I spotted this Mansur Gavriel dress at Nordstrom and immediately could tell it was a wear-until-you-turn-75 kind of forever piece. It’s a beautifully-made cable knit alpaca number with a stunning shape to it—not an easy feat when we’re essentially talking about really, really long sweaters. It’s certainly cozy, but not at all sloppy and still works for afternoon tea with your mom and aunts. Just don’t let them peek in your shopping bags—Santa has secrets.
Sidenote: If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to my dress today which is definitely an investment piece, take a look at this beauty which is under $70!
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I’ve paired the dress with what I consider to be the perfect shopping day bag, the Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag also by Mansur Gavriel found at Nordstrom. It’s functional but still truly stunning, and not so bulky as to get in the way of the task at hand. Because it’s chilly outside, I’ve topped things off with this beautiful double-breasted Boiled Wool Blend Coat from the same brand, which is so beautiful I’m just going to stare at it for a little while if you don’t mind.
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The holiday shopping look is really only half the story, because when the day is over you need to tote some serious gifts home, too. Given how early Thanksgiving and Black Friday are this year (yikes), I’m planning to one-stop-shop as much as possible at Nordstrom, aka my second home. If your shopping days are getting away from you, here’s my cheat sheet that’ll cover as many gifts as possible, in as little ground as possible. Only major drawbacks are all the things at Nordstrom that you’ll find for yourself getting in the way of accomplishing your mission. Focus, people, focus!
First, a Barefoot Dreams blanket and/or robe for ladies you love. I’ve gushed about them in the Monday Memo for a reason—they’re amazing. Next, for anything from hostess gifts to presents for your beloved besties, candles from Jo Malone in literally any variety are no-fail, every time. If it feels like a candle alone isn’t quite “enough,” toss in a box of Sugarfina candy to sweeten the deal. (Bad jokes, I’m sorry.)
If it ever feels like you’re gifting around in the dark, try my new favorite problem solver. Nordstrom’s Gift Finder is essentially a magic trick. You can select your recipient’s personality traits, style, gender, and other factors like price range, and it generates gift ideas that are actually really good. Also, if you live near a Nordstrom and you’re in a rush, remember you can always buy online and pickup curbside (they’ll literally hand you your bags and you never have to get out of the car) in just a matter of hours.
Go forth and shop ‘til you drop, or need a martini—whichever comes first. Just remember: the best gifts are the ones you shop for in a really, really amazing sweater dresses.
