I'm a Fashion Writer, and Here's What's in My Nordstrom Cart for Fall
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I've been actively avoiding fall even though I love it. Somehow, unintentionally, I've been away for a majority of it so far, even though most New Yorkers will tell you the air hasn't quite been crisp enough for a proper leather blazer coffee run anyway. And that honestly works in my favor, because I've just cleaned out my closet, and mocked up a wishlist of fall items from Nordstrom.
As an eclectic dresser, fall and winter are my favorite seasons, clothing wise. I just love to wear lots of things, and the colder weather allows me to wear my favorite things all at once, all on top of each other. Which also means, in my eyes, that I can never have too many fall pieces. When the outfit opportunities are endless, my wishlist might as well be endless too, right? From the Gigi Hadid-approved platform Ugg to a fluffy teddy bear tote for under $100, here are the 12 things on Nordstrom I can't stop obsessing over this season.
Ugg Tazz Mule, $120
New Balance 327 Sneaker, $90–$100
Acne Studios Vally Plaid Alpaca Wool & Mohair Blend Scarf, $290
Ugg Tazz Mule
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Shop now: $120; nordstrom.com
Here's the thing: It took me a while to warm up to Ugg boots even though I grew up in the '90s, where Ugg boots and bedazzled Juicy Couture tracksuits were the peak of fashion. Maybe I was traumatized by my own middle school attempts, but it was only recently that I started adding Ugg boots into my daily fall outfit rotation. I get it now: They're essentially pillows for your feet. But I also just really love the way they look and I think the latest Ugg Tazz mule may be the greatest Ugg yet.
Gigi Hadid was just spotted out wearing them, which means they're bound to become the latest It shoe of fall. They slide on, so they're quite literally easy to slip into, and pair perfectly with fuzzy socks. My favorite detail though is by far the platform sole, which gives them a look very reminiscent of a Y2K Bratz Doll, which is currently my go-to aesthetic.
Stand Studio Mini Lizzie Teddy Faux Shearling Tote
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Shop now: $98; nordstrom.com
Naturally, fuzzy teddy bear coats go hand-in-hand with Ugg season. But what about teddy bear totes? No fall wardrobe is complete without a fuzzy little tote bag, and it can easily double as a mitten if you stick your hands in it while riding the subway.
Stand Studio is a widely beloved brand by fashion editors and celebrities alike, mostly known for their trendy fluffy coats (some of which are on sale at Nordstrom now) and the Bella Hadid-approved Lolita tote. But its Mini Lizzie teddy tote is just as cute as anything they make, and is under $100, which is a steal for a brand that'll typically cost you hundreds.
Dauphinette Strawberry Drop Earrings
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Shop now: $64; nordstrom.com
Dauphinette is the brand where I can proudly say, "I told you so." The second I saw one of Olivia Cheng's designs on Instagram, I knew her brand would blow up. And now, Dauphinette is everywhere — even in the latest Met Gala art exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. So scoring one of Dauphinette's pieces for just $64 at Nordstrom is more than just a no-brainer. These strawberry drop earrings will make any outfit instantly cute, while adding a touch of summer to the most dead-of-winter fits.
Marine Serre Fitted Moon Print Top
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Shop now: $320; nordstrom.com
I own a lot of Marine Serre, but a lot of Marine Serre is definitely not enough Marine Serre. She's one of my favorite designers and I feel like her iconic moon print never gets old. It's the perfect pattern and the ideal layering piece. It's less conventional than stripes, and far more interesting than polka dots. You can wear this top any which way, but I'm envisioning it layered underneath an oversized sweater vest.
Acne Studios Pansy Face Patch Stripe Wool Beanie
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Shop now: $180; nordstrom.com
My personal fall wardrobe is always, no matter how hard I try, missing a couple key elements; and by that I mean, I don't own anything practical. Yes I have more coats than I can count, and my boots collection has not-so slowly started to spill out from underneath my bed. But I often forget about hats, gloves, and scarves, which are absolutely non-negotiable outfit pieces once mid-November hits.
But the second I started viewing these things not just as essentials but as wants, my whole entire wishlist shifted to containing them almost entirely. For example, I would do inexplicable things for this Acne Studios Pansy Face Patch beanie. It's not just a head-warmer, it's a statement piece.
Collina Strada Crystal Embellished Water Bottle
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Shop now: $90; nordstrom.com
Right now, it's no secret that pumpkin spice lattes have the floor. They're the main character, in terms of beverages. And sure, water has never seemed to make it out of the ensemble, but I think that's because we don't treat it like Jennifer Lopez does.
Lopez always has a bedazzled Starbucks cup on hand, and in an effort to not forget to stay hydrated in hot toddy weather, I want to emulate Lopez's energy with Collina Strada's famous embellished water bottle. Plus, I think it could also easily double as a PSL container, with a slightly more badass exterior than a seasonal Starbucks cup.
Sunnei Small Rubberized Hoop Earrings
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Shop now: $240; nordstrom.com
I used to own these earrings in red and then I lost them. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about them, which means I definitely need to buy another pair for my sanity, even though my wallet isn't ready for that conversation. Also, since we have to cover up in hats and scarves, chunky earrings are a need because no one will be able to see my simple studs under layers of wool. And these Sunnei hoops can be spotted from miles away. Not to mention whenever I used to wear mine, the compliments on the rubberized paint drip detail were endless.
SafSafu Cotton Candy Imitation Pearl Single Earring
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Shop now: $130; nordstrom.com
The only thing better than one statement earring, is two statement earrings. And this one by SafSafu always seems to sell out before I can get my hands on it. Fall and winter can be hard, no doubt, especially when the focus shifts from drinking outdoors to snuggling and comfort movies. But this earring keeps it playful and fun. Think about it this way: Even if I'm shivering, this earring is having a ball, and that's the kind of energy I'm trying to keep with me 24/7. Regardless of the temperature.
New Balance 327 Sneaker
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Shop now: $90–$100; nordstrom.com
The Supermodel Sneaker phenomenon is looking to be a constant for the rest of the year, and Emily Ratajkowski is the northern star. Ratajkowski has been leading the movement for months, and earlier this October she opted for New Balance instead of her standard Rebook. Just like the Ugg Tazz mule, New Balances are likely to be on everyone's feet soon enough. Unfortunately the $550 Aime Leon Dore collaboration Ratajkowski was spotted in is out of my price range, but thankfully Nordstrom has a perfect $90 alternative that'll get the job done.
Acne Studios Vally Plaid Alpaca Wool & Mohair Blend Scarf
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Shop now: $290; nordstrom.com
Acne Studios might be the only reason I like scarves and beanies. Whenever I see one I like, 99 percent of the time it's by Acne Studios. Earlier this year its popular rainbow scarf was a microtrend on social media. If you're tired of it by now like me, this plaid option is far more timeless and just as cozy. The best thing about an Acne scarf is that it's so massive it could also easily double as a blanket in a pinch.
YanYan Rosie Lambswool Scrunchie
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Shop now: $95; nordstrom.com
If Acne Studios is the king of scarves and beanies, YanYan is the queen of knits. I truly want to own every single piece from every single collection it releases. When Nordstrom started carrying the brand it was one of the worst things to happen to my bank account, but I can't even complain. I could easily live in my YanYan cardigan for life. But I never realized that my hair needed a little sweater too, AKA this YanYan lambswool scrunchie.
Something people forget is when we're all bundled up for the cold, accessories tend to get covered up. This scrunchie adds an accent to any hairstyle, though, and gives a little something extra to any outerwear look.
Isa Boulder Bodyform Cap Sleeve Rib Crop Top
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Shop now: $370; nordstrom.com
While I love an oversized knit, I wouldn't necessarily consider them sexy. That is until Katie Holmes hailed a taxi cab in 2019 while wearing a matching cashmere bra and cardigan, potentially changing the time space continuum forever. Thankfully if you're looking for sexy knit a-la Katie for under $2,000, Isa Boulder has you covered. Her pieces aren't cheap but they're 1,000 percent splurge worthy. This cap sleeve rib knit top is so subtly sexy, and has a cut-out back, which is perfect for when you're too hot for a full on turtleneck sweater but too cold to wear a crop top.
