The Fashion Valley Sessions – Nordstrom San Diego, CA

The second stop on my Nordstrom Spring/Summer Shopping Tour was at the Fashion Valley store in San Diego CA., where I spent time in the dressing room trying on new arrivals and the latest trends to know the fit, fabric and feel of each item so I can share my honest opinion and give you informed recommendations.

Keep scrolling to see the 17 looks I tried on including 6 summer fashion finds, 6 two-piece sets, and 5 from Faherty...

Nordstrom Fashion Valley

no. 001 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

A messy bun and darling little dress from Farm Rio to the rescue. This puff sleeve floral belted dress is a lightweight cotton blend. I'm wearing a small, true to size. I'm a petite 5'3 for reference on the length.

Great colors, don't you think? When wearing a shorter dress, I like an ankle strap or a lower heel... just my preference at 49yo.

how to style

no. 002 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

Ulla Johnson makes some of the dreamiest blouses and dresses. The details are incredibly detailed and typically very feminine (ruffles, cinched waists, puff sleeves, flirty hems). I'm struck by the gorgeous shade of rose and the sweetheart neckline.

My size wasn't on the floor so I'm wearing a size up, for reference, but would purchase the dress TTS in a 4. The bodice is adjustable and it has pockets, my friends.

Stylist tip: Keep the ankle clear and top of foot clear unless you are taller than me and have lots of leg room between that hem and your shoe.

how to style

no. 003 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

My only complaint is that the sleeves are set so far apart, they would slide off of my shoulder. This is the perfect opportunity to mention lingerie straps. Some dresses come with them already inside. It's a little strand of threads with snaps that you wrap around your bra straps to keep garment straps, shoulders in place. The Nordstrom alterations staff can put them in for you or almost any alterations professionals can.

Another option is to wear this off-the-shoulders. I'm wearing a nude sandal and don't mind the ankle strap because the color sort of disappears on my leg anyway.

This Jeffrey Campbell sandal has a fun stylish little heel!

how to style

no. 004 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

There was a lot of interest in this beautiful blouse and the fitted cargo pants. The blouse is a small and the sleeves are quite full and long, I just rolled up the cuff. With the fullness of the sleeve, adding a belt to the waist was a great design choice... so us shorties still have shape and don't get lost in the blouse. You know I love a loose belted style to hide a little tummy pooch too (secret weapon).

It's most flattering when a full top is paired with a slim bottom or vice versa. These cargo pants by Paige work perfectly. The color is right on-not too yellow and not too dark, an easy neutral shade to pair up easily. These are pretty long. I rolled them under for this photo. I was wearing the size 26 and they are really soft and stretchy, very comfortable. They are a slim cargo style perfect for little ladies and tall girls alike, pockets not too big and bulky. I'd say "try this trend". I believe it's going to hang around for a while as I have been seeing it everywhere!

how to style

no. 005 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

I just love this combo!! Bow blouses are going to be showing up all over the fashion crowd for fall (and now). This one by Alice & Olivia is so fun and fanciful and I adore the contrasting bow! Too frilly for you? Pair it with denim!

The Paige Genevieve high waist flare jeans go beautifully with the soft top. If you haven't scored a pair of light wash flares yet, it's time. These have a lot of stretch and I was happy with the styling of the backside too. I hear there's enough length for taller ladies too.

This heeled sandal was high enough and the pants long enough that the hem didn't get stuck underfoot and the shoe virtually disappears under that hem.

how to style

no. 006 summer fashion

what i'm wearing

Love L'Agence... Love. Love. Love. These joggers have cool contrast stitching and I like the placement of the welt pocket on the back, minimizes the tush. They are a nice heavy cotton, good to pull on through the fall and winter too. I'm wearing a 27, size 4.

You can wear a tee or sweater with your joggers, but why not dress them up a little? This silk charmeuse button-up blouse is a timeless piece and always an elegant choice (TTS). The crewneck cardigan was part of the new collection. The ornate gold buttons say quiet luxury, timeless style. It's slightly cropped and would be a winner over dresses (sheath or A-line) left open. Button it all the way up and wear with high-waisted bottoms or put a slim tank/cami underneath for midriff coverage, if you prefer.

These fabulous gold sandals from Loeffler Randall finished so many of my outfits and completely won my heart.

how to style

no. 007 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

I'm so excited to share this sustainable fashion find with you! These two pieces from Sanctuary look like a bold jumpsuit when paired together, but you can also break them apart for a whole lot more outfit options.

The shirred peplum tank is a trending piece that emphasizes the waist and camouflages a pooch. I love peplums, and this fun print reminds me of Farm Rio, but you can get the look for less.

Bold printed pants are also a hot summer trend. If this is a little loud for you, you can tone it down with a simple neutral top. But I say go for it! The print is so fun and summery, and it's a great way to add some personality to your outfit. TTS.

how to style

no. 008 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

This matching set from Vince Camuto is amazing. The color is called Chili Oil, and it's such a rich and beautiful shade of Bordeaux... which is a color that will everywhere soon. The top is a cutaway tank that drapes perfectly in satin. You can tuck it in to show off your shape, or leave it loose and relaxed. It's perfect for hiding a tummy or balancing your hips. The pants are wide-leg and have an elastic waist, so they're super comfortable.

The top runs large, so I recommend sizing down. It's also recommended to size down in the pants, but I'm wearing a small (my typical size) and I wouldn't go any smaller. If you're not sure what size to order, I would recommend ordering two sizes to compare.

I absolutely love this set, and I think it would be perfect for any occasion. You could dress it up for a night out, or dress it down for a casual day. I can't wait to see how you style it!

how to style

no. 009 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

I've been seeing two-piece short suits all over the place lately, and I wanted to try one out for myself. I found this short-sleeve version by Treasure & Bond, and I'm really loving it.

The fabric is a cotton blend, which is perfect for summer. It's lightweight and breathable, but it still has a bit of structure. The plaid pattern is neutral, so it's easy to fit into my closet. But it also has a touch of pink in it, which makes it a bit more feminine.

The jacket is meant to be a relaxed "cool girl" fit. I'm usually a size 4, but I sized up to a 6 in the shorts. They don't have much stretch, so I wanted a looser, more comfortable fit.

how to style

no. 010 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

This ensemble is dressy-casual. The tank just looks like summer, such a pretty color. Size down for sure! If you're small chested, maybe even two sizes. The skirt would look great with a simple fitted tank or tee and has two button-holes to give more or less room in the waist. Both pieces are sustainable organic cotton by Faherty.

The gold heeled slide has a pretty little bow and dresses up every outfit! I paired it with all sorts of things.

how to style

no. 011 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

Here's another one I've been talking a lot about. Faherty made this great 2-pc set that lets me try the trend without showing off too much of my mid-section. I've been really into orange lately and I think this color works for fair skin, medium or deep. I'd wear this right into the early fall with boots and a jacket too. 

how to style

no. 012 two-piece set

what i'm wearing

One of the hottest brands around is Farm Rio. The details on their pieces are so good and the colors let you stand out in the crowd. The bright bolds they often use just put me in a good mood! Here's a 2-piece set that would be fantastic on vacation because you could mix and match with a ton of colors and pieces you pack. 

For a more casual set, try this cobalt blue from Rails. That gauzy cotton look is in every store. This organic cotton set is sold separately. Worn together it looks like a romper, break it up and make a bunch more outfits. Stay cool and look stylish in your shorts set!

how to style

no. 013 faherty

what i'm wearing

I appreciate a loose dress in the heat of summer. This halter neck is a beautiful shade of paprika-the color of the season-and can be belted if you want to show off your shape a bit. Responsibly sourced organic cotton will last you for years! This was actually a medium, but a small (TTS) would have been even better.

how to style

no. 014 faherty

what i'm wearing

Two piece sets are where it’s at. Everybody’s making them! I’m at an age where I won’t be doing a short crop top but a sliver of skin still feels appropriate and fun. I’d wear with anything high-waisted. Break up this set and wear a bunch of ways… perfect for packing versatility on vacay. The washed orange organic cotton looks pretty with fair skin and golden tones. I’m wearing a small in both, true to size. 

how to style

no. 015 faherty

what i'm wearing

Here’s another 2-pc set in a beautiful hibiscus color with an orchid print. I’m wearing the top In a small but it’s too big. Size down. Also comes in military olive and white. The wrap skirt has two button holes in case you need a little more room... or less.

how to style

no. 016 faherty

what i'm wearing

Maxi dresses are big with the fashion set at the moment and why not? Comfortable, conservative and your legs are covered, which is sometimes a blessing. This gauzy seersucker cotton one comes in military green and white. I’m wearing an xsmall here but tried small and it was good too.

how to style

no. 017 faherty

what i'm wearing

I heard a cute woman exclaim “I love this jumpsuit” when she walked into the store so I had to check it out. I’d go down in size because it’s roomy and the top was slipping off my shoulder. Or… you could have a lingerie strap attached to hook it to your bra strap. Or... just have a stitch put in the front to close it and keep it up.

how to style

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