the sunday brief | where i shop
good morning, good morning, good morning! after a whirlwind trip to tampa, florida it’s home again, home again jiggity jig. there truly is no place like home. as many of you know, i have a new gig with HSN as a guest expert for Lemon Way. the official launch for this exclusive apparel brand created by HSN for HSN is scheduled for midnight february 21st. i have a feeling many of you will love Lemon Way that puts the FUN back into function. this brand is nothing like anything you’ve ever seen before at HSN as everything is designed completely in-house. this is a brand that makes you smile and bring some sunshine into your life. my role is to educate and share all those design details that bring a garment to life. during my visit, i met with the buyers, merchandisers, accessories team, and of course, the design team from pennsylvania that’s put a lot of love and thoughtful design features into Lemon Way. plus there was studio time in front of the camera. to say the least, i was pooped when i returned to athens. but i’m raring to go this thursday for the launch of Lemon Way. join me on air starting at midnight!
just a quick clarification that this new opportunity with HSN is in addition to running the blog. i’m certain i’ll share many of the items with you in the coming months because they are so darn cute! but my role with Lemon Way is separate from the blog. which is why i’ll fly down to HSN headquarters once or twice a month and chat with you on live television! if you have a chance call in and say hi. you know i love to hear from you!
let’s switch hats back to the blog. today i wanted to share where i shop and the rationale behind it. there are lots and lots of retailers vying for our attention. but i tend to shop the same brands and retailers over and over again for specific reasons. let’s start with department stores.
Nordstrom. this online and in-store retailer offers hundreds of brands from designer to mid-price. if you love shoes, you love Nordstrom’s annual shoe sale. when you shop at Nordy’s not only can you browse the latest and greatest with men, women and kids clothing but you can stop by the beauty counter, jewelry, handbags, and accessories. if you have a Nordstrom card, the perks get better. earn 3x points for every $1 spent. plus there’s early access to the anniversary sale, free basic alterations, access to beauty and style workshops, personal double points day, first to shop Nordstrom Rack’s clear the rack sale and get 25% off red-tag clearance items. even if you don’t have a Nordstrom card, you are eligible to join the Nordy Club to earn 1 point for every $1 spent. you will also have access to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and be the first to shop select brands. favorite brands: Halogen, Wacoal, Sulwahsoo, Longchamp, and Frye handbags or boots.
Neiman Marcus. this upscale retailer is a favorite of mine since my days living in texas. Neiman’s offers designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and beauty. they also have an excellent home department, and their gourmet food is to die for especially during the holidays. if you apply for a Neiman Marcus card, you will enjoy exclusive InCircle benefits. earn 2x points for every dollar spent. the trick to Neiman’s is to shop more. because spending more has its rewards not only at Neiman Marcus but Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow. but all InCircle members enjoy bonus point opportunities, invitations to shopping events, and exclusive publications. if i stop by the brick and mortar store i always have lunch at their cafe. the complimentary puff pastry is legendary! favorite brands: Nest Jewelry, Vince, Tory Burch, and SJP.
Bloomingdale’s. bloomies will always have a special place in my heart. when we lived in san francisco, i worked for this luxury retailer. yes, i was the Ralph Lauren specialist in the home department, not the women’s department. many of you might not know that Ralph Lauren and Bloomingdale’s have a special relationship. good old ralph got his first big break with bloomies selling ties. then he was off and running cultivating an iconic lifestyle brand that spans the world. bloomies dedicated an entire section of the store to Ralph Lauren home goods complete with wood floors, hand-carved beds, and a register to call my own. it was loads of fun! but i’ve noticed many of you are hesitant to shop at Bloomingdale’s and i haven’t quite figured out why. so i’ll share a few reasons why i love to shop here. first, they have terrific sales like the big brown bag sale. again, if you have a Bloomingdale’s card, you’ll earn 3x points for every dollar spent in-store or online. if you shop the shoe department or cosmetic and fragrance department, you earn 6x points for every dollar which is double points every day. then there’s free shipping, cardholder only discounts, eligible for double, triple and power points during exclusive events so you’ll earn reward points faster, and choose your own triple points day. if you don’t want a Bloomingdale’s card, you can sign up for their loyalist card where you can earn points and enjoy free shipping. favorite brands: Ralph Lauren, Sferra, Simon Perele, and Dior beauty.
since 1947 Talbots has been delivering timeless and timely fashion. i shop for many things at this store but i particularly love RSVP Occasion.
Gap: founded by the Fisher family in 1969 Gap went from selling levi’s and lp records to private-label merchandise in 1974. there are several brands underneath the Gap Family: Gap, Old Navy, and my two favorites Banana Republic and Athleta.
J.Crew: what started as a catalog company in 1983 has become one of the most iconic american retailers. this is one of the first stores i shop for blazers.
L.K. Bennett: this affordable luxury brand was started by linda bennett in london in 1990. i love their shoes but especially their boots.
Levi’s: what can i say about this iconic brand that brought us the first blue jean other than i adore them! they still carry the original trucker jacket a.k.a. denim jacket.
Ralph Lauren: i could wear Ralph Lauren head-to-toe on any given day. but i can always count on ralph for classic outerwear.
Boden: founded in 1991 by johnnie boden Boden initially launched with eight menswear products. womenswear was introduced in 1992. their sweaters always catch my eye.
Ann Taylor: ann always carries those ‘outfit basics’ every wardrobe needs. i’m a big fan of their denim.
Tory Burch: love tory’s take on sporty casual. but i can always count on this brand for timeless handbags.
Theory: clean and sophisticated theory has a nice compilation of best sellers.
Chanel: this luxury designer has delivered trends that turned into timeless classics since coco was at the helm. chance by chanel is my go-to fragrance. i’m also a big fan of their lipsticks.
Burberry: this is one brand that has consistently delivered iconic elegance for decades whether it’s their signature trench or field jacket.
St. John: if you want classic knitwear look no further. love their sportswear.
Everlane: this is a new brand with a fabulous online presence and two brick and mortar stores on either coast. there are quite a few key pieces i like from this brand. but their loafers are top-notch
a very happy sunday, ladies! it’s been a lovely long weekend studying all things Lemon Way and spending time with mr. style.
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