This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
5/24/24 Update: The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale has started — see our big sale roundup! Also, sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the great sales!
The below content is about the 2010 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale.
Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale is on, including tons of great basics like Classiques Entier up to 40% off.
For today's TPS, we're liking this bright blouse by Marc by Marc Jacobs. We like this kind of top because it's a much richer look than your basic tee, but without the fuss of a blouse — no buttons, no gaping, no tucking, etc.
We'd wear it with a pair of gray or navy trousers, and perhaps a shoe in yet another color. (And — if the hot pink color is too much (either for your coloring or your office), you can always mute it with a cardigan, blazer, or wrap in a neutral color.)
Was $198, now $117. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Ruffled Silk Top
Sales of note for 10.24.24
- Nordstrom – Fall sale, up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event, 30% off! Suits are included in the 30% off!
- Banana Republic Factory – 40-60% off everything, and redeem Stylecash!
- Boden – 10% off new styles with code; free shipping over $75
- Eloquii – Extra 50% off a lot of sale items, with code
- J.Crew – Friends & Family event, 30% off sitewide.
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything
- Lo & Sons – Fall Sale, up to 35% off
- M.M.LaFleur – Save 25% sitewide
- Neiman Marcus – Up to 30% off on new arrivals
- Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
- Talbots – 40% off entire purchase, plus free shipping no minimum
- White House Black Market – Buy more, save more; buy 3+ get an extra 50% off
And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!
Some of our latest threadjacks include:
- What to say to friends and family who threaten to not vote?
- What boots do you expect to wear this fall and winter?
- What beauty treatments do you do on a regular basis to look polished?
- Can I skip the annual family event my workplace holds, even if I'm a manager?
- What small steps can I take today to get myself a little more “together” and not feel so frazzled all of the time?
- The oldest daughter is America's social safety net — change my mind…
- What have you lost your taste for as you've aged?
- Tell me about your favorite adventure travels…
B
Model, who is clearly a waif, looks like a football player in those enormous puffed sleeves.
No thanks.
Shayna
My thoughts exactly! Does any woman really want her upper arms to look bigger !?!
RR
Sometimes I wonder how much energy goes into analyzing whether every single item of clothing makes some body part look bigger. Exhausting. This model is thin. Her arms do not look big. On the right shape, the effect would be to balance out a bigger lower body by giving volume to the shoulders. Yes, some women want that – to look balanced as opposed to disproportionately big on bottom.
anon
Yup, exhausting. Agreed that the model’s arms don’t look big. If I put on this top, my arms wouldn’t look big – I’d just look like I was wearing puffy sleeves.
Lynette
I so agree with this. I am plus sized and no outfit in the world is going to make my size 16 body look like a size 10. I choose what fits and flatters and I go on about my life.
SSC
Agreed. When I read the comments on this site, I sometimes wonder how some people find anything that works for them.
Shayna
I was a size 16…and 18… and I never, ever, would wear puffy sleeves (wouldn’t wear them now either) – I just don’t think they’re attractive – and while I realize that no outfit is going to turn any of us into Heidi Klum, wearing something that makes my upper arms look big or worse, is reminiscent of some kind of 14th century Italian knight’s puffed sleeve costume is not attractive – I realize that fashion is subjective – that’s just my subjective opinion.
Shayna
The model is thin, her arms probably are too (we’re assuming) but whe you add volume, you add volume – they now look bigger… you can say that’s a good thing, I disagree…it’s all subjective.
v
But the rest of her arms are clearly thin. It’s clearly a different silhouette created by the clothing. You don’t have to like that silhouette – it’s a matter of taste, I think – but it’s silly to say that because it creates volume in a particular, stylized way that it makes her look like she has fat arms. Nobody would look at that picture and think “That girl has fat arms.”
Anon
What v. said.
Jennifer
I agree! Of course I want to wear things that are flattering, but it doesn’t end there. I like the way these sleeves look, they create an interesting silhouette. The problem (at least for me) with this is that there is too much going on. If it were a different color, or the ruffles were only on the bodice and not the sleeves, it would seem much more wearable. There’s also no way a neutral cardigan or blazer could tone down that color enough for it to be both flattering for my skin tone and workplace-appropriate (and I work in a place where the “business formal” dress code includes dressy jeans….).
The shorts (skirt? culottes?) are another story entirely.
L
AGREED!
A.
This looks like a costume piece for The Tudors that got dyed the wrong color. OFF WITH HER HEAD!
Anon
Yikes. It’s covered in ruffles, sheer (note description as well as visible waistband of shorts), hot pink, and short enough to keep me from being able to raise my arms at the office unless I want people to know whether I have an innie or an outie.
And I think the ruffles on the sleeves would just look bulky and strange under a cardigan (I’ve tried on a few tops with too-big sleeves under cardigans and I end up looking like I have water wings on under my cardi).
Pass.
Bonnie
Egads. Kat, I’m starting to doubt you. This shirt is horrible. I can’t think of anyone that would look good with those exaggerated shoulders and the smocked top.
MPC
I could see the shoulders working on someone who wants to balance out their hips. However hot pink + ruffles = too girly for the office, at least for me.
jojo
That is, unless, you are Day-to-Night Barbie.
Children of the 80s will know of which I speak.
anon - chi
HA! Awesome. I actually thought the top was really cute but the Day-to-Night Barbie thing may have ruined it for me!
RR
Hey, the 80s are in right now! :)
eplawyer
I have no shoulders, so ruffles would help that. Shoulder pads do not because then I have biceps. I love the color and the ruffles (although the ruffles on the shorts is too much ruffle in one outfit). I would have gotten it, except someone pointed out how sheer it is. Darn.
Frump
Mixed feelings. I like that it’s silk, and I like that it’s a one-piece blouse with no buttons, etc. But I don’t think the puffy, ruffled sleeves would flatter a lot of arm shapes (I feel it’s common for women to complain about having squishy/not toned arms before making them look even larger with with sleeves like that), and the ruffles, a well as the size, of the sleeves would make it nearly impossible to wear under a cardian. I also have very mixed feelings about fuschia as a ‘pop’ of color in general. I find it really only goes with a few colors well- light gray and white, for example-and in the instance of wearing a fuschia top with say a white pencil skirt, I think one runs the risk of looking too ‘cocktails on a cruise ship’-like. Putting fuschia separates with darker colors (black, navy) just too often leaves something to be desired in my opinion, almost like it lacks sophistocation in the sense like you might expect to see a mannequin in the junors’ ‘workwear’ section of a bad department store to be wearing a too-tight-large-belt pencil skirt with a hot-pink top and 5-inch stripper ‘pumps.’
EbayShopper
Don’t really care for the shirt, but yay on Nordstrom sale!
A bit of a hijack … I was the person who bought a bunch of Theory pieces on ebay and wanted to share my experience. I bought two suit jackets, 3 pairs of pants and one skirt. All had at least 96% wool and were from different/years/collections. I spent about $275 total for all those pieces. Three of those (2 pants and the skirt) were new with tags and the rest were listed as used in excellent condition. I bought from different sellers.
The condition of everything I received was exactly as described, with one exception: one of the jackets had a bit of schmutz/dirt on a few spots, which easily cleaned with some soap and water. That jacket also had a $10 bill inside the pocket!! So that paid for the shipping of a few items :)
I would absolutely do this again (in fact, I just ordered a Theory pencil skirt, new with tags, for $20 with shipping). The only thing I would caution against is, it’s hard to match colors unless you’ve matched fabrics. So while out of this I came out with an entire suit, it was only with the black suit, my gray pants and jacket don’t match exactly.
The other thing is to watch out with sizing. I ordered bottoms in 3 different sizes, and all three of them fit me roughly the same. Holding up a size 8 pant with a size 12 pant there seemed to be only a 0.5″ difference! I ordered them by measurements, not sizes, and that part was accurate. I recommend measuring a suit you really like (or two) laying flat on a table and using that as your guide for ordering.
I will have to get some pieces tailored (including taking up the sleeves on the jackets and hemming on the pants), but I would have had to do that even on new pieces anyway, since I’m 5’3″ and Theory doesn’t make petites that I’ve ever seen. So in the end I have saved a ton by ordering on ebay, although I have spent a lot of time doing it, and I’m still looking for pieces to complete my grey suit outfit.
Going forward, for Theory purchases at least, I am paying a lot more attention to the fabric color and fabric type, so that I can match pieces. I am also paying more attention to measurements. I found for example, that the two jackets I ordered fit me fine, but are actually much longer than I would have liked, something I didn’t notice when ordering at first. As for ordering “new” or “gently used,” I don’t really have a preference. The used clothing I bought need a cleaning to be sure, but their description was accurate (no issues with the piece) and I know from personal experience that the Theory wool pieces last for a very long time (my very first pair of pants from them are going on 7 years, and I bought them from a consignment shop when I was a dirt poor student).
I hope this helps someone!
AIMS
Thanks, that’s a very helpful report!
I have never considered ordering clothes from ebay before but will def think about do so now. So glad it all worked out!
K3L
I’ve had good and bad experiences with buying clothes on eBay. For brands that DO have petites, be careful! I’ve bought several items not marked petite (luckily I can fit into both) but were actually petites. I’ve been very happy with the quality though.
Kate
I will add I only buy from sellers who list actual garment measurements because the chances of success are that much higher.
One of my favorite suits is a Nanette Lepore – gently used which I got for song on ebay relative to comparable listings. The seller had purchased mismatched sizes – a 4 jacket and 10 skirt because that was all that was available. She left skirt unaltered and wore it lower on her hips so for about $85 and a $15 alteration I have a suit that fits me perfectly!
anonymous
I regularly buy pieces on ebay – particularly if I want to try out how much I will actually wear a style that is new to me (will 3/4 sleeves be annoying or fabulous?) before committing.
C2
This is the first time I’ve lived near a Nordstrom before, so can anyone tell me if the Anniversary Sale is worth the trip? As an admitted online shopping addict, I can confirm that all of the online reductions on the Classiques Entier line were made days ago — does that mean there won’t be any real changes in-store either?
jr
I regularly shop Nordstrom online and occasionally in-store. In-store, I always find things on the sale rack that are still full price online, although I haven’t had specific experience with the Anniversary Sale.
jr
One tip if you go to the store and see things you like on the sale rack but not in your size – ask the associate to find it at another store and have it sent to you; my recollection is that the shipping is free in those circumstances.
Kimbo
As long as it’s not a long trip, I’d say it’s worth it to go to the store. (I’m confused about how far away you live because you said it’s the first time you’ve lived near a store, then you ask if it’s worth the trip, which to me indicates that it might take a while to get there.) Anyway, to answer your question, I think it’s worth it. I’ve found things there that I didn’t see online. I’m big on shopping in person when it comes to brands I haven’t tried, as well. I would rather spend all day trying things on than order things and spend all day returning or exchanging them!
Shayna
She probably meant, is it worth going that day, dealing w/ the expected crowds/lines/etc. for the sales, or just waiting until another day.
Kimbo
To me, that’s not what “is it worth the trip means.” I’m sure she’ll come back to clarify if she feels it’s necessary.
C2
Sorry, I just dashed that off without re-reading for clarity — yes, I did mean what Shayna said (thanks for translating, can I hire you to do that on all my emails??). The store is close but I am a wimp about sale crowds unless it’s really worth it.
Thanks lulu for clarifying — I obviously haven’t paid close attention to these sales before, that’s really good to know! I think I might brave it tonight just to see what it’s like.
lulu
C2–I ultimately did buy several dresses and a purse today but I did it online and I’ll just send things back if I don’t like them.
Shayna
I use the same phrase in regards to time consuming experiences that are likely to involve challenging parking, long lines, snippy sales people, and merchandise that is out of order (which, aside from the parking which depends on your mall, is out of the norm for Nordstroms)
:-)
Let us know how it goes (I’m jealous – I’m about 45 minutes away from the nearest Nordstroms!)
Clerky
Just spent about 30 minutes going through all of the sale items and I agree that most of the Classiques markdowns were made a few days ago, which is suprising to me. I was hoping for even more discounts. I agree with the others that it is probably worth going to the store as well because there will very likely be sale items that aren’t available online. However, I’d advise you to go sooner rather than later while there is still a lot of inventory left. I remember going to the men’s sale a few months ago with my husband on a weekend morning and Nordstrom was a complete zoo.
lulu
Anniverary Sale–the one that happens in July–definitely worth the trip. The Half-Yearly Sale–the one that is happening now–probably not. The Anniversary Sale is all “new” clothes–very little has been on the floor before the sale and everything is available in every size. The Half-Yearly Sale is a clearance sale so the selection is very limited.
I am a Nordstrom devotee and I hardly every buy things at the Half-Yearly sale because the stuff I want is rarely available and the crowds aren’t worth it. I do buy a lot at the Anniversary sale though–which explains why I have tons of fall and winter clothes compared to spring and summer clothes!
One caveat about the Anniversary Sale–Nordstrom cardholders who spent a certain amount the previous year (I think it’s $2K) get to pre-shop the sale so a lot of the best things (including just about everything in the sale catalog) are sold out by noon on the first day.
AIMS
If anyone has been thinking of getting something from BR, 40% off any 1 item today with code:
BGCFRDKRRXJL
I think it will only work once, but I am not using it – so enjoy :)
EM
Does anyone have a discount code for Eddie Bauer? Thanks!
L7
SMRW2WH – should get you 20% off.
I got the Linen Jacket in steel and it is amazing. I don’t do blazers as I fear they make me look a little too boyish, but this jacket was cut very well for me and looks a little edgy/modern and pretty! It had sold out in my size online, but I was able to get it at the actual store.
I also tentatively bought the Washable Blakely Striped Trousers (on sale!) and they turned out to be great! The fabric was pretty substantial (in a good way) and the cut worked for me (former soccer player – go figure).
EM
The code didn’t work online–it expired 2 days ago–but I telephoned my order in and so they were able to honor it. Weird. Thank you!
L7
Sorry — glad it still worked! And I agree, the EB customer service people have been very helpful in terms of allowing discounts, organizing exchanges, etc. In addition to a couple great finds, it’s inspired me to go back.
Emily
Good grief – the sleeves on this are ridiculous. I guess I could cut the sleeves off and turn it into a cute shell, but what was this designer thinking?
(the other) Dasha
Agree that the sleeves are insane, and the color? No thanks.
3L
Agreed, and the price is insane too!
Lynette
I’ll be the dissenter here and say that I love this. But I don’t think that throwing a blazer or a cardigan over something should a catch-all “solution” for everything.
Legally Brunette
I love this too! It’s too short for my liking but I love the color and the puffed sleeves look great on me because they balance out my hips.
Shayna
Agree about the catch all solution — the thought of buying something knowing that I’ll be covering it up seems counter intuitive to me!
RR
Isn’t that the case for every single shell or other shirt to be worn under a jacket? I buy lots of clothes knowing I will be covering them up, and I tend to buy bright pops of color that look great next to my face.
Shayna
Shells, and suit-specific-shirts – yes – they’re part of an outfit.
An embellished top like the one pictured? No.
Anon
You buy suit-specific shirts?
Shayna
Yes – I tend to think in whole outfits when it comes to my suits – and I like to have the whole outfit looking crisp and ready to be worn on the days when I have to wear suits.
Most of the suit-shirts I have are not very embellished, are collarless, etc. so they look good under a jacket.
RR
I like it. This color is really flattering on me, and I think it would look good with some wide-legged trousers in navy or gray and a pair of heels. I don’t love the sleeves, but I wonder how they would look on someone with less thin arms. I probably wouldn’t buy this exact top, but something very similar? In a heartbeat.
SUCL 3L
Agreed. The color is fabulous. The sleeves could be making the model look like a linebacker because she’s waif thin and may look better on someone a little bit bigger.
Ru
I like it too but it’s not something I would wear. I think this would look really nice with a vest, if you’re into vests.
Kimbo
I think this is cute, but I’d have to see it in person. It looks like it falls straight down, which wouldn’t work for larger-busted people like me. I need something that’s going to either be able to be tucked, would look good belted, or is more fitted at the waist. Tops like this usually hang straight down from my chest and just make my waist look much bigger than it is.
K
I agree with you. I’m bigger busted and tall with not-so-narrow shoulders, so I usually wear a large in blouses like this. That makes it hang straight down and look so loose around the middle. I envy those who are smaller busted and/or have more narrow shoulders who can wear a smaller size so it doesn’t look like a maternity top. I think the color is beautiful, though.
s-k-s
I have to say, I’m a little tired of hearing “throw a wrap over it.” I work at a suits-only law firm, but everyone throws their jacket on the back of their chair as soon as they get in. I shop for shirts I can wear around the office all day, no wrap, no cardigan required.
All that siad, I actually like this shirt, although I can’t wear that color of pink unless I want to look like I’m dying. I think the sleeves would work better than a lot of posters said. Volume in the sleeves actually works to minimize your upper arms, and the sleeve is long enough that it wouldn’t cut across in a really weird place.
Anon
I agree that I’m very tired of “throw a wrap over it” as a way to make something otherwise too _(fill in blank)_ for the office magically appropriate.
I like layers, and frequently wear jackets or cardigans over my tops. But I never wear a top that can’t stand on its own.
E
Yes! My suit jacket, and everybody else’s, lasts about five minutes once in the door in the morning. Occasionally I wear a sleeveless top under a light cardigan and keep the cardigan on all day, but that’s the exception not the rule.
Grump
I’ve said it before and I’ll say ot again…of all the silk blouses out there *that* one gets chosen for this blog??? I’ve bought so many nicer silk blouses for *so* much less. Don’t care for it that much.
I’d wear it with a white skirt and some nude heels, that would probably look ok – cute even – but honestly, you can get so many good deals on silk blouses that I probably wouldn’t pay over $100 even though it’s designer ‘n’ all.
lawDJ
Please post some links to your cheaper silk shirts! That would be super helpful :)
Grump
I would, but I live (and, consequently, shop) in the UK so it wouldn’t be helpful at all. :( I’ve gotten most of mine for under $35-40 (if not less) when on sale – the exceptions being a couple of blouses from Brooks Brothers etc.
Frump, however, is far more familiar with shopping in the US (and likes a good bargain too) so when she’s about she will certainly be able to suggest stuff!
Sharon
So what’s the relationship between Frump and Grump? Twins separated at birth? Friends?
gem
I’m in the UK – so I’d be interested to learn where from. Alway open to more shopping.
LexCaritas
Ditto on UK shopping suggestions!
AIMS
I just ordered this:
http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/sundance+catalog+outlet/apparel/shirts/rosetta+top.do?sortby=ourPicks
Only xsmall & large left though but I think it’s really nice!!
Was also thinking about this one — talk about a bargain — but ended up not getting it (yet).
http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/sundance+catalog+outlet/apparel/shirts/bright+lights+blouse.do?sortby=ourPicks
Clerky
AIMS – have you ordered from this store before? How does the sizing run? I really like that first top.
AIMS
I’ve ordered from Sundance before but the brands tend to be different. Dunno about this one. I am usually a small but thought what the heck & ordered the XS. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll either return it or give it to my sister who’s a bit smaller.
It just looked so nice, I couldn’t resist!
The quality with Sundance stuff has usually been very nice — I got some great stuff there over the years and have always been impressed. Here’s hoping.
Amy
I love tops from sundance. They are so different! I have the ophelia blouse and get SO many compliments whenever I wear with jeans and gladiators. I also wear under a black suit.
http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/code/50910.do
Shayna
I’m currently eyeing this yellow Max Studio shirt ($79): http://amzn.to/cpFYoz
Just not sure if yellow + my super pale complexion will be good …
LLH
I’m very, very pale and can wear a very pale yellow. Not the yellow of that shirt. I think it really depends on the undertones of your skin.
anon
I like the color, and I like the ruffles down the front, but I’m not so keen on the ruffled sleeves.
Kaye
Careful with ruffled sleeves – they sometimes turn out impossible to stuff under any kind of top layer.
ceb
Would be great if they left off either the puffy sleeves or all of the ruffles (personally, I like ruffles, so I would prefer sleeveless with ruffles). Alas, they gilded the lily.
75
This spring I am seeing a lot of very harsh colors peeking out at necklines. It is easy to forget that putting a bright color against black will make it look even brighter.
On a different note, please look at Elena Kagan in todays’ NY Times. She suddenly looks great, despite her many natural disadvantages. Neat belted suit with pleated hemline and bracelet sleeves, a good watch, and a necklace in a bib configuration that frames the face. A good example for the overweight and maybe for everyone.
RR
Thank you. The overweight appreciate you pointing out good examples (yes, that is sarcasm).
3L
I was thinking the same thing RR. 75 may have had good intentions, but it was a poorly phrased comment, as in “Fat people: take note!”
RR
Following on something a week or two saying that something would only look good on “big women.” Not a first offense.
MelD
Some people don’t care if a bright color looks brighter. It’s not an issue in all areas of the country. What you might find harsh, others may like.
v
Kagan might not be photogenic, but when you meet her in person, her charisma overcomes everything. A good example for us all.
L
Thank you Kat! I haven’t decided yet if this shirt is for me, but I like that it is very stylish and fashion-forward; a bit of a risk, but still work appropriate. Work wear can be so dowdy and booring–do we really need help finding another grey skirt or a white button-down? Just walk into any of the work-appropriate chain stores, and there all of your ho-hum choices will be. But this, this is fun and fashionable and work appropriate. It’s something you’d see in a magazine if magazine’s actually catered to real working women (and after all, isn’t that what motivated you to do this in the first place?). I’m sure you knew that all the folks that like to wear the same ol’ thing each day and see it on their co-workers would complain about what a horrible choice it is–but, this is just the sort of thing I’m looking for.
So, thanks!