Tuesday, July 30, 2013

EXCUSE ME NORDSTROMS, WHERE IS MY DEPARTMENT PLEASE ? ? ?

I love Nordstroms, who doesn't?  I am always excited to be walking down Michigan Avenue in Chicago and entering this beautiful elegant store.  Yet I also often leave feeling a bit sad and confused.  How in the world could this happen to me,  the happiest shopper in the entire world?  It is because I don't think Nordstroms has a department for me;  a woman in mid-life (we will leave it there, no need to give specifics) who loves clothing and wants to look stylish.  I do not have a huge amount of disposable income to spend on my wardrobe but I have a few dollars tucked away here and there (be quiet Sue, you have been sworn to secrecy).  I read fashion magazines and blogs (again, lets just leave it at this, no one needs to know the specifics of time wasted each day).  I think I have an idea of what the trends are, which colors/styles have the best chance of being somewhat flattering and can accessorize with the best of them.  Yet why do I always leave this store empty handed?  I thinks its because there is not a department for ME and/or women like me.  Lets break it down using the store's descriptions of each department:


SAVVY

Edgy, of-the-moment looks for the confident, fashion-forward woman.

I want to be edgy with an "of the moment look" don't you? However there isn't a lot of places in my life (this is definitely my gift to world) that I can or should wear perforated leather shorts, midriff tops or jumpsuits.


T.B.D.

Your destination for the best on-trend styles of the season.

I always am on safari for "on trend styles" but skinny jeans that cost $200.00, see through tees and cropped sweaters are not a trend that looks good on me nor is appropriate for my lifestyle (OK, my age but not my lifestyle either, so there).

INDIVIDUALIST

A collection of the most sought-after styles that take you from desk to dinner with ease.

I sometimes leave work and meet my friends and/or husband for dinner so maybe this is where I should wander into.  Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, Kate Spade-LOVE LOVE LOVE.  Unfortunately my measly paycheck (see last Friday's post) doesn't allow me to spend $300.00 on a blazer and if it did, then I absolutely would not be going out for dinner.


POINT OF VIEW

An inspiring mix of modern styles that combine versatility and value.

Who doesn't want modern style, versatility and value???  Sign me up.  That said, skirts that are 19 inches and dresses that are 35 inches respectively do not cover what should and NEEDS to be covered.  Leather peplums and studded graphic sweatshirts are not on my wardrobe wish list. 

STUDIO 121

Chic, sophisticated wardrobe essentials for work and weekend.

I think our wardrobe essentials should be investment pieces  we can wear for work or play but again I cannot justify Burberry jackets  that cost $750.00 or $350.00 Hugo Boss Black brand sweaters.  

NARRATIVE

Polished, put-together looks to keep your wardrobe current.

Here it is, I love the thought of  being polished and put together.  That said, I look at the studded jean jackets with rhinestones on the buttons, the grandma cardigans, the non iron loose fitting button down blouses and yes they may be great for my mom but please not for me...NOT YET.


So there you have it, why Nordstroms gets me excited but in the end always leaves me sad.  Its like the boyfriend you had at 20 that you always believed would change.  In all fairness, there are departments I do like and have made purchases i.e. accessories and cosmetics.  What about you, have you had a retail love affair that ended with a broken heart?  Please share your heartbreak in the comments section below.




Friday, July 26, 2013

FRIDAY FANCIES

Talbots emailed links to their late summer collection.  I thought this top was cute (in a dark red)  buts its 100% polyester which isn't always the nicest fabric to wear.  Think I need  a safari to see and feel it in person before passing judgement:
http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi31096&rootCategory=cat70008&catId=cat2320060&sortKey=Default&section=Regular&conceptIdUnderSale=cat70008

Were you aware that Target has again partnered with Orla Kiely (and Belkin in this instance) to sell IPad and IPod cases?  The line was to debut last Sunday. When I went to check it out, NO ONE at my local Target had any idea of what I was asking about.  Same for a friend's local Target in suburban Chicago.   I returned to the store yesterday and the line is still not out.  I give up!  Obviously Target does not need me to give them my measly hard earned dollars (well maybe not hard earned but definitely measly).  Too bad because I have always loved Orla Keily's happy patterns:
http://www.target.com/c/electronics/-/N-5xtg6/Ntk-All/Ntt-orla+kiely/Ntx-matchallpartial+rel+ALL#?lnk=snav_ta_orla+kiely_c-electronics


Its time for the Nordstroms yearly Anniversary Sale where they put selected early fall merchandise on sale.  Look for my thoughts/frustrations about Nordstroms in Monday's blog post:


Went with a friend to see The Heat, new movie with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, very funny but I will say if you are easily offended by bad language, skip it:


Did you really think you would ever read Friday Fancies without my traditional Anthropologie favorites?  NO WAY, in fact just to mix it up a bit I am going to link to several items I like:

I saw this dress in person and the colors are absolutely beautiful:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/search/search.jsp?searchPhrase=Pavani+Maxi+dress
Lets play one of my favorite shopping games:  If I was tall, thin and young I would definitely wear this (and yes there is tulle and in case you didn't know this, I LOVE TULLE ):
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/search/28439511.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS









Wednesday, July 24, 2013

LINK LOVE

Interesting article on moisturizers/creams/serums for your face:
http://www.beautyo50.com/first-serum-then-cream/

I found this blog post on 45 Life Lessons inspiring irregardless of our  age or where we are in our lives;


Fall Trend Alert, Quilted Textures.  Angie from Youlookfab.com reviews some nice options to incorporate this into our fall wardrobe:
http://youlookfab.com/2013/07/15/trend-quilted-textures/


I love this article about working at Madamoiselle Magazine in the late 1970s';

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/fashion/my-mademoiselle-summer.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&adxnnl=1&ref=fashion&adxnnlx=1374696039-NKB1bfn%206ThRU7oa6Z/nEg








Friday, July 19, 2013

FRIDAY FANCIES

Lets kick off todays post with something that made me laugh out loud and isn't this absolutely what happens hahahaha???




Love this Kate Spade satchel from Nordstroms, comes in several colors.  I think the grey is not only fabulous but also very versatile:
We need some color in today's post don't you agree?  Saw this stunning green jacket in the Chelsea Anthropologie store and fell in love:


Madewell (sister store of JCrew) has beautiful scarves and who doesn't love a map scarf? 






Sunday, July 14, 2013

BLOG TOPICS

I can hardly believe I have been blogging for almost 14 months.  I will never forgot the scary feeling of hitting the PUBLISH button on my first post.  As my friends will attest, no one loves to discuss shopping and fashion more than me.  That said I started my blog hoping to learn from all of you on topics of major importance such as which brand carries the most flattering dark washed jeans?  Who makes cute and comfy shoes (still on safari for those and probably will be for the rest of my life)?  Is there really a lip stain that stays on for at least 4 hours?  Which stores and/or on line shopping sites offer stylish, age appropriate and affordable clothing for women over 40?  What are your favorite blogs?  I have so many questions and hope you do too.  Please take the time to share your "finds" and/or your questions in the comments section below or email me at fancynancysfashionsafari@gmail.com

I am off to New York City for a short visit with a close friend.  Cannot wait to report back on all the fun and fabulous fashion I see and post some photos too.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

FRIDAY FANCIES

Viewed the new Fashion and Impressionism exhibit at the Art Institute, highly recommend it:

A friend and I shared a glass of cabernet and this cheese from Santori, its aged in balsamic vinegar, need I say more?

Just discovered this blog, already having 5000 to read daily just wasn't enough:


http://alovelyescape.blogspot.com

One more new blog that I like:

http://www.beautybets.com

Could I ever post fave things without including at least 1 item from Anthropology?  History has shown this is impossible for me:



Monday, July 8, 2013

FASHION WITHOUT FUSS

As regular readers know I recently was fortunate enough to go on a short trip with a long term friend.  We had a fabulous trip.  While shopping one day she said "I don't care about fashion...well, I want to look nice but not enough to spend much time or thought on it".  That statement got me thinking because I might be someone who spends too much time thinking about it and most likely the effort never justifies the final result.  So where is the middle ground?  How can we look our best and stylish without spending a fortune nor a majority of our time?   In an earlier blog post I reflected on taking a risk vs playing it safe in our wardrobe choices http://fancynancysfashionsafari.blogspot.com/2013/05/over-top-vs-being-safe.html  I think there are some basic guidelines to consider:

1.  HAIR-If you have been wearing the same style for awhile (lets say 2 years or longer as a marginal guideline) it might be time for a bit of a change.  Its important to be honest with yourself about the time and effort you are willing to put forth;. that said tho, don't be lazy and justify an unflattering style/length/color because you convince yourself you don't care or do not have the time.  Anyone can learn to use a blow dryer, a round brush and styling products.  Also look at the color of your hair; if you have decided to go natural, be proud of it and make it look the best it can.  If you choose to color your hair, then have it done professionally. No one's hair is ever all one color, have a color consult and make sure the color is flattering to your skin color and age.

2. HANDBAGS- One quality handbag in a basic color is a necessity.  It doesn't need to be a designer handbag.  Look for real leather in basic colors such as brown or black with little adornment  (details like  oversized zippers and pockets can date a bag) in a size that meets your daily needs.

3. SHOES- We have all been the victim of the clearance rack at our local department store offering 75% off the last markdown.  Be honest with yourself about why after 3 markdowns these shoes are still left.  If its because you are an unusual size and are lucky enough to find bargains on a regular basis, that is a great reason to buy them.  However if they are not comfortable or in a color that you cannot see fitting into your wardrobe or are super trendy then they are a pass.  Again, like handbags a good pair of shoes can make or break your outfit.

4.  CLOTHING-Look for classic styles like a cardigan, white button down shirt (with shirt tails so it can be worn out or tucked in), sheath dresses,  fitted blazer,  pencil skirt.  Decide on a few basic colors that can be intermixed such as black/tan and white, navy/white and green or blue/brown and white.  You can start with the basics and add in additional colors with your accessories.

5.  ACCESSORIES-I think a pair of pearls or small diamonds (real or faux depending on your budget), a simple watch without any adornment like crystals, etc, and a simple gold or silver chair necklace and/or a pearl necklace depending on your style can carry your through most days and nights.

In closing I think its important to look at the people around you who you see and think are stylish.  On more than one occasion I have stopped a stranger to ask her where she gets her hair done and by which stylist.  I have always thought of pairing my black clothing items with silver; last week I saw a woman in a simple black sheath dress who wore gold jewelry and it looked amazing.  Looking stylish doesn't mean spending a lot of money nor does it mean totally revamping yourself.  Small changes can make a large impact.  If you aren't sure if you need to change your hair or your wardrobe, etc ask a friend who you trust to be honest.  Have fun with fashion and DO NOT BE AFRAID OF CHANGE!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

FRIDAY FANCIES

Hello All-Now that I am back from a short trip and more important, have power again, lets look at some fun home items:

Lets kick this post off with a beautiful bed from, of course, Anthropologie:


I love all white bedding and this set from Pottery Barn looks quite comfy:


I have never heard of champagne saucers but thanks to Kate Spade they exist and hers have adorable dots.  I collect champagne flutes and love selecting a pretty one to use during cocktail hour:


In this fantasy world I am compiling for all of us, we will also need some cute plates for our appetizers and again, Anthropologie comes to our rescue:


I LOVE Capri Blue candles.  Do you have a favorite candle?


I love a beautiful and cozy chaise lounge and this one looks perfect:



Hope you having a wonderful weekend and spending time with people you love.