This is sponsored by Nordstrom. You can find out more about Nordstrom Styling Services here.
The convenient cafe in the upper level where I refueled with a delicious lunch.
Last week, I made the short trek over to the Nordstrom in Walnut Creek, land of easy parking and retail bliss. I don’t know about you, but I hadn’t stepped foot inside a clothing store since well before the pandemic. In fact, after I became a mom, weaned my baby and finally felt like I could go out again, only to go into lockdown. In March of 2020.
Dressing my new body was hard. Nothing fits right. As with many birthing parents, everything fluctuated (including my hormones). Coupled with the fear of exposing my family to unnecessary illness, in-person shopping was very low on my priority list.
I still tried my best and ordered too many clothes that were promptly returned due to missing the mark, either size-wise or quality, or any number of things that come with online shopping. It seemed like a bit of a lost cause. I’m kinda fitting into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes again, ya know?
Cue Nordstrom’s free styling services. LISTEN. I had no idea how fun it is to meet with a professional fashionista. Nor did I have any clue that I could get help from expert stylists for NO ADDITIONAL COST.
So! Here’s a detailed account of my eye-opening, life-changing experience:
How It Started
This is what I wore to my styling session. I didn't think it was an awesome outfit, but I felt kinda good about it.
How It’s Going
Next to the head to toe look Pansy selected for me, there's NO COMPARISON! The fit is better, the style is happier, and it's overall more weather-appropriate.
Nordstrom matched me with Pansy, veteran stylist and super chic auntie. We briefly chatted on the phone and she sent me a questionnaire via email to get to know my style, my likes, my needs, and an idea of my current sizes. It was super easy. We picked a date and when I arrived at the store, I was greeted enthusiastically and led to a large fitting room full of amazing pieces hand-picked just for me.
(Will add short video of Pansy opening the door to the fitting room, which I’ll upload in the conversation thread since docs cannot support a video file.)
It felt like a dream. I used to think this kind of service was out of reach, for socialites and celebrities, but guess what? It’s for EVERYONE. I don’t think I’ll go to Nordstrom again without scheduling a free session with Pansy. It’s much more practical to enlist the help of someone who knows me, my style, and all the available inventory the store offers than going in as a lone ranger. Pansy selected an array of items and thoughtfully included some that were on sale, too. Shopping with a stylist IS accessible now. And super fun. There were dance breaks. I’m serious.
This is a better version of the outfit I rolled up to Nordstrom in. I'm still wearing my own shoes, but the classic tank (I always need basics like that), olive cardigan and COMFORTABLE pants look much more polished.
Did some pieces not work? You betcha. But that was the beauty of it all. (Check my pinned highlights on Instagram to see an example of this.) Pansy asked me if there was anything I immediately didn’t like and there were a few things that seemed too trendy (read: rainbow tie dye). One skirt couldn’t button and some jeans didn’t get over my thighs, but I did NOT feel defeated like I have in the past when shopping solo. I didn’t once feel bad about my body. It doesn’t fit? Onto the next one. And guess what? I saved SO MUCH TIME! I’ve never ever tried on so many things in such a short period of time. Couldn’t have happened otherwise. This is the perfect solution for busy parents, especially moms. I didn’t even mention the magic of someone else running out to get a different size while you stay in the fitting room.
The details in this Farm Rio top are EVERYTHING! And these plum colored pants are ridiculously comfortable AND cute.
One of the Farm Rio sweaters I purchased is a size MEDIUM. I did not think I could wear something off the rack in a size M since I’ve been buying myself 2X or XL for the past year (and those sizes also fit me). Pansy taught me that it really depends on the cut of each individual item. Farm Rio is a gorgeous brand I’ve noticed online but didn’t have the confidence to purchase from as I’ve never tried it on in person and it’s a higher price point than I’m used to spending. Now I own two statement pieces which I’m certain I’ll be wearing during the holidays and for years to come. Shopping with a stylist gave me the confidence to wear clothes I never would have considered. I want everyone to have this experience! It’s as simple as making an appointment here.
This necklace and earring pair is EVERYTHING. I never would've tried either, but they were pre-selected to go with a lot of the items my personal stylist pulled for me.
Have you shopped with a stylist before? Do you have any questions about my experience? Let me know!