Kamis, 13 Juli 2017

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Currently Craving


The #Nsale this year is too good!! I'm loving the rose gold, burgundy and blush tones. I cannot WAIT until ankie bootie and sweater season... I found so many cute items under $30, $50, and $100! Let me know if you have any questions. You can find me on instagram: @thepowerofimage!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks!!

Woohoo it's Christmas in July, friends!! Today the best sale of the entire year starts, and lucky me... right before my birthday!

The deals this year are absolutely insane! Later I"ll be sharing dressing room selfies (sorry not sorry!!) to show you fit and help you figure out what to get. But for now here are some majorly discounted picks from brands like Tory Burch, Topshop, Madewell, and more:


Rabu, 12 Juli 2017

Fall Wardrobe Building

Hey friends! Happy Hump Day! Fall is my favorite season and it might seem crazy that I'm thinking about flannels, rainboots and trench coats when it's literally 90 degrees in LA, but I can't help it! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just around the corner and I want to help you get ready! It's time to take an inventory of your fall/winter wardrobe and figure out what it is you already have, what you might be missing, and what you really want or need to upgrade/replace. Time to get you started thinking about your fall wardrobe! There's no sense in buying something you already have! For example, I already have a gorgeous pair of black OTK boots, so I won't be buying a second pair this season! There are some things I like to have multiples of, like jeans, so I'll walk you through which items you need for fall and which you might be able to forgo.


Shop the Post:





1. Plaid Flannel. First things first -- often we build our entire outfit around a flannel, jeans and boots in the fall! If you don't have any flannels I def recommend getting one and I love a good red.

2. High Waisted Jeans. These aren't for everyone but this pair particularly speaks to me and is in my shopping cart!

 3. Plaid Scarf. Must. Have. Scarves sold out SO FAST last year during the #NSale. This one is already on backorder! One of my favorite scarves is the leopard one I got during the #NSale a few years back!

 4. Over the Knee Boots. Another must have for fall but only if it's your style! That goes for anything but OTK boots can be particularly tricky and not everyone likes them on! I have a pair of suede Steve Madden's that I LOVE.

 5. Chambray Shirt. This one has a cute ruffle detail. It's a great transitional piece as it can be worn in summer tied around your waist when you're wearing a cute striped t-shirt dress, and then can be worn as a shirt when the temps start to drop.

 6. Ankle Boots. Everybody needs a pair of neutral ankle boots!! I have a few pairs of ankle boots and my favorite ones are heeled because they look super cute with dresses and jeans. Another great transitional piece.

 7. Hunter Rain Boots. These should be on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so don't buy these just yet! Read my post about #NSale strategy here!

 8. Striped boatneck. I have this shirt, I'm in love. It's so comfy and perfectly classic. I bought it to replace an old faded gap red/white boatneck that I had for years and wore to death.

 9. Distressed skinnies. Need I say more?

 10. Longchamp Tote. I have this in a gorgeous dark red/burgundy color, I just love it, it's perfect for fall because it can get rained on and not get ruined. I've ever thrown mine in the wash! It reminds me of going back to school because I used it in college and grad school to carry all my books and laptop :)

 11. Camel Trench. Another fall staple! This one is at a great price too! Whew ok! That is my list of what you need to build a solid fall wardrobe! All of the pieces above can be mixed and matched and worn in so many different ways which is really the best part!

Shop the Post:

Selasa, 11 Juli 2017

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017 - Let's Talk STRATEGY

Friends, the most amazing sale of the ENTIRE YEAR starts this Thursday, I cannot wait!! I thought I'd answer a few questions for you since I've been a Nordstrom cardholder for years and always get early access to the sale. See below for answers to common questions bout the #NSale!
 
What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, otherwise known as the #NSale, is when Nordstrom releases brand-new fall merchandise (including designer merch) at amazing discounted prices!! Tory Burch, Kendra Scott, Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff... all your favorite brands. Some items are marked down by SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS! It's honestly the best sale of the entire year.

Why shop it?
Unlike most sales, where items start out full price and then are marked down, #NSale items start out at a lower price and then go back up in August! You will not find deals on brand-name items anywhere else for the rest of the fall/winter season, so buy it now, save (literally and figuratively) and wear it later! 

When can I shop?!
Nordstrom cardholders have Early Access from July 13-20. During these dates, only Nordstrom debit or credit cardholders can shop the sale. Items sell out crazy fast during this sale, so you definitely want to get first pick and make sure your size is available! If you do want to shop Early Access, you can sign up for a Nordstrom debit or credit card here. It takes a few days to process a new card, so sign up sooner rather than later if you want early access.

The sale opens up to the public on July 21, and prices go back up August 7!

How do I know what to buy?
Strategy, strategy, strategy!! You need to know what you are looking for in order to tackle this amazing sale. Go through your fall and winter wardrobe. Are you missing anything? Do you have brown riding boots? Do you have a trusty go-to cardigan that looks good with everything? Are your black work flats looking a little tired and sad and maybe need to be replaced? What about a new pair of ankle boots or a watch? Make an excel spreadsheet of what you already have and what you would like to have in your fall/winter wardrobe. The "would like to have" column will be what you look for during the sale!
 
Make sure you know your size for different brands, as well. Do a little research ahead of time and write down your sizes. If you still aren't sure and are worried about online shopping, don't fret! Nordstrom always has free returns! Order two sizes and send back the one that doesn't fit. You can also bring your return back to the store and return it in person. I do this all the time and they are always super helpful and understanding!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @thepowerofimage I will be taking you through the #NSale in person on Thursday. 
 
If you want to download the Sale Catalog (you know you do... you need to start making your must-have list!) click here



Amazon Prime Day Sale

Friends! The Amazon Prime Day Sale is here! There is a lot of great stuff on sale but I wanted to point you to my favorite deals:

1. Jord Watches - these watches are wooden crafted and SO BEAUTIFUL, I have one in zebrawood and turquoise. It's super unique and looks really nice.

2. Giant Jenga - SH and I want to get this for our wedding -- how fun does that sound, amiright?!

3. Coleman Tent - this is in my shopping cart because SH's tent has a hole in it and we get rained on when we camp :(

Those are my top three picks! What are you eyeing this prime day?

Jumat, 23 Juni 2017

5 Tips for Picking Out Wedding Gifts

Happy FriYAY!! What a few months it has been!! What with getting engaged, planning my move to Seattle, getting a dog (see pics of Max here) and all our travel, SH and I have been non stop on the go. And with it being mid-June, we are smack dab in the middle of summer wedding season, and starting to plan our own wedding, too!

Have you ever heard of Zola? They are an amazing resource for both planning your wedding (hello free wedding website, checklist, guest list and registry!) and finding a unique gift for your registered newlywed friends.

I have been to a lot of weddings over the past few years so I thought I'd share my gift giving experience with you (and I have some new perspective now that I'm engaged, myself!)

5 Tips for Picking Out Wedding Gifts:

1. Stick to the registry!
This is one I used to deviate from. "But I want to give them something unique and personalized!" I'd say. "I want the gift to be memorable, not a bunch of towels!" I totally get it. I used to be you. I feel your pain. You want your gift to be a representation of your relationship with the couple so you want it to stand out and be special. Here's the thing- young couples often are broke or strapped for cash. Pick out a gift FOR THEM, not FOR YOU. This means if they want new towels, get them new towels! They spent hours upon hours picking out items for their registry. They said no to some things that didn't make the registry cut. They painstakingly chose what they need and really, really want. Don't deny them the pleasure of getting exactly what they want! And it's really okay. They know you love them more than you can say with a set of hand towels. (Which they will be thrilled to have, by the way! If it's on their registry, they actually want it!)

2. Plan ahead.
When I have weddings to attend, I have to start budgeting early. I budget for the bridal shower, bachelorette, the wedding gift, travel arrangements, etc. I start saving a few months ahead and set aside money little by little. This is even more important if you are a member of the bridal party (think bridemaid dress $$$)

3. Stick to your budget!
So you set a budget ahead of time - now stick to it! The couple doesn't want you to suffer or set back your finances to buy them a fancy wedding gift! Most couples will pick items from a variety of price points. Check the registry early so you get first pick and can stay within your price range. The reality is, if I have to travel for a wedding, I am probably spending hundreds of dollars on airfare, lodging and transportation, so the gift will probably be $50 or less. I had a friend whose out of town wedding I couldn't attend, so I splurged a little more on her. At the end of the day, the couple cares about you sharing in their love on their big day. They aren't going to care about whether you spent $25 or $100 on a gift for them.

4. Go in with friends. 
There's no shame in group gifting! A lot of couples now are doing group gifting options where you can pitch in with a few people to buy a more expensive gift for the couple. This is a nice way to contribute to a cool gift the couple wants without having to shoulder the burden all by yourself.

5. Don't freak out!
Remember, this is supposed to be fun! Have fun when picking out a gift off of the registry. If you want to personalize it, buy a cute card that represents your relationship or personality and write a sweet, heartfelt note.

Buying a gift off a registry can feel impersonal, but it's really not! Especially with sites like Zola that have everything a couple could possibly want - from hiking gear to coffee makers, serving bowls and suitcases - they've got you covered!


Brought to you by Zola.

Rabu, 31 Mei 2017

Photo Tips


Do you ever have the problem of taking a million pictures on your phone but never printing them off and putting them in frames? I certainly do. That's why I was so excited when I found out about a frame that pulls pictures right from your phone and displays only the best ones!

Aura Frames have created a sleek and beautiful smart picture frame. The digital frame helps you display up to date photos pulled straight from your phone without the hassle of having to run to the store to print them off.

When you have a smart frame, you'll want to have smart looking pictures to match. Here are some photo taking tips to help you take only the best photos:


Here are some photos I've taken with my smart phone utilizing the tips above:





Brought to you by Aura Frames.