Sep 23, 2011 | Fashion
Hair: worn in a topknot with the help of my Odango cushion
Cleopatra Crescent Necklace: Forever 21
Ginger Chiffon Blouse: Forever 21
Multicolor crystal earring set: bought in Japan
Convertible faux-leather bookbag: Ober Tasche, bought in Japan
Watch: Citizen Eco-drive
Rings: wedding rings; Beyond Rings Gunmetal Claw Ring, bought at HauteLook
Super Stretch Colored Skinnies: Divine Right of Denim for Forever 21
Zipper suede heels: Sam Edelman (bought at Nordstrom Rack)
Do you all have an outfit that not only makes you feel like a million bucks – that you can put on any time and instantly feel awesome no matter what – and that garners you compliments everywhere you go? Apparently, this is one of those MAGIC OUTFITS for me. (more…)
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Sep 3, 2011 | Fashion
As all of you know, I love affordable shopping, and End-of-Summer sales are some of the best places to scoop up some great Fashion Finds on a budget. Enter Nordstrom Rack, a retailer that offers discounted designer brands year-round, and whose Clear the Racks Sale is legendary when it comes to getting the most bang for your hard-earned buck.
The downtown Portland store is a well-appointed two-story affair, filled with handbags, belts, shoes, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, lingerie, clothing, and men’s and kids’ clothing and shoes, as well as housewares, makeup, and beauty products.

In the bag section I spotted bags from Michal Kors, The Sak, Juicy Couture, Trina Turk, and Betsey Johnson. Check out the pebbling on this Badgley Mischka bag! ($159.97, marked down from $398)

The shoe section is vast, with Designer (high-end) shoes separated for the regular-priced merchandise, and then mixed in on the clearance racks. In the Designer section I saw Charles Jourdan, Via Spiga, Kate Spade, Ferragamo, DVF, and Stuart Weitzman – and most of the selection could be termed “work-appropriate” – i.e., perfect for the office.

Beautiful perforated Rag & Bone oxfords. ($179.90, marked down from $395)
I caught my breath at the pretty details on these Coach wedge sandals. $89.90, marked down from $150.

This is where huge deals are to be found: over on the clearance racks, where you can find shoes from Steve Madden, Nine West, Franco Sarto, and Frye, just to name a few.

Trying on an Elizabeth & James platform over-the-knee boot. ($99, marked down from-gasp!-$495) I’m really not sad at all; I was just having trouble seeing the viewfinder.;-)

These Badgley Mischka‘s felt as light as air. Now I know why women put so much stock in high-priced sandals – these were truly comfy!

Super, super steals are to be found in the basket on the desk where you request the matching shoe. Mostly larger sizes (like 9 & 10), but at 90% off there’s some amazing pieces tucked away there!
In the clothing section on the first floor there are some great pieces too, along with a large selection of outerwear and suiting, with Calvin Klein, Theory, Ella Moss, BCBG, and Vince.

A gorgeous stapled and pleated Huge BOSS dress. Can you read the label? $698 marked down to $189.97!
The contemporary area had tons of Paige Premium Denim, 7 for All Mankind, Free People, and True Religion.

But the place where I spent most of my time was at the Clearance Racks, where I found Tarte, Michael Kors, True Grit, and August Silk.

I dragged all this into the changing room. They have a 15-garment limit, which really helps!!

It took awhile, but I finally settled on these pieces to take home with me. I’m such a sucker for icy gray chiffon and wide-leg denim!!
I was given a gift card worth $100, and I managed to shop smart and stretch it to cover…
Brand-names! Huge discounts! And a full outfit to be had with just a little savvy shopping (though I probably wouldn’t wear it all together at once;-). So how much did each piece cost me?
I went the tiniest bit over the $100 because I picked up the golden mustardy-colored tights at the last second. (I’m feeling it as a trend for Fall!)
I got some pieces I’m really thrilled with – not necessarily because of the designer labels (though that is a perk) – it’s more the quality of each piece and the fact that, at its clearance price, it ends up being worth every penny. (Likely close to its At Cost price; or how much the company had to outlay to manufacture the piece, meaning that I just purchased these items with minimal markup. As a consumer on a budget that feels great!)
If you’d like to scoop up some bargains too, head over to a Rack near you (or check them out online), because these huge discounts will only last until September 5!
xoxo
Carly
FTC disclosure: I was provided a $100 gift card to Nordstrom Rack and allowed to use it towards any purchase from the store. See more about my disclosure policy here.
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