Designer Preview Review 2015: The Night in Images, Obsessions, It Girls and More

Although our first and foremost wish is to make terrific people unreasonably happy (isn’t that what fashion is for, after all?), we consider it a nice bit of icing on the cake when we can knock the designer shoes off the industry elite. Immediately after last Thursday’s Designer Preview, we circulated the crowd and chatted with thrilled shoppers and visiting dignitaries alike to see how we’d done.

“I’ve been coming for years and this was the best show I’ve seen. The clothes are all so fresh and the energy is really high,” said Seattle flagship regular Lisa Goodman. “I think it’s important for people to see the collections in action like this!”

Valentino

And then, from Refinery29 style editor Annie Georgia Greenberg: “When you see the shows in New York and Paris, the seasons you’re looking at are so far away, but this is really cool because you can go ‘I want that now,’ and right after the show you can actually have it. All that and beignets and sailboats, too? This is how Fashion Week should be!”

And that almost sums it up—almost. See more images from the runway show, and the before and after, and get some insight from bloggers, editors and fashion lovers after the jump and on our Designer Preview hub.

BACKSTAGE

Chloé

Dior

Givenchy

Stella McCartney

THE CROWD

Paula Goldstein, Caroline Issa and Annie Georgia Greenberg

Nordstrom executives Jennifer Wheeler and Tricia Smith with Caroline Issa of the Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa collection and Mary Alice Malone from the super-exciting new-to-Nordstrom line Malone Souliers

Three of Instagram’s greatest hits: Cara Loren, Wendy Nguyen and Blair Eadie

Sanda Belaire from our Seattle flagship (find out more about that black and white moto jacket!) with designer fashion collector Tamara Musser and her daughter before the show

THE RUNWAY

Valentino

Lanvin

See the official post-show wrap-up on our Designer Preview page

Shop: Nordstrom Designer Fashion Brands

—Laura Cassidy

(Images by Laura Cassidy, Mona Lee and Bobby Kelly)



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Chastity Belt’s Lydia Lund on Greenhouse Gardening, Surfing and Existential Doubt | Listen Up!

chastity-belt-team-shotIt’s been a breakout year for Chastity Belt, the Seattle band which has grown into its voice in the past few years and was recently written up in the New Yorker on the strength of its album Time To Go Home.

Musically, that voice is droning and jangly. Ideologically, Chastity Belt is feminist, with a viewpoint that is often funny but with songs that can also be serious and direct about everyday existential crises.

We took pictures at Capitol Hill Block Party and later phoned guitarist and sometime singer Lydia Lund to talk about “Lydia,” a what-does-it-all-mean song which lands someplace…indistinct.

Other topics of conversation included avoiding seasonal affective disorder by gardening, feeling the ocean’s power while surfing–and we learned about the taste of the Peperomia plant.

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Nordstrom blogs: You grew up in Maui and now live in Seattle. There’s another band in Seattle, Tacocat, who sings about wishing for a bridge to Hawaii from Seattle, to escape the rain and dreariness of the Pacific Northwest. How do you feel about this hypothetical bridge?

Lydia Lund: I think it’d be pretty cool, as long as it didn’t take too long to cross through some kind of teleport system on either end. I work at a greenhouse, the Conservatory, so that’s my personal bridge to Hawaii. Surrounding myself with hot weather-loving plants.

Do you work at the Volunteer Park Conservatory?

I don’t right now, actually. I’m a seasonal gardener for the City of Seattle. So I’m at the will and whim of whomever needs help. Right now I’m at the Japanese garden. I started at the Volunteer Park Conservatory. I think it totally helped, mentally. But I’ve never had serious seasonal affective disorder. I don’t think Seattle’s as bad as people say it is that way. But maybe that’s because I work at the Conservatory every winter. And we leave on tour, too, so I’ve never had to stay in Seattle all winter long.

Do you have a favorite plant right now?

I really like Peperomia plants. They’re groundcover. Certain ones are native to Hawaii. Actually they grow everywhere, and we have them in the Conservatory. They put out these pepper stems. When you eat black pepper, that’s a giant version of this plant. They’re pretty. And if you rub them into your teeth you can taste black pepper. They have a little stalk that looks like a tail, or something. Kind of has an anthropomorphic quality to it. In my mind. Little mice tails sticking out of the foliage. Please don’t make it seem like I’m a total weirdo in this interview. Just being mahself. Just being my cool self.

What do you miss most about Maui?

The ocean, the hiking, the natural environment. And the chill vibes. I miss that, too.

Are you a surfer?

I’m not really a surfer. I started getting into surfing only after I moved away from Maui. Growing up I only surfed one or two foot waves. And it’s not until you surf four or five foot waves that you can understand why people are so excited about surfing. The waves are so powerful. You get completely pummeled. It’s kind of awesome. You make it out to the other side and are just like, I had so much fun–and got totally owned by the ocean.

When did you start playing music?

I played guitar by myself growing up, and tried to play with my best friend in high school but it just sounded so bad. Until I met Chastity Belt, I thought I was incapable of playing with other people. Musical chemistry is not the same thing as friend chemistry.

Do you have any guitar heroes? Players you model your game on?

I don’t model myself on anyone. But I love Joni Mitchell. And I really loved The Strokes growing up. That has influenced. Poppy, easy licks. That’s when I first became aware of guitar as a separate instrument, rather than just listening to music, was The Strokes.

 

Do you want to share anything about the song “Lydia” from Time To Go Home?

I came up with the lyrics in a really nice moment when I was out on a solo row in the Puget Sound. It was a typical, What am I doing with my life? And I went out rowing, and tried to make sense of my life. I don’t think anyone is safe from existential doubt, no matter what’s going on in your life.

Over time, Chastity Belt has become known for its public image. There was the promo photo of the belt made of meat. The promo photo that looks like family photography from the ‘80s is hilarious. And I notice that you all tend to wear pretty regular clothes but somehow make a statement. Do you think about fashion?

I think I do the most in the band. I’m a super visual person. It matters to me. I do gardening. That’s an aesthetic thing. My mind works like that. As for our collective fashion being a thing…I think it being so normal is the thing. I don’t know. I think that people like that we’re totally ourselves, and not trying for anything. I think it’s appealing because most people want to be lazy that way and still come off as cool. Totally be yourself, and people respect you for it. That’s how I feel about our band in general. We’re just four friends who happen to have friend and musical chemistry. We’re not trying to be too cool. Because we’re not. At least, I’ll speak for myself. I never felt pressure to do anything besides what comes most naturally. I feel super grateful.

–Andrew Matson



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Your AstroTwins Weekend Horoscope for August 1 & 2

Intimacy improvements could be on the agenda this weekend. On Saturday, you could start feeling relief from the intensity of the last five months, especially with a romantic or business partner. Serious Saturn has been showing you the proverbial cracks in the foundation, where you need to have better parameters and clearly spell out your expectations of each other. Even if a relationship is purely sexual, you still need to be upfront about where you both stand. A tough financial or legal situation could start to ease up, too. Now that you have your blueprint, get set to make important practical changes in these areas between now and September 17. On Sunday, you’re in a dreamy mood, as the moon links up with spiritual Neptune. It might be best to cancel any plans that require a sharp mind, e.g. going over your budget or doing your quarterly taxes. Instead, spend time in nature, blissing out in a hammock or sunning on the beach. Avoid needy people, who could end up dumping their downer vibes on you today. If you head to a boozy brunch or barbecue, go easy on the libations, as you’re extra sensitive to substances now.

At last! This weekend could herald a relationship victory. If you’ve made it this far with a partner, congratulations are in order. On Saturday, taskmaster Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, after a backspin that left you questioning your whole approach to dating and mating since mid-June. Maybe you saw the need to revamp a business agreement. Whatever the lessons, you have the information you need to move forward now, instituting better boundaries and getting your closest alliances back on terra firma. Saturn will remain in Scorpio until September 17, then it won’t return until 2041. Amen! If you’re single, you could finally feel ready for a rock-solid union. On Sunday, you could have an amazing bonding experience, as the moon-Neptune meetup brings out your compassionate side. Being close to your friends soothes your soul—connection can be oh-so sweet. So grab the crew and head for a festive brunch. Beware of over-indulging, though—your boundaries are porous today, and you might not be so quick to say “no” to that third mimosa, or to go home when your inner voice says, “Enough!” Pace yourself, Bull.

Back on the healthy track? On Saturday, restrictive Saturn ends its retrograde (backward) spin in Scorpio, putting your wellness habits back on solid ground. Perhaps you stopped going to the gym since mid-June, or just had a harder time choosing the low-fat, heart-healthy fare. Or maybe you’ve been avoiding your trainer or the most basic things that help you function, like weekly cleanups. Now, sanity returns and gives you a shot at making important changes—like getting more disciplined with even the smallest details of your life. Saturn will be here until September 17, so get busy. On Sunday, you could have a soul-stirring epiphany about your career, or even an intuitive flash about your life purpose, thanks to a mystical moon-Neptune meet up in your professional zone. Is it time to pursue your creativity in earnest, or to add more meaning to your money? No need to quit your day job tomorrow—just start creating some life goals that inspire you.

On Saturday, your joie de vivre makes a comeback, thanks to serious Saturn moving direct (forward) in Scorpio, your fifth house of passion and self-expression. Since mid-June, Saturn’s reversal here could have had been a downer—maybe your love life hit a rough patch, or you just needed a LOT of boundary-setting with people in general. Saturn retrograde may have dulled your creativity, or forced you to put an artistic venture on the back burner. Now, you could feel more certain of what you want, or able to carve out time for your passion projects again. Go ahead and speak up! On Sunday, you could have a strong vision about your life purpose, as a moon-Neptune meetup in your worldly ninth house inspires you to expand your comfort zone. Travel could call to you—maybe you research a meditation retreat in Bali, or just take a day trip somewhere out of city limits to explore. The change of scene will totally reset your spirit, especially if it’s near water.

Harried home life no more! On Saturday, serious Saturn’s direct (forward) turn in Scorpio helps to clear up a domestic issue that’s been bugging you since mid-June. Maybe you have been dealing with the fallout of a family secret, or a tough situation with a relative (likely female). Or perhaps your abode has been in flux, with repairs, houseguests or a move. Calm returns now, and you can move forward steadily with any lifestyle changes. On September 17, the taskmaster planet leaves this deeply personal zone of your chart for good. At that point, you can make implement new boundaries, e.g. not lending your most cherished possessions out or designating more “me” time. On Sunday, you’re craving emotional connection, thanks to an intimate moon-Neptune meet up. Cancel big family plans or social outings, so that you can spend more time with your honey or just a few close friends. You may be a little emotionally raw today, sensitive to old hurts, or just keenly aware of what others are going through—and maybe a little too much so. Don’t get stuck wasting your Sunday playing therapist or soaking up people’s heavy energy. If you’re going to engage in deep conversations, make sure they’re a two-way street.

Heavy thoughts, begone! On Saturday, somber Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, restoring the levity to your communications and thought process. Since mid-June, you may have been more pessimistic than usual, or maybe you needed to do a lot of hardcore strategizing, which hasn’t come as easily as usual. From now until September 17, you have a five-star chance to clearly express your ideas and needs. Writing, teaching and media projects also pick up momentum. Set deadlines, be disciplined—and stay practical. On Sunday, you could have a sweet moment with a partner, or indulge in some flirty seduction, as the moon and compassionate Neptune join forces in your interpersonal house. Steal away with someone special, or escape to the beach with your best friend to catch up while you unwind. Watch for codependent tendencies today, since Neptune can blur boundaries. Just because you have spot-on radar for someone else’s issues doesn’t mean that they are your responsibility. Don’t rob someone else of their own agency by trying to play the savior.

Revenue relief? This Saturday, restrictive Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, your second house of work and money. Since mid-June, Saturn’s backspin made you tighten your wallet and be extra mindful about how you use your time, energy and budget. Maybe you experienced cutbacks at your job, or a tried-and-true income stream dried up. The odds are good that whatever wasn’t working was not truly stable—and therefore, not good for you in the long run. With serious Saturn in full-power motion here until September 17, you’re in a prime position to get ahead. Boost your self-sufficiency quotient by tapping the experts for financial or career advice. Trim the non-essentials that gobble up your nest egg and stick to a plan. You’ll get ahead of the curve soon enough! On Sunday, you could feel super sensitive to your environment, as the moon and mystical Neptune meet up in your sixth house of wellness. Download some guided meditation audio tracks, page through a book of affirmations, organize your space to get the energy flowing again.

Practice the steps to your victory dance. This Saturday, serious Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, bringing some personal trials to an end. Saturn was in your sign from October 2012 until late December 2014, forcing many Scorpios to reinvent or rebuild part of your life from the ground up. Saturn has returned for one last visit from June 14-September 17, making sure all your progress is solidly in place. However, Saturn was retrograde (backward) since mid-June, throwing a few extra obstacles in your path. After a string of misunderstandings and mishaps, you have hopefully learned how to take yourself and your ideas seriously. No one else is going to further your cause, and now you can be disciplined about getting passion projects off the ground. Your leadership skills soar and you could be offered a post of high responsibility in the coming months. Strides made between now and September 17, when taskmaster Saturn leaves Scorpio until 2014 (amen!), will pave the way for lasting success. On Sunday, the moon-Neptune conjunction in your passionate fifth house puts you in an especially romantic mood. Just watch for a tendency to idealize a love interest. Putting anyone up on a pedestal can be a recipe for disappointment and unmet expectations. Enjoy the dreamy vibes, but remember that you’re dealing with another human being here.

Ready to close the book on a difficult chapter? On Saturday, structured Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, your twelfth house of healing and completion. Between now and September 17, it’s time to get serious about forgiving, moving forward or letting old baggage go. If codependence has been your calling card since mid-June, it’s time to put up boundaries with the needy people in your life. It could be that you’ve been there for everyone else—and, quite frankly, now you just need a break. Now that Saturn is no longer retrograde (backward), it’s easier to say no, as you’ll be clearer about the difference between empowering and enabling. Amp up your self-care routines for the rest of the summer, and make time for reflection—guided meditations, contemplative walks, journaling. A creative pursuit, such as a life drawing class or photography, could also be your go-to reprieve. On Sunday, a moon-Neptune meetup in your domestic fourth house makes you crave a timeout at Chateau Sagittarius. You might be in the mood for some family bonding—or maybe you need a break from a certain female who’s been playing the victim card one time too many. Although you might feel guilty ignoring her texts, you’ll be a lot happier zoning out with a good book or puttering around the kitchen trying new recipes.

Who are the people that belong on Team Capricorn? On Saturday, that could be the million-dollar question, as your ruling planet Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, your eleventh house of group interactions. Saturn has been in foggy retrograde (backward) motion since June 14, and today’s course correction brings back clarity around a team project or your social life overall. For the past few weeks, you may have learned some hard lessons about friendship or collaboration, or dealt with thorny group dynamics. Now, may decide to disassociate yourself, especially if your values aren’t aligned anymore. Between now and September 17, put your energy into people and projects that really feed your soul. On Sunday, your imagination is in high gear, thanks to the moon meeting up with intuitive Neptune. Get creative, writing in your journal or furthering a unique project. Communication can be cloudy today, so don’t try to have a nitty-gritty conversation or to make firm plans. You’ll just end up with the need for a do-over.

Has your career hit some roadblocks lately? On Saturday, restrictive Saturn turns direct (forward) in Scorpio, allowing you to implement some much-needed changes on the professional front between now and September 17. Since mid-June, you may have seen a slowdown at work, or encountered delays and obstacles. Bureaucracy, tedious projects and a lack of inspiring work may have caused your spirits to sag. What was going on? Well, Saturn was sending you back to the drawing board, making sure that all your goals and plans were set on terra firma. As a reward for your diligence, you may be offered a promotion, a leadership role or recognition for paying your dues. On Sunday, reel in the spending as a moon-Neptune conjunction in your money zone tempts you to blow your budget. Do find a way to enjoy a little luxury today, though, especially if you’ve been frugal lately. You can’t take it with you—so enjoy your hard-earned cash.

Prepare for liftoff! On Saturday, restrictive Saturn ends its retrograde (backward) slowdown in your ninth house of travel, expansion and personal growth. Since mid-June, it’s been an uphill battle to connect with your purpose or get big plans off the ground. Perhaps you had to go back to the drawing board, sharpen your skillset or get further training in your field. Maybe you just felt a bit down about your ideas, questioning whether they were good enough. Between now and September 17, the wind returns to your sails; you’re ready to dive in and do the work to make your dreams a reality. On Sunday, a dreamy moon-Neptune meetup in Pisces could make you utterly enchanting—or you could feel completely misunderstood. Spend the day with people who don’t need you to explain yourself constantly, perhaps engaging in a little sensual escapism that requires no words at all. The glamorous energy of this cosmic connection makes it a great time for a makeover or a decadent day at the spa.



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How To: Buy Boots That Fit You Perfectly

BootsBlogNEW

Skinny ankles? Extra-curvy calves? Buying boots—especially online—can sometimes feel like you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. No more: Our crack video team hooked up with our amazing in-house shoe experts to answer the question once and for all, and well, the headline pretty much says it all.

Watch the video below for the skinny on measuring yourself, getting the perfect fit, and more.

Shop: Women’s boots



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1930 Nordstrom Logo | Throwback Thursday

In which we look at old Nordstrom logo fonts and give them a close look. These are the fonts of our lives.

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If you recognize the typeface above you are either a student of retail or a student of design. Or a Pacific Northwesterner, since this was the Nordstrom logo back in 1930 when we were a Seattle-only shoe store.

Now we’re national and international–with our second Canadian store opening in August in Vancouver, B.C. Next year we’ll add Toronto.

Learn about the features and history of this old-school Nordstrom typeface below, with commentary from Strath Shepard, our Creative Director of Designer and Pop-In@Nordstrom–hands-down the biggest font nerd we know.

–Andrew Matson

renner

I love how exaggerated it is. It’s based on the typeface Futura, which was invented by Paul Renner in 1927 and came from Bauhaus typefaces.

There’s something about it that’s very modern and forward-thinking, but it’s also kind of Old West. I like the overemphasized Os and the way the points on the M and the Ns go above the normal cap height, the standard height of capital letters.

You’ll notice it has an apostrophe S. We lost that around 1955. Some people still say Nordstrom’s–and I guess that’s not totally wrong.

Our current logo is super versatile–it’s a cross between a serif and a sans serif, basically a serif typeface with the the serifs removed. It has a special place in my heart and I love it. But I think my favorite one is the 1930 logo.

–Strath Shepard



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Introducing the Converse Chuck II with Damion Silver | Designer Q&A

conversechuckIIRedesigning the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star is a risky proposition. We’re talking about the most classic American sneaker, whose design has gone relatively untouched since 1917. A true shoe of the people.

Think about it. Which other garment is worn by young and old folks alike so prevalently? And in various stages of pristine or tattered? Chucks are like Levi’s 501s for your feet.

And yet: Converse designer Damion Silver was faced with a problem. Foot fatigue was an issue. Especially if you’re trying to wear them every day, All-Stars have always been a little hard on your dogs.

Enter Lunarlon, Nike cushioning technology.

That’s just one way Silver–a visual artist who shows his own paintings at galleries all over the world–created the Chuck II, a stellar and more comfortable sequel to Chuck Taylor All-Star.

We spoke with Silver on the phone at Converse headquarters in Boston proper about shoveling snow, his unrealistic fantasy of one day skateboarding on a frozen golf course–and the pressures of redesigning the brand’s #1 seller worldwide.

converselunarlonShop: Chuck II high | Chuck II low

Nordstrom blogs: So you live in Boston, where Converse is headquartered. How many shovels did you break this year?

[Laughs.] Three. With my son included, four.

What breaks when you break a shovel?

Usually it’s just the lower section. It all depends how bad it is. If it’s really bad, it might look like a smashed guitar.

And do you help your neighbors shovel their walkways?

Sure, I go across the street with a snowblower. You gotta try to help people out, look out for people.

OK: So what did you do with this shoe? How much of the design of the Chuck II is from Damion?

It’s a tough question, because you’re talking about something we’ve been doing for 100 years. So really it was a reengineering from that. From the core Chuck model. I’ll take you through the process, and that that’ll give you context.

So, we took the original model, chopped it all apart, and examined that. And then used that as a basis to pair with the inputs we got from consumers, saying they wanted more from a Chuck Taylor, more from Converse, more in that silhouette. From a design standpoint, we decided what to do about comfort, which started underfoot. Which we addressed by adding the Lunarlon. And then we added–I guess I can say I added–gore webbing to the tongue. We stabilized the tongue with the gore webbing as well as added foam to the tongue itself so you have comfort overfoot as well as comfort underfoot. And when you get into the upper patterning, we added a little foam around the collar, as well as all the way down trough the heel.

We looked at the canvas, the eyelets, all the tiniest details. I could give you a pointed checklist. But as far as design, it’s more in subtlety. Rather than, Oh, I put a big padded collar on it, or made some drastic change. What we did was really all about subtlety and refinement.

As a designer, is it nerve-wracking to be asked to redesign a classic item? Were you worried about it being not broken, therefore not needing fixing?

To succinctly answer the question: yes. You have something that’s 100 years old, that’s iconic around the world. How do you change that without pissing people off? And our consumers are pretty fickle around the product, the Chuck Taylor. It was really an exercise in restraint. I focused on, What do we need to do in order to answer the customer? And that was to provide comfort. So that was our guiding light and we stuck to it. Basically I took myself out of it and tried to listen to our customers, and show respect to an icon. I mean, our company wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Chuck Taylor.

What do you respect most about the design of the original?

The overall simplicity. The Chuck is so simple and oddly complicated at the same time. It was designed with intent, which I really enjoy about it. There’s purpose in the product.

How did you settle on Lunarlon?

Lunar, to be honest, I can’t recall how we arrived at that. But it was early on. It might have been just leveraging the technology of our parent company. It’s tried and true, it’s in millions of pairs of shoes. From there, the Lunar conversation inspired us to think deeper and harder about all the other peripheral attributes of the sneaker. That’s what made us consider the interior lining, which we made out of ultrasuede so it would have a great feel.

Before you were brought on board to Converse, what was the best thing you designed?

My own paintings.

And you’re still showing in galleries.

Yeah: Boston, New York, L.A., Amsterdam…wherever.

What about at Converse: What are you most proud of designing?

The Chuck II is my highest-profile design. I’ve done others, but none have been so in the limelight.

Did you wear Chucks as a kid?

Yeah, oddly, I did. Chucks skateboarding. Chucks chilling. All sorts of Converse products, whether it was baseball cleats, or basketball shoes to skate in. So yes, I’ve been linked to them long before I thought I’d work here.

Where did you grow up?

Connecticut.

What kind of terrain would you skate? Parking lots?

Oh, no. We’d got to New York City, college campuses. We were fortunate that in 1987, one of the first indoor skate parks opened near us. We’d skate anything. You name it. Ice.

Wow, ice?

Yeah, sure. East Coast you do what you gotta do. You get someone to plow a bank out. I’m not saying we did that for days, but we’d do it. You get something to roll on, put on a down coat, push around on a skateboard and try and skate a little curb. Because that was all you could shovel out. Maybe a little ice hump. Frosted ground. I’ve always personally wanted to go skate a frozen golf course. If you could ever completely freeze the ground. Because the grass is so well manicured. If you could press it down, there’d probably be some rad banks, pockets and bowls in there.

Have you ever had a dream where you were doing that?

Every time I drive by a golf course.



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Nordstrom Celebrates cupcakes and cashmere

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Emily Schuman (in pink) poses with fans wearing picks from the collection she designed.

Lifestyle blogger Emily Schuman—the mastermind behind the uber-popular blog cupcakes and cashmere—popped by the Nordstrom flagship in Seattle recently for a party to celebrate her new eponymous line. More than 150 devotees of her blog and the new collection—think breezy jumpsuits, sporty-chic parkas and motos, and wear-everywhere separates—came out to partake in the festivities. The party was a huge success, with a crowd that featured fans of both genders, shoppers of all ages and one impressively well-behaved chihuahua. Hugs and selfies were plentiful.

While DJ Mixtress kept the party going, guests got an up-close-and-personal look at the collection and enjoyed sweet treats like virgin mojitos and cupcake pops. As an added bonus, fans could pick up the ultimate gift with purchase: Schuman’s recent book, Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home.

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Want more cupcakes and cashmere? Shop the new collection now.



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Caroline Issa’s Fall ’15 Favorites | 2015 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Caroline Issa is an expert on several levels—the fashion biz, the magazine world, being magnetic on camera and off. But today we call upon her genius as a Nordstrom Signature collaborator and astute client/customer as she tells us what she loves about three of the specially priced Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa fall collection pieces that are part of our Anniversary Sale.

Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa V-neck cashmere sweater

“I love an oversized V-neck sweater, and this one is such a great fit; it hits just at the hips—and with the gorgeous, soft cashmere, the light grey means it’s really versatile and one to be worn with jeans, a smart trouser or really any skirt. You can also belt it to give it a feminine waist!”

Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa double-face wool swing coat

“Love this jacket. First off, you get two coats for the price of one! I love that you can wear this with jeans and instantly update your look—or even more formally with a pencil skirt, and you are great for the office. This one will serve you very, very well this fall!”

Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa cashmere reefer coat

“I think this is such a classic coat; the navy double-breasted cashmere makes everything underneath look even more elegant. Carry it over your shoulders, or close it up when it gets chilly—it’s a timeless classic that every woman needs in her closet.”

And finally, while we’re all here, can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty herself as recently snapped—with a Lanvin fan—by the Sartorialist?

Caroline Issa on the Sartorialist

 

 

Shop: Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa Collection | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale



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Tuxedo Talks Old-School Mixtapes, Gold Record Plaques and Suiting Components

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Photo by Kyle Johnson

Parties crack and moods lift to the sounds of Tuxedo, the west coast duo whose 1980s funk is inspired by the past and crystalized in the present by Mayer Hawthorne (Andrew Cohen) and Jake One (Jake Dutton). If the group’s eponymous album is not in your summer music rotation already, we recommend it.

The singer and producer are old friends and hip-hop collaborators. They’re both deejays, too, and initially bonded over mixtapes each had made focusing on artists like Bernard Wright and David Grusin. The shared affinity is central to Tuxedo.

We spoke to them on tour about how Tuxedo fits into this current retro moment in pop (Mark Ronson, Daft Punk) and which piece from their custom Klein Epstein Parker tuxedos Jake One accidentally left at home with 30 minutes to showtime.

Shop: tuxedos

Mayer Hawthorne: What’s the point of matching tuxedos when one of us leaves his cummerbund at home?

Jake One: It feels like a girdle.

Mayer Hawthorne: That’s the whole point.

Nordstrom blogs: So those early mixtapes really made you decide to start a group?

Jake One: We even had the same songs on them.

Mayer Hawthorne: We exchanged those mixtapes when we met. He had AR Music and I had Shoot the Duck. Those mixtapes had some of the same songs on them, it was crazy. It wasn’t like popular songs. Nobody else was listening to that.

Jake One: I did the first one 2003.

So if someone were to lump you in with what Mark Ronson’s doing now, which is inspired by a similar and you could say adjacent sound, that’s just a coincidence, since you were working with this music so long ago?

Jake One: It’s just timing. Honestly it helps us more than anything, so I don’t have a problem with it.

Mayer Hawhorne: It pushed us to get this album out.

Jake One: When [Daft Punk’s] “Get Lucky” came out, I called [Mayer Hawthorne] and was like, are you hearing this? We have 20 songs better than this.

Mayer Hawthorne: Like, Damn, we should’ve put this out.

Why didn’t you put it out before this retro/disco/electro-funk revival?

Mayer Hawthorne: I was on tour 200 days a year. Jake was producing for Rick Ross and 50 Cent and everyone in the game. I don’t know, man.

Jake, is it funny for you to be in a starring role in a group? You’re normally a background player, and I’ve seen you play basketball: your game could be called “workmanlike.”

Jake One: I’m a shooter. I get shots up. As far as being in a group and wearing tuxedos, it’s a trip. My whole thing with music is consistency. I’ve been at this ten years. I’ve put plaques on my wall, went around the world. I don’t have to say it. The music is supposed to speak for itself. The thing that’s so dope about this record is that I’ve been in a place when I’ve been trying to compete. But we literally did this purely for fun. And that’s what makes it so good. So it reinforces that love for me.

Mayer Hawthorne: You gotta do what you love, and what’s fun for you.



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Your AstroTwins Weekend Horoscope for July 25 & 26

Weekend of reflection: incoming! On Saturday, your normal fitness routine could be disrupted, as Venus moves retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your sixth house of wellness, making you less keen to lace up your sneakers and sweat it out. Your eating could go off the rails, too, most likely due to stress. Reexamine your most basic habits: does a morning workout serve you best? Or might you need a little more flexibility? A few little tweaks could work wonders. The reflective mode picks up even more steam, as revolutionary Uranus goes retrograde (backward) in Aries on Saturday too. Uranus will disrupt your first house of self and identity until December 25, pushing you to self-examine. Expect epiphanies around what you need to feel free and autonomous, which could arrive like bolts of lightening. Just make sure you’re not being a rebel without a cause. Listen carefully to your intuition, recording ideas and realizations that pop up now. Just don’t rush to put them into action. Slow and steady wins the race.

Beware the ex factor! On Saturday, you could find that a past love is REALLY on your mind, thanks to affectionate Venus going retrograde (backward) into Virgo, your fifth house of romance and passion. While lovely Venus will be doing backstrokes until September 6—backing into Leo, your domestic fourth house, on July 31—the emphasis right now is on the ways in which you’ve stifled your self-expression. Maybe you didn’t tell “the One” how much you felt because you were scared, for example. The stare are gifting you a do-over, and possibly the chance to revive an old connection. But you may do just as well ruminating on how ego issues or insecurity hampered you in this fun-loving, “lust for life” arena. Learn from your mistakes and you’ll make better choices next time around. The introspection continues on Saturday, as innovator Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your twelfth house of healing and the subconscious, until December 25. You’ve been more rundown as of late, maybe getting less sleep or just battling an erratic schedule. Now, things calm down a bit, helping you focus on your restorative wellbeing. Focus on soothing modalities, like journaling, yoga, meditation and dance. If you’re battling an addiction of a vice, this is a good time to build in extra reinforcements.

Feeling nostalgic? On Saturday, your mind drifts to the good old days, thanks to affectionate Venus turning retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your fourth house of home and family. For the next week, indulge your emotions and reflections. This is also a good time to reconsider your home decor—though you should wait on any drastic changes, as Venus retrograde can make your normally great taste go MIA. A female relative could stir up trouble, so avoid the drama queens in your clan now—you won’t be able to hold back your ire now. This weekend could also bring a blast from your friendship past, as pioneering Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your eleventh house of collaboration and platonic connection, until December 25. An old pal could pop up, reminding you of your old dreams and shared ideals. During the next five months, you could get reacquainted with one of your world-bettering ideas, or rejoin a group effort. Maybe it’s time to revive your non-profit dreams. Whatever the case, soak up the inspiration coming your way—it’s helping to light your own utopian path.

Time for a self-expression overhaul? On Saturday, diplomatic Venus turns retrograde in Virgo, your third house of ideas and communication. For the rest of the week, the cosmos is serving up a five-star opportunity to reflect on the way you listen, speak and take in information. Revisiting a writing or teaching project could be especially fruitful. Your relationship with a sibling or close friend could hit a rough patch, so be especially patient, or maybe call a time-out. Your penchant for introspection continues all weekend, as revolutionary Uranus goes retrograde (backward) in Aries, your tenth house of professional achievement, until December 25. Today, you could get a hint as to what’s in store for you career-wise, possibly revisiting a long-forgotten dream. Changes are definitely afoot, so if you’re feeling anxious about your professional path, build in extra support. Dial up a former mentor for advice. If you’re job searching, tap old colleagues and even a former company, as retrogrades favor the past.

Keep a tight grip on your wallet this weekend. On Saturday, an urge to splurge could have dire consequences, thanks to indulgent Venus going retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your second house of security, until July 31. For the next week, your focus is squarely on your funds, especially since you may not have a clear picture of your budget. Avoid indulging in retail therapy now, especially on any non-returnable splurges. (Two words: buyer’s remorse.) This weekend, you could feel a burst of energy, as pioneering Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your ninth house of travel, adventure and expansion. You may have been seeking liberation in weird, erratic spurts, e.g. booking a trip without much forethought, deciding to go for a start-up idea, throwing caution to the wind. Between now and December 25, the energy slows down, allowing you to really root into your personal winds of change. You could feel more in charge, less knee-jerk.

Hold off on that haircut. On Saturday, beautifying Venus turns retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your first house of self and appearances, until July 31. Though the planet of love is going to be backsliding into Leo, your sleepy twelfth house, from the 31st to September 6, right now your focus is on your current look—and also on how you come across in general. This week, you could notice a strong disconnect between your intentions and how others receive you. (Hence, your stylist or make-up artist may not “get” your direction.) Put off any pricey beauty outings or shopping trips. Adjust your attitude if you’re coming across in a way you don’t intend, too. With peacemaker Venus on the lam, you could seem overly combative now. You could be feeling especially reflective on what makes you feel truly free, as pioneering Uranus goes retrograde (backward) in Aries, your eighth house of intimacy and depth. Until December 25, the atmosphere is much calmer for you to make a level-headed decision, perhaps about a soul mate or a long-term security matter. Your closest bonds will benefit from the downturn in Uranus’ unpredictable energy.

Time to let that one go, Libra? On Saturday, your ruling planet Venus turns retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your twelfth house of healing and closure. For the next week, you’re swimming in your own illusions, feeling unusually vulnerable and even a little paranoid at times. You could be wistful about a past love, or just hung up on your biggest wound. Reach deep to find forgiveness. Remember that forgiving someone doesn’t make the action okay—it just releases you from the self-imposed prison of holding on. This weekend could also deliver powerful epiphanies around a partnership matter, as innovator Uranus moves retrograde (backward) in Aries, your seventh house of one-on-one relationships. Until December 25, you’re thinking more carefully about how you and your closest alliances can remain in sync, while also being autonomous beings. It’s not an easy feat, Libra, but you’re more aware now of your inner independent streak—which should help with the recent disruptions in your interpersonal ties.

On Saturday, you could start to rethink a friendship or team-oriented project, thanks to diplomatic Venus turning retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your eleventh house of collaborations. For the next week, you’re better off fine-tuning a group dynamic. Since the eleventh house rules technology, watch what you post on social media—and maybe hold off on a splashy online launch. Old friends may resurface now, or you might need to finally confront a nagging issue with a member of your circle. Your desire for authenticity gets an extra boost, as independent Uranus turns retrograde in Aries, your streamlined sixth house. Until December 25, you can make positive tweaks to the basic systems of your life: your diet, your fitness regimen and your day-to-day functioning. Overall, there’s a nagging itch for change and spontaneity—could something exciting happen, please? Now, you have the ability to tap into some ingenious solutions and mix up the mundane. Look to helpful people and even technical solutions to get the job done.

Stop the presses? On Saturday, you could feel like your big-picture plans have gone sprawling out of control, as charming Venus goes retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your tenth house of career and the future. For the next week, tread carefully with all of your commitments, especially professional ones. Your best intentions may be poorly received, and you could have serious discord with a boss, employee or client. Maybe a project doesn’t go the way you want or a branding session is a disaster. You could also be seen as overly calculating and even ruthless. This isn’t the time to make any major moves. Instead, reflect: are you on the right path? A second retrograde also begins this weekend. Unpredictable Uranus makes a U-turn in Aries, your fifth house of passion and self-expression. Until December 25, dial down the drama in your love life and in the way you get people’s attention. During this five-month stretch, be less of a rebel and more of a radical, so you can direct these winds of change in your favor. A disruptive ex could resurface now. Be strong, Sagittarius, and don’t let this person turn your world upside-down.

Time to rethink those risky moves? On Saturday, you may start reevaluating your current plans for personal growth, thanks to Venus turning retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your ninth house of travel, learning and expansion. You may behave in an especially stubborn or closed-minded way for the next week, resisting new ideas and even being self-sabotaging. Capricorn, get a hold of yourself. Pick up an old favorite metaphysical book, or turn to a wise person for advice. If you’re traveling, the retrograde encourages you to go back to a place you’ve visited (and loved) before. A long-distance ex may also page you out of the blue. This weekend could also bring some dramatic homefront changes, as disruptive Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your domestic fourth house. In recent years, you’ve developed the soul of a nomad (even if you’re still living in the same place as always.) Perhaps it’s time to explore new living situations while Uranus takes a U-turn through December 25. You don’t have to rush into anything, but do contemplate what you really want. A relative, particularly female, may have been a source of conflict this year. Is it time for more space? You can’t change her, Capricorn, but you don’t have to engage.

Feeling it in your bones, Aquarius? On Saturday, Venus turns retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your eighth house of soul bonding and long-term security. You could be battling obsessive thoughts of an ex, stressing over a betrayal or worrying about a suspicion you can’t exactly confirm. Venus retrograde can incite jealousy, or even bring back a past lover. Couples splitting up may fight over shared assets. This isn’t a great period in which to make drastic moves, but do pay attention to the thoughts that come up. They could reveal fears that don’t belong in your psyche. Speaking of your mindset, you could find that you’re drawn into an old line of thought, possibly even a writing or teaching project, as change-maker Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your third house of communication, until December 25. From now until the end of the year, take advantage of these calmer intellectual waters. Instead of putting too many irons in the fire, focus on one great idea you’ve had, and hone it to perfection. When your circuits aren’t shot, it’s much easier to think, produce and create.

Relationship row? On Saturday, harmony with a loved one could be disrupted, as harmonious Venus turns retrograde (backward) in Virgo, your seventh house of compromise, commitments and partnership. For the next week, you’re called to revisit your dating and mating past. An old love could resurface—or an old fight. Stay as Zen as you can, Pisces. This reflective period is actually part of moving ahead. Give yourself the chance to see just how much you have changed. This weekend could also deliver a “eureka!” moment with regard to a work or financial matter, as revolutionary Uranus turns retrograde (backward) in Aries, your second house of money and security matters. Until December 25, you could make some majorly ingenious strides toward greater self-sufficiency. Maybe you will have an epiphany about your budget, seeing something as non-essential that you once thought was a no-questions-asked requirement. Or perhaps an old colleague will pop up with a job offer. Take advantage of this more low-key time to strengthen your bottom line.



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