Music Festival Fashioning

Over the past weekend, music festival season kicked off here in New York City. A few girlfriends and I spent Saturday gallivanting around Queens, which was a rather in-your-face reminder that, well, I’m gettin’ old.

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Publicly rocking out the sounds of Calvin Harris - and soon, Vampire Weekend, Pretty Lights and St. Lucia — while soaking up some sun (not enough, apparently — those GAMS!) seems to naturally lend itself to street style best described as either beautifully bohemian or… Slutty Pocahontas. To each her own.

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I didn’t attend Coachella this year, but this was an outfit I dreamt up a few weeks back during a bout of wishful thinking. Although I’d probably have opted to trade these insane Rocco pumps for a more modest pair of daytime flats.

A part of me wishes I was still raging in the company of teens and tweens up north, but a larger part is looking forward to the outdoor concerts ahead this summer: GovBall, music in Central Park, the list goes on. In a few week’s time, I’m making my first return to Chicago since the big move to New York for a three-day, non-stop festival extravaganza and reunion of friends. Excited is an understatement!

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*Wearing: BCBGMAXAZRIA Utilitarian jacket (similar) | Urban Outfitters faux-leather shorts (similar) |
ShopSosie fringe poncho (similar) | Ray-Ban aviators | BCBG Harlow clutch
(love this laser-cut version) | Rocco pumps c/o Mia Shoes (more sizes here)

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Any music festivals you’re looking forward to this season?
Photos by Jessica Sturdy

Get GNO-ready at Nordstrom Rack (+ the final $50 giveaway) [Closed]

*This is the third in a three-part series. We’re flipping the fashion challenge back to you, though, so scroll down: ANOTHER $50 gift card to shop the seasonal retro-chic styles at Nordstrom Rack is up for grabs!

Thus far, we’ve talked game-day glam and going from water-cooler to after-work drinks. Today, with the same pieces I’ve already styled, we’re upping the ante, leaving the beau at home and having some fun with the girls.

Aside from a champagne-soaked pre-game, what ultimately makes a girls’ night one to remember is a Facebook-worthy ensemble. (Hashtag profile pic!) When I’m planning to paint the town red, the look I aim to channel is cool-girl panache. Think the perfect balance of cutting-edge chic – like a modern-day Sandy in Grease, if you will.

In addition to mascara, girly curls and a red lip, my signature GNO style builds on a foundation of dark denim – a sleek, comfortable pair that allows me to bust a move at a moment’s notice. I actually had a hard time picking just one style at Nordstrom Rack, as there were so many name-brands at half-off (or more) – J Brand, AG Jeans, Joe’s, 7FAM, you name it.

Dark denim is undisputedly sexy and gives every outfit a dose of sophistication, particularly when worn with a textured separates and a pop of color. And, hey, if you crash at your gf’s (wink) and find yourself in need of a morning-after bloody mary, just toss on a scarf or jacket for that freshly showered Sunday Funday look.

And lastly, it’s giveaway time.

  • For your chance at another $50 gift card, comment below and tell me what brand(s) you’re buying for less at Nordstrom Rack.
  • For an extra entry, like corals + cognacs on Facebook. (Comment below letting me know you did/do already!)

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To recap, here’s a peek back through all my looks — and the fun I had shopping for and styling them.

Regardless of your destination (a tailgate, the office, etc.), a stylish ensemble will set the tone for your impending adventure, and Nordstrom Rack’s got you covered with the name brands you love for less. With the money I saved on two pairs of shoes ($29 Michael Kors loafers, $149 L.A.M.B pumps), two tops ($49 Rachel Zoe tunic, $70 Joie top) and one pair of pants ($39 Vince leggings), I was able to purchase $150 worth of gift cards for you to get your shop on.

That said, don’t forget to enter this week’s Game Day Glam and Day to Night ’Rack giveaways, if you haven’t already!

 

*Deets: Check out nordstromrack.com to find your local Nordstrom Rack and discover on-trend brands at up to 70% off. Two entries per person per giveaway; all three giveaways end Friday 9/28. Winners will be chosen via Random.org.
**Fine print: Compensation was provided by Nordstrom Rack via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nordstrom Rack.

*Update: Congrats, Amy, the 36th recipient in this giveaway!

Currently Coveting: Shark Week-inspired Style

Yes, that’s right. I’ll let the title of this post do the talking.

*Shop the trend (Top row, left-to-right): 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel, NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow - Burn it Blue, Ray-Ban Updated Wayfarers, Ax paris fish print playsuit, BUBA Ariana Bracelet, Lush sea salt scrub // Middle: Modcloth Ocean Wave Wedge, Sequin bangles, GIVENCHY Pink Gold Shark’s Tooth Pendant Necklace, NARS Nail Polish - Storm Bird, Bottega Veneta strappy sandals, Trina Turk Ocean Tonal Pendant Necklace, Jessica Matrasko Jewelry Trendee Shark Tooth Necklace, GIVENCHY Black Charlinette Shark Tooth Heels, // Bottom: Thakoon Addition Ikat print cotton skirt, Shark Tooth Ring Set, Givenchy Shark-Lock Wedge Boot, Shourouk E. Vegas sequin and crystal earrings, Rumbatime Delancey Storm Watch, Carvela Kurt Geiger Storm, Joe’s Jeans Black Storm Skinny Jean

Boat- and Beach-Ready in jcpenney

I know, I know; the title of today’s post may have you cocking your cute little head a bit (you so just did it), but hear me out — or just peep these $10 color-block sandals to see for yourself. (…Right?)

You may have noticed through recent advertising, but jcpenney got herself a major makeover this year. While the brand isn’t a brick-and-mortar I’ve shopped frequently the past few years, I’m all about looking chic on the cheap. So, when jcp asked me to do a little summer shopping and share my favorite finds with you, I was more than happy to oblige.

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platform sandals

In browsing, I was particularly taken by their pool- and beach-gear, like the $12 swim separates and $24 jelly wedges I’m rocking.

As a part of their re-branding strategy, jcpenney has eliminated the need for us to carry coupons and dig for discount codes. Simply put, nothing but fair-and-square pricing schemes — and some amazingly cute summer steals.

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*Head-to-toe: Swim suit + bow-tie wedges c/o jcpenney, American Apparel skirt, Ann Taylor bracelet, Ray Ban shades

Here’s a few other #jcpfinds I found while browsing the brand’s website that will easily take you from your beach towel to a bar stool. These Nicole by Nicole Miller shorts are kind of, oh, everything.

*Shop the look: Nicole by Nicole Miller shorts, $20 / St. John’s Bay espadrille wedges, $24 / MNG by Mango necklace, $25 / Gold-tone ring, $8 / Olsenboye canvas backpack, $8