Did You Know These 19 Cool Brands Are Hiding at Nordstrom?

I had never heard of Mercedes Castillo before until I saw her unique designs from across the floor of the flagship Nordstrom store in downtown Seattle. As soon as my eyes landed on these asymmetrical mules ($375), I made a beeline for the shoe department. She has a distinct aesthetic, with a penchant for strong, sculptural shapes and modern pops of color.

I know, I know, the last thing we need is ANOTHER candle brand. But hear me out on this one. Not only is the packaging pretty and millennial, part of its appeal is that it's also unisex (the brand was established by two men after all). Plus, the candles, including the kush candle ($29), are super affordable.

The Danse Lente leather bucket bag ($380) has taken the fashion world by storm, and it's easy to see why. Between the geometric shape, the perpendicular top handle, and the metal ring accent, it's striking and eye-catching, but I suspect it's the affordable price tag (relatively speaking), that has the stylish set most enamored. This one is at the top of my wishlist!

Getting your hands on a pair of vintage Levi's jeans is tough. I consider myself a pretty savvy shopper and even I have a hard time finding one that fits just right. The next best thing? Re/Done jeans. These high-waist ankle crop jeans ($280) take pre-loved Levi's and reconstruct them with a more modern cut, so you can still have the vintage appeal, minus the unflattering fit.

Beloved French label Sézane recently launched at Nordstrom, so you can now conveniently get your Parisienne style fix, starting with this effortless and feminine polka dot wrap dress ($185).

One scroll through your feed and it's pretty obvious that Instagram culture has an obsession with Cult Gaia. Join the brand's legions of fans and scoop up a cool signature ark handbag ($318) for yourself.

Super on-trend and super affordable: two qualities I love in a sunglass brand. Privé Revaux is celebrity-loved and stylist-backed — surprising considering each pair, including these round sunglasses ($30), is under $30.

This Copenhagen-based brand is known for creating statement pieces for the fashion-savvy. Think playful prints, unique silhouettes, and fresh color combinations. Case in point? This breezy sheath dress ($324) which takes the traditional seersucker and turns it on its head (literally) with cool bias-cut paneling.

This affordable brand is all about feminine designs and playful prints. You'll find rainbow-striped jumpsuits, polka-dotted maxi dresses, and floral crop tops, including this sweet ruched and ruffled cami ($58).

While Rachel Comey has gained quite the cult following since she started her namesake label years ago, she's only recently gained more mainstream recognition for her artsy and eclectic aesthetic. Seeing as she's the queen of designing sculptural acrylic earrings, pick up these pink disc hoops ($184) to bring a pretty pop of color to your look.

If there's one Aussie brand you need to know about, it's C/MEO Collective. Crafted for the playful sophisticate, this line is full of refined silhouettes, feminine details, and clean lines. Get in on the action with a black jumpsuit ($175) that stands out with its one shoulder, gathered waist, and front-slit legs.

If you're looking for that denim piece that just gets you like a BFF, turn to this LA-based denim label. With iconic styles in updated fits and washes — hello, pink cropped denim jacket ($310) — these pieces will give you that cool, California edge.

For easy, breezy separates in an aesthetic that I'd equate to that of Rachel Comey, look to Apiece Apart. This off-the-shoulder dress ($345) is simple and effortless, but elevated thanks to expert tailoring and contrast buttons.

From hoodies to jeans to leather lunchbags, Simon Miller is all about offering casual-cool basics with a luxurious twist. While everything from the line is eye-catching, the pièce de resistance is the wildly popular Bonsai bucket bag ($390), which comes in a slew of fun colors. Trust me when I dub this the bag you never knew you needed.

Rejina Pyo may be one of the newer emerging designers featured here, but her abstract designs with a touch of whimsy and quirk are quickly gaining popularity among the fashion crowd. I mean, this asymmetrical skirt ($350) with mismatched buttons is basically a work of art.

Far and away the It brand that seems to be on everyone's lips these past few seasons is Jacquemus, and not just because everyone is obsessed with Simon Porte Jacquemus himself (seriously, he has over half a million Instagram followers). His designs are characterized by dramatic proportions, deconstructed elements, and geometric shapes — it's definitely a lewk and not one for the faint of heart. Even simple suede mules ($590) are taken to the next level with mismatched heels.

3x1 jeans are a street-style staple for their urban, edgy appeal. Design features like fringed hems, baggy shapes, and cool slits, like on these side split straight-leg jeans ($285), are what make the brand's jeans feel perfectly worn-in every time you slip into them.

Based out of Seoul, this up-and-coming shoe line reimagines classic silhouettes, like ankle boots, mary jane pumps, and loafers with modern metalwork details, like an oversized pull ring or buckle. These white square-toe ankle boots ($455) feel fresh and timeless at once.

If you're looking for understated jewelry that still makes an impact, look no further than LA-based designer Sophie Buhai. Taking inspiration from art and design, her pieces, including these drop earrings ($395), are elegant and modern — like little masterpieces for your lobes, neck, wrists, and fingers.