Style Tips

Translation: gifts that won’t end up in the back of a drawer by January. Here are my most popular trademark capsule wardrobes of the year—closet makeovers, travel capsules, holiday outfits, and even a cozy-cool men’s edit—along with luxe fashion brands for less, Nordstrom 6 picks, the “things I’d buy again,” and the gifts I keep giving because they always deliver. Whether you’re shopping for the bougie boy, the faith-and-fashion friend, the professional shopper in training, or the girl who’s never home, this guide covers every base. And yes… everything is linked, loved, and ready to ship.

I’m 46, and one thing age has gifted me is the ability to admit when I’ve been wrong. For years, I preached the same styling commandment: Thou shalt not buy multiples. But a recent deep dive into my own closet—the kind of inventory that only a professional shopper does for fun—revealed something hilarious: I own at least ten pieces I love so much, I bought them at least twice. And guess what? Their cost-per-wear is the loudest I-told-you-so of all. Turns out, when you find an MVP that earns its keep, buying in bulk isn’t a fashion fail—it’s a style strategy. So maybe the problem isn’t buying multiples… maybe it’s believing you shouldn’t.

After 20 years as a professional stylist at Nordstrom, I’ve built my reputation on a high-low mix—pairing affordable finds with…

Your style isn’t one note—it’s a whole playlist, and the songs change. Some days you’re classic, other days chic, bold, sporty, boho, or feminine. Most of us are a mix. The trick is knowing which staples can flex with every version of you. That’s why I updated my list of 14 closet essentials—the style “glue” that holds your outfits together no matter what aesthetic you lean into. Start by pinpointing the style profiles that resonate most, then choose the versions of these staples that reflect your fashion DNA. When you shop my high-low mix, you’ll always get great cost-per-wear, but here’s the secret: when your staples align with your style, your cost-per-compliment skyrockets. That’s the power of this strategy—you don’t just build outfits, you build confidence in your personal style

I’ve spent more time in Nordstrom dressing rooms than most people spend in their kitchens. Two decades of styling taught me exactly which pieces pull their weight and which are just taking up hanger space. After 40, fashion gets less about trends and more about knowing yourself—and your closet. Now that I’ve traded department store floors for online shopping tabs, my style is a curated high/low mix I swear by and for every woman over 40 I shop for it always includes these 14 pieces.

Stop buying clothes and start building outfits you love. If you’re shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025, don’t just chase…

These 3 travel essentials will help you dress for success on your next business trip. These pieces are flattering and functional. No matter what you do these pieces will help you pack light and stay looking stylish “on the job” and on your way. Hustle sold separately.  When you’re off duty these closet essentials on do double duty as part of a casual outfit. 

If you are trying to find your style start with a high-low mix of brands. It’s the best way to create a style that is uniquely yours. Save this directory and these shopping tips to transform your wardrobe and embrace your unique style.

Hi, I’m Jen. I’m a 45-year-old fashion blogger and personal stylist. Some may call me a shopaholic. Although I shop every day to bring you the best current mix of brands, it’s these three pieces that I wear the most and a woman’s wardrobe always needs.