(as seen on Instagram…)
James Perse dress | $156 during early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Robert Clergerie Frazzia sandals | on sale at La Garconne
Kristen Elspeth necklace | trade for advertising partnership with Aro (use code GC15 for 15% off – the necklace is no longer available there)
As I mentioned in my Nordstrom anniversary sale post yesterday, I went to check out the sale in person. I didn’t buy anything, not even underwear, because I just couldn’t get excited. At all. I really liked this James Perse dress though, much to my surprise (even the color!), and might convince myself to order it later, but other than that, I was pretty underwhelmed by everything. Take that with a grain of salt however, because I don’t get excited about fall items until August or September, and find it REALLY hard to purchase anything I can’t wear immediately.
I’m singularly focused now on my wardrobe for my step-son’s upcoming bar mitzvah (end of August in Florida), so I’m trying to make sure I have everything I need for that. And before you say, “no big deal, it’s just a bar mitzvah” – it’s not JUST one event, it is THREE DAYS full of events, and I know I’ll want to change from my morning synagogue outfit on Saturday into something else for the party at the country club Saturday night. So, I’ll need FOUR outfits (there’s a brunch on Sunday morning…it’s like a wedding – don’t EVEN get me started LOL). Sure, I can repeat a dress or two and just change toppers, but it’s also August in South Florida. We won’t be outside much, but any second that we are, I’ll be sweating like crazy I’m sure, so I’m not going to expect to want to wear the same thing twice.
Not to mention the stress and anxiety I’ll feel being surrounded by my husband’s ex-wife’s family for three days. Some of my family will be there also, but still; I’m the step-mom, and “new” wife. I’m not great at social situations anyway…
Anyway, we are not going to carry on this time because my husband has to bring his suit and will need to check his hanging bag, so I don’t really have to worry about being conservative with my clothing, but still…it’s a lot to think about and plan for. For me, anyway. Oy.
Some more random-ness:
You probably noticed my new Robert Clergerie sandals above. I will have more on that later in an essay about holy grail items next week, but I will proclaim now, that I need not buy any other “special” sandals other than Robert Clergerie ever again. I will be selling my Rachel Comey moon wedges, as much as I love them, they’re high, and I don’t wear them very often because of that. They’re comfortable, even for their height, but not enough. Especially compared to these new Robert Clergerie sandals. THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES EVER. EVER. I should know by now after having several pairs over the years, but seriously. Yes, they’re expensive, but I manage to get most of my RC shoes on sale for around $300, which is a wonderful price for shoes that last forever and are so comfortable (and interesting). This time, I sold a few things specifically so I could get them.
James Perse has decided to extend the free shipping code until the end of the sale – GRCHNFIREWRKS for free shipping, no minimum, and I THINK they’ve added a couple of new items. Have you checked out the new arrivals for fall? Of course, I’m making my list. And if you haven’t already, please take a look at my reviews post for some readers’ items for sale and more reviews and ideas about sizing.
Rodale’s is offering 20% off one regular-priced item AND I thought for a second about ordering the May Lindstrom blue cocoon, which is ridiculous in terms of price, but gets really good reviews, and should last forever. I’m really feeling the pressure to “up” my skincare game, and use more natural/organic products, and hers are some of the best. Although Duff’s reviews of some of her products tempered my expectations a little bit… Anyway, besides that, Rodale’s is an excellent resource for organic cotton pieces and other eco-friendly/sustainable clothing options. And food. Lots of really good things there, and sale items are an extra 25% off.
Happy Friday!!! I’m still recovering from “vacation” last week, so I’ll be cleaning and trying to get back into routine at home this weekend, so nothing special for me. What are your plans?
That dress looks great on you! How does Robert Clergerie fit compared to Rachel Comey (for example), just in terms of size consistency? I’ve never tried him on before, but so tempted by some of his sandals. Did you pick up the Rag & Bone purse? I’m kicking myself for missing the extra sale code because I really wanted to get one of hobo bags, but stalled because I was having a hard time finding online photos of people using it. 🙁
Grechen, this dress looks smashing on you! just discovered your blog and I really like your writing; I relate to everything you are saying!
Thank you so much Lydia! Welcome 🙂
Hello from Cape Town. You look stunning in that dress. I have been following your blog for a while now and really enjoy it. Stephanie
The Anniversary Sale is getting worse every year. Not a single thing I’m excited about. The shoes are really dumb. I’ve always enjoyed seeing new boots on this sale but this year – what on earth? And a few past season items that are not selling, so placed under Anniversary Sale. Nordstrom, you disappoint me.
Seriously…. that dress is stunning. You look super hot! I would be sure to wear that one to at least one event at the bar mitzvah attended by the ex-wife. Take that!
I share your packing anxiety. Good lord, it’s so painful. Throw in inclement weather and multiple dress-up events and forget it. I pack half my closet (for fear of sweating or spilling) which is silly because then I bring reasonably similar multiples of the same black or gray item. It’s really so stupid. I realize I’m in the minority, but I just hate traveling.
Now……. regarding May Lindstrom. I have one more review post to go, and there is a product I might actually purchase now that you’ve provided us with a convenient 20% off incentive from Rodale’s. But, Blue Cocoon is *obscenely* priced. I know you’re itchy to jump on it with the coupon, but even -20% that’s still a serious chunk of change. Order yourself some samples from ecodivabeauty or whatever that website was. You can scratch that itch for $10! Should you fall in love with it, you’ll pay $160 instead of $128. So what? It’s still a lot of money.
Duff´s last blog post ..My dalliance with May lindstrom (round two)
I was really underwhelmed with the Anniversary Sale offerings too. Everything is just meh. I’m not buying anything and I usually buy at least 3 pairs of shoes/boots.
I do like that dress though.
Good luck with the bar mitzvah!
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I thought those were new shoes! I’m getting good at this. 😉
You look fab in that dress…in fact, I had clicked on the Nordstrom link on your blog post email just to look at it because it’s so cute and the color is GREAT. And then, there you are, showing me exactly how great it can look! It goes great with your coloring. Perfect Fall piece. Love it. BUY it!
I read your review too, Duff, and I had high hopes before. But I’m not THAT high!! 😉
lol – i know i can’t pull anything over on you guys…you know my wardrobe probably better than i do!!
i do love the dress…but not sure if i’ll get it or not. i’ll wait anyway – no need to be in a hurry, right?
you are right, of course, and honestly, even if i love it, i’m not sure i’d really be able to spend that much. definitely will get some samples though.
oh, this last trip, i packed SO MUCH it’s not even funny. of course i could, because we drove, but still. i hate having so much stuff all the time, and digging through it, when i really only wear the same few things over and over again. someday i’ll figure it all out. someday.
that is the problem with robert clergerie, although it’s not really a problem…
the sizing is french, which is usually a 38.5 for me, but 39 in repetto. in robert clergerie, my last two pairs are 38.5 and my first several are 39. the 38.5 fit better overall (i’m a size 8/38 typically) but take one wear to get REALLY comfortable. i was worried about my pepo sandals at first, and now i can’t imagine a different size.
totokaelo is really good about sizing input, and nordstrom sometimes if there are enough reviews. compared to rachel comey, i take an 8/38 consistently in rachel comey
i did not get that rag & bone bag, although i was thinking about it until the end. i would have, but my friend and i were both obsessed with it and she kept mentioning that the handles would annoy her, and i guess that sort of stuck on me. the handles don’t fold down on the sides at all, they’re “stuck” in the up position. Which really isn’t a big deal, but kind of is, because it’s more structure than i tend to care for most of the time, and they might get in the way. so i convinced myself that it would annoy me, and didn’t order it. i don’t regret not getting it, but i know i would have used it if i had it. for a while anyway 😉
thank you so much stephanie!! i’m glad you’re here.
I need to adopt that as my mantra:”No need to be in a hurry, right?”
I’ve kind of gone ape-sh*t crazy on buying things the past two weeks. I’m not sure why…Well, yes, actually, I am…My husband has been really busy at work, my youngest daughter has taken on 2 jobs for the summer and I hardly see her, plus my older kids and my granddaughter just went back to their respective homes in Chicago and DC after a whirlwind week around the 4th and my husband’s birthday. So, in other words, stress and loneliness.
In my defense, I’ve had the good sense to jump right on returning the items that don’t work. But still, it’s going against my pledge. And I’ve been doing well, so I want the change to be REAL and LASTING.
There will always be another dress, another tee, another handbag, etc.
I would too be all over the place (in my head) with the bar mitzvah wardrobe, but my first thought was still “yeah, one more chance to wear that wonderful Acne dress” – You’ve got to fit it somewhere in the schedule 🙂
But I most proud of myself when I manage to go through such events – or vacation – with what i already have in my closet, rather than buying new stuff, which always ends up being the clothes I only wore once…
ha! yes, i also bought the black one, if you saw, so i can wear the blue one friday night, and the black one on saturday. the black one looks amazing with my new JP soft blazer actually. i don’t quite know what to wear over the blue one though…
I’ve been going buying crazy too! And after a good several weeks of marked control. It’s definitely a coping mechanism of some sort for me too. If only I hadn’t gone for the final sale items. 🙁
Now, if I’d only take what I’ve learned and put it into action!
As I mentioned on FB, that dress is lovely on you! I’m sad you didn’t get it, but I totally understand about not being into fall items in the summer. It’s just too dang hot. I also feel you about the bar mitzvah. Not that I’m having one, but I am having a wedding in November, and boy does that require a lot of clothes! I have three wedding dresses (Catholic mass rite, Sunday fun ceremony, and reception) but I also have a rehearsal dinner and 2 bridal showers….. and I refuse to repeat an outfit at any event. Crazy I know, but that’s just how I do. I know you will look awesome for all three days!!
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