The Westchester Sessions – Nordstrom White Plains, NY

I'm visiting seven Nordstrom stores over the next four months to shop new arrivals and the latest trends. You can get the dates and details right here. 

The first stop on my Nordstrom Spring/Summer Shopping Tour was at The Westchester store in White Plains, NY., where I spent two days 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 give you informed recommendations.

Nordstrom The Westchester - White Plains, NY.

NOTE: For reference on sizes, I'm almost 5'4" and typically wear an XS or S in tops, a size 4 in bottoms, and a 26 in denim. TTS or sized up/down will be noted.

summer casual no. 1

In case you hadn't heard the news - maxi skirts are trendy. This striped flouncy faux wrap feels like summer! There's the tiniest peek of red trim that adds a little more fun. Wear it with a blouse (skip the button up so it doesn't compete with the side ruffle), a tank or tee. You can keep it simple with white, of course, or break out something yellow, orange, purple, green...just keep the colors bright and bold. I added a vibrant orange crossbody, for instance. A neutral heeled sandal gave me a little needed height here. 

I'm wearing an xsmall in the skirt (sized down) and a small in the tee. An xsmall would have fit better, actually. The sandals are true to size and only slightly narrow (for my almost-wide foot, that is).

what i'm wearing

summer casual no. 2

Dress pants are tough for me and my figure. I was happy to find this wide crop linen blend pant that can be dressed up or worn with a sneaker and tee shirt. These pants are a nice quality and a great fit! I fit perfectly into my normal size 4, true to size. 

I found a plisse blouse to make these into a "work look". This top is true to size and on SALE. It would look great with jeans too. I'm wearing a small, TTS. 

The Tory Burch mini crossbody tote will hold your essentials and pair nicely with most of your wardrobe! It comes in five colors and one of them is on sale. 

what i'm wearing

summer casual no. 3

Shorts for women over 40 was recently a request from several clients and the biggest thing I was looking for when I went shopping. I'll tell you, it's tough!

There are plenty of short denim pairs and tiny athletic options but not a whole lot of "right above the knee" sightings. These linen shorts from Farm Rio could have used a little steam to de-wrinkle but still I think you can see how great they are. They have a 5" inseam. There's an off-white color as well. I'm wearing a small, true to size and do note they are meant to be easy and relaxed. 

I found a tank with knotted shoulders for just $29 from Caslon, available in 6 colors. I'm wearing a small but could have sized down for sure. 

I've been showing off this block-heeled sandal this week, available in three colors. The block heel makes them easy to wear!

The woven crossbody from Madewell matched the shoes perfectly!

what i'm wearing

summer casual no. 4

I found another pair of shorts! These just went on sale, too! The black stretch crepe shorts can be paired with a blazer, blouse or summer tee. I'm wearing a 6-a size up-for a more relaxed fit. They come in a fun bright citron shade as well. 

The Nordstrom brand blouse definitely runs big. I wish I'd had time to try a smaller size. It's a great piece for work or looking polished but I'd wear it with denim as well. There are six color choices available and it's on SALE! 

I bought these black heeled slide sandals to wear with just about everything. Then I found out they went on SALE too! Just $79.20. Yes ma'am they are comfortable. Available in three colors. 

what i'm wearing

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dress no. 1

This fit-and-flare dress is made for warm days. It's stretch cotton with a smocked bodice and pockets. I didn't know how great it fit until trying it on. What first got my attention was the bold print and that beautiful PINK! This is Nic & Zoe, Guys, and it's so GOOD! TTS.

The slide I chose from Vince Camuto runs a little big, FYI. It has a low heel, knotted detail and was very comfortable. The slide comes in four colors and is on sale for a limited time! 

what i'm wearing

dress no. 2

This stretch-cotton dress looks like dark denim. It has a fitted sleeveless bodice and a tiered and topstitched skirt for a look you'll wear everywhere. I just love the contrast stitching. The belt is a nice touch. Remove it to wear with your other outfits and consider adding another belt of your own to the dress! TTS.

The slingback leather sandal with an angled square toe is supportive and cute! The shoe is Velcro and adjustable. I love that rich cognac shade... it also comes in black and truffle. The stacked block heel makes it easy to walk in but do note it also makes it a little more casual. Wear with dresses, shorts, jumpsuits... just not the fancy ones.

what i'm wearing

dress no. 3

I'm here for the stripes, but did NOT love this dress the way it was intended to be styled... at least not on me. In fact, I was downright confused, but I'm glad I tried it anyway. I realized if I cinched the front, then wrapped the tie around and tied it in the back, it was darn cute, very flattering. It's under $100, but sizes are going fast. TTS. 

This woven Madewell crossbody is a rich caramel leather. Perfect accompaniment to the shoes.

what i'm wearing

dress no. 4

My husband said "You bought that, right?" A high-low silhouette and a ruched bodice perfect this sunny striped dress cut from cotton with a light stretch. The thigh area could be a little snug if you're especially "hipp-y". TTS.

I wanted color with this one and blue/orange is a winner in my book.

This nude Michael Kors patent sandal runs a little narrow, but even my "almost wide" foot fit in it. It's pretty. Worth it. 

what i'm wearing

dress no. 5

what i'm wearing

dress no. 6

Rails does it again. Drawstring ruching creates fabulous shape on this floral-print satin midi dress that's the perfect look for day or night. Sized p from a S to M.

I added a shot of color with a Longchamp bag and kept the sandals neutral.

what i'm wearing

dress no. 7

LOVE this! How pretty for your next party or vacation getaway! Wide, straps and a matching sash enhance this cotton sundress in a print of bright watercolor fronds. These colors will light up your summer (safe) tan! This one can go dressy OR somewhat casual and that block heel/bag combo do the trick. TTS.

what i'm wearing

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activewear look no. 1

I've shared this Zella romper for the last couple of years. It's a comfy one-and-done best seller that Nordstrom brings back every year. It comes in a few colors and I especially love it for traveling. I

can add a jacket over it, top it with a sweatshirt. It's great for layering and stretches with every move. Need to run for your plane? It's great with sneakers. 

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 2

Ah, here's another throw it on and go alternative to shorts and a tee.. a sporty racerback dress with an A-line shape you can move in.

Show up for the kids' games in this, run your errands or take it on vacation and wear a block heel sandal and a crossbody for your daytrips.

Easy. I could have accessorized just a little more but my husband had been patiently waiting for awhile already at this point. 

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 3

Well this was way more flattering than I thought. Pockets on the hips? I was going to skip it, but then I read the reviews and they were raving about it. I tried it and I agree. The fabric is a stretchy rib knit that is just heavy enough to smooth you out. It's seriously comfortable and the pockets actually don't protrude too much. Their placement is pretty helpful! Phone, key, chapstick slide inside without bulging your thighs.

The length was perfect for me. The small fit well, TTS. It's available in 3 colors and x-small to x-large.

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 4

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 5

Love a ponte knit anything but especially this adorable tank dress. This is the "let's go get ice cream" dress, the Target Run dress, the day at the water park dress. This is a perfect alternative to wearing shorts in the heat. Tie a sweater around your shoulders or your waist if you want to be extra cute and sporty. 

Oh..and those are Veja runner-inspired sneakers that caught my eye. Veja - all the cool girls are doing it.

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 6

The "tennis core" trend is alive and kicking! My stylist friends and I were just talking about this today! Golf, tennis, chasing your kids around the playground...whatever your sport (even if you play no sport at all) this is what the fashionable sporty ladies are wearing. Add a sweater. Switch to a visor. Grab your pickleball paddle and hit the court. This is comfortable and will give you enough coverage!

what i'm wearing

activewear look no. 7

I live in this one, live in it. This utility dress has a front zipper and bungee cord adjustable waist. Isn't she cute! It is available in a few colors, but sizes are selling out fast! Sweat in it, spill on it, get it dirty...it's okay. It's outdoorsy and machine washable.  

what i'm wearing

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