Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2012 — Online Cardholders’ Presale

Can I just start off by saying I have the best Nordstrom personal shopper in the galaxy??  Not only does she not mind my random, rambling emails about riding boots, but she does amazing things like call me this morning and tell me that she’s saved two of the things I wanted most!  (Nordstrom Dulles– you guys are amazing!!!!!) 

Granted, I just bought them over the phone so that I can come in and try them on in person tomorrow, but still–it’s the thought that counts!  While the Nordstrom sale always has amazing stuff, it’s all limited edition. 

Meaning?  Stuff sells out quick.  So you have got to move fast if you want to get the good deals!

I don’t have my appointment to shop the preview in person until tomorrow, but for card holders, you can shop the sale online starting today!  (We get a full nine days to ourselves before it opens to the public on July 20.)

Now, I know what you’re thinking.  “Tier!  Nordstrom isn’t budget friendly!  What’s your deal?!  How do you have all this money to spend!?”  Well, my friends, it’s called budgeting.  Whenever I know a big sale is coming up that I want to shop, I stop all my other excess spending in preparation.  I try to cut out all my random buys at Homegoods, or random trips to CVS–whatever it takes to make sure that I have enough money set aside to get the things I want at the sale!   I usually only do this a few times a year–if I know Target is doing a designer collaboration that is making me die with excitement, and for the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom.

Okay, enough rambling.  Here’s some of the stuff I liked online.  (Warning–this is a huge post!)

Tory Burch “Nadine” Riding Boot – $299.90 (after sale, almost $500!)

Man–if I had to pick a dream riding boot, this would be it.  It comes in black too.  I just don’t know if I feel comfortable spending that much on a pair of shoes…

Also, there are quite a few Michael Kors watches…

Michael Kors ‘Cameron’ Round Bracelet Watch – $166.90

This Michael Kors ‘Cameron’ style watch comes in mixed metal (above), gold ($183.90), and rose gold ($183.90)

The North Face “Osito” fleece jacket – $73.90

I really love this coat–I got it last year, and I wore it ALL winter.  It’s SO soft and SO warm–all my friends always pet it!

Vince Camuto “Brooklee” boot.  $169.90

A gorgeous riding boot–maybe a good alternative to the Tory Burch pair!  This comes in dark brown and black as well.

I love the gold and tortoise-shell on this MK Bradshaw watch…

Michael Kors “Bradshaw” Chronograph Bracelet Watch – $183.90

Cole Haan “Air Monica” Wedge – $109.90

Thought these were the cutest little work shoe!

Michael Kors “Parker” Chronograph watch  – $166.90

Uh oh–this might be the watch that gets me.  A few months ago, I saved and saved to buy a beautiful rose gold version, but I returned it after a few days.  I never found the right watch, so maybe this is it!

Joan & David “Quimberly” pump – $129.90

Love these pumps–they’re so Prada!

Sperry Top-Sider Pearlfish Boat Shoe – $59.90

Ahh!  Love these Sperrys!  I actually don’t have a brown pair, and the fact that these have leopard is just perfect!

bebe Mixed Media Trench – $119.90

Yay!  My coat!  You guys have no idea how long I’ve been looking for a coat exactly like this! I’m thinking I’ll swap out the belt for something leopard.  

Case Mate Tough Anchor case – $24.90

Case mate Tough Bulldog case – $24.90

Calvin Klein Mixed Media Colorblock Sheath Dress – $78.90

Buffalo by David Bitton Double Breasted coat – $119.90

I love this coat!  It looks so warm and cozy!  Although, it makes that model look almost bulky–maybe it’s too warm and cozy?

Michael Kors Equestrian Flap belt – $46.90

Such a great Fall belt!  I wear belts almost every day, so maybe it’s time to stop buying cheapo ones from H&M that end up ripping apart, and invest in some nice thick leather…

Ambition Stripe Knit Jacket – $64.90

I’m torn about this coat.  I don’t think I would wear it, but I like the possibilities it offers for easy print mixing.  If you paired a floral dress with this, it would lend such a quirky funky vibe.  Or even leopard print!  The great thing about black and white stripes is that it’s a good background for most other prints.  

DKNY “Street Smart” Notched Bezel Chronograph Watch – $129.90

You know, I can’t say I’ve ever seen a watch this color–like a dark steel.  It’d definitely set you apart from all the gold Michael Kors watches floating around!  (Not even trying to hate.)

Okay, that’s probably enough for now.  Did I miss any brands you were curious about?  Let me know, and I’ll see what I can do!

Also, look out for my post this week about shopping the actual sale in store!

Happy Sale, Nordstrom lovers!

Tory Burch iPhone Case for $25

As a special deal for FB fans, Tory Burch has an adorable navy poppy iPhone case for only $25 today!  (And free shipping!)

I’ve been looking for a new case ever since my rubber Kate Spade nautical case started ripping, and my gold/white polka dot Kate Spade case started to lose the gold dots… so….

Go here to buy it!  

(Note:  If you’re having a hard time getting the price to reflect the discount, try going to the Tory Burch Facebook page and navigating through there!)

Neiman Marcus x Target Holiday Collaboration!

Target has garnered lots of attention in recent years with their collaborations with big name designers like Missoni, Rodarte, Tucker, Anna Sui, and Proenza Schouler.

After The Shops at Target debuted earlier this year, I wasn’t sure if they were going to go that route with big name designers anymore, and instead would focus on smaller boutiques.  But, Target announced today that their new collaboration would be debuting on December 1, and would be with the uppity-priced, department store behemoth Neiman Marcus.

I was kind of like, Okay, Good Idea, Whatever, until I read more of the story.  Guys.  This isn’t just a collaboration with the department store, but a collaboration with all the designers that store carries.

Here’s the line up from Target’s blog:

Ranging in price from $7.99 to $499.99, with most items less than $60, the collection boasts an impressive designer roster: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.

Are you kidding me?!  Read through those names again, and try not to die.  Can you even imagine getting Brian Atwood or Tory Burch shoes at Target?!  Or a Marchesa gown?  Or a DvF wrap dress?  OSCAR DE LA RENTA, people!

This is going to make me nervous–way more nervous than the Jason Wu sale did earlier this year.  (And I was a wreck over that one!)  

Here’s another quote from Target:

The designers were given the freedom to explore categories they felt strongly about—some chose to create products that fall in their area of “expertise,” while others took this as an opportunity to explore an entirely new category. What results is an unforgettable collaboration that we can’t wait for you to see.

What a cool concept!  It’ll be interesting to see what the designers come up with, but I got to admit–I hope some of them stay true to what made them famous!  (DvF, I’m coming for you!)

Look for the collection in stores and online on (SIGH) December 1!

Tory Burch "Caroline" Flat

Okay, so I know some people really loathe the giant Tory Burch medallion that adorns all the Reva flats, but I kind of dig it.  Like, a lot.  Maybe because my name starts with a “T”, and the logo is like two giant T’s hanging out and being best friends..  (Although, one of my coworkers, who likes to analyze all my shoes, told me that he thought it looked like I was an Indian maiden trying to smuggle giant coins or something.  Haha.  Men are silly.)

Anyway, I do love my Revas, and I wear them almost every day.  

The black with the gold hardware is my go-to, and since I wear tons of black/leopard/red, it’s a nice classic shoe that goes with everything.

Tory Burch “Reva” flat.  $195

I know $200 is a lot for a shoe.  (And, I totally think these are kind of overpriced…)  But, you’ll wear it all the time.  BUT, I will warn you.  These can be kind of uncomfortable.  Especially when they are brand new, out of the box.  The upper part can dig into the top of your foot until the leather stretches out (a few times of wear), and the sole is kind of hard.  AND the back can flop off.  (I know what you’re thinking.  TIER, why do you insist on wearing/buying them if they are so difficult to work with?!  I know.  I know.  I just can’t help myself.  I love them so much.)

That’s why I was super excited to see the “Caroline” model go on sale at Nordstrom.

Tory Burch “Caroline” flat – $154 (reg $235)

Guys.  Guys.  I got this shoe in navy (not listed on the website–I got it at the TB outlet), and it is maybe 23094 times more comfortable that the classic Reva.  That blue band you see is actually elastic, and it makes the shoe so much more comfortable.  (Plus, it doesn’t flop off the end of my foot!)

I know that $154 is still kind of expensive for a flat, but you’ll like it.  Trust me.  And it’s SO cute and nautical and will go with all your navy/red dresses.

Your New iPhone Case

Since the glorious day I got my first iPhone last year, I’ve only had two cases.  Two!  You’d think a girl who likes changing her handbag a few times a month would have more than two iPhone cases.  (Although, to be honest, my first case was a navy and white nautical Kate Spade cover, and everyone thought I was matching my phone to my outfit all the time.  Little did they know that when the majority of your life is white and navy, matching be easy!)

My current iPhone case is also Kate Spade, and it’s white with gold polka dots.  (Basically Taylor Sterling and I are besties!)  But lately, I’ve been thinking about switching again.   My favorite place to get iPhone cases is from Nordstrom, since they have an amazing selection.

Kate Spade “All in a Day’s Work” case

This is a serious contender for my next case.  I love the retro feel.

Kate Spade “All Eyes” case

I like the pop-art, Warholish feel of this…but I would have LOVED the addition of some red lips.

Kate Spade “Airmail” case

In case you didn’t know, I’m a consultant for an IT company, and one of our big contracts is with USPS.  This would be cute when I have to go downtown to Postal HQ!

Kate Spade polka dot case

Out of Print “Great Gatsby” case

If they had a Hemingway one, I might have to cave and buy it.

Tory Burch leopard case

This is the other serious contender.  You can’t go wrong with leopard and Tory’s double T’s.

Any other brands make super cute iPhone cases?  Let me know!

xoxo

Tier

How to Buy Me a Valentine’s Day Present!

I don’t have my own personal Valentine this year (unless my mom counts!), but if I did, here are some of the things I would enjoy.

HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT HINT ahem, I mean, Valentine’s Day is materialistic and for shallow consumer—-you know what?!  No.  I am loud and proud about my love of presents.

Especially red and gold presents.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas by rubywoo featuring glitter shoes

Tory Burch flat heel shoes, $275
Tory Burch polka dot flat, $235
J.Crew pointy shoes, $228
Dorothy Perkins glitter shoes, $21
Kate Spade wrap jewelry, $59
Amrita Singh 18 karat gold jewelry, $100
Kate Spade cocktail jewelry, $78
Kate Spade hardware jewelry, $48
Kate Spade gold plating jewelry, $48
Golden jewelry, $9.99
Tory Burch Foundation Studded Cuff, $95

Bows on my Toes

I’m a sucker for bows.  

(And leopard.  And gold.  And being nautical.  And glitter.  Man.  I’m a sucker for a lot of things…)

And, there’s nothing I love more than bows on the toes of my shoes.  (Is that a rhyme?  Did I just rhyme!?  Someone call Marshall Mathurs and tell him he’s got a new protege.)

Tory Burch ‘Cicely’ Satin pump.

Betsey Johnson ‘Candee’ pump

Vince Camuto “Jamma” pump

BP “Paxton” oxford flat

Sperry Original boatshoe in glitter

Me Too “Patty” flat

Jeffrey Campbell “Dauphine” flat

Wait…Where Have you Been?!?!?!?!?

Maybe an explanation should have been my lead off entry as opposed to a long rambling about mascara.

Real talk:  I’ve been nowhere.  I had just started a new job, ramped up some cool projects with my church, and really just felt overwhelmed with blogging.

I’m going to be honest with you.  See.  I’m super competitive.  When I do something, I want to do it amazingly, be the best, and basically just throw myself into it.   

I kind of lost the motivation for blogging.  The outfit posts every day.  The stress of having to read a million other blogs a day in order to build up blogging friendships.  I also got tired of feeling this driving need to discover and wear the next big thing, or spend money when I didn’t need to.

I know people might say, “But Tigernaugh, you don’t have to do all that!”  Well, I did.  I honestly just lost interest, and it started to not be fun, but more of a chore.  

But, I was talking to someone the other day about writing (a passion of mine), and they suggested that I should try blogging.  I wanted to be like IF ONLY YOU KNEW, BRO!  But, out of curiosity, I checked it out this morning, and people are still reading this thing.  Granted, it’s all from Google searches about Ruby Woo lipstick (HOLLA!) but still.

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions or whatever, but if I did, my resolution would be to blog and be pressure free.  It’s not about keeping up with the Joneses, but just writing about what you like.  

Which is what I’m going to do.  I’m just going to write, dangit.  

Okay.  So, here’s what you missed last year on RUBY WOO LOVES YOU.

1.  Skit Ministry

For people who are just tuning in, I’m a born again Christian.  I’m not any kind of special denomination, but just a read-the-Bible-and-do-it kinda gal.  I go to a really cool church, and one of the projects that takes up a lot of my time is our new Skit Ministry.  A group of us write and perform plays for the church every few months.  The topics range from Christmas skits to skits about certain virtues to skits about issues that Christians face on a daily basis.  The skits started to be recorded and put on Youtube, and then other churches started asking for the scripts and advice on how to do their own.  (SO COOL!)

Until recently, we always just performed specifically for our little church about issues we all knew and could laugh about.  But, lately, we’ve started to write and produce short little “webisodes” that were aimed towards people who might not know Jesus or what being a Christian means.  I’ve acted a lot on stage throughout my life (which means lots of line memorization), but never with takes and cue cards and short scenes.  It was SUPER fun, and I’ll be sharing a few of them as they get posted.

Goofing around during one of our rehearsals for our Young Adult Talent Show.  We ended up winning Best in Show, which makes the competitive side of me happy.  Real talk:  When they were announcing the winners, I literally had to hide my face because I knew if we lost, I would probably instinctively make a WHAT?!?!? face.

I had a blonde wig for one of our recorded episodes!  Who would have thought I actually looked okay in it?!?

Oh hey Dorothy!

If you’re interested in checking out any of our skits online, here’s a few!

We did a spoof on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, only we changed it to be about Willy Wonka and the Prayer Factory.  This one was fun, as I got to be spoiled little Veruca Salt and throw tantrums. 

Fun Facts:  That shirt I’m wearing was supposed to be a dress, but I don’t think they ever realize that I’m almost six feet tall, and most dresses are shirts on me anyway.  I had to run to Target and find white jeans (in the middle of winter) 

Fun Facts:  After the fact, my parents asked me why I was so good at being spoiled, and if they had anything to worry about.

Fun Facts:  I got to play my own mother in this, and it was literally a one take, last minute thing, and my sunglasses broke right before, so I have lopsided sunglasses and look like I just had three cups of Nyquil.

Next is our AWARD WINNING (Woo hoo!) Talent Show Skit.  Our Young Adult group (which is basically life after Youth Group) does a Skit show every year, and this year we’d been assigned to interpret a book we’d been reading called Mr. World and Miss Church Member.  It’s an allegory written around the same time as Pilgrim’s Progress, but not as famous.  Like Pilgrim’s Progress, it was a story about people on the road to heaven, and all their struggles along the way.  Unlike Pilgrim’s Progress, it didn’t have a happy ending.

We had the very last chapters, and had to bring a pretty serious drama game.  I’m sad that the ending didn’t turn out quite like I wanted, at least on film.  If you watch it, the last few minutes are totally black, but in person, we had black lights and strobe lights, and people in white demon masks floating around the stage.  It was very creepy and very cool. 

Fun Facts:  I practiced screaming in my car.  A lot.  People probably thought I was crazy.

Fun Facts:  I loved my outfit for this.  And my fake glasses.  I felt so smart.

Fun Facts:  My lipstick shade is by MAC and it’s called DIVA.

Next is our first webisode, The Wizard of Oz.

It was our first time ever trying to film anything, and with the green screen, it didn’t turn out exactly how we’d pictured, but I still think for a first try, it’s pretty good.  Our green screen was kind of small too, so there were a lot of tight shots which after editing looked a little too choppy.  BUT, I still like it.  And, in later webisodes, you can really see where we learned and improved.

There’s a few other things we’ve filmed on that Youtube channel.  Take some time and click away.  So far, I’ve been a giraffe, Mary from It’s a Wonderful Life, and a few other assorted roles.  (Also, in true GIRL fashion, I hate watching myself because I think I look fat in every video.  Haha.)  🙂

2.  Cancun!

I went to Cancun for the first time with my family right before winter started.  It was a last minute decision, and I’m so glad we booked it!  Our resort was all inclusive and amazing, and I got REALLY tan and ate some of the best food of my life.  (Fresh grilled calamari and scallop fajitas every day!)

Oh, I also got proposed to three times.  AND I got to help release baby sea turtles to the wild!  I named my turtle “Franklin” and he beat all the other babies into the water!

3.  Love is in the Air.

Two of my best friends got married in the past few months, and that equated to lots of wedding fun!

Two of my best friends and I in the limo on the way to my BFF Emily’s wedding.

We love wedding jumps.  I also love my friend’s face.  Haha.

 Next my friend Katie got married as well.  I LOVED our dresses for this wedding–classic black with sweetheart necklines.  We went to the Nordstrom Bridal Suite to shop for them, and it was the easiest, most beautiful way to shop! 

Fun Fact:  When I was checking out with my dress, I overheard that the plus sized version of this Monique Lhullier dress was $100 cheaper!  So, I ordered a dress that was maybe four sizes too big, and brought it to my tailor, who worked magic for $15 to make it work!  So worth it!

Steph (one of my good friends) blogs on Ruby Woo from time to time!  Our lipstick is so fab!

Black, pearls, and red lipstick!  Winner!

4.  Christmas!

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.  I love buying the perfect presents for my family!  And, apparently, my family loves getting the perfect presents for me as well!  

My mommy and I!

Opening baby shoes with my little brother!  Can’t wait for my niece to come!

Some of my favorite gifts included:

Spiked Sam Edelman flats

New Tory Burch Revas!

A GORGEOUS black and gold Michael Kors watch.  This one was funny because I bought my mom the tortoise shell Michael Kors watch.  It’s like Gift of the Magi.

I also got lots of cute dresses and a Kitchenaid Mixer (in shiny black, of course).

And Christmas leads me right into…

6.  Happy New Year!!

Tired of the “What are we doing?!” debates surrounding New Year’s Eve that happen EVER year, we decided to throw a Disney Costume Party.  

I, of course, went as the only Disney character who wears red lipstick:  Snow White.

Snow White, Bo Peep, and Jesse (from Toy Story)

Snow White found Tinkerbell’s wings just lying there.

Kissing a frog.

I might have to devote a whole post to how epic my friends were.  Everyone got really into it.  Our biggest group was the Toy Story group, with all major characters represented.  I think my favorites were the Great Mouse Detectives!  

Yeah…look for a picture heavy post to come.  But, how cute was my costume!  I had the faux bob for awhile, but by the end of the night, my hair set itself free.

Really, it was a great year, and I’m so thankful for where my life is now.

I will leave you with pictures of me and my love for animal ear hats.

Repeaaaaaat

So, I basically wore this same outfit like five days ago, but I already told you guys:  the majority of my life is either leopard or nautical, and 60% of my closet is either red or navy.

Top:  Wet Seal (I actually bought this in 10th grade.  I was set in my navy ways even then!)
Skinny Pants:  GAP
Shoes:  TORY BURCH (these are my favorite shoes in the entire world)

Necklace: F21

Supporting Japan.

Need fashionable ways to donate to Japan?

Japan Hope Polo $98.00   Rugby   100% of proceeds will be donated.

Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 from the sale of every red handbag to relief efforts.

Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt $29 100% goes to charity.

Alexis Bittar is donating 100% of all online sales through tomorrow.

10% of all Rag & Bone sales will be donated.

Kate Spade is coming out with a tote bag ($18) for Japan, but I don’t think it’s available yet.  But soon!