The strength of this year’s NAS was the footwear assortment, and this is reflected in my client’s purchases and my own. The anniversary offerings in designer salon shoes continues to be disappointing, perhaps because the brands prefer to keep their items exclusive. But there was fabulous footwear across more affordable price points, with ample variety across silhouette, colour, lifestyle and weather conditions. There are lots of comfortable and practical options that look great too. I’m pleased to see an assortment of brown, cream and red shoes as opposed to the usual black and grey. Extended sizes and widths are offered, and so are manageable heel heights.

• Cole Haan Cole Haan GrandPro Spectator Scalloped Slip-On Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: EXTREMELY lightweight and comfy. Pretty in the pink. Sleek without the laces. Can work on a wider foot if you size up. All the colours are nice.
• Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Tilda Stacked Heel Pump (Women) | Nordstrom: Amazingly clean and stable fit on a range of foot shapes. Very comfortable and flattering IF you can handle the heel height. Comes in four colours. The red and black look great worn with black hosiery.
• La Canadienne La Canadienne ‘Stefanie’ Waterproof Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: THE pair of of boots for very narrow calves, but too high in the shaft for petites. Comfy and weatherproof. Classic.
• Paul Green Sofia Loafer: The favourite chunky loafer of the sale. Comfy, hard-edged, and fit narrower heels. Works on wider feet because of a forgiving toe box. Impeccable quality. All three colours are fab.
• Munro Munro Lulu Slip-On Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: EXTREMELY comfortable and sleek slip-on sneaks. WOW. If they came in white, they would be mine. The medium width runs narrow, but wide widths are available. I liked all the colours.
• 1.State Loka Studded Bootie: This bootie looked best in grey and is moderately comfy. Best on regular volume feet. Okay on high insteps if you size up. A sleek party on your feet.
• Dolce Vita Dolce Vita Tommi Perforated Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST bootie at the NAS. EXTREMELY comfy, works on low and high-volume feet, softer than butter, and visually interesting. Works on narrower and wider ankles. Can be worn with fun socks, hose, footies or barefoot. Well made. Comes in grey and black, and the cognac followed me home.
• Aquatalia Letizia Weatherproof Boot: A beautiful weatherproof tall boot that is dressier than a riding boot. It’s not as slim-fitting on the calves as the brand usually is which was disappointing. Impeccable quality and a good fit nonetheless. Works on low and regular volume feet. The brown gets my top vote. There is style life after black boots.
• Børn Børn Cardi Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: EXTREMELY comfy and cushioning. Quite supportive, and works on both lower and higher volume feet. Size up for higher volume feet. They are a snug enough fit for narrower ankles. They followed almost every client home in the black or brown. They are mine in the brown.
• Aquatalia Aquatalia Carie Weatherproof Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Sleek, weatherproof and fabulous on lower volume feet. They will work on high arches and insteps as long as your feet aren’t wide. They’re comfy if you can manage the heel height. VERY sleek on the ankle and calf. Gorgeous with skirts and dresses. All three colours are fab. Like the fresh snip toe.
• PIKOLINOS PIKOLINOS Pyrgos Oxford (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST oxford at the sale. Extremely comfortable, and works on a variety of foot shapes. The white sole prevents the shoe from looking too masculine. Comes in four colours. Impeccable quality. The cognac followed me home.
• SARTO By Franco Sarto SARTO by Franco Sarto Lowe Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: A moderately comfy pointy toe that’s excellent under long-length classic flares and bell-bottoms. Ankle gape on narrow ankles.
• SARTO By Franco Sarto SARTO by Franco Sarto Topaz Flat (Women) | Nordstrom: Snakeskin Dandy Witchy Fabness. I vote these most eccentric and fashion-forward shoe of the sale. They come in navy feathers, and an ombré leopard print online. They look long, witchy and pointy on the foot, but are dainty and smashing somehow. Quite supportive and comfortable, although I’d have preferred them a little softer. Fit is best on higher volume feet – they are wide – and can accommodate gentle bunions. I tried to make them work with an insole, but alas they are too wide.
• AGL AGL Block Heel Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Buttery soft leather in a classic style that goes the distance. Works on a variety of foot shapes, and might run a size big. Glides comfortably over bunions, and works on narrow ankles.
• AGL AGL Pointy Toe Mule (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST dressy mule at the sale. Works best on higher volume feet. Comes in a pretty white, and is as soft as our silky Sam. Looks elegant on the foot, extremely comfortable. Comes in black. Impeccable quality.
• Cole Haan Cole Haan Harrington Grand Buckle Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Comfy no-nonsense leopard bootie. Cushioning and supportive. Quite the maximal statement on the foot so consider yourself warned.
• UGG UGG Simmens Waterproof Leather Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: Very casual, weatherproof, and extremely comfy. They skew masculine on the foot so watch for that if boyish looks are not your cup of tea. Read the rave reviews.
• Ecco ECCO Soft 7 Center Zip Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST sneaker at the sale. ECCO’s are amazingly comfy, and these are a pretty grey that look soft and fashionable. A client with very high insteps rocked them unzipped. Impeccable quality.
• Sam Edelman Sam Edelman Chesney Loafer (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST hard-edged flat at the sale. Extremely comfortable and softer than butter. Quite supportive, stable and a statement piece. Comes in white. Works on lower and higher volume feet, and with bunions. Size down half a size. Party on your feet.
• Rebecca Minkoff Koso Bootie: Mega ’80s Fabness, and the trendiest shoe at the sale. They are not buttery soft, but I hope comfortable enough for my own fussy feet, AND I’ll add a cushioning insole. They are a good fit on narrow ankles, and come in three colours. The red and black are as smashing as the white. Great low heel height. I can see them work well with straight legs, bootcuts and flares, and full-length skinnnes. Might throw them in with the crops too.
• Sperry Sperry Shearwater Water-Resistant Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: A classic favourite for snowy weather. Works well on wider feet and looks quite streamlined on the leg – which duck boots often don’t. Read the rave reviews.
• Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Shoe: Super cute camouflage sneakers that are as light as a feather. Extremely comfortable and comes in two shades of metallic camouflage. For the Magpies.
• Munro Munro Ana Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: AMAZINGLY comfortable, sleek and simple. Do not underestimate the power of this type of look. Well made and very clean. Best on a wider ankle.
• MARC FISHER LTD Marc Fisher LTD Yente Chelsea Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: These are most comfortable in the suede, and work best on lower volume feet. Great heel height and clean fit. Blingy.
• UGG UGG Pasqual Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: SUPER easy, comfy, warm and weatherproof. There is a time and place for this type of boot. Comes in black.
• AGL AGL Smoking Slipper (Women) | Nordstrom: BEST dressy flat at the sale. Almost every client came home with these, and some in a few colours. The suede can be treated, and the navy is the yummiest. Works on gentle bunions, and looks chic and trendy. Comfy and flattering. Works well on larger feet.
• Blondo Blondo Varta Waterproof Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: The best Blondo bootie at the sale if you like a low or flat heel, and a classic bootie style. Size up because they are short in the toe box. Best on lower volume feet.
• Halogen Halogen Sadie Slingback Flat (Women) | Nordstrom: A dainty little Summer slingback that feels more stable on the foot than it looks. Comes in five colours (there is a leopard print too). The suede is the most comfortable. Wide toe box.
• Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Hutton Ankle Strap Shoe (Women) | Nordstrom: A rare find that works on lower AND higher volume feet. Comes in three colours, and is very comfy. Elegant and pretty. Best on a narrower ankle. A substantial sole that does not feel too close to the ground.
• Paul Green Paul Green Sheridan Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Fabulous looking bootie on the foot, and in the prettiest shade of sand (they are NOT grey as the description reads). Buckled yet streamlined. Works on lower and higher volume feet if you manipulate the size. Impeccable quality.
• Blondo Blondo Lila Waterproof Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: A simple black bootie that streamlines an outfit and does not draw attention to your feet. Weatherproof and quite comfy, but narrower in the toe box. Best on lower volume feet.
• Paul Green Paul Green Stella Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: GORGEOUS bootie on the foot, and very comfortable if you can manage the heel height. Sharp, streamlined and chic. Make sure you are comfortable in three inch heels and do not be seduced by how fabulous they look in the mirror. Impeccable quality.
• Aquatalia Aquatalia Fiamma Weatherproof Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: These were tricky. They either looked fably sleek, or dodgy. Either way, they are comfortable, weatherproof and well made. Work on low and regular volume feet. I preferred them on a wider ankle, and all the colours are nice.
• PUMA PUMA IGNITE Flash evoKNIT Training Shoe (Women) | Nordstrom: A spongy and supportive slip-on trainer that’s like walking on clouds. Peach colourway is nice too.
• Nike Nike Blazer Low Essential Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: A Trendy Classic that can be worn with just about anything these days since we are a sneaker generation. Very comfy. Works best on wider feet.

Here’s the collection page if you would like to see the items alongside my descriptions.

NAS Top Picks by Category

This post is number 1 in a 6 part series:

• Footwear (this post)
• Jackets, Coats & Vests
• Knitwear & Tops
• Dresses
• Skirts, Pants and Jeans
• Accessories, Lounge & Active Wear

Also check out my introduction to the series, and the items I brought home from the sale. Be sure to also browse wardrobe basics like underwear, socks, loungewear, sleepwear, or workout wear if you like to use the sale to replenish those types of items at this time of year. Also lots of fun stuff in homeware. Good hunting and happy NAS!

Bralettes are super comfy and very on trend. We’ve all seen Tumblr girls rocking cute bralettes. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the chicness of bralettes and here are some of the ways to wear them.

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One easy way to wear a bralette is to wear it under a sheer dress. Rock it with a sheer shirt dress paired with leggings and maybe high-cut sneakers for a sporty and edgy look.

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Wear bralette like a boho babe by wearing it with cute shorts, chic accessories and beachy waves. Add metallic tattoos for an added style.

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Show off your bralette by wearing it with a super cute up-do. It’s a nice way to let the bralette stand out even more.

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Glam yours up by pairing it with dressy trousers or skirt. Add in a pendant necklace to give your look a nice touch.

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For a casual look, wear your bralette under a flannel shirt for a hipster vibe. This is also one of the most common ways to style a bralette according to Tumblr.

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Channel your inner Kylie Jenner by wearing yours with cuffed denim shorts. Time to show off those abs you’ve worked hard for.

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Sport a Beyoncé-inspired look – don a bralette that matches one of your skirts.

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For date night, it would be best to pair yours with a cute printed skirt.

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Here’s a great combination – long necklace, high-waist shorts and your cutout bralette.

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Bloggers have been wearing their bralettes with solid-colored or printed midi skirts these days.

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Goth it up by wearing a dark bold lip, some chockers and layers of necklace.

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Do you have a plunging neckline top? This is one of the chicest ways to show off your bralette.

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Layer a kimono wrap over your bralette for a nice, stylish look.

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For a cozy yet polished look, sport it with a cardigan and high-waist skinny jeans.

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This fall, layer it over a denim jacket then simply complete your look with a maxi skirt.

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If you have a sheer white blouse, wear a black bralette, while if you have a sheer black blouse, and wear a white bralette.

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Wear it under a tank top if you’re not comfortable with showing too much skin.

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Wear your boyfriend jeans with your bralette and a jacket tied to your waist for a rugged look.

Jess Cartner-Morley analyzes how Michelle Obama’s style has changed during this new chapter of her life.

An interesting article about Meredith Koop, who spent many years in the White House working with the former first lady on her wardrobe, and now continues to do so for the book tour.

Two interesting articles by Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic for The New York Times:

• The First Female President Will Not Carry a Handbag
• The Congressional Uniform Is About to Change

Fab Links from Our Members

Jessikams recently rediscovered this series of “sixty second styling” videos on Refinery29: “So helpful, like having a friend’s older sister tell you how to go from geek to cool kid.”

We did not invent clothes simply to stay warm. Rachylou thought this was an interesting article.

Suntiger enjoyed this TED talk on lessons from fashion’s free culture.

kkards wanted to share this article about how Cambridge Analytica used fashion tastes to identify right-wing voters.

Suz found some fashionable outfits from The New Yorker for those like her who work from home.

Fashintern wonders what you think of this Huffington Post piece critiquing a recent Wall Street Journal article about what to wear when you work from home.

Here are some super easy street style trends you need to sport ASAP – mini dresses. Below are some of most stylish ways to wear this versatile dress.

A pretty dress like this embellished silk mini dress from Fendi doesn’t need much styling. These types of dresses will look great alone, without layers. Simply slip on into t-strap strappy high heels for a sweet and romantic date night outfit.

Mix in fun colors into a simple striped black and white dress. Bold colors like yellow and blue will look absolutely fantastic with a dress like this. Slip on a yellow biker jacket, blue suede sandals and a pretty classic satchel. This look is also appropriate during daytime because of the loud pieces.

Polo mini dresses are becoming such a huge trend. Some women would effortlessly pair it with sliders just to keep the simplicity of the look. The outfit is perfect to wear on boring days that you just can’t be bothered to get up and layer a lot of clothing. Don’t forget to have that one piece of accessory to pull the look together.

Look sexy in a daytime plaid jacquard-knit mini dress but for the evening. Add an open front black blazer, a chain leather shoulder bag and stilettos to complete the look.

Mini garden dress with rainforest print or anything that has minimal prints can easily be styled with sneakers, a cross-body bag, sunglasses and an open metal cuff for an easy and cool outfit for the day.

When it comes to mini dresses, you’ll definitely look great in any type of dress in pink because it’s pretty feminine. Mix any pink dress with sling-back pointed-toe flats and matching bag for added style.

Rock a statement dress alone or with a denim jacket for added chicness. Complete the look with pink high heels for an extra pop of color

An all-black outfit for a badass look.

How about getting a bit of inspiration from Taylor Swift? She’s into vintage-inspired mini dresses and wears them with either flats or high heels.

Here’s another outfit perfect for daytime – pretty in corals in a white saffron baby doll dress, sandals, and a cute handbag that will perfectly match your outfit.

There’s a lot of good stuff out there at the moment, so much so that I’ve finished my own Spring and Summer refresh two months earlier than normal. My clients have been pleased with the more feminine, dressy and less oversized looks in stores, as well as the larger assortment of dresses with sleeves and hem length. Here are some items that have been winners on my clients recently.

1. White House Black Market Floral & Lace Twinset

The photos do not do this great look justice. The high-low blouse paired with the cardigan in the same pattern was SO fab on my client last week that I squealed in the dressing room. Leave the cardigan open in front. Nice quality, unique, easy, pulled together, crease-resistant, flattering and does not need a camisole. Smart casual or business casual. Fluid and tailored in the right places. The blouse is available across petite, regular and plus. The floral cardi is available in petite and regular. Size down.

2. Michael Stars Boat Neck Shine Knit Top

This is a GREAT tailored knit top. Flattering, comfortable, crisp and easy to launder. It’s more like a very light pullover than a tee. Much neater, dressier, and more pulled together and structured than a T-shirt. The fabric is substantial. Sleeve length is excellent. It layers beautifully under jackets, but looks good on its own because of the shine, fab fabric, and good fit. The boat neck is surprisingly bra-friendly. The size range is unfortunate since it comes in two sizes only. The XS/S will fit a US0 to 4, and the M/L will fit a US4 to 8. It runs true to size, and works well on a straighter or curvier body type. It’s long, so not good on petites and short waists unless it’s hemmed to a shorter length. Don’t try the top if you’re self-conscious about your midsection, because it might cling.

I don’t wear T-shirts and stick to blouses, shirts and and knitwear for tops. Very occasionally, I’ll find a knit top that ticks all the boxes, and this one did just that. I bought the white and the stripe to wear with jeans and Summer skirts both untucked and semi-tucked. The neckline works well with my chunky pearl necklaces. I love the subtle shine and the tailored fit. The XS/S is a more fluid fit on me than on the model. All the colours are nice.

3. Madewell Chambray Tops

A chambray top needn’t look like a menswear or cowboy shirt. Madewell has good chambray tops at the moment, and they’re versatile. The fabrics are not stiff and denim-y either. They’re soft, tencel, or cotton/linen blends.

The Wrap Top is fabulous with skirts, and best on those who can fill out the bust and/or shoulders. I looked awful in it because my narrow shoulders, long neck and regular size bust could not fill it out.

The Central Ruffle Sleeve Shirt has more structure around the neck and shoulders and looked much better on my body type, despite the oversized fit. The flutter sleeves also broaden my frame and I like the effect. The fabric is GORGEOUS and drapes very well, and it may have followed me home. Size down a size.

4. Cosima Circle Bag

This bag is very cute. It can be used as a crossbody or satchel. It’s faux leather, well made, relatively affordable, lightweight, and roomier than it looks. All the colours are nice, and not as bright in person as in the pictures.

5. Hispanita Footwear

I can’t rave enough about Hispanita footwear. Made in Spain, the aesthetic is Euro and somewhat Mediterranean. Refined and dressy, and with many walkable heel heights and silhouettes that are a little different to the norm. They are beautifully made, and most of the styles are very comfortable. Super soft leather, a cushioning footbed, enough support, and room for an orthotic if your feet aren’t too wide. The styles can fit both a higher and lower volume foot if you go up or down in size — the cut of the shoe is that good. A little pricey but you’re getting a quality item. I bought a pair of floral oxfords last year and they’re smashing. I always have my eye on this brand.

When the temperatures start dropping, many of us will choose plain but cozy outfits, scarves and winter shoes. But just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you’ll just give up on your own style.

Be more creative than that and even in the harsh winter cold, you’re going to need a great style. Here are some ideas on outfits to wear in the snow.

1. Waterproof vest

The waterproof vest is an icon of the great outdoors. It continues to be an element of any outdoor wardrobe. Layer your waterproof vest over your hoodie for extra warmth. Finish your look with leggings and winter or rain boots for a stylish lazy day outfit.

2. Beanie cap & Ugg Boots

Beanie caps isn’t just for style- it actually warms your head on the coldest of all cold days. Invest in a number of beanie caps so you’ll have a variety of choices to go with your many winter outfits. Also, when it comes to boots for winter, if you’re opting for comfort and warmth, then go with Uggs.

3. Layer with Sweater and Tights

This combination is practically one of the easiest and most common among so many winter outfits. It’s simple, effortless and simply stylish especially when it’s with a cute sweater.

4. Fabric Winter Coat

During winter, you’re going to need a fabric that will keep you warm from the harsh winter cold. Choose a thick yet lightweight winter coat that’s also trendy and is versatile enough to go with most of your outfits.

5. Peacoat Jacket and Gloves

A peacoat jacket is one outerwear essential you seriously need in your closet. Not only is it a wardrobe classic, it’s also a piece that puts together an entire ensemble. Keep your hands warm in comfy gloves.

6. Waterproof Long Jacket

A waterproof long jacket is a perfect for extremely snowy days which people will surely be expecting in the winter. During days like these, what you need is extra protection. Under your jacket, you can go with a thick sweater, leggings and socks and boots.

7. Fur Vest

Fur vests aren’t only for warmth and protection. They make any outfit statement-making as well. However plain your getup is for the day, the fur vest will surely make you look like you just stepped out of the runway.

8. Parka Jacket with Fur Hoodie

Parka jackets were once worn by men but these days, we’ve seen them on so many women, especially celebrities. This outerwear will keep you cozy as well as fashionable.

9. Umbrella and Scarf

A scarf is an important element that you need in your winter ensembles. Keep a handy umbrella with you to go also.

10. Knee-high Brown Boots

Knee-high brown boots aren’t only popular during spring and summer. Many women are also sporting this versatile footwear on fall and winter.

11. Waterproof Jacket with Snow Boots

Put together a snow-proof getup with a waterproof jacket and snow boots.

12. Scarf with Peacoat Jacket

A styled scarf over a peacoat outfit looks so put together. Wear yours with denim jeans and your favorite pair of boots.

13. The Whole Snow Outfit: Beanie Cap, Gloves, Scarf, Peacoat Jacket, Leggings, Snow Boots, and Knee-high Socks

When in doubt, just go with the basics- leggings, peacoat jacket, snow boots, knee-high socks, scarf, gloves and beanie cap. This is the ultimate snow day outfit that you should pull together if you want to put a fashionable outfit.

Brave the bitter temperatures with these stylish outfits to wear in the snow. Boost your everyday style without having to give up your own just because it’s winter.

More Outfit Ideas:

Different Types of Shoes to Buy for the Winter
Stylish Ways to Wear Your Scarf This Winter
White Trendy Pieces to Add to Your Fall and Winter Outfits

I’m very much enjoying “The Artisans“, a photo documentary series on The Guardian website that portrays artists and craftspeople in their working environments to learn more about their processes and working methods. Not all of them are style-related, but they are all wonderful. Have a peek:

Silversmith Shona Marsh creates jewellery and lifestyle objects out of fine metals, woods, crystal and gemstones. The modern and timeless designs are made by hand using traditional silversmithing skills.

Here you can see how a master watchmaker and an antiquarian horologist restore antique and vintage timepieces, and design and build their own watches.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nemosmom wanted to share this article about the pleasure of sitting out a trend.

She also thought this sobering look at our cycle of return-happy shopping was interesting.

Finally, she and Suz both enjoyed this article about the rise of second-hand shopping.

Shevia thought this was a good overview of the various misdeeds and overall problem in the fashion industry.

Wise Shopper directs us to this skin-care related article: “I didn’t know much about light therapy, and found it pretty interesting.”

Barbara Diane found this video fascinating: Dutch artist Suzanne Jongmans recreates/reinterprets old masterpieces using recycled packaging materials.