There once was a time when differentiating between expensive pieces and affordable ones could be done in seconds, no matter how trained in fashion a person was. The dramatically opposing fabrics, cuts, and construction gave everything away. But today, that’s not exactly the case. Brands are savvier than ever, making it easy to be tricked and, in turn, to trick others with $20 pieces that look and feel like they cost $200 or even $2000. (I won’t tell if you won’t.) Therefore, looking like someone with a closet full of designer items no longer comes with a steep price tag.
I’ve done the research and crunched the numbers, and by my calculations, the perfect budget for a designer-esque wardrobe is $150. And no, I’m not pulling one on you. To prove it, I went ahead and rounded up 35 under-$150 pieces from H&M, Zara, and Nordstrom that even the most discerning fashion critics would assume were from the designer floor. Scroll down for the receipts.
By the time the holidays arrive, odds are you’re all shopped out. Given all of the time you’ve spent getting gifts for family and friends, you may not have a lot of energy left to do any serious shopping for yourself. Still, if there’s room in the budget for a treat, why not use all of the downtime ahead of New Year’s Eve to pick out a gift meant just for you? That way, you’ll have it in time to start 2024 feeling fashionably fresh.
During my own holiday downtime, I’ve been busy scrolling through all of the newest arrivals from Nordstrom, and I’ve managed to find 31 of them that I think are worthy of adding to your own wish list. There are simple staples, like a pair of cap-toe slingbacks I’ve been eyeing, and vibrant knits with the power to brighten up your outfit even on the gloomiest of days. Bold or pared-back, each of these pieces is a style workhorse all on its own. That means that adding any one to your assortment will open up a whole host of potential ways to reimagine your style in the New Year. If you’re not inclined to go through the hassle of a whole closet clean-out, try introducing something new to help you see your staples in a whole new light.
Starting at just $38, you’ll be able to find a little something new, no matter what your ideal price point may be.
I’m a huge fan of Nordstrom’s in-house knitwear—it hits all the key styles (crew-neck, V-neck, cardigan, chunky cable-knit, light cashmere, you name it), some of which are helpfully offered up more than a dozen colorways. (Don’t miss peeping the men’s section for some great options as well.)
I’ll admit it—I have a weakness for designer makeup, and it all started when I was younger and not yet a beauty editor. I remember scouring fashion magazines from front to back, obsessing over the luxe makeup products the editors were recommending to readers like me. Fast-forward to today, and I’m a beauty editor myself. It’s only fair that I share my recommendations, right?
Designer makeup is known for many things, including luxe packaging and a comparatively high price point. However, this high price point often signals high quality, which is why some designer makeup products are so worth it to me. From a concealer that erases dark circles to a mascara that creates thick, lush lashes, I put together a list of my “can’t-skip” designer makeup products. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) all 15.
Running your hands over a cashmere sweater is one of life’s little luxuries. The fiber is sourced from pashmina or cashmere goats and is known for its softness. It can also be mixed with wool to provide extra warmth during the freezing winter months. Basically, any article of clothing is available in the material (pants, socks, scarves, you name it!), but a cashmere sweater is one of the classics you need. It makes layering so much easier in colder temperatures, and there are tons of options you can choose from between turtlenecks, cardigans, polos, and oversize silhouettes.
Though they are a little trickier to care for (you can’t just throw one in the wash and call it a day), the wear you’ll get out of them and the styling versatility they provide make cashmere sweaters well worth their sometimes-hefty price tags. When I’m looking to stock up, I gravitate toward Nordstrom, Shopbop, and J.Crew. Once you scroll through the below list, you’ll understand why. Ahead, I rounded up 33 of the best cashmere sweaters to shop at each retailer so you can feel absolutely luxurious while going about your day this winter.
One of the biggest perks of being a fashion editor is having a list of style pros on speed dial, like Sandy Koszarek. The content creator and former VIP stylist at Nordstrom has a knack for spotting trends before they take over your newsfeed—unless, of course, you’re already following her on Instagram.
Koszarek has shared her expertise with us all year, so it only made sense to ask her to divulge her wisdom ahead of 2024—a few might surprise you, while others may feel more timeless than trendy.
Keep scrolling for the seven trends that will matter next year, including everything from accessories to outerwear. There are also shopping recommendations for each trend if you’re eager to start 2024 with your most stylish foot—or ‘fit— forward.
Confession: Even as a fashion editor, I get overwhelmed looking at a massive retailer like Nordstrom. Especially one that has so many new brands and exciting pieces with constant updates. But luckily, it’s also my job to edit the best of the best, although rather difficult among a leading retailer.
With the constant influx of new product, I decided to turn my eye to curating the best of the newest offerings. This includes exciting, emerging designers as well as tried-and-true heritage brands. Shop my standout pieces below from Nordstrom‘s newest adds.
I routinely find amazing gems in the virtual aisles on Nordstrom site. But here’s the thing. Given the chicness of the selects I uncover and the fact that you can see how many other customers are viewing certain items (it’s displayed under the sizing information), there’s always a chance that the picks won’t stay in stock for long—especially if they’re on sale.
Below, I curated a range of chic items currently on sale for Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale, but I don’t think they will be in stock by January because they’re that strong and already popular among customers. I’m talking about everything from cozy sweaters to cool boot silhouettes to gorgeous outerwear.
Keep scrolling to check out some of the chicest sale items available at Nordstrom right now.
As a single child, I know my mother more than anyone else on the planet and vice versa. Years of shopping for each other and shopping together made us seasoned professionals in each other’s sense of style. And while it’s safe to say we each have very different tastes, as proven by the years of changing-room bickering sessions, there are moments when our opinions on fashion converge. After all, I am my mother’s daughter.
It’s deeply important to understand that style isn’t rooted in youth. Yes, the fashion industry loves to put young 20-somethings on billboards, runways, and advertisements, but fashion is an art form that’s passed down from generation to generation. Before influencers, celebrities, and designers, there was Mom’s closet. She may not have appreciated my ripped jeans in high school, and I may have classified her boho blouses as cheugy, but as adults, we both agree that nothing beats a classic, budget-friendly, and quality-driven wardrobe. Well-made knits, quality footwear, elevated basics, and fitted pants are top of mind for me and my mom. But being the girly girls we are, we do enjoy a fun scarf or some sparkly earrings now and then. Below are 30 items under $150 that we both adore.
We don’t mind a lovely olive green.
A sleek black turtleneck is a need.
How posh is this merino wool half-zip?
Endless outfit potential with a glossy satin top.
Buttery soft leggings for an unbeatable price.
Goes perfectly with some elevated basics and wedge boots.
For going to work in style.
Pure silk for under $100 is a crazy-good deal.
These flare pants are effortlessly stylish.
Stay cozy with this relaxed-fit poncho.
You can never own enough scarves during winter.
Everlane won with this gorgeous down vest.
The asymmetric neckline is just *mwah*!
If you’re not a fan of bulky coats, try this lovely, lightweight fleece jacket.
Hope you have the sweetest dreams in this breathable cotton pajama set.
This shoe marries style with comfort. This polished shoe has orthopedic technology made to make your walks both fashionable and comfortable.
Stay dry with the utmost style.
The smartest suede gloves.
Weather a storm with these!
Ideal for layering.
The perfect dark-wash jeans.
I’m mesmerized by the purplish-blue color of this sweater.
In case my ensemble needs a little sparkle.
Love an A-line silhouette.
This pair def has a “cool college girl” vibe to it.
Behold, the trusty and comfy button-down.
I adore puff sleeves, as they add texture and drama to a look.
All fashion lovers, regardless of age, appreciate an adorable pair of ballet flats.
Any Nordstrom sale is my aunt’s and my Super Bowl. We love sale shopping and considering Nordstrom is one of our favorite retailers, the pairing could not be more tailored to our interests. I’ve written quite a few stories about how my aunt has always been a style icon of mine and I love sharing my love of fashion with her. So you can imagine that the first thing I did when the Nordstrom After-Christmas sale dropped, I text her to exchange items we’re both loving.
Below, we rounded up the items we are deeming the best of the Nordstrom After-Christmas sale. From cashmere sweaters to trendy shoes, the below items are the only ones you should consider, according to us.
As someone who shops for a living, scouring Nordstrom is a regular and always gratifying activity. I frequently find myself on a detour to the sale section and am never disappointed in my findings. From updated staples to playful accessories to fan-favorite brands, the Nordstrom sale section has the fashion finds the industry insiders are craving.
Given the vast, and potentially overwhelming, nature of the sale section, I’ve put my expertise to work to pull out the standout pieces you don’t want to miss. Below, shop a curation of the hottest new products in the Nordstrom sale section. And trust me, you’ll want to hurry.
When I was little, I wanted to be a tourist. In my defense, it was listed, inexplicably, as a viable career in a picture book I had about jobs, and I thought it looked like a hoot. The cartoon couple wore matching Hawaiian shirts (and tans), clutched cocktails, and had their cameras ready. Most importantly, they sported huge smiles. Even in a kid’s picture book, they looked happier than, say, the accountant or doctor. When my mom gently tried breaking the news, I shrugged it off. I had picture proof! Besides, I’d taken my first flight at eight months. If anything, I’d gotten a head start on my dream career.
Years have passed, the bubble since broken, and while I’m not a tourist (nor am I a travel blogger or photographer), I am a seasoned flyer. Airports can be a dreary place, no doubt, but getting on a plane excites me, and picking out a travel outfit downright delights me.
But even with hundreds of thousands of miles under my belt, I’m not immune to blowing my travel look. I’ve been too hot, too cold, unfathomably uncomfortable, and although I’m loathe to admit it, held up a few security lines. But you live, you learn, and you board your next flight.
See how I’ve course-corrected and fine-tuned my travel outfits to be TSA approved.
I’m competitive by nature. Not the kind of competitive that playing a game with me is a drag, but enough so that I don’t like to settle. For better or worse, this trait comes out in several areas of my life, not the least of which is clothes shopping. When I find a desirable piece that I know is going to be here today gone tomorrow, I can’t help but feel the heat to get my hands on it.
There are several Nordstrom pieces that I currently feel this way about and I’m pretty sure you will too. You’ve been on the hunt for a red knit sweater? Well, I’ve found the perfect pullover mockneck. You’d like to get in on the barrel leg jeans trend? I’ve got you there, too. There’s also a pair of grommeted kitten heels I’ve included on multiple shopping lists because…they’re that good. So, if you’d like to take a break from all the holiday hoopla to treat yourself, have at it! I can say with the utmost certainty these pieces will sell out come January.
The holiday season is quickly coming to an end, but before we welcome the New Year, there is one more major sale you should know about. Nordstrom is having an incredible after-Christmas sale that features discounts you won’t believe on items every fashion person loves. Including cashmere sweaters, designer sunglasses, and winter staples, this sale is sure to stock up your seasonal wardrobe in no time.
Below, I have highlighted 30 items I think you’ll love most from the Nordstrom after-Christmas sale, focusing on quality basics and classic pieces that you’ll never regret adding to cart. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
We are die-hard Nordstrom fans over here—and by “we,” I mean “me.” It’s where I find myself time and time again after I’ve done a closet clean-out and need to restock with the best basic pieces. Beyond its wide selection including everything from Ugg to Madewell to Skims, it’s one of the few places I can go to grab everything I need—be it undergarments, a jacket, boots, or anything in between—and not leave with a completely depleted wallet.
In case you don’t know where to start, I went ahead and pulled the best-selling basics that are proven crowd favorites. Nordstrom has one of the best sweater offerings I’ve seen. (Seriously, its buyers know what they’re doing.) You quite literally don’t need to look anywhere else for winter boots, and I could go on and on about its puffer coats. Since I’d rather show you instead, here’s a quick roundup of all that and more. I’m on my way to add a few of these to my cart right along with you.
Earlier this November, I felt downright giddy when I realized my Australia trip was right around the corner. A sunny reprieve in the middle of winter (okay, I live in California, but still)? Yes, please!
I was so blinded by my own sunny outlook that I chose to ignore my Australian relatives’ warnings. November, they warned me, was more akin to spring, and rain was far likelier than beach days. “Totally,” I agreed as I spread bikinis out on my bed.
Here’s the cold, hard truth: Melbourne is chilly. Weather-wise, it’s got the moody marine layer of San Francisco with a healthy dash of Seattle fog. It’s a gorgeous city but a gray city nonetheless! Your girl was freezing, her dreams of returning stateside a sun-kissed goddess dashed. Ever the optimist and buoyed by a daily diet of piping-hot meat pies, I chose to look on the bright side. I was 11 hours ahead of home, putting me in the unique position of living in the future, baby! With newfound zeal, I hit the streets, credit card at ready and a keen eagle eye trained on what the cool Melbourne girls were wearing.
I’ll admit it—shopping online for beauty products can be somewhat of a daunting task. Finding all of your favorite items in one place is one thing. Ensuring that they get delivered on time to replenish your routine is another. Few retailers can check both boxes and boast a well-curated selection of high-low products.
In my humble opinion, Nordstrom is one of the best. With a massive spectrum of beauty products to choose from, there’s something for every budget, preference, and concern—whether you’re looking for a designer foundation, an intoxicating perfume, or a moisturizing hair mask.
This is why I’ve gone ahead and put together a list of the 16 best beauty products I’ve found at Nordstrom, ranging from an ultra-luxurious woody fragrance to an incredible exfoliating face mask (that just so happens to be under $50). Keep reading to see and shop them all.
My friend told me she has a $150 gift card to Nordstrom, but she hasn’t spent it because she doesn’t know what to get. She’s an intentional shopper, meaning she likes to plan out her purchases and typically buys high-quality pieces she knows she can get a lot of good wear out of. She’s also partial to the quiet luxury aesthetic, generally preferring pieces that are well-made and understated in design. While $150 is a considerable amount of money, given the fact that a pair of designer jeans typically goes for upwards of $200, finding items that fit her qualifications posed a bit of a challenge.
Nordstrom offers a wide array of brands and styles, so when shopping according to a specific budget and taste, it’s really about doing the work to find your needle in a haystack. Since my friend likes expensive-looking pieces, I took it upon myself to scour Nordstrom’s site to find the best selection of items that look like you paid a pretty penny, but in actuality, are all under $150 – in the name of friendship, of course. I even managed to find a couple of pieces from in-demand brands (I’m talking about you, rosette top from Reformation). However, there’s also a $59 Nordstrom-brand knit that if you told me was Vince, I’d believe you (truthfully, I can’t stop thinking about it).
If you’re like my friend and like luxury pieces, but not luxury prices, check out my shopping list, below. I’d bet your closet (and bank account) will be very pleased with my finds.
I’m an unapologetic lover of HGTV. (Yes, you may DM me if you have suggestions.) In one episode I watched recently, the husband-and-wife duo were discussing landscaping for a craftsman-style house they were renovating in the South, flower boxes in particular. It turns out there are three key types of plants to know about when it comes to flower boxes: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. Thrillers are the hero flowers of the season that are the main event, fillers are the low-key shrubs that fill in the gaps, and spillers are the ones that hang down over the edge and add dimensions and, most importantly, create a little drama.
As I hunted through Nordstrom’s current markdowns to share the best of the sale, my HGTV-riddled brain started filtering them into corresponding buckets. You’re just going to have to trust me. Here they are, and they’re all on sale and very deserving of your attention.
There’s no time like the holiday season to snag a few new party dresses that you can also continue using throughout the rest of the year. And since I know we’re all knee-deep in gift buying, travel planning, restaurant going, or simply living, I figured I would see what I could find us for under $100 right now. Luckily, Nordstrom, Zara, and H&M delivered as always, and my roundup is as chic as if it had no budget at all—maybe even chicer.
From minis to maxis, LBDs to statement-making red stunners, below, you’ll find the best affordable dresses for every type of occasion and style. Whether you’re looking for something casual to wear with your favorite boots or something to impress your office crush at the upcoming holiday party, today I’ve got you covered for it all. Simply start scrolling to get started.
