Nordstrom Rack in Jacksonville, FL

Today was the grand opening of Nordstrom Rack in Jacksonville, FL. The opening kicked off at 8 am and I would've LOVED to be there, but I had work today. So my family and I headed on over after work, which was around 3:30. Even at this time, the whole place was packed and there were many enthusiastic shoppers. And for good reason.

This Nordstrom Rack is awesome! So many great brands at good prices. Better brands than what I've seen at Nordstrom Racks in even bigger cities like Orlando. Which makes me wonder if the selection was good only because it was the grand opening, and the stock will eventually change as time goes on. I hope not! I was pleasantly surprised to find many of my favorite brands. 

James Perse

AG Jeans

Free People

A great selection of Spanx, with many items under $30. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs

And an actual Marc Jacobs purse. The price was a little under $600 (originally retailing for over $1000). Expensive, yes. But for an actual Marc Jacobs piece (in leather!) it's a good price. 

Kate Spade

Kate Spade jewelry

I was honestly surprised at how expensive some of these pieces were. The necklaces you see here were still about $150 each, which I would think was the original price. I was tempted, however, to purchase the white bracelet because the stems remind me of Orla Kiely. It was reasonably priced at $43.97, but the clasp wasn't very easy to put on and take off so I decided to pass (for now).

While there, I decided to try on some pieces. I was happy to see that there was no fitting room line. I was able to get in right away and the salespeople working there were very friendly and efficient.

AG Stilt Cigarette Leg Jeans

Size 26

$89.97

I do like these jeans, but I think they make my hips and thighs look a tad bit too big, so it's a pass for now, but I'll revisit them if they ever go on sale.

Hudson Jeans

Size 25

$99.97

I don't think these pictures do these pants justice because they really are great in person. I love the color and slightly more relaxed fit. They are still skinny jeans, but not super tight. I don't care too much for the whispering across the front, but it didn't bother me too much. I like the wider waistband and double button closure.

And most of all, I love Hudson's signature back pockets!

I didn't purchase these jeans right away, but I'm seriously considering going back to get these.

Free People Tank

Size XS

$29.97

Although not usually my style, the lace and graphic print intrigued me. And Free People has been one of my long-time favorite brands, so I decided to give this tank a try. It's super comfortable and flattering, and although I don't usually like the high-low trend, I think it works with this tank, especially with the back lace detail.

Splendid Tee

Size XS

$39.97

I was initially attracted to this shirt for a couple reasons. One, it's by Splendid, one of my current favorite brands for their simple made-in-the-USA tees. Two, there's a pocket. I LOVE t-shirts with pockets. So I quickly threw this in my cart, and it wasn't until I was in the fitting room that I noticed it had that burnout detail, something I'm not really that fond of. Not entirely a deal breaker, but this shirt (and its price) didn't wow me. Back to the rack it went!

Kate Spade Blouse

Size XS

$49.97

There was such a CUTE selection of Kate Spade clothing. But this was the only shirt I could find in an XS. Normally not something I'd pick up, but I wanted to try on something Kate Spade, and it looks like something cute Jess from New Girl would wear, so I took this with me to the fitting room, It's very comfy and fits very nicely, but best of all...

There's an adorable bow in the back! There's also some cute button details along the shoulder that you can't see too well in these photos, but they're there and boy are they cute.

Kate Spade honestly has the cutest tags.

And if you're a mother like me, you'll be pleased to hear that they have a good selection of Petunia Pickle Bottom items. I love these prints! They're cute and whimsical and modern all at the same time. However, I have a son, so I think I'll hold off on these baby bags and accessories for when/if I have a baby girl.

There was, however, a super adorable selection of Splendid clothes for baby boys!

And some preppy "modern fit" pants by 7 For All Mankind (I chuckled a bit at the "modern fit" tag on these pants because they were size 18 months and it amuses me that even pants this small come in various fits and washes - something babies care nothing for, but moms like me appreciate!)

This Nordstrom Rack did not disappoint! Make a trip there this weekend to check it out. I'm sure it'll be a madhouse, but it'll still be fun checking out all the goodies!

Orla Kiely for Target Makeup Bags

I recently discovered that Orla Kiely released a line of cosmetic bags for Target.

I was SO excited to find this collection because I'd been wanting an Orla Kiely makeup bag for awhile now, but never got around to buying one because they were too expensive (they can set you back about $100). I'd seen a few on sale at Amazon for about $40, but still a bit too pricey for a makeup bag in my opinion. So when I saw this collection at Target (ranging in price from $9.99 - $29.99) I was thrilled! Above are the three cosmetic bags I purchased (but I wouldn't be surprised if I end up purchasing the entire collection!) Let's take a closer look at each one.

Orla Kiely Sweet Pea Beauty Organizer

$16.99

This was the cosmetic bag I was most excited to get...and it was the hardest one to find. Every Target I went to, it was the one bag that was constantly sold out. But I was finally able to get my hands on one and it didn't disappoint. 

One thing I like about this collection is that they are quite comparable to Orla's more expensive line. They're made of a similar coated polyester exterior and nylon interior, which makes it somewhat easy to clean. I just wish that the interior were made of vinyl or a coated cotton because makeup, no matter how secure, tends to spill and make a mess. 

I love the contrasting light blue zippers.

The reason I was looking forward to this bag the most is because of all the little compartments. I needed something that I could throw in my purse and could hold my makeup and maybe some brushes for touchups on-the-go. And I also carry eyedrops and bandaids with me (just in case!) So this makeup bag definitely has all the little pockets I need to keep everything organized.

Orla Kiely Graphite Small Cosmetic Cube

$9.99

I actually couldn't decide whether or not to purchase this bag. I just didn't know if I really needed it, but then I thought, "Eh, for only $9.99, why not?" And I knew if I didn't get it, I would regret it (similar to how I feel now about the Orla Kiely collection for Target that came out a few years ago - I decided not to purchase many of the items from the collection because I felt I didn't need them, and now I regret not buying the whole thing! And now I see them on eBay for ridiculous markups). So I decided not to let that happen again. And I'm sure I can find a use for this cute little bag.

The colors on this bag are so vibrant and pretty.

One side has pockets that I'm sure will come in handy.

Orla Kiely Graphite Train Case

$24.99

I'd always wanted a train case, something I could store my makeup in, but take it with me for weekend trips. The print on this bag is gorgeous, and I love the contrasting grey and orange - one of my favorite color combos.

I actually like the compartments on the Sweat Pea Double Train Case better, but I like this rhododendron print a lot better so I opted for this case instead.

There's a couple elasticized pockets on the inside.

A zippered mesh pocket lies on the inside lid.

I'm so happy with this collection and I look forward to more Orla Kiely collaborations with Target!

Outfit Of The Day: Yellow Scalloped Buttondown

What I'm Wearing:

Meadow Rue Scalloped Buttondown

AG Stevie Ankle Hearts Jeans

Miss Albright Gift-Trimmed Pumps

Tortoise Cirque Belt

Dogeared Heart Necklace

I LOVE scallop detailing. Pretty much every time I see a blouse with scallops, I know it's eventually going to be mine. And I got this Dogeared necklace at an awesome price at Dillard's additional 40% off sale last week. Originally $98, it was marked down to about $35 and then of course, it was an additional 40% off. Yay!

I love these jeans. They have such a fun print, and it's the closest I can get to Burberry's Heart Print Shirt ($795 - yikes!). So these pants, which I purchased for about $50, are a great alternative. The only problem - I purchased them right after I gave birth and still had about 20 pounds to lose. So I got them in a size 28, two sizes bigger than what I normally wear (and even back then, they were super tight). So now that I've lost all the baby weight, they're super loose, but I managed by tightening the waist with a belt. 

Outfit Of The Day: James Perse White Tee

Nobody does jeans and a white tee quite like Jennifer Aniston.

www.thesuburbandiary.com

www.thesuburbandiary.com

www.gotceleb.com

She has mastered the look of casual chic. It's so simple, but she looks fantastic in every single photo.

So I tried to replicate this same look. It's definitely a lot plainer of an outfit than I normally wear. I was tempted to throw on a bright scarf or a chunky necklace, but that would've taken away from the simplicity of the outfit. 

What I'm Wearing:

James Perse t-shirt

Gap jeans

Banana Republic belt

Rainbow sandals

So I'd been wanting a James Perse white tee forever. But they're really expensive. Some of them can set you back about $70. So I was excited to find this one for about $20 at Off 5th. 

So what's so special about these tees? Let's investigate.

So why the high price tag? I'm not really sure. First of all, they're made in the USA, which is awesome, but does that really justify paying over $50 for a simple white tee? Also, not all James Perse tops are even made in the USA anymore. I've seen many made in China, which peeves me because they're still just as expensive as the ones made in the USA. What gives?

They're made with 100% cotton, which is a nice break from all the polyester, rayon blends you see nowadays. It's so hard to find non-synthetic clothes these days. This all-cotton shirt is likely to resist pilling and will hold up through many wears and washings.

There's also a slight twisty detail along the neckline, but again, nothing great that justifies paying such a high price tag. So I'm glad I got mine on sale. I think $20 is a completely justifiable price to pay for a 100% cotton, made-in-the-USA quality t-shirt that will last many seasons. I'm happy to own this basic piece that can be dressed up or down with an endless list of bottoms, jackets, and accessories. Look for these tees at discount stores such as Off 5th and T.J. Maxx.

Review: American Apparel Crop Top

American Apparel Baby Rib Crop T

$24

I know crop tops are marketed towards young 20-somethings and teens, not mothers who are about to turn 30, but I love the look of crop tops. Somehow the crop top has gotten a makeover, transforming from slightly trashy to chic and fashionable. Just check out how fantastic and polished these celebrities look rocking the crop top:

www.bopandtigerbeat.com

www.popsugar.com

www.zimbio.com

time-for-fashion.blogs.elle

So I set out to find a crop top for myself. I originally hit up all the cheap stores - H&M, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, and for some reason I could not find one! I'm positively baffled by this because aren't super trendy tops what stores like these are made for? Anyway, I decided to check out American Apparel, a wise choice because prominently displayed at the front of their store was their selection of crop tops, varying from solid colors to stripes. I wanted just a simple white crop top because I figured it'd be the easiest to pair with many skirts and pants in my closet.

Let me start off by first saying I would never wear the above outfit IN A MILLION YEARS. So this picture is strictly for review purposes only, not an outfit suggestion. I'd definitely pair this white crop top with a high-waisted skirt like the Spearmint Stripe Skirt or a pair of high-waisted trousers (I still have a bit of a baby pooch so I'd like to keep that covered!) The key to keeping it classy I think is keeping the belly-button covered, which is what all the celebrities above did. And they look fantastic! Reveals just enough to show off their toned midsections.

I tried on a size small above. I wish it were more opaque, but I guess I'd just have to wear this with a nude colored bra. It's cotton and made in the USA, which is always a plus. The downside - it's $24! (And this was at the outlet). I know Forever 21 sold a version of this for only $7.80 (which is probably why it sold out so quickly and I wasn't able to grab one). So under $10 is all I'd want to spend on a top like this. I mean, it's far too trendy and it's HALF A SHIRT to be spending more than that. I took this all as a sign that I'm just not meant to wear this trend. But if you're young, toned, and love fashion, then I think this would be a great option for you.