Tag: Madewell

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & Friendship Friday Link-up #3

Have you been hearing choirs of angels singing this week? If not, listen harder – the legendary Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started yesterday with early access for credit card holders!#nsale, Nordstrom, anniversary sale

So, why is this sale such a big deal?  Well, it’s because Nordstrom releases a bunch of brand new fall clothes (not yet in stores or online) at limited time fabulous sale prices!  Some of these discounts are HUGE and merchandise includes both trend items and staples.

The best way to shop the sale is with early access.  In fact, last year early access did so well that many of the more popular items sold out prior to the sale opening to the public.  While I hear from the Nordstrom “Powers That Be” that they’re better prepared for this year’s onslaught, why leave it to chance?

Continue reading “Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & Friendship Friday Link-up #3”

Reader Question: How to Style Leggings & Tunics

Natty Gal,
Could you offer suggestions on how to pull off the tunic/legging look. I’m having a hard time finding things that don’t look too matronly or too floaty.  Also, I can’t tell when you should wear leggings as opposed to skinny jeans.  Any advice would be appreciated.  – J
Dear J,
Thanks for following Natty Gal and writing in!  Leggings are one of my favorite things to wear because they are so comfortable and they pack well when we travel!

 

Natty Gal Tips for Wearing Leggings:

  • Make sure leggings are opaque.  Denim, ponte and heavier cotton blends work best.
  • Pair leggings with tops that fully cover your bottom but remain well above the knee.  Possibilities include longer tops/tees, sweaters and tunics.  Shorter dresses (shifts, swing, a-line, cinch-waist or shirt dresses) also pair well.
  • Shoe pairings include clean, classic sneakers or espadrilles, loafers, ballet flats, flat or heeled sandals, wedges, flat or heeled booties and riding boots. I tend to prefer slightly above the ankle length leggings for pairing with sneakers, loafers and flat sandals whereas full length leggings work well with heeled sandals and booties.

Skinny jeans work well with both longer and shorter top options.  A shirt dress can be paired with either skinny jeans or leggings as layering piece when worn open as a vest.  A few ideas to inspire your creativity are shown below!

How to Style Leggings: Everyday Casual
 Style Leggings & Tunic: Everyday Casual
Look 1
For daily errands or sightseeing on vacation.

Look 2

An evening casual look for drinks with the neighbors by the firepit or for a weekend away at a cottage by the lake.

How to Style Leggings: Elevated Casual

Style Leggings & Tunics: Elevated Casual

Two simple, polished looks for meeting friends, visiting the local farmer’s market, etc.

Look 1

Look 2

How to Style Leggings: Evening

Style Leggings & Tunics: Evening

Look 1

An easy resort look for summer vacation.

Look 2

The navy/black combo and moto jacket help give this look an urban (yet comfy) vibe.

Skinny Jean Option

A longer top would enable these looks to work with leggings as well.

Skinny Jeans: Casual

Look 1

A bit more summer-y!  Leave the shirt dress unbuttoned and wear as a vest over the tee.

Look 2

For taking the look into fall, pair with a long cardigan and booties.

Wardrobe Building: Capsule Foundation Dresses & Outerwear

Welcome to the fourth post in our series on building a capsule wardrobe.  Today’s focus is on dresses and outerwear.  We’ll wrap up the foundation pieces next week with shoes and with a strong foundation in place, we’ll move on to the fun stuff!

Spring/Summer Casual Capsule Foundation Dresses
Casual Caspsule Foundation Tee Dress
Eileen Fisher Ballet Neck Tee Dress
Casual Capsule Foundation Shirt Dress
Madewell Striped Shirtdress
Spring/Summer Office Capsule Foundation Dresses
Office Capsule Foundation Sheath Dress
J. Crew Resume dress
Office Capsule Foundation Sheath Dress
J. Crew Cap Sleeve V-neck
Spring/Summer Capsule Foundation Outerwear
  • A sporty, lightweight jacket.  This could be a denim jacket, lightweight moto or bomber in either a cropped or just-at-the-waist length for layering over tees and dresses.
Capsule Foundation Trench
The Iconic Burberry Trench
Friendly Reminders for Capsule Foundation Pieces
  • You don’t need every recommended piece but should work toward  collecting at least a few of them.
  • For most foundation items, buy the best you can afford.  These will be the workhorse pieces that get a lot of repeat wear.
  • Keep foundation piece silhouettes clean and minimal.  Decorative details are fun but limit versatility.
  • Commit to a primary color palette for the season – a dark base of either black/charcoal, navy or brown with a light base of either light grey, white or ivory for black/charcoal and navy or either tan or ivory for those choosing a brown dark base.