Nordstrom Plus Review PLUS Giveaway

Upon arrival at the Nordstrom Plus department at the Brentwood Nordstrom Rack in St. Louis, I was instantly surprised at the selection. Normally, when you add the words “Plus Size” to any store you can bet that the choices you’ll find will be the same old tired patterns that plus size styles have had for the last 20 years or so. It’s one of the reasons stylish women who wear anything larger than a size 12 are loath to shop in those sections of a store.

That brings me to the good news ofNordstrom Rack Plus-Size Apparel. Not only are they carrying Calvin Klein, One World, and Michael Kors in the plus size department, but also they’re carrying cute versions of those brands. Beth, who works in that department, even said that she likes it because things have “recently gotten really cute” for women wearing sizes 14 and above. When we talked, she mentioned that Nordstrom Rack had gotten the same complaints that other larger-sized stores get in that they have the same tired prints that turn women off.  She showed me the sheer tops and wonderfully made dresses that Nordstrom Rack now carries. I told her that I wasn’t shopping for anything in particular but that I tend to lean towards buying dresses because of the uneven sizes my body fits. Like many women, I can wear smaller sizes on top but larger ones on bottom. It makes it easier to buy dresses for that very reason. It’s kind of bizarre how I can wear a medium sized shirt at times but also wear an XL in a pair of leggings. In fact, that’s one of the items I purchased.

I’m entirely happy with my selections from Nordstrom Rack and I’m equally as happy with how knowledgeable and helpful their sales staff is. Since I had $200 to spend, I wanted to make it stretch as far as possible, but I made Beth take me to the dresses first. I found a deep purple, fitted jersey dress by Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique.

Because I’m also in the market for some new leggings, I got a black pair made from rayon material by Sejour. I wasn’t familiar with that brand name but I also found a Sejour white sequined top that will make for a great base to an outfit if I wear it under a jacket. Finally, I bought a Michael Kors chain-strap top in ivy because I was in the mood for something a little funky and different.

If I have any criticism of plus size shopping, however, it’s that sometimes the mannequins are very thin and I can’t see what the clothes will look like on me. I think many online shopping experiences are the same way so I checked out Nordstrom Rack’s Plus size department online as well. They have a few skinny models in the clothes, but a great many of them are women who would actually be wearing them. I wish they would have all of them wearing a size 14 or above if I could, but I also know that even a size 14 on me — and a much shorter woman  – would look entirely different.

In all, I am happy with my shopping but I expected to be since I am already a fan. My favorite Nordstrom shopping is from their Rack stores, especially in the shoe department. Any of my favorite shoes have all come from a Nordstrom Rack shoe department. But it gets even better (besides a contest coming right up!) because Nordstrom Rack Plus-Size department gets even better starting September 15 because you can shop the season’s hottest styles in plus sizes. Also, 15 more Rack stores will be carrying plus-size clothing so check your local Nordstrom Rack to see all the upcoming changes.

Want to try Nordstrom Rack out for yourself? One lucky winner will receive a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card to create their perfect fall look! Simply leave me comment telling me what fabulous fall piece you would love to find at Nordstrom Rack. Make sure to leave your email! Sweepstakes runs from 9/15-10/31 .

Be sure to  visit the Promotions & Prizes section where you can read about other blogger’s shopping experience and four more chances to win!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.