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The Who What Wear Podcast
What to Shop at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, With Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang
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- [00:02]
Bobby Schessler
This episode is sponsored by Nordstrom. If you've somehow missed the memo, the Nordstrom anniversary sale is on now. And I know you don't want to miss out on the biggest deals of the year. The anniversary sale is unique because these pieces aren't just last season's pieces. It's new arrivals on sale, but only for a limited time. You can find your favorite brands like madewell, Vince, Farmrio, Theory, Nike, and so many more on sale now. But don't wait.
- [00:31]
Linda Kwezang
The best deals go go fast.
- [00:33]
Bobby Schessler
And the sale ends on August 3rd. Welcome to the who It Wear podcast, your direct line to the designers, stylists, beauty experts, editors and tastemakers who are shaping the ever evolving world of fashion. I'm who It Wears shopping director Bobby Schessler. And today on the podcast, I'm sitting down with Nordstrom associate fashion director Linda Kwezang. As I'm sure you all know, the Nordstrom anniversary sale is now live. So I obviously had to talk to Linda, who is one of the masterminds responsible for choosing the brands and products that you shop during the sale each year. Today she's giving us the inside scoop and how she makes those selections, the COVID worthy items you should hunt down before they sell out, and all of her tips for making the most of the sale. It's all coming up on who, what, where.
- [01:41]
Linda Kwezang
Hi, Linda.
- [01:43]
Hi.
- [01:44]
Thank you so much for joining me. We are both wearing butter yellow button up shirts. Like we clearly got the memo. And like a sweater around the shoulders. I mean, it's like we're twins.
- [01:54]
I know, it's like we're so aligned. Something in the ether.
- [01:58]
Well, I'll tell you before we jump in, I have this Nordstrom catalog that is like yellow. And so I thought I would coordinate the yellow shirt with the catalog. So I'm very Nordstrom focused today.
- [02:08]
I love. I'm happy you're a fellow Nordy.
- [02:12]
I'm such a Nordy. Oh, my gosh. Actually, I just bought a lot of stuff on Nordstrom, like pre anniversary sale, which maybe wasn't the best move, but it is what it is.
- [02:22]
You know, the half yearly sale and the anniversary sale, they come kind of back to back to each other. So you're shopping for probably three to four weeks at a time, which I find myself in the same space.
- [02:33]
Totally. Okay, so first, for those that don't know, I'd love a quick rundown of what your career has looked like thus far and how you became the associate fashion director at Nordstrom.
- [02:45]
So I've always admired how Fashion is a way of personal expression. Getting dressed can show how you're feeling, what you're interested in. It brings people and community together. Candidly, I got into fashion as a consumer. I like to shop. I'm one of those people that has like a forever full cart that I watch and edit, I like to browse online, I like to try out on to experience in store. And as far as my career, I started in financial services, I went to school for business, for accounting. So I built my understanding of retail and the business of fashion by working in the data driven numbers side. So I was in planning, I worked in merchandising and buying. And this came in tandem with having great mentors and people to support me along the way. So I started at Nordstrom in the buying division as an assistant buyer to John Langston. He's a legendary designer shoes buyer. So I was supporting our designer shoes business, but John Langston has been with the company since 1985. So a great mentor for me to start at the company. And then I met Ricky Desol soon after she started at Nordstrom. So Ricky came with so much experience from Vogue and I saw her more editorialized point of view for our brand and that was really exciting. So we were building the team for the fashion office and she was the one that really saw me, supported me for the role of associate fashion director and now I'm here.
- [04:10]
So it's my understanding that in this role you help Nordstrom's curation of products and brands. What does that look like in your day to day?
- [04:20]
I guide product selection for the assortments in stores and online, as well as the curation of trends and fashion stories. As an example, the ideas you see in your anniversary catalog, like a polish utility spread, I select all the items that support the trend, whether that be great dyed denim, a carry all bag, a suede belt, a leather jacket, chunky gold jewelry. So I build those edits in partnership with our buyers and team. And a part of my job is also brand discovery and understanding the movements within fashion. So one of my favorite parts is meeting designers and learning about their brand and collections. And I'm so grateful for all that creative talent I've had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with. My role is to guide the products and brands we're bringing to our customers and storytelling around them. So there's a cohesive point of view. So whether that's through trend, through category, through color.
- [05:13]
Yeah. And so much of that comes into play for the anniversary sale, which I want to get to. I mean it's the biggest shopping event of the year, at least in my world. And I know, like most of our listeners and readers worlds. When did you start planning and picking out which brands you wanted to lean into for the sale? What goes into that?
- [05:32]
We start a whole year in advance, so I'm already thinking about next year and starting to research the ideas, the trends, the brands, the categories. Quite broad strokes right now. So we're trying tracking to see what's resonating with our customers during the preview that's on now, what people are saying on social, the brands they're asking for, the colors and patterns they want to see. And as far as what we like to look for, we like to balance the trends in fashion with the tried and true brands and product our customers know and love. So top of mind, when our buyers go to market and develop an anniversary selection, it is kind of meeting our customers where they're at. The reality of it is it's July, it's hot for a while, so we're bringing fashion that adds a pop to refresh their wardrobe and that they can continue to wear in default. Also recognizing it's midway through the year. So thinking about the customers that are stocking up on their beauty empties and a chance to discover something new while it's on sale.
- [06:30]
Totally. What trends did you prioritize the most? And then what brands are your favorites? For those, like classic and timeless, we.
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Prioritize trends that almost bring a surprise to the classics, yet still feel quite timeless. We want our customers to find pieces they cherish and integrate easily into their existing style and wardrobes. So in trends in particular, if I were to put a name on it, that kind of polished utility look, you know, styles that work hard, the barn jacket match with these kind of softer, more polished elements that make the classics feel more interesting. Building that tension of wearing your barber jacket with pearls or putting a pair of boots on with a ladylike dress. We love all the hardware and studding happening in accessories, like the East West. We have a great studded bag, studded belts, both kind of building on that, like, polish utility idea. So when we think about timeless brands that marry those classics with the twists, it's Barber, it's Ralph Lauren, it's Veronica Beard, it's Vince, it's madewell. It's those brands that kind of create wardrobe foundations. Another trend, suede, it's such a big idea. And accessories, it's a fabrication. I think a lot of people save for fall, so we're really intentional about storytelling around Summer suedes and wearing your suede accessories all year long. It does go back to that notion of bringing a bit of softness, a little bit of texture to your more polished styles in terms of color and pattern. We're at this crossroads in fashion, right, where we're inviting a little bit more vibrancy and color, moving a bit more maximalist after so many seasons of minimalism. So we're really feeling for the rich reds, those khaki greens, kind of inky blues. It's a very elegant palette, so you can wear it all together for a really beautiful mix of colors or pair those together colors back to everything else in your wardrobe. And then I would be remiss, not to mention patterns. We're so excited about this adventurous, playful approach to fashion with mixing your checks and plaids with more pattern, like a leopard print shoe. So really treating pattern as almost a neutral that you can layer with your foundational wardrobe pieces.
- [08:37]
I love that. I know you are the queen of mixing patterns and prints and colors, and I love it. Okay, so you mentioned a variety of, like, editor and customer favorite brands that are always included in the sale, but I did read there are over like 60 or 65 new brands this year. How did you decide which brands were going to make it in the Nordstrom anniversary sale fold?
- [08:59]
When we're looking at new brands to bring into the sale, we're thinking about how this brings new fashion to our loyal customers that have been shopping with us for a long time and then also to attract new customers to Nordstrom. A fun example of this. Sperry a new brand to the event. I think we've all felt the prevalence of the boat shoe in fashion. It was spurred by the miu Miu spring 24 Runway, and since then it's been a steady wave. We've seen so many brands develop boat shoes in their line since Miu Miu. And the boat shoe is great. It toes this line between a flat and a loafer. It's very polished, casual. When we were developing our anniversary assortment, we approached Sperry for the sale because it's a brand rooted in the boat shoes. So it really brings the trend to our customer and this really natural way. And there's really great white woven pair on the event that I'm eyeing. So there's that as well.
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That is exciting.
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Another brand I want to talk about as well is Florence by Mills. Just I mean, Millie Bobby Brown. Star power speaks for itself. She has this very cute, thoughtful lounge line. And we're loving this evolution into more feminine, romantic silhouettes there's obviously this return to softness with the prevalence of pink. We're both in butter yellow today. The pastels as well. And then thinking about this Chloe almost Boho Renaissance. We thought Florence by Mills was the perfect brand for both fans of Millie Bobby Brown. And also to introduce this more relaxed, feminine style that's happening in fashion.
- [10:30]
Yes. So exciting. And there's obviously like thousands on sale. There's really something for everybody, whether you're looking for fashion, beauty, kids. I have an 18 month old, so the Nordstrom anniversary sale is like the best time to stock up and especially like strollers and car seats and all that stuff. But. But I want to talk about fashion. Of course, you mentioned a few already, but are there any specific items that come to your mind that our listeners and readers need to get?
- [10:55]
I have three. So an east west bag feels so modern and of the moment. We have this beautiful navy one that Veronica Beard developed as an exclusive for the event. And I always like to say navy is nature's black. So it feels like this really easy neutral to pair. Back to everything you already have. Second item. I'm always on the hunt for the, like, perfect knit T shirt. We have some from Vince that have this like merino cashmere wool blend that just elevates the everyday T shirt. Comes in four colors. I imagine they look good born by themselves and then layered for the fall. And then I'm very into, like stones and charms and the bits and bobs of it all. So bolder, colorful jewelry. And there's these really beautiful stone necklaces from Monica Vinader and Lizzie Fortunato that actually layer really well together. So those are my top three bleeding into four items.
- [11:46]
Yes. I love Vinod so much and I know exactly that short sleeve knit is very, very good. Okay. So I've been looking through the preview and I've already produced some stories that everyone will see very soon. But there's two items that stood out to me that you can pair together. They're both actually from the Nordstrom brand, like the actual Nordstrom brand. And it's a collarless, like, wool jacket blazer situation. I think it comes in black and cream. And then there's a crinkle cream ivory skirt. I just think pairing the white, white cream blazer with that crinkle skirt, it's just like a very, very chic, beautiful, I mean, affordable, like, very, very expensive looking. So those are two of my favorites.
- [12:24]
Love, don't sleep on the Nordstrom brand. I have some pics from the Nordstrom brand. And shoes as well that are so good.
- [12:31]
Really good.
- [12:32]
Yeah.
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I feel like Open Edit, the Nordstrom brand are always like top notch. Like absolutely love it. Okay, so you've obviously been at Nordstrom for a while. You've worked on the anniversary sale. Like, can you predict which items are going to be bestsellers or what do you think? Is there maybe something you haven't mentioned yet that you think will just fly off the shelves?
- [12:51]
Broad strokes, if I'm like to summarize it, I think versatile fashion that transitions really easily into fall really excites us and our customers. One of the items on our shopping list, if you will, is the year round sweater. It's short sleeved, it's feminine. You treat it as an elevated T shirt, you wear it with jeans. Come fall, you layer it up with a knit and your favorite jackets and coats. So it's this idea you can buy now, you can wear it forever. Another kind of favorite on event are boots. There's two, two picks I'd actually recommend. They're both that kind of tall riding boot, equestrian inspired silhouette. The first is from Frye in that classic banana color. And the other is this kind of beautiful navy. Clearly I'm into navy this season.
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Yes, you are.
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It's actually from Steve Madden. It's a stacked wooden heel. We developed it especially for the event. And then I think about how you wear it. So in summer, you're obviously wearing it with your flippy skirts and your tank top. In the fall, you cozy it up with some sweaters and jeans and you're all set. And then I think something that our shoppers are consistently looking for is this opportunity to kind of stock up on your favorite beauty items or try a new fragrance while it's on sale. So bundles of body wash and skincare sets. We have great brands on event like Jo Malone and La Mer. I'm eyeing this Prada lip kit that comes in this mini trio. It's a good gift to give and it's also something you don't think about getting for yourself. So a really strong range of beauty brands and items to kind of refill your cabinet and maybe pick up something that you've been eyeing for a while.
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Amazing. I'm definitely have to look at that Prada lip kit situation.
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Please do. It's a good one.
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Yes. Okay, so you mentioned boots and so I know a lot of people, myself included, use the anniversary sale to prep the fall wardrobe. So I'm going to give you like a category and then if you want to just tell me like, either like a brand or brands you think people should check out. Or maybe it's a specific item that's fall related. So first would be, like, that perfect work pant or pair of trousers.
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I would go for the cropped kick flare pant. It's a very elegant solution for work, and you feel like you're wearing leggings, so you're getting away with something.
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Love it. What about a foolproof pair of jeans?
- [15:02]
I check out the brand frame. There's a few different cuts and washes, and they're all beautifully done.
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I love frame, and I feel like Anniversary Sale 2 is a great time to get that designer denim on sale, which is always amazing. What about an investment for a jacket.
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I would go for Barbour. And if we're really going investment and a full coat, we also have Max Mara on the event.
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Mm, that is a good one. Okay. And then finally, an on trend handbag.
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I'm just gonna go with fabrication here. So go for a suede bag. It's a fabrication that's now seasonless. So a summer suede you can wear into fall.
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Yep. Amazing. Okay, you mentioned Max Mara and I said this before. You're like the master of layering. You're doing it now. Is there a statement outerwear piece that you have your eye on that's included in the event?
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I am so into this cute cropped barber jacket. I'm seeing it pile on a bunch of brooches to the collar. Layer it up with the T shirt now, and then pile on the shirts and sweaters. Come this fall. Like, that's what I'm envisioning for myself. So that's my one anniversary sale must have item for me.
- [16:12]
I love it.
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What about you?
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Oh, my gosh. It's funny because I think it said Nordstrom exclusive. So I'm assuming it was part of this event specifically and was created for this. It's like a Coach Navy, like, shoulder bag. And I love what Coach is doing with the handbags. And I don't have a navy bag, and so that's probably my top item.
- [16:30]
Listen, it's going to be so easy to wear.
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I know. I feel like I want to lean into navy now that we're talking about it more. It's butter yellow right now, but fall, it's going to be navy.
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I can't wait.
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Okay, so we talked about fall, but for those that want something, you know, buy now, wear now. Like a summer item. Maybe it's for a vacation or a summer wedding. What piece pieces included in the event.
- [16:53]
Would you recommend Honestly, a dress? Like a dress is an effortless one and done outfit solution. It's hot out, so you want things that just are like easy and effortless. So a dress is a wonderful vacation or wedding guest outfit to wear. I think of them like you pair it with a pair of Tory Burch flip flops while you're at the beach, and then you add a heel and an earring and change up the look for a guest of situation. And then I love the color and prints that we have in Farm Rio for vacation wear and summer weddings. I recommend looking at our preview of those dresses on the event for some of those colorful, joyful, happy patterns.
- [17:33]
Okay. So some people hit up the anniversary sale with a specific item in mind. For those that want to browse, don't necessarily have something specific that they want, but just want to in general, like elevate their wardrobe, find, you know, a great staple. What kind of pieces should they prioritize? What are some other items?
- [17:51]
I think focus on four items to refresh your wardrobe. They're really the things you can buy now. You can wear them forever. A transitional jacket, a year round sweater, a new pair of jeans. We have so many great pairs on the event. And then a suede boot. I'm here for suede fabrication, top to toe.
- [18:08]
I love it also. Yes. Another favorite item. I'm just gonna. Not that I wanna like talk about my shopping list, but the Nordstrom cashmere also is always great and under a hundred dollars and definitely something not to miss this in my opinion.
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Agreed. The Nordstrom cashmere sweaters as well as the throw I'm eyeing as well. Because can you imagine?
- [18:27]
Ooh, the throw. I need to look at that.
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I can see you just swathed in cashmere. Like put it on your couch for now and then swathe yourself and wear the blanket as like a shawl come fall. Winter.
- [18:38]
Yes. With like a martini in hand, like just draped in Nordstrom cashmere.
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You see the vision?
- [18:43]
Of course I see the vision. I'm looking right after this. I'm typing it in. Okay, so before I let you go, any other tips or tricks for making the most of the sale this year?
- [18:54]
I think make a wish list and then be open to the discovery. I have items I'd love to get that are topping my list. I also have broad categories I'd like to discover. I go in thinking I'd love a new fragrance or I'd love to try a new moisturizer. So I think we have so many great brands and new items on the event, so make a wish list and be open to discovery.
- [19:14]
I love it. Well, thank you so much Linda. This was such a treat. I can't wait to shop. And I know everyone else can't either.
- [19:20]
Bobby Schessler
Because it's the biggest sale event of the year.
- [19:22]
Linda Kwezang
Thank you, Bobby.
- [19:29]
Bobby Schessler
A huge thank you to Nordstrom Associate Fashion Director Linda Kwei Zhang. Make sure you subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And while you're there, I'd be so grateful if you'd rate and review us. If you have guest suggestions or any other feedback, drop us a line at podcastooitwear or you can find us on social @ whoaware. See you next Wednesday on the WhoAware podcast. This episode was produced by Hilary Kerr, Summer Hammeris and Natalie Thurman. Our editor is Ko Takasugi Chernovin. Our audio engineers are at Glen Canyon Audio and our music is by Jonathan Leah.
- [20:13]
Linda Kwezang
Foreign.
- [20:20]
Bobby Schessler
Thank you again to Nordstrom for sponsoring today's episode at who, what where. We're always trying to help you shop smarter, and there's no better way to prepare for fall than by shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in the summer. This is the best time of year to stock up on everything from workwear to workout sets. There are thousands of new items items on sale, and Nordstrom added over 65 new brands to the sale this year. There is truly something for everyone and trust me, you'll thank yourself in the fall when you're pulling out your new favorite fry boots or your new Veronica Beard blazer. Make sure to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale on the app in store or online@nordstrom.com Prices go up on August 4th.