The Best Ways to Spend That Nordstrom Gift Card You Got For the Holidays

By Ruthie Friedlander

Published on 1/9/2019 at 6:32 PM

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The best gifts come in the "choose your own adventure" form. We're talking gift certificates. Sure, they may not be the most personal, but they allow you to splurge for what you've really been wanting. While some use gift certificates to buy things they otherwise wouldn't purchase, I choose a more utilitarian approach.

Updating the items you use in your everyday life (your go-to bag, that cozy pair of sweatpants you put on the second you get home from work) once a year is a great way to keep your favorite things fresh. For me, this means a new work bag, a comfortable shoe that can be worn anywhere, and a dress that makes me feel like I could run a Fortune 500 company.

Sometimes, I buy the same thing year after year, as is the case with my favorite multiuse beauty product. But each year I'm thrilled to find better, more exciting versions of the items that got me through the year before. And unsurprisingly, they all can be found at your local Nordstrom. So if you still haven't used that $150 gift card from the holidays, here are some suggestions of what to buy me. I mean, what you should buy.

The Throw-On-With-Anything Shirt
POPSUGAR Studios

The Throw-On-With-Anything Shirt

You have to hand it to a shirt that can do it all: be worn with a leather midi skirt as well as with a pair of leggings and UGGs. Finding a classic button down like this Tie Front Shirt ($80) in a textile like denim is a great way to take a seemingly fancy top and make it more casual.

The Confidence-Boosting Dress
POPSUGAR Studios

The Confidence-Boosting Dress

When you have an important meeting or a big first date, you want to look your best — but not at the cost of comfort. Is there anything worse than wearing a chic dress that you keep having to twist and turn in? Find a flattering yet simple silhouette in a great pattern (or three!), like this Grand Estate Mix Midi Dress ($95).

The Multiuse Beauty Product
POPSUGAR Studios

The Multiuse Beauty Product

Remember when I talked about rebuying the same product once a year? This is that product. Lilah B.'s Divine Duo Lip and Cheek Duo ($46) is equal parts blush, lipstick, and (hold your breath) eye shadow. I use it everyday because it's so easy to use and looks great no matter what season it is. My go-to shade is B. Fearless, but there are six shades to choose from, ranging from a sparkling champagne to deep wine.

The Wear-Anywhere Shoe
POPSUGAR Studios

The Wear-Anywhere Shoe

There should be only one rule when it comes to footwear: only buy what you can walk in. For me, investing in a great nude shoe with an ankle strap has been a life-saver. The key is finding an option that has just enough of a block heel to give you a boost without killing your feet. These Ankle Strap Sandals ($80) come in various shades and materials, my favorite being the nude patent leather.

The Hold-Everything Bag
POPSUGAR Studios

The Hold-Everything Bag

What makes an ideal bag? One that is as big as an empty abyss, but that you can reach into and find whatever you're looking for easily. Enter: MZ Wallace's Nylon Tote ($125), a favorite amongst fashionistas of all ages for its efficiency, weightlessness, and amazing patterns.