That Time I Went to Nordstrom in Search of a Party Dress

This week my older son finishes middle school. Whether or not I’m ready for that is a post for another day, but for now, the issue is what to wear. I looked a bit online but didn’t find anything that I loved, so I decided to head to the mall and it turned in to an impromptu Nordstrom summer try on. There is no graduation ceremony this year, but we decided to host a party! A party, especially after a year of no parties, definitely requires a new dress, don’t you think? Here’s what I found during my Nordstrom summer try on.

Spoiler alert: I did not end up with a dress. I tried a few on, but ended up with this cute romper instead. Aaannndd…. it’s sold out. Fail. I’m linking it anyway since my store had several of them….. I can dress it up with a cute wedge (I came home with these amazingly priced cuties and this chunkier option) or make it more casual with low platform sandal. Between the sold out romper and the pile of clothes behind me in all the photos, you’d think I hadn’t been doing this blogging thing for very long. Don’t stop reading; I promise there are cute, in stock items to come!

I actually purchased this dress earlier this year but in a size small and didn’t like the fit or length. I’m wearing a medium here and am much happier with the fit. It’s still a little short for my 5’7″ frame, but that’s not a deal breaker. It comes in a gorgeous yellow color that I might order. Or black…

This dress was very pretty on the hanger but I didn’t love it on. I think the sleeve is really cute but it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be on or off the shoulder and that was driving me nuts. But the quality is good for the price! It is a nice fabric and fully lined.

I then went down a blue and white rabbit hole. Would it be a true Nordstrom summer try on if I didn’t try at least one blue item on? No, I don’t think so! You know my love for blue and white, especially stripes! This easy tee from Madewell has a cute pop of color at the collar and is just one of those tees I’ll reach for over and over.

I wish this Caslon tank covered regular bra straps a tad better, but it was cute enough and cheap enough that I brought it home anyway. I think I can make it work. Also, blue and white stripes! It comes in a ton of other colors, though, if that’s not your jam.

In addition to dresses, I went to Nordstrom today in search of sleeveless shirts now that the weather is warming up. Although I didn’t find a ton I liked, this one was a winner. They didn’t have a small so I’m wearing a medium here, but I think the small would be better. This would be cute for the 4th of July!

This top is also Madewell, and also a size small like the striped one above. As you can see, it’s more oversized than the striped one which I like. This comes in a lovely pumpkin color that gave me flashbacks to the Madewell pumpkin sweater I tried to make work at the 2019 Anniversary Sale. I ended up returning it. With that in mind, I chose the pale green this time around. You’re welcome.

I feel like you can never have enough pretty shirts like this that can be dressed up or dressed down. Although this one comes in blue as well, I chose this pink one. Aren’t you proud of me? I did see in the reviews that it may shrink when washed the first time. That said, I’d recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. Thankfully Nordstrom has amazing customer service so I know I can exchange it if this happens to me!

I’m going to leave you with this photo I posted in my stories yesterday. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the return of the shoulder pad trend, but I think I’ve now landed on a firm no. However, the dress is sold out which must mean there are many people who love them? Thanks to my friend Sara for pointing out that the big shoulders make my arms look fantastic. Just one of the many reasons why we are friends. 😉