Pocketful of Joules

You guys. I love Nordstrom and I especially love me some Nordstrom Rack. However, every year I am just SO COMPLETELY OVER hearing about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

I get it. Fashion bloggers need to make money through referral links, so they try to post as many things as possible to get the clicks happening. But ohmygod, people…have some restraint please! For the past couple weeks I’ve been seeing nothing but 10-part blog series’ on everything I just HAVE to buy and a million Instagram posts asking me to use that stupid like-it program so that I can then have their referral links emailed to me.

No. NO. NOPE

Last year I complained about it (in a post that was retweeted by Nordstrom, which makes me totally laugh) and if you want you can read it here. But this year, I decided to go a different route. Since nobody is going to shut up about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale until August, I might as well do what I do best… make fun of it.

So I scoured the sale and narrowed down 5 items that I think are just so god-awful butt ugly that I had to share them with you. And to nip those comments in the bud, YES, I know someone is going to think I’m totally insane because they absolutely love the item. Sorry about that. Obviously there is SOMEBODY out there who made the item, approved the item, and purchased the item for Nordstrom to sell. I still think it’s ugly.

Item #1: Frame Le Nouveau Split Hem Jeans

Source: Nordstrom.com

What Nordstrom has to say about them: London-leaning swagger combined with the quality of the LA denim industry produces a pair of trend-right jeans patched together from two pieces of medium-wash denim finished with split, released hems. Price $269, on sale for $179.

What I have to say about them: These jeans are sold out. SOLD OUT. That means that so many people enjoyed the fact that they have a stupid split up the front of them that they bought out the entire pre-sale inventory. What. The. Hell. I actually like the color of the jeans and the fit at the top, but I can just imagine my jeans flapping all over the place as I walk around. I’m going to give these a big NOPE, but I’m sure you’ll see all sorts of fashion blogger types wearing them while staring wistfully at a brightly colored wall.

Item #2: Elizabeth and James Heath Ruffle Hem Top

Source: Nordstrom.com

What Nordstrom has to say about it: A gossamer high/low hem adds a sense of moody romance to this berry-hued satin crepe blouse styled with breezy bell sleeves that feel very of the moment. Price: 345.00, on sale for $229.90.

What I have to say about it: I love that they describe this monstrosity of a top as having a sense of moody romance, because if I had paid over $200 for this top (and that’s the SALE price) and looked basically like I’m wearing a cranberry-colored bed skirt, I’d be quite moody too. I’m all for wearing a tutu for a good run, but this is like a tutu and an ill-fitting silk blouse had a one-night stand and everyone involved ended up with a STD.

Item #3: Chelsea28 Mixed Media Sweatshirt

Source: Nordstrom.com

What Nordstrom has to say about it: Artfully ruffled mesh adds unexpected, fashion-forward texture to a comfy heather-knit top that’s anything but basic. Price $69.00, on sale for $45.90.

What I have to say about it: Oh look, it’s the cheaper little sister version of the last top! Have designers just totally run out of ideas? What on earth would make someone think that they should start with a sweatshirt and then cut out a chunk and sew on a tuft of mesh? It kind of reminds me of those ‘shark bite’ shirts you could buy at the beach that had weird holds in them. But, in this case someone tried to stop the bleeding with wads of toilet paper.

Item #4: Topshop Spliced Poplin Shirt

Source: Nordstrom.com

What Nordstrom has to say about it: Fine tailoring is given a fun-house makeover with tilted details, tied slit cuffs and an open-shoulder design to complement the breezy cotton poplin. Price $60.00, on sale for $39.90

What I have to say about it: Giving a shirt a “fun-house makeover” is right, because this is a ridiculous clown shirt! It almost looks like a button-up shirt was turned backwards, but instead there is a huge gap at the top (to show off those shoulders that everyone is currently so wild about) and oversized, yet tied, cuffs. It’s just SO UGLY it hurts my eyes. Seriously.

Item #5 Topshop Tie Sleeve Shirt

Source: Nordstrom.com

Source: Nordstrom.com

What Nordstrom has to say about it: Get all tied up in airy cotton and classic style with this essential solid shirt detailed with ties at the sleeve slits and back. Price $68.00, on sale for $44.90.

What I have to say about it: Are you out of your f*#king mind? Actually, now that I think about it the back view does look remarkably similar to a straitjacket, so the answer may be yes. Even in that case, there is no reason for this “shirt” and yes, I brought in the quote marks because it is so awful I’m not even sure I can call it a shirt. And yes, I know that these weird shirts are a thing that some people like. I recently saw a blogger who was ALL about this one and I totally just don’t get it. At all.

So, be honest… do you think I’m crazy because you actually love one of these items? Are you with me in being totally sick of hearing about the sale?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Nordstrom. Duh. And yes, I totally included ShopStyle links in this post because this girl’s got to pay for her donut habit somehow (at no cost to you).

I have bought too many things lately. Between my amazing trip to Boden (Dressing Room Snaps from the Boden Outlet) and all of the great luck I’ve been having at thrift stores (All the Shopping in San Francisco, June Thrift Store Haul), I need to cut back a little bit. Actually, I need to just go cold turkey.

So, I’ve decided to participate in a No Buy July.

Basically the rules of the challenge are not to buy any fashion-type purchases for the month. No taking advantage of the Anthropologie ‘sale on sale’. No clicking over to the Haute Look weekly deals. And no thrifting.

It’s going to be hard for me because I love the thrill of chasing a deal, but I think this will be a much needed detox. You all are totally free to hold me accountable too. If you see me post a dressing room picture anytime this month, go ahead and comment with NO BUY JULY to help keep me honest!

Do you ever do a shopping detox? Want to do a No Buy July with me?

It’s time for my monthly wrap up where I show you the outfits I wore throughout the month.  My reasoning behind doing the wrap up is that whenever I check out other bloggers wrap ups, I’m always inspired by the different ways they style the same items over and over again. So, hopefully I can help someone else out of a wardrobe rut!

I typically work from home two days a week (Monday and Friday), so each week will usually only have three work outfits. This month, I also attended a work conference so you can check out my easy packing options in row 3.

Here are all my June looks:

I put little hearts next to my most popular outfits according to my Instagram friends. I appreciate all the love! As always, lots of dresses and skirts. And LOTS of patterns! For my conference week (row 3), I stuck with the same shoes for each day and a jersey dress that wouldn’t wrinkle in my suitcase. I also wore the same navy sweater multiple times, to keep warm in the chilly conference area.

New in Rotation for June:
Angeline dress, Boden Outlet (from this post), on sale – row 1, outfit 3
Boden dress from ThredUp – row 2, outfit 1
Navy cardigan. J.Crew Factory, on sale – row 3, outfits 3, 4 & row 4, outfit 1
Green cardigan, J.Crew Factory, on sale – row 2, outfit 3 & row 4, outfit 3
Thrifted Textured Dot Sweater (from this post) – row 4, outfit 2

Most of what I wore this month has been repeated time and time again in my wardrobe. However, I wear my 3/4 sleeve J.Crew sweaters so regularly and they hold up so well s0 I purchased a two new ones on my last trip to Ocean City (there is a factory store across the street from us). As you can see, I’m already getting lots of wear out of the navy and green colors!

Disclosure: This post contains ShopStyle affiliate links. This means that clicking on a link may help me earn a small commission at no cost to you.

If you followed along with me on Instagram (@PocketfulofJoules) while I was in San Francisco last week, you might know that I went a little crazy with the shopping. Okay, a lot crazy. So crazy that I realized that there was no way all my stuff would fit back in my little carry-on and I had to go and buy myself another suitcase.

Oops.

Even though I did ALL the shopping, I didn’t spend ALL the money. So, let me show you all the deals I found while putting in some miles in San Francisco:

Nordstrom Rack Scores
I find that Nordstrom Racks can be totally hit or miss depending on the location, so I was curious to stop by the Market Street location. I was thrilled to see a ‘baby bell sleeve’ blouse that I’d been eying online – baby bell, not Babel for my cheese lovers – so I tried it on. It was this one for $26 and it looked awful on me. So, that basically saved me like $80 to pay to Nordstrom to send it to me, only to have me return it at a later date.

I did buy two things though… this zip up star hoodie for $32 and also this pretty ‘good luck’ elephant necklace for $29.

I wore the hoodie every night when I got back to my chilly hotel room (and also a night when I went out and about for dinner). As for the necklace, it is my new favorite and I’ve worn it every day since I bought it!

Anthropologie Score
There was an Anthropologie right by my hotel and they sent me an email that they were having a 50% off sale, so I figured I’d stop by and take a little look around. I ended up with this Julian Tie-Sleeve Top because I can’t resist a cool black tank top for $30.

Source: Anthropologie.com

You can tie the straps as high or low as you like, which is great for a perfect fit. It looks super cute untucked with a more fitted cardigan over top, or on its own half-tucked into jeans or shorts. I think I’m going to get a ton of wear out of this one! If you want to try it for yourself, you might want to size down. I went with a medium and it still looks nice and flowy.

Goodwill Scores
I actually stopped at three different Goodwills during my trip. The first one at 1580 Mission Street had a huge selection and I spotted some great finds from Boden and Joie, but nothing came home with me. That was NOT the case at my second Goodwill. The location at 296 Bay Street was one of the nicest I’ve ever seen and OHMYGOSH the scores were crazy.

Prada sweater, $4.99
Within my first rack or two, I came across a cashmere and silk Prada sweater. PRADA! Oh yeah, and it was $4.99. As you can imagine, I hid that thing in the bottom of my basket and was totally afraid someone might come and grab it from me! I found an identical one online in pink with an original price of $840 so this deal is even bigger than when I found a DVF dress with tags still on it. I can’t wait to wear it in the fall/winter tucked into a high-waisted skirt!

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty Low Top, $9.99
Another lesson in looking everywhere at a thrift store… these sneakers were in the men’s section even though if you look inside they have women’s sizing. I recognized them as the Dainty Low Tops and they are being sold on the Converse website for $50. This pair was never worn and my size, so it was obviously meant to be!

Poncho, $8.99
I know, shopping for a poncho is a little ridiculous in June… but when you see something you like at a thrift store, you need to just go for it. This one is a nice medium-weight fabric and the leather and metal clasp is really snazzy. There are no tags on it, so I couldn’t track it down anywhere. However, I think that will be a great addition to my wardrobe next winter.

Aris A. USA Velvet Burnout Duster, $4.99
When I saw this cute velvet burnout thing I didn’t recognize the brand, but it reminded me of some kimono’s that I’ve seen recently at Anthropologie. I thought it could look cute with a tank top and jeans, or maybe even as a cover-up at the beach. I googled the brand a bit and found a similar design online for $175. While I would never pay almost $200 for this, at just $4.99 it was a total steal!

I decided to visit one last Goodwill at the 822 Geary Street location. That one was very similar to the ones that we have back home and there was a total hodgepodge of stuff. I ended up with just one item, this top for $5.99:

The upper tag had been cut out, but there was still the inside tag intact. I did some google sleuthing and found that this is the Textured Dot Sweater from Ann Taylor that was sold for $80.

Source: AnnTaylor.com

I really like the weight of the fabric, the subtle dots and the sleeve length. The navy color will also work with much of my closet, so I should be able to get wear out of this pretty much immediately. (6/28 update: I wore it today!)

Old Navy Score
I was in San Fransicso during Pride month and missed the Pride parade by just one day. Lots of stores had rainbow flags and Pride displays, and I was initially able to resist this shirt when I saw it in the window at Old Navy. Then, I went on a Segway adventure (more coming about that later this week) and sunburned the crap out of my chest. Every shirt I had packed was a v-neck, so I bought this one to protect my poor sunburned skin. No regrets on the $14 purchase, because it is awfully cute.

A post shared by pocketfulofjoules (@pocketfulofjoules) on Jun 24, 2017 at 12:42pm PDT

And that brings us to my last purchase… my extra suitcase! Apparently I’m not the only one who goes a little shopping crazy in San Francisco, because the TJ Maxx next door to my hotel had the largest selection of suitcase I’ve ever seen in one place! There were literally hundreds of choices and I ended up picking this adorable “London” design for $50.

I’ve been slowly switching out our crappy suitcases with nice ones, so this purchase wasn’t really much of a hardship. The inside has one zip closed portion, the wheels go all directions and its pattern will make it easy to find at the baggage claim. I’ll call that a win!

Have you ever bought so much on a trip that you had to buy another suitcase? Are you with me in squealing over that Prada find?

Disclaimer: This post contains ShopStyle affiliate links. This means that clicking on a link may help me earn a small commission at no cost to you.