Ready-to-wear, really isn’t

Sitting in the middle of our living room floor, I’m buried in Christmas bows, wrap and boxes. My husband marches past me and proudly lays four shiny silver boxes under our Christmas tree. I slowly stand (Okay, that’s a lie. I leapt up so quickly that I got tangled in Scotch tape curled ribbon.) glancing down at the boxes. The embossed words, Nordstrom, gather my attention. Sweet, but what does MY husband know about fashion? With a big smile, he looks at me, ”I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner but this year I found a fool-proof shopping method. I walked into the store, asked the sales woman for everything on the manikin in your size. She grabbed it, boxed it, rang it up and I was done. Fool proof!”

Bless his sweet, considerate, getting a bit more fashionable, heart. He was on the right track but was completely unaware of the fact that ready-to-wear, isn’t so ready-to-wear. Two days later, four shiny silver boxes in hand, I returned my goodies. Within four hours, three floors, twenty-two departments, 2 sweet sales guys, and 1 overstuffed dressing room I emerged, fashionably fulfilled yet exhausted. Here are a few of my favorite new things.

Stylist Tip :: Think about this. We all have different body shapes, right? How can one size 10 fit every body type? It can’t. Ready-to wear only works if you have the time and patience to try on lots…and lots……of garments. Most of the time garments purchased off the rack need alterations to fit well. Well fitting clothing is one of the keys to looking amazing.

Wearing ::

Long Sleeve T-shirt by BP (on sale now at Nordstrom, $14.90)

Skull Tank by H.I.P (at Nordstrom)

Skinny Ponte Pants by See Thru Soul (on sale 40% off at Nordstrom. These are SO comfortable!)

Rose Wedge Sneakers by Bucco (similar here and here although I found mine through a Beyond the Rack sale)

Jewelry by BCBGMaxazria, D&G and Vintage Pieces

Easy & Affordable Style for $165