This post is sponsored by Nordstrom.
You know when you add something to your Nordstrom bag and you get a little pop-up thingie with suggested items you might also like? That, my friends, is the wizardry that brought me to this epic “jacket” (we’ll explain those quotes in a minute) that is quickly becoming one of the most beloved pieces in my closet ever. Yeah. It’s that good.
But before we get into those details, let’s back up a bit.
Hiiiii. It’s Em. I wear jeans. Like, pretty much at every opportunity. So it’s no surprise that a fancy pair of jeans is my dress-up bread and butter this time of year.
Last year, when we had Real Actual Plans to go to a NYE concert in the city, I realized that the big, gaping hole in my wardrobe is a pair of truly party-ready denim. I have denim that fits in a fancy way (high and tight and dark) or that masquerades as non-denim (coated and/or faux leather) but what I really wanted was a pair of true, denim jeans that are unmistakably dressy…
…but, um, in a playful way that could be dressed down a bit, too.
So I guess loud, dressy denim that could also be…not dressy? Ha.
Found: The Perfect Pair of Party Jeans
jeans (TTS) | top (size up if between) | bag |
Sadly, I didn’t find anything that fit the bill last year, but I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled ever since, and when I spied these on the Nordstrom website a month or so ago, it felt like the stars aligning. In fact, I gasped. (Shana, too, when she saw a peek of this outfit in the team chat.)
You see, rag & bone took my very beloved Sofie Featherweight Jeans and loaded them up with the chunkiest, blingiest gems you can imagine. They’re light and flowy and swishy and so pajama soft and just dripping with jewels that are — it seems important to note — sewn on (read: no cold fasteners on the backside).
jeans (TTS) | top (size up if between) | boots (TTS) | bag | bow
The gems are also smartly concentrated on the upper front of the jeans, so they’re at less risk for snagging things, poking into your backside, or getting traipsed upon. Which feels important for a pair of jeans that is, admittedly, a pretty big investment.
They even come with a little pouch of replacement gems of all sizes if one happens to go missing. (I mean, they better.)
In short, these Fancy Jeans are a little absurd…and absurdly stunning. And I’m so, so pleased.
jeans (TTS) | top (size up if between) | boots (TTS) | bag
Because while they’re absolutely as dressy as I’d hoped, what I might like most is that, given the wide leg and light wash, they can still be dressed down in a kinda funky way, too.
I’d wear them with a baby band tee and heels for date night, or a graphic sweatshirt — unapologetically tucked a bit to showcase the gems — and adidas for doing all the real life things.
And, of course, they make for a perfect not-too-holiday look with a flouncy, stretchy top, Western moto boots and a casual-ish statement over-thing to rule them all.
My Go-To Holiday Look: Glitzy Jeans, A Comfy Top and A Statement Jacket That’s So Very Wearable
jeans (TTS) | jacket (oversized, XS) | top (size up if between) | bag
Which brings us back to the “jacket.”
Friends. What looks like velvet or velour or maybe some kinda fancy jacquard situation on this Free People Contrast Trim Button-Up Jacket is indeed…fleece.
Yep, gang. It’s a sweatshirt. A very softly structured sweatshirt featuring a bleached out pattern that results in the coolest variegated hues of crimson and rust. The wide hem and boxy fit give quasi-bomber vibes while the contrasting trim (which is embroidered, by the way) adds so much visual pop.
It’s so freaking cool.
Genuinely comfortable, gorgeous and so shockingly wearable. It’s the ideal little-bit holiday layer, but it’s going to be perfect with basic white tanks and summery 501s, too.
Paired with the jeans? I’m just completely smitten.
jeans (TTS) | jacket (oversized, XS) | top (size up if between) | boots (TTS) | bag | bow
Let’s Not Forget The Details
Of course, the top, boots and bag deserve a little time in the spotlight while we’re here.
The Olivia top from Free People is buttery soft and stretchy and is so pretty on (just flirty enough) while wearing more or less like your favorite tee. I can’t wait to collect every color (though, full disclosure, this is an XS and I think I’d prefer the fit of a small even more).
jeans (TTS) | top (size up if between) | bag
The Sak always surprises me by putting an on-trend twist on their line of fairly trend-proof bags, and the crackled metallic leather on this Tess Sling Bag is no exception. I love that it’s a more wearable pewter hue, too. And the organic crescent shape is perfectly un-stuffy. (Kind of a perfect nod to Half Moon Bay.)
And these Dingo Songbird boots are deserving of a special shoutout. They’re unlike anything I own. A merging of trends — at once western, moto, boho, and even a little glam-adjacent thanks to the luxe suede and hardware details. And yet they don’t feel like they’re too much.
At first blush, I thought they might be a little much for my arches, but I was surprised to find they’re actually pretty dang comfy. And when I opened the box, the leather scent transported me right back to the boot shops I’ve loved in Nashville and Austin. If retail therapy had an olfactory component, New Boot Smell might just do the trick.
Glitzy denim. A comfy top. Great boots. And a playful outer layer that will turn heads.
It’s my favorite way to feel special.
xo,
Em
Thank you so much to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. I’m such a Nordie’s groupie and always feel so privileged getting to work with one of my favorite retailers in this way. And thanks so much for choosing to hang with us here on The Mom Edit. We so appreciate your time and your support of the brand partners that keep us plugging along. Cheers!
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Photos by the lovely Carolyn Stockman.
