Half-yearly sales ALWAYS have happy endings

Half-yearly sales always have happy endings - case in point: the latest additions to my shoe family! It's my first pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes and I love them! The photo above doesn't really do these shoes justice; Jennifer was the photographer, the camera was temperamental (not including the fact that we used a point-and-shoot instead of an SLR), and the lighting was meh...which means that we have 1. a picture that doesn't show just how adorably cute my new shoes are or 2. a picture that looks like a hipster took it. Since Jenny is the farthest thing from a hipster, I think it's safe to conclude that we're just bloggers who, unlike Rumi Neely and her photographer/S.O. Colin, are seriously challenged when it comes to producing original images or having people who are skilled in that department and willing to help us. Anyways, I've decided to show these lovely pumps in all their lovely, professionally photographed glory here, thanks to the Nordstrom website. - C

image from: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jeffrey-campbell-situation-pump/3198186?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1645

 

Working Girl?

image from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=185468578149132&set=a.151144484914875.25121.151124571583533&type=1&theater

Apologies for not posting in nearly a month - Jenny and I are college students, and when the going gets tough, the tough hit the books and study, study, study! They may also resort to online shopping in the early morning hours...but that's another story for another time. Thankfully, school's out now and summer brings sunshine, breakfasts at Nordstrom's for us, and....possibly a job at Nordstrom's?

One would hope so. Today, I had an interview for a job at my local Nordstrom's, where I told them all about my deep love and devotion for their fabulous store and my longtime loyalty to their shoe department, among other things (my very first pair of shoes came from Nordy's children's shoes department - I mean, really, my mother shouldn't be dismayed with my affinity for Nordstrom's, since she obviously encouraged and fostered this obsession in me from an early age).

Of course, I'd LOVE to work at Nordstrom's, that venerable place of sartorial happiness that can cure even the meanest of the mean reds - but do they want me? Meeps! I let them know that being the slightly competitive person that I am, I'd be a prime candidate for the commission-based work environment. However, despite being rather competitive, I can also still play nice with the other kids (a.k.a. fellow employees), and that more importantly, I have an obsession with their store, to the point that I have a BLOG named after it! 

In a week, I'll know whether or not I got the job. Time will tell. There are pros and cons to either outcome; if I get the job, I'll get to experience the shopping environment at Nordy's from the other side! Also, I'll get to spend oodles of time at one of my favorite places ever. However, it might also show me the dark side of retail therapy - I might even - gasp - grow tired of Nordstrom's! On the other hand, if I don't get a job at Nordstrom's, I won't have a job - which would be very, very nice, considering the costs of being a college student. I did realize, however, that if they don't give me the job, Jennifer and I will be able to wake up at the crack of dawn and snatch all the amazing deals at half-yearly, as opposed to me having to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to work the half-yearly sale...

My mother also pointed out that even if I did get the job at Nordstrom's, I'd probably still love the store and I'd just spend most of my paycheck buying the clothes. Touché. Mother always knows best. First thing I'm investing in as either a celebratory OR consolation prize is a boxy top, like this pretty one from Joie:

Image from www.nordstrom.com

 I can just imagine it dressed up with a pencil skirt or worn casually with some high-waisted denim shorts - so hipster chic! - C

Mmmmm... accessories. Accessories spice up any outfit from a t-shirt with jeans to a black sheath dress. Own many accessories, but I believe that you should only have the accessory if you know you are going to wear it. Don't buy the headband with the peacock feathers for $60 if you have nothing to wear with it -- what a waste. If you aren't going to splurge on clothing, splurge on accessories. Accessories can add luxury to even a plain t-shirt.

Some accessories that I recommend:
- A boyfriend watch (Adds some heft and substance to jeans and a t-shirt)
- A pair of pearl or diamond earrings (Very classy for going out to dinner, to a play, to a museum, etc.)
- A beautiful brooch (You can add pizazz by hooking it on a long strand of pearls or simply pin it on a sweater.)
- A patterned or solid scarf (Cozy. I enjoy scarves that are a little more substantial so the material doesn't snag on anything if I throw it in my purse.)
- A well-made handbag (For sure, for sure!)
- A large statement ring (I have one that I bought for $14 at Nordstrom's, and holy moley(!), it adds so much glitz to outfits)
- Statement jewelry (Huge pendant, a large ring, noticeable earrings, anything that enhances an outfit.)

- J


Michael Kors Chronograph Watch, $250.
Ann Taylor LOFT Double Strand Rose Pearls and Gems with Ribbon Tie, Gift.
Nordstrom 68" White Faux Pearls, $58.
Nordstrom Bow with Ribbon Brooch, Gift. 
Nordstrom Tissue Weight Cashmere Scarf in Tapestry Teal, $98.