Nordstrom's Make Over

Nordstrom finally did a complete overhaul of their website. It is much more user friendly and easy to navigate now. I've always thoroughly disliked online shopping at department store websites but I think this redesign is a step in the right direction. There are added categories, photos, and previewed items that greatly enhances the shopping process. I'll still opt for shopbop, gilt and singer 22 over the nordstrom's online site but I will be much more tempted to look around now.

Here's the new site.

My New Motto

I read Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love a few years ago. I always recommend the book to just about anyone going through anything even remotely unpleasant in life and frequently gave it as a present. It's a fun take on the "self help" book that is sure to guarantee a few giggles and moments of self reflection.

That being said, I didn't love the movie nearly as much (but I'd still say it's worth seeing). It was a little long whereas the book was an enjoyable quick read. On a side note, Julia Roberts looks great all over the news and magazines, as well as in her first ever cosmetic's advertising campaign.

After reading the book, I decided to implement my own eat, pray, love plan to get over or work through any issues I had (albeit most were minor). But I'll be honest; that just resulted in a lot of eating, none of which occurred in fabulous Roman restaurants like where Elizabeth dined. I really can't put wheat Eggo waffles in the same category as fresh pasta sauce or the best pizza in italy, even though I do love them and might even argue they can get anyone through some tough times.

With some careful consideration I came up with a fool proof plan: Eat, Run, Shop. Much more to my liking with the added bonus of burning off those extra eggo calories. This combination will you get through just about anything, including a painfully slow unpacking process that feels like it'll never end. And, more importantly you don't need to fly anywhere to accomplish it. Trust me: Eat. Run. Shop.

Fashion Don't: Ugly Shoes to work

The slogan for this shoe line is: "Warning Women, No man will ever satisfy you like this again (below the ankles)." I'm intrigued...

It seems Kenneth Cole was also annoyed with women rocking sneakers on their way to work. While it started with just a few shoes a little under a year ago, Cole is now incorporating his "925" (nine to five work day) technology into all of his shoes so we don't have to switch shoes or suffer in the name of fashion.

The shoes' technology combines several different elements: Lining, flaxseed pillow, foam layers, cellulose layer, cork layer, soft rubber sole, a heel cradle... all to add a little comfort to our feet. And best yet? The shoes are still fabulous and beautiful. I haven't tested them out yet but am totally anxious to do so.

Material World

There are no longer any career boundaries in Hollywood. Singers become actresses (and vice versa), reality TV show stars attempt to burst onto the pop scene (Heidi Montag) and models try to go in every which direction.

So, it only seems natural that Madonna tries her hand at clothing design too. Material Girl is now available exclusively at Macy’s. Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen is the face of the new line which ends up giving it a little bit of a grungier feel. I’m not really a fan of the line but check it out for yourself here.

Recent Find

I stumbled across the site wikifashion a few weeks ago. I think the site has a really cool premise anyone and everyone can talk fashion and uploads pictures. It lists designers history and even more importantly, tons of different fashion blogs across the world. The site still needs a lot of work and improvements but it's worth a look.

Back to the Pitts

I’m officially back to the city with obnoxious sports fans and never ending road construction. But hey, at least with stifling humidity it’s not cold out.

I am a huge sports fan and love my Patrick Willis jersey as much as the next gal but the city of Pittsburgh takes it to an entirely new level. Waves and waves of Steeler jerseys hit innocent and unsuspecting by-standers every Sunday (and of course, the occasional Saturday preseason game like yesterday). I believe you shouldn’t attend a game without wearing a jersey, absolutely, but Steeler fans also attempt to rock the jerseys for a night out on the town.

Scenario A: Sometimes they’ll just go into a nice restaurant fully aware they are not to dress code in their Roethlisberger jersey and flip flops but it’s Pittsburgh so no Steelers fan will ever be turned away. The fashion of the city begins to suffer.

Scenario B: And then, there is my personal favorite: attempting to “dress” up the jersey with a pair of knee high boots, gold bangles, and a short black skirt. People seemingly accept this as a good fashion choice. I do not agree and the city fashion slips just a bit further.

I can’t wait to start snapping some photos of Scenario B.

…And it’s time for Niner kick off!

Project Runway Is Back

Project Runway Season 8 (it seems like we have another Survivor on our hands but hey, I’m certainly not complaining) debuted on July 29^th. The third episode airs tonight on Lifetime.

I haven’t picked my favorite from this season yet but I am sure I will become attached to someone soon. Only once has my favorite contestant won. Kara, Austin, Daniel and so many others fell short to Heidi’s expectations. I did, however, love Christian Siriano from the beginning (the prom dress disaster nearly reduced me to tears).

I’ve been following his career post win. He’s enjoyed some great successes: Saks picked up his fall 2009 line, he’s working with payless on a shoe collection and even wrote a book which I unfortunately haven’t gotten around to reading yet. Take a gander at a few looks from his fall/winter 2010 line. I wouldn’t call it ground breaking but I definitely do like many aspects and pieces of it.