Iris Apfel
Fashion Alerts
So little time. Yes, our summer hiatus went on a little longer than just the summer. But the phdmamas are back and fall fashion has been pushing high on our list of things to discuss.
I’ll lead off my fashion alerts with the more culturally enriching item first, forcing the highly gratuitous but extremely urgent Nordstrom sale to appear second (see very important tip below). The Peabody Essex Museum is running an exhibition of fashion icon Iris Apfel’s wardrobe, Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel, from October 17th through February 7th. It looks fascinating and inspiring. Recently, she styled a website collection for Nordstrom.com and I was so pleased to see the retailer taking queues from the wizened and extremely creative globe-trotter.
Just for kicks, The Peabody Essex Museum’s website also includes an interactive “paper doll” application with which you can assemble all sorts of Apfel-esque outfits.
OK, the gratuitous: the big fall Nordstrom sale kicked off today, running from Nov. 4-7. Yes, I’ve already been and my own extremely considered and scrutinized purchases will appear on an upcoming Fashion Friday post.
Here’s my big, big, insider tip: if you happen to be in the market for some “investment” designer items (grey patent Tod’s driving loafers anyone?) that are not yet on sale, simply ask the clerks to take them out of inventory and hold them for you until they are. You can pick them up or have them shipped when their sale date arrives. You are only charged at that time, and you walk away with shoes that haven’t sold out (my common size always does) for at least 40% off. It’s a beautiful system. Work it. -Jen
