How many times do you walk into a store and think, “Gosh. There’s so much here. I don’t have the time/patience/desire to pick and choose anything.” It leads you to grabbing the first few things that look cute but ultimately you’ve totally shopped in your “comfort zone.”
Self-admittedly I’ve come to known my style quite well- sweaters, sweater dresses, leggings (with a shirt covering my behind), and jeans. It’s worked and people typically comment I look good. There are those few items I’ve returned (like the faux fur short coat today that could have qualified me as a character on GoT) outside but the times are quite rare.
As I recently said, I’m heading to Europe Marxh 6th with my friend, Erin, who lives in Texas. Granted- I’m from the North, so my wardrobe is appropriate for Europe. Well, hers, she’d freeze to death. So, I’ve done my duty to remind her about what she’ll need. I’m feeling a little pressured with clothes for a winter trip. I’ve been to Europe for a total of around 42 days in my life-all in semi-warm temperatures. I’ve had crazy hair, the same pants (rain in Paris and London in September 2013), and thanks to this last trip- the same (different from 2013) pants, a royal blue fiberglass cast, and a knee scooter. Needless to say- I need a trip where my clothes are ON POINT. Paris for two nights during Fashion Week? Duh.
Here you find my European style staple- Kut from the Kloth jeans (they could fit over the cast) and just a blah-unlike me adventure. Oh hey, there’s Greece in the background.
Last week I quickly set up a Personal Stylist appointment at Nordstrom (my second home) and pleaded for ideas for Paris in Winter. I showed up to meet Barb, my stylist, who couldn’t have been any nicer and on point with her selections. I’m still trying to figure out HOW she knew the colors to bring me. Gray, Black, Navy, Teal, & Burgundy. These are the colors you’ll find in my closet. Secretly I wonder if she can look at past purchases, but it seems like that’s unlikely because of financial institution rules.
Arriving in the dressing room was like heaven- there were things I would never touch. I’d never pull these items out and look. Some were in sections I typically stay away from (hello?! Who honestly spends $180 on a dress shirt?) but with the Half-Yearly sale- many items were more “affordable.” Barb was willing to stay with me as I tried on clothes, but I was comfortable enough to decide on my own what I liked.
As as you can see, there were so many varied options. Thinfs I’d never touch or look at but when presented to me made complete sense. Of course, some items didn’t work (hello! 5’11” here- dress pants just never fit right-too short!), or the shirt with sleeves two inches above my wrist. The soft, fuzzy Sesame Street character cardigan I LOVED but hated how it fell on my shoulders stayed there.
Somehow I fell in love with things I would have never chosen. I walked away with a sleeveless, long, black Trouvé vest;?a sleeveless, white, soft nubbed Nick + Zoe vest; a mandarin collar blue stripe Nordstrom collection tunic; and a Hinge long, super-soft cardigan. 75% of the items I purchased would have stayed in the store forever had I not had a personal stylist.
Halogen long cardigan ($79); Nordstrom Collection Tunic ($98.98; originally $180); NYDJ original skinny legging ($98). Side note: I’m looking far from glamorous in this selfie.
Moral of the story: let someone else pick for you once and a while- you might like it.
Shopping to Travel 