Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Rule #1 for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…

don’t get caught up in the hype if you don’t “need” anything!

Seriously. Things have really changed over the years with the arrival of the fashion blogger scene…. now influencers. Yes, I love them too. It’s just making the sale landscape more and more difficult for “regular” people and non-cardholders every year.

The mind-boggling number of #nsale posts on Instagram causes a lot of hype and frenzy…

and if you follow quite a few of the influencers (which I absolutely do) you’ll suffer a serious case of FOMO if you attempt to hold your wallet tight and ignore the sale.

The top question I get is “why is everything already sold out?” Ugh…. that’s the most frustrating part of what has happened to the sale in recent years.

There are literally thousands of influencers posting about the same FINITE group of items…

top influencers will reach over 100K people (some with much more) with one little post! These top influencers have what Nordstrom calls “icon” status and they get to shop VERY early. Hence all the #nsale posts for the past 3 weeks when MOST people couldn’t even get a “preview” look.

Some call this exclusive, some call it elitist.

You get to decide how it makes you feel.

Then shop or don’t, accordingly.

How does one get marked “icon status”? Spend over $15,000.00 a year at Nordstrom alone. Yep, I wrote that correctly… $15k. Yikes. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a BIIIIG money maker for the influencer scene so your social media channels are getting bombarded right now. Do some popular items sell out before “regular” people even get a chance to take a look? Yes.

Do they ever restock? Sometimes. Can I find these or very similar pieces at a later date? Sometimes no but usually yes. Will I find the sold-out items at other retailers throughout the season? Yes! Often.

With the exception of BP items, of course, their in-house brand.

So if you want to hold out…. you can. Booties will freaking go on sale again, lol. As will jeans. And so will cardigans. Especially with the current climate in 2020… retailers will still fight for your attention with killer Fall sales. Promise!

Moving forward, I feel like I can serve you best by simply pointing out the things on my own personal wishlist and my reasons why. I hope it helps you decide if you’ll shop or not!

You can scroll through below… or head straight to my shoppable storefront here. This is where all of my shoppable style boards live… and you’ll identify the sale boards by “Nordstrom Anniversary Sale” at the beginning of every title.

First up….stylish comfort. I know for sure that I’ll be home a lot more in the Fall because um #COVID so it makes sense to spend money where I’ll use it, for comfy at-home pieces.

Just click the picture to shop!

And it makes a whole lot of sense to grab some on-trend fashion sneakers. You can use them with leggings, jeans, jackets,

or to make a dress feel more casual. Those are great reasons to add some to your list!

And speaking of comfort, take a look at the best in athleisure while you’re at it!

Just click to shop.

Enjoy! Send me an email anytime and I can create a personalized Nordstrom Sale board for you!

Xo, Jaime

Don't Forget The Accessories

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your outfit was missing something?

Maybe you put on your favorite dress or you paired up your best blouse and hottest jeans for date night and felt just “meh”.

You probably forgot the accessories!

This often-overlooked element will complete your look and help you get that “put-together” feeling.

Even jeans and a t-shirt look better with a belt, great shoes, and the right jewelry to complete the outfit.

It’s like the icing on the cake.

Let’s start with belts.

If the loops are there, please use them! It just gives your jeans or pants that “complete” feeling.

You can add a leopard belt to accent a solid top and pair of jeans or you can try a fun Obi belt which is fantastic for belting a loose black dress in the Summer.

Don’t forget to accessorize!

Next up: jewelry. Whether it’s earrings or a necklace, don’t forget the impact your jewelry can make on an outfit. Check out my favorites below.

It’s a shoppable board, if you see something that strikes your fancy, click on the picture and check it out.

Speaking of icing on the cake… my absolute favorite accessory for jeans and a t-shirt is a pair of statement earrings or a long tassel necklace, usually just one or the other for me. But if you love a good statement earring AND a long necklace, you do you! I also feel much more “complete” when I accessorize a simple outfit with a bunch of gold jewelry. Combine a pair of studs with a simple bracelet, an inital necklace, and rings and you’re accessorizing just like Jennifer Anniston.

And finally, shoes.

Don’t let them be an afterthought. Red flats are the best pop of color and sass for dark skinnies and a black tee. Strappy pumps are great for a party top and jeans… see where I’m going here? Don’t forget the effort in shoes. Below is a shoppable board, click on it and dig in!

If you think your shoe game could use a little work, check out the fun ideas above. Do you have red flats? If not, why not start there? I use my red flats whenever I need something special for a “plain” outfit like jeans and a black tank or jeans and a leopard sweater.

How about an animal print shoe? Leopard flats are a great idea, printed pumps rock, and checkout the booties too!

As always, if you’re looking for a style update and want me to help you, let’s get going. Get it done now, no more boredom with your current style.

Xo, J

Bad Style Habits You Need To Stop Now

The best way to fall into a big ole style rut is to keep on keepin’ on with the bad style habits above.

Let’s start with a biggie, negative self-talk.  Those nasty little things you’d NEVER tell someone else but you have no problem repeating to yourself like, “ugh my stomach is so fat, I hate my thighs, I could never pull that off, I look like an idiot, I wish I was taller, shorter, thinner, I’m not cool enough, I’m not good enough…”  you get the picture.

It’s natural to have that inner critic to a degree but you’ve got to have a limit. 

Stop yourself before it becomes a constant inner negative dialogue. Go do your Google research.  There’s plenty of brain research with evidence to show the negative effects on the words you HABITUALLY say to yourself. Negative self-talk is toxic and there are damaging effects. I’m no expert in the field but I don’t want to just run off to the next paragraph and leave you hanging.  You can find lots of cool exercises via internet search to first identify YOUR negative self-talk, write it down, and exercise replacement language. Pretty cool stuff.  Promise me you’ll take a look?

Moving along, want to stay stuck in old boring style habits?  Then wear the same outfit combinations day in and day out. K? Here’s my advice: Don’t try anything new.  Stay safely inside that style comfort zone! Ok, sarcasm voice next…. I mean yuck, try something new and you might risk a few compliments, you might experience a confidence boost, you might feel new and refreshed…  see where I’m goin’ here?

I style a lot of Moms in the late 30s and early 40s.  They come to me craving something new, refreshed, chic, and they want to stop the boredom.  Do you know what I see a lot of? This age range is (typically) finished with having kids and the current kiddos are a little grown now. Mom finally got a chance to reflect on herself, take a look at her style.  The years consumed in diapers, bottles, walking and Kindergarten are over and Mom is no longer on the back burner.

In my experience, they’re all stuck in the same patterns they developed before kids. They’re still buying (or using) the same sizes, cuts, shapes, stores, and outfit combinations that worked well for them over a decade ago! The #1 safe outfit combination is the skinnies and oversized blouse routine. Sidenote: If that skinnies/big blouse uniform rocks your style world and you’re confident and happy, feel free to give me the finger, lol. But I’m talking to those who use that same ONE outfit combination over and over again, mindlessly…. and now you feel the dreaded rut.

In my experience and the larger point, take a look every now and then at what you’re creating style-wise.  Try a new silhouette, try a new denim cut or a new color, change up the shoes or accessories…

just wear something outside of your comfort zone! 

What’s the worst thing that can happen? Worst case: you hate the outfit for one dang day and you learned something new about your likes/dislikes.  The world will not crumble.  

Ok, next.  Stop grabbing a piece just because the price was great. 

“But it was on clearance”.

But do you actually NEED it? Do you have a similar piece already?  Do you really love it? Does it fit right? Does it flatter your shape? And I mean actually fit, not “it’s cheap so I’ll make it work.”  Please look past the immediate gratification of a sale...

You won’t keep reaching for that “make it work” piece for very long and eventually it becomes a discouraging item you’ll have to look past each morning…  hello, closet full of nothing. Ask yourself if you’d still want (and need) the item if it was full price. Another question to consider is, “how can I style this in a few ways with what I already have in my closet?”   Which leads me to…  

Oh gosh, you’ve gotta shop with a plan!  Or at least just HAVE a style plan. A closet full of NOTHING to wear ends up that way because of the things you mindlessly buy and toss in there.  What kind of plan you ask? A style roadmap! A style plan. One that includes your clear vision for what you want your style to say about you, list of foundation pieces for you and then sprinkle in lifestyle, budget, and body type as the remaining factors.  

If you know your style type and take an inventory of your closet, a style plan will guide you to buy only what you need, buy only that which aligns with the plan.   Follow these quick tips and you’re well on your way to better style in 2020! Cheers! j

All About Jeans

Have you seen my Denim Guide yet? Take a look! It contains the 3 main things you should really know about buying jeans. I recently left Stitch Fix after 4 years of styling and surpassed the 15,000 mark for boxes styled (with very satisfied clients I might add). So, I know a thing or two about denim. And I know it can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, right?

And believe me, I know how a killer pair of jeans can make a women feel.  When I scheduled a photo shoot to capture some images for my business, all the fears of inadequacy and lack of confidence started creeping in.  

I kicked the fear to the curb by carefully planning my look, planning outfits that made me feel comfortable and confident.  I decided on the Good American skinnies that fit exactly the way I wanted them to.

Do you know which style and fit makes you feel most confident?

You’ll be off to a great start with my guide.

Xo, Jaime

Power In Personal Style

Who we are as human beings is more important than what we are wearing.  I don’t know anyone who would argue that.  

However, I wouldn’t call it superficial to put serious thought into your personal style, your image.  There is power in a signature style… one that matches who you are on the inside and propels you to where you want to go next.  We all know…

when you look good, you feel good.

Maybe, similar to me, you have a second career, maybe you’ve set goals for a promotion, you’re working on your personal brand, or perhaps you simply use style to elevate your mood. 

Whatever the reason, personal style starts on the inside; in your soul and your mind. 

The clothing is secondary.

I’ve talked to so many women about the “inside stuff” and I promise you…  there’s magic in the alignment of your internal self to the clothing that sits on the outside.  Stop the madness! End the cycle of a closet full of nothing to wear!

This is how I define personal style. Xo, JD

“Personal style starts on the inside; in your soul and your mind. 

The clothing is secondary.”

— Jaime Diehl, Personal Stylist

How To Wear A Pop Of Color In Your Shoes

So they say Spring is arriving soon (still a high in the 40s on April 11th ugh) and we're all going a bits nuts waiting for warm air...   so adding some excitement with color is really on my mind.  I can still be in jeans and chunky layers but add a pop of color with my shoes.    

Color can be intimidating for a lot of ladies so a classic red sandal is MUCH easier for adding color to your wardrobe than a bold red dress.  

On the left, blogger Rachel Martino, adds the slightest pop of red to black jeans and a striped tee.  I added the perfect little strappy red sandals in the catalog.  

Ever since Oliva Palermo wore cobalt shoes on her wedding day, I've been rather obsessed with that for a pop of color.

As seen below at VivaLuxury, cobalt doesn't need much else going on.  It looks so nice with a dark navy outfit, dark jeans, or an all-black outfit to make them pop.   

Cobalt, or any colorful shoe for that matter, doesn't need much of anything besides jeans and a white blouse like MimiGStyle does it here.  

And seriously, what's NOT to love about hot pink suede AND a bow all on the same shoe?  Pair these with a colorful, printed dress to go all out or go with the classic reference above, jeans and a white top.  

Rather than a pop of solid color, how about a cute printed shoe???

These Nine West pumps can be used casually with jeans and a solid top like the Banana Republic eyelet top above or you can try a little pattern pairing and use them with a striped tee! 

As always, be sure you feel comfortable and remain true to your personal style.  

I have so many more cute options in the catalog so be sure to take a look. 

Can't put all of this together on your own?  Think about hiring a Personal Stylist.    Email me today!  Jaime@jaimediehlstyle.com

Xo, Jaime

Cute Shirt Alert! Create That Cute Mom Style Here

It's stylish, it's versatile, comes in a few colors, and can be dressed up or down...

what's not to love???

Look at just a few ways you can style this Twist Front Cozy Fleece Pullover by Gibson. 

They have basic black, heather grey, a pop of coral, and quite a few more!  

If you're a Mommy who is just beginning to work on her Personal Style, this top has a trendy front twist that is a nice little update to your basic tee but it's not over-the-top trendy.

I promise this is that top that can be dressed down with some leggings and sneakers, you can step it up one notch with boyfriend jeans and stylish flats, then go "elevated casual" with skinnies and a blazer or cool moto jacket, and finally- style it for work just like the adorable Jessica from Petite Style Script. 

Add your favorite chinos or trousers, blazer, and pumps, and be sure to add a statement necklace to complete your look.  

I hear from Moms often, "I would love to buy that but I have no idea how it will fit my body!"  I hear you ladies.  For this top (especially if you're debating the petite), I have a few tips.

• Use the reviews!  There are over 800 of them!  Find someone who is nice enough to give their measurements and which size they went with.  Seriously, why ever leave a review that says, "Love it! The medium is perfect".   Ummm.... who exactly is that helping ladies?  So side note, be a little thoughtful to the next lady and say, "I am x lbs and x height and the large was too loose or the medium worked perfectly."  Anyway...
•  Use the measurement in the product description to your advantage.  Seriously, run to your closet and pull out that favorite tee shirt or basic top you wear all.the.time.  What's the length?  Compare that to the measurement of the online item to make a purchasing decision. 
• Retailers are beginning to catch on that they could at least help us out a little by giving the model's measurements but not all retailers have caught on.  
• Shop online at places that offer free shipping/returns and take advantage of trying a few different sizes.  "Over pull" for yourself like I do for my in-person clients.  Keep the ones with a perfect fit, return the rest.  Your credit card will survive the few days it takes to do this.  

A few more styling ideas...  now go give it a try!  

This purple option below is a great way to add some color to your wardrobe as we all want to bust those Winter blues...  now!  

So many cute colors here.

If you decide to give it a go, be sure to drop a line here in the comments and let me know!  I would love to hear from you. 

And as always, if you are ready to step out of that style rut and work on your Personal Style, you can email me here.

Xo, Jaime

My posts often contain affiliate links.  I may earn a small commission if you purchase an item I linked but it will not affect your cost of the items.  It helps support a small portion of the time I take to create a post to share with you.  Thanks!   

Why Hire A Personal Stylist?

Why Hire A Personal Stylist?

I can hear some of you now.  “Me?  Hire a Personal Stylist?  Stylists are for celebrities, right?”   I get it.  It sounds too fancy for you.  I am “just” a Mom, who am I to hire a stylist?  I’m just a busy, working, “average” woman and hiring a stylist is for famous people.   

Not true anymore.  No matter who you are, no matter your stage of life, no matter where you’re working… in the home, out of the home for someone else, launching your own business;

You have goals in life; places you see yourself going.

   

Even if it’s just surviving into tomorrow!  We all know that putting on a great outfit can boost our mood and our energy.  We know that a great-fitting pair of jeans helps us feel good on date night.  We’ve all been told to dress to impress when we’re going to a job interview, reentering the workforce after years at home (heck, I’ve been there) or aiming for a promotion.

A Personal Stylist will work with you to determine your body shape, your image desires, and your personal style…  even if you don’t really have one.   

I understand that discussions about clothing can feel superficial, that focusing on your image can feel shallow, even selfish for some.  But the truth of the matter is this:

people will form an opinion about you within seconds of your encounter with them.

I know this sentiment is not ideal but it IS reality and I can help.  A Personal Stylist can make this all so much easier to manage by teaching you about the shapes and cuts that will flatter your body.    

A personal stylist is trained to help you find the clothes that look best on you and will help you coordinate outfits for different occasions.  When we think we look good, we feel good. It’s as simple as that and you know you’ve heard this all before so please know that  

feeling your very best isn’t a luxury reserved for fashion bloggers and the rich and famous.

Just as you let a hair stylist cut your hair and just like a personal trainer would develop a workout routine, I will help you build a wardrobe that makes getting dressed easier.  I will help you find clothing that reflects your personal style and lifestyle.  Perhaps putting a good outfit together doesn’t come naturally to you.  That’s where a stylist comes in.  I started this business because I really enjoy showing people how to “put it all together”.  I am good at translating fashion inspiration and current trends into a REAL woman’s closet.  I am good at putting your style thoughts and desires into words and into your closet.   

If you’re intimidated because you think a Personal Stylist is going to cost a lot, not only can I break down my services into stages for you…  you’ll save money in the long wrong if you’re taught to purchase pieces you know you love and fit well.   You’ll save time and money when you STOP buying pieces that are good enough just so you can get out of the store….and even worse if you never end up pulling them out of the closet.

If you’re intimidated by the presence of a personal stylist… you should know that my approach is as warm and friendly as it is honest.  I truly enjoy helping other women feel great about themselves, simple as that.  It does not serve you or me to be judgmental about your current looks.  

This is not What Not To Wear and I will not strong arm you into getting rid of pieces that you can’t let go of.  

But I will balance that with truthful assessments on what’s working in your closet and what isn’t.  You should read more about my philosophy on personal style here.

You deserve to let a trained eye translate the current fashion trends (as well as the tried and true classics) into your closet.  Let me tell you one thing I have heard over and over again with clients     

________________

“I never would have tried

that on if you didn’t recommend it.

And now I love it!”

________________

Getting dressed is easier, starting the day is easier... when your closet is filled with clothes that have been specifically chosen for you, your shape, and your lifestyle.  And I am ready to help. 

  

My services might be right for you if:

You have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

You are currently using only 20% of the clothes in your closet.

You have some cute pieces and NO IDEA how to put them together.

You’d like to make the most of what you already own.

You need help identifying your personal style.

You’d like to understand your body type and how to buy clothes that flatter.

You’re facing a life transition; reentering the workforce, promotion, career change, just graduated.  

I hope to hear from you soon.  XO, Jaime