW (similar)
Bag: Coach (similar)

Where: Out to Lunch

Why: First things first - I mentioned this a couple weeks ago on Facebook, but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be working as an ambassador with Nordstrom Rack all this year! That means I’ll be the first to share the news on new store openings, and will give you an early heads up on developments with NordstromRack.com! 

To kick things off, I attended a summit in San Francisco to learn more about the brand and campaign and to visit the SF Union Square store opening… which is where I spent a good part of my spring budget. 

I bee lined straight to this MICHAEL Michael Kors white leather jacket. A couple of years ago I picked up a black moto from the same label and I have gotten so much wear out of it. So naturally, a white (or a little off white to be specific) seems like it’ll get lots of rotation in my closet for spring. I wear it almost every day and have to hold back from letting it show up in too many outfit posts in a row.  All in all, I got about 55% off the regular price and felt like it was an awesome deal.

Next I thought I’d treat myself to some new sunnies. I’ve never found a pair of aviators that I liked, but this Ted Baker version seems to frame my face nicely.

Finally, I found my way into the designer department (warning! caution!) and browsed through the Kate Spade New York, Alice + Olivia and Alexander Wang racks before finding my way to the DvF section. I’ve invested in a couple of Diane von Furstenberg dresses before and the quality and staying power always made it worth the money. So when I found this silk top for $50, it was a no brainer.

Have you been to a Nordstrom Rack before? I’d love to see what kind of deals you find at your local store or hear your shopping/wardrobe confessions (see mine above). Are you more likely to track down designer deals or are you the type to create a runway look at a fraction of the cost? Share what kind of #shopgenius you are (I’d like to think I’m a little of both!) by using the hashtag and following @nordstromrack on instagram. You might be featured!! 

Heads Up! As always, I’ve purchased the items featured in this post, which is a collaboration with Nordstrom Rack. Thank you for supporting the brands that make What I Wore possible!