Discover the Best in Beauty at Byrdie’s Beauty Lab

The Byrdie Beauty Lab, powered by Nordstrom, is a two-week beauty playground in New York City where lipstick devotees and contour connoisseurs are invited to discover, test and fall in love with the best treatments, products and technologies currently available. Explore a curated selection of over 200 products from Nordstrom—handpicked by Byrdie’s beauty experts—all vying for a well-earned spot on your vanity shelves.

At the Byrdie Beauty Lab, you have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in the Lab’s master classes: transition to an all-natural beauty routine with the guidance of Indie Lee, or get the secrets behind Kendall Jenner’s luminous mane with a Q&A from OUAI founder Jen Atkin. RSVP for a spot in these classes and many more here.

We’re proud to partner with Byrdie and to offer our community of beauty lovers the chance to experience the industry’s finest. Can’t make it to the Lab? You can shop the Byrdie Beauty Lab experience anytime at nordstrom.com.

Stop by the Byrdie Beauty Lab December 1-15, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8pm at 393 Broadway, New York, NY 10013.

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Good Cheers: The Billionaire Cocktail from Our Restaurants

The holiday season should feel a bit decadent. But unfortunately it’s more often overindulgent: there’s overeating, overspending and many opportunities for overcommitting oneself. Come January 2, many of us end up feeling drained rather than refreshed. One way to ensure that we’re not overdoing it is to take time to appreciate and share in the small things. Like a delicious martini–OK, maybe two, but let’s not go overboard.

The Billionaire cocktail from our restaurants is just the thing to make you feel flush. It’s tart and sweet with homemade grenadine, a perfect palate cleanser after dinner or a pick-me-up at a party. And if you’ve really overplayed your hand this holiday, you can always stop by a Nordstrom restaurant to kick back and have someone mix this swanky drink for you.

Ingredients:
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
1/2 oz simple syrup, recipe below
1/2 oz homemade grenadine, recipe below
2 oz well bourbon
1 scoop ice
1 spritz absinthe liqueur
1 lemon wheel

1. Chill martini glass with ice.

2. In a pint glass, add lemon juice, simple syrup, grenadine, bourbon and ice.

3. Cap and shake vigorously about 20 times.

4. Empty the iced martini glass, then spritz with absinthe, swirl to rinse and discard excess.

5. Strain cocktail into prepared glass.

6. Garnish with floating lemon wheel.

Whiting & Davis Crystal mesh clutch | Valentino Garavani Rockstud leather gloves

Enjoy!

Simple Syrup

5 cups granulated sugar
5 cups water

1. In a large saucepan combine sugar and water.
2. Whisk well and bring to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Transfer to a container.

Grenadine

2 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
1 cup simple syrup, recipe above
1/2 cup brandy

1. Sanitize all work areas, cutting boards, equipment and sinks used in the preparation of this recipe.
2. Bring pomegranate juice and simple syrup to a boil, lower heat, simmer and reduce liquid until it coats the back of a spoon.
3. Remove from heat and add brandy when cool.
4. Pour into a container.

 Photography by Elizabeth Podlesnik
Mixology by Kyrie MacIntyre

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Asking for a Friend: How to Wear Black and Brown

‘Asking for a Friend’ is our style advice series.

One of the great lies men are told about dressing is not to mix black with brown. The same warning is often issued for navy with black. This is not-good advice! These colors look good together and you should do what looks right to you.

We especially encourage mixing black and brown. Coming off the streetwear trend in recent years of high-contrast black and white combos, substituting brown for white offers a relaxing change of pace.

In the outfit above, you may notice a new silhouette of pants: baggy. It’s a bit of a fashion killa move, but if you want to dress like our fashion hero Josh Peskowitz, you’ll give it a whirl.

Check out more new silhouettes and outfit inspiration below: you’ll find tapered pants, ideas for how to layer up top, and plenty of black and brown.

SHOP: Billy Reid long sleeve tee | Baracuta jacket | Lemaire pants (sold in-store only in Seattle and Eaton Centre, Toronto) | Common Projects shoes (sold in-store only at these locations) | Smartwool socks | Brixton hat | Topman scarf

If you’re drawn to all-black outfits, here’s a monochromatic-feeling fit that isn’t monochromatic at all: brown dress pants tailored with no break, worn with black shoes; mock neck layered under a knit polo to combine two adjacent colors on the wheel; black Stutterheim raincoat. It’s what you’re used to – with a twist.

SHOP: Canali trouser | Saturdays NYC shirt | Maison Margiela sweater | Stutterheim jacket | Vince shoes

Another new silhouette for you: the huge sweatshirt. It’s comfy in there! Wear it with a buttoned-up shirt left untucked, tapered pants, and vaguely military shoes – such as these Common Projects, which our stylist Brenna Carlson says are the best high tops ever. Ever!

SHOP: Maison Margiela shirt | Zanerobe pants | Marling & Evans sweatshirt (available in-store only in  Seattle) | Common Projects shoes (sold in-store only at these locations)

Photographer: Joel Ramirez

Assistant photographer: Chris Burrows

Stylist: Brenna Carlson

Assistant stylist: Lindsey Fish

HMU: Sarah Swaine

Model: Cameron Welch

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Illustrator Sanna Annukka Makes Us Feel Merry & Bright

From brilliant birds to mysterious bears, a cast of colorful characters is decking our halls this year, courtesy of the talented illustrator Sanna Annukka. You’ll find her menagerie peeking in between the branches of Christmas trees, waving from coffee mugs and frolicking across shopping bags throughout the holiday season.

Her distinctive style is part homage to midcentury Scandinavian design, part celebration of her Finnish heritage and 100% of the moment. Annukka’s mom is from Finland, and the young artist soaked up Finnish folktales and folk art on summer visits with her grandparents. The influence on her work is undeniable. Our holiday trim is imbued with a certain magic that goes beyond eye-catching colors and retro-chic sensibility.

We asked Annukka a few questions about her personal style, her favorite Finnish word and the meaning of the animals she brought to life for us.

Tell us about the characters you created for Nordstrom. Who are they? 

They’re a family of forest animals: a bear, a deer, a dog, plus owls and other birds. These are animals I’m particularly fond of—they are such a part of nature in Scandinavia and Finland. Paired together [the bird resting on the deer, for example] they symbolize togetherness, friendship and love—all important during the holiday season!

What are the holidays like at your house? 

Sometimes we disappear into the wilds of Lapland. We love to go snowshoe walking and husky-dog sledging. It’s another world there and so peaceful.

However, the past few years we have had celebrations at my home in Brighton. Lots of food, plenty of wine, a real Christmas tree to bring the scent of pine into the home. I love the smell of Christmas! So pine needles, oranges spiked with clove, wood smoke and roast dinners are all nostalgic requirements.

What’s your favorite Finnish word and what does it mean?

Sisu is a punchy little word. It’s a uniquely Finnish concept that describes determination, bravery and resilience.

Your artwork is incredibly bright. How would you describe your personal style? 

Fashion wise, I always try to add a hint of “folk” to an outfit, whether that’s braided leather details or a woven belt with traditional folk motifs. But I don’t dress head to toe in color. I stick to having just hints of it. At home I love more earthy colors; I have African masks on the wall, kilim cushions and Persian rugs.

What are some of your favorite characters from Finnish folklore and why?

I love the significance of the bear, known as Otso, king of the forest. The ancient Finns believed the bear embodied the spirit of one’s forefathers and so was given the highest respect. Väinämöinen, from Finland’s national epic The Kalevala, is a particularly intriguing character. He makes a harp from the bones of a fish and plays such beautiful tunes that all the forest creatures come to marvel at the music.

Want these happy forest creatures to make your own tree brighter? Check out our line of Sanna Annukka ornaments.

 

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Holiday GIF Guide: What to Give the Women in Your Life (Animated Edition)

Without moms, wives, pals and daughters, where would any of us be? This season, celebrate the ladies who are the linchpins around whom your world turns with presents that inject a bit of fun, a hint of pretty, a semblance of ease into their hectic lives. These are gifts for gals on the go, expressed in GIF form.

Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer 

Busy lassies (and who isn’t one?) will appreciate this Dyson hair dryer, the spaceship of hair appliances. The device is designed not only to cut drying time in half, but to smooth her tresses and decrease frizz, giving your gal the gift of a great start to her day.

Oscar de la Renta classic jeweled Swarovski crystal dropped earrings | Oscar de la Renta crystal choker | Nordstrom at Home medium glitter snow globe

Statement jewelry instantly adds polish to any outfit, and makes dressing up for an event easier and more fun. Moms, sisters and gal pals with full calendars will adore a gorgeous piece from Oscar de la Renta. Every design is truly unique and elegant, like the lady herself.

J.W.ANDERSON daisies calfskin pouch | Creative Co-Op glass ornaments 

Designer wunderkind J.W.ANDERSON has a knack for creating cheerful, playful fashions that are still luxurious. This calfskin pouch is just such an achievement. With its colorful crochet daisies and wooden hardware, there’s no chance your recipient has anything like this already in her closet—but she wishes she did.

Vetements metal crew socks

Your fashion friends will get a kick out of these rock ‘n’ roll inspired socks from brand-of-the-moment Vetements. The edgy streetwear label is adored by the international style set, and such a gift will mark both you and your mate as totally on-trend.

Vince Camuto Lydia bralette and thong 

The object of your affection deserves a sweet reminder of how sexy she is, and a lacy black lingerie set expresses those sentiments exactly. This combo from Vince Camuto has the added benefit of also being comfortable, ensuring she’ll actually want to wear it.

Fendi century legs iPhone 7 case | Creative Co-Op glass ornaments 

Want to inject some fun into your friend’s or your mom’s every day? Get her a cute phone case, like this goofy bird(?) from Fendi. You know she’ll always have it at hand, so she’ll be reminded of how generous you are whenever she picks up her phone—or finally sets it down.

SHOP: Gifts for Her

Photography by Melissa O’Hearn
Styling by Kelly Kauffman
Art direction and copy by Britt Burritt
Set assistance by Erica Lopez

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Jordan & Paul | Real Weddings

Surrounded by breathtaking wine country, Jordan and Paul became husband and wife in an elegantly rustic ceremony with unmatched panoramic views.

Jordan, tell us about the location.

We had always talked about getting married in a meaningful place—and for us that place was Lake Chelan [in north-central Washington State]. Paul and I both grew up vacationing in Chelan every summer with our families and have continued that tradition as a couple. 

We chose to marry at Karma Vineyards because of its natural beauty and for the experience it offered our guests—from the panorama patio where our ceremony was held (complete with a 180° view of the lake), to the vineyard patio where we served homemade margaritas and dinner, to the wine cave where we danced the night away. We loved how Karma provided our guests with a new and beautiful setting at each stage of the evening—not to mention their wine and catering are some of the best in Washington!

What was the theme or inspiration?

Effortless elegance with rustic elements and romantic lace. The color palette was perfect for our summer wedding: light grey with gold accents and pops of vibrant oranges, corals and pinks in the florals.

Tell us about your favorite moment.

We wrote our vows separately to keep them a surprise for the ceremony, but we both said very similar things about why we love our relationship and each other. Hearing them for the first time was an unforgettable moment.

Another great moment was our reception debut. Paul and I took dance lessons leading up to our wedding, so when we nailed our first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” I was pretty stoked!

How did you know your dress was the one?

I knew the Monique Lhuillier Harper gown was “the one” because it had all the details I had always dreamed of: beautiful and lightweight Chantilly lace, an open back, an “illusion” neckline and a detailed waistline. I also loved that the dress came with the option to add an overskirt train, which gave it a very classy and sophisticated look.

I had my appointment at the Nordstrom Wedding Suite with Lydia Bolster and I tried on so many beautiful gowns, but I always had the Monique Lhuillier dress in the back of my mind. Nordstrom was hosting an upcoming Monique Lhuillier trunk show, so Lydia was able to have them fly in the Harper just for me to try on and compare it to my other top choices. I ended up purchasing the dress at the trunk show, so Monique Lhuillier even threw in some custom alterations (we lowered my back just a tad).

The entire experience was so special! Lydia and the entire Wedding Suite were tremendously accommodating. She communicated every step of the process with me in great detail and was a wonderful host to my mom, moms-in-law and bridesmaids when we all came in for my final appointment.

We ended up getting the majority of our wedding attire and gifts from Nordstrom since it was so easy to one-stop shop. Lydia helped me find my boat-cruise and rehearsal-dinner outfits, jewelry and hair accessories, and bridesmaids’ gifts. We also purchased my husband’s grey Armani suit from Nordstrom, and he still gets a ton of use out of it.

Any advice for brides-to-be?

Look at a lot of photos from other weddings (in bridal magazines, on Instagram, etc.) to get inspired by the designs, poses and landscapes. This really helped us communicate to our photographer and videographer what we wanted.

Planning a wedding is a labor of love and can sometimes seem never-ending, but make sure to enjoy the process as much as possible. I included my husband in the decisions that were important to him (the dinner menu, playlist, and beer making!) and took the lead on other things like our invitations and website.

Where was the honeymoon?

Since we spent an entire week in Chelan for the wedding (we rented a big beach house for our wedding party), we decided to keep the winery theme going and went to Sonoma, California, for a four-night “mini moon” after our wedding. We’re planning to go on our official honeymoon to Italy later. We can’t wait to explore Europe together for the first time!

Photography by Ben & Molly

Did you find your wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses at Nordstrom? We love a good wedding story! Email Nordstrom Wedding Stories for details on getting your wedding featured on our blog. And for more inspiration, make a complimentary appointment with a Wedding Stylist or browse our Wedding Suite.

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Holiday GIF Guide: What to Give the Men in Your Life (Animated Edition)

He’s your champion, your travel companion, your sounding board—sure, sometimes (especially lately) it sounds more like venting. Above all, he’s one of the good guys.

Show the men in your life that you appreciate their many contributions and good behavior with a present that will really move them. We’ve rounded up the top gifts for guys in GIF form. There’s something here for every man of action in your life (dads, spouses, brothers, boyfriends) to thank them for the righteous deeds they do.

Gucci Dublin embroidered dragon skate sneaker 

For the sophisticated sneakerhead, these embroidered Guccis bridge the gap between casual kicks and dress shoes. Even the most advanced collector is unlikely to have anything quite like these lavish velvet slip-ons. Plus, they’re so comfortable he won’t want to take them off—and equally elegant, so that won’t bother you a bit.

Lanvin fish cuff links 

The dad or sweetheart who would rather be angling than at the office will thrill over these piscine cuff links from Lanvin that remind him of his preferred pastime. These fancy fish bob along his shirt sleeve, adding polish to his attire on those days when the pole stays at home.

  Nordstrom at Home 4-piece stainless steel & wood bar set | Nordstrom at Home distressed copper cocktail shaker 

Upgrade your favorite bartender’s tools with this handsome stainless steel set and cocktail shaker. He’ll gladly reciprocate by mixing you a holiday drink with these sleek yet masculine utensils that seriously level up his liquid arts.

The Art of Shaving Lexington Collection razor | The Art of Shaving pure badger shaving brush | The Art of Shaving sandalwood shaving cream | Acqua di Parma Colonia splash 

Dads, brothers and boyfriends will appreciate some new grooming goodies. The Art of Shaving’s potions and lotions are the height of self-care. Their formulas and tools ensure a clean shave, even if one’s hand is less than steady. A dab of Acqua di Parma is the perfect way to finish off personal ablutions, and a favorite of gentlemen in the know.

 

Ted Baker London Ospray duffel bag

For the dude on the move, this Ted Baker London duffel bag ensures he’s adequately packed for his next adventure. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or home for the holidays, slinging this luxe luggage over his shoulder will get him ready to go.

 

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer 55mm polarized sunglasses 

A new pair of shades are always appreciated, and classic Ray-Bans will flatter all the manly faces in your life. Polarized Wayfarers not only protect his peepers but keep him looking cool in a way you can approve of.

SHOP: Gifts for Him

Photography by Melissa O’Hearn
Styling by Kelly Kauffman
Art direction and copy by Britt Burritt
Set assistance by Erica Lopez

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