Inside Nordstrom's Fall Designer Preview

The Nordstrom Designer preview show is one of the most anticipated shows in the city every single year. This was only my second year attending, but as soon as I heard the confirmed date it's been something I've been looking forward to attending.

Personally I've never attended New York Fashion Week. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go, but I don't have the connections to get into a Marc Jacobs or Oscar de la Renta show. One of the coolest (and most unique) things about the Nordstrom Designer Preview show is not only do you get to see the fall collections from some of the most famous designers in the world, but you also get the chance to see the pieces up close. You get to touch them, examine them, and even try them on and purchase if you'd like. They have everything from clothing to handbags (my personal weakness), shoes, and accessories. They highlighted four major trends, which I'll explain in a little more detail.

photo: Coral bridesmaid dresses

Sparkle and Shine: Think metallics, gold and silver shiny hardware, and anything that would make you stand out in the crowd. Be it some sparkles on the back heel of your shoes, a metallic handbag, or a sequin headpiece. While traditionally sparkle and shine would be reserved for nighttime (or the quintessential New Years Eve), this season we're really encouraged to embrace the sparkle in everyday life and rock it day or night any day of the year.

Festive Folk: While festival fashion has been popular for a bit, this fall and winter it's going to be seen everywhere. With festive folk we're seeing fringe everywhere, over-the-knee boots, different earth-tone shades of browns, tans, khakis, and greens, and different exotic animal prints. Another festival fashion trend is easy handbags, so a small saddle-style bag or the ever popular bucket bag. They're cute, casual, and easy to sling over the shoulder and run out the door.

Goth Grunge: 3 words - oxblood is back! Remember when oxblood was all the rage a few seasons ago? That's the great thing about fashion - it's back in full force. For the for the grunge trend one thing that really stood out to me was the higher ankle boot. Almost every designer there had one. This boot hits about mid-calf and comes in a variety of different heels (chunky, stiletto, flat, etc). Another fashionable grunge trend are studs, whether on boots, a wallet, or anything else it adds a tough look to an otherwise feminine piece which I love.

Weekend Warrior: Perfect for Seattle, this trend is easy breezy. Think backpacks, gladiator sandals you can wear into the warmer fall months, and a comfortable yet stylish turtleneck you can wear a variety of different ways.

Other trends I noticed: Microbags (they keep getting smaller and smaller!), 70's (think flares, dresses with over-the-knee boots, retro prints, etc), sheer details (be it an entire dress or a small piece), and head to toe black (easy to wear, always looks timeless).

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