American department stores have come a long way since my middle school mall-rat days. Back when my mom would drop my friends and me off to rove The Oaks Shopping Center for hours on end, Coffee Bean Iced Blended drinks in hand, high-end department stores carried the high-end designers. When it came to niche and emerging labels, however, the options were far more limited—much like our budgets, which were decidedly Limited Too at the time.
Fast-forward to the present day, and department store shopping (and mall shopping in general) is a whole new experience. Retailers like Nordstrom, Saks, and Barneys now spend a whole lot of time vetting rising designers, setting up highly curated pop-up shops, and bringing in exclusive items you won't find anywhere else. Ready to cyber-sift through the racks and reap the benefits for yourself? Keep reading to see and shop my favorite new items from the United States' best department stores.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom's Space section is full of soon-to-be-huge designers like this cult-favorite Korean shoe brand.
An iconic off-duty shirt you could also wear to the gym.
Already into Acne Studios boots? Wait till you test out its denim.
A new take on the tortoiseshell jewelry trend from It bag brand Cult Gaia.
Neiman Marcus
Our editors love this classic white tee.
A classic style with added drama by way of the moody amethyst-hued tint.
I'm into pretty much everything It Brit Rejina Pyo puts out.
Bold but easy enough to tame, no?
Barneys New York
Statement jewelry incoming…
Yes, you do need another pair of Docs.
Oversize jeans = plenty of '90s appeal.
Sign me up for a still life.
Bergdorf Goodman
Attico makes the dreamiest bags.
For the tiniest hint of animal print.
A whole new take on the tie-dye trend.
Silver slippers? Yes, please.
Macy's
Did I mention I'm into wide-leg pants?
For athleisure lovers and streetwear fanatics alike.
A best seller for a reason. (Seriously, our editors have sung the praises of Levi's Wedgie style time and time again.)
Puffers are the outerwear silhouette of the season, that's for sure.
Saks Fifth Avenue
A not-so-basic denim jacket from one of my favorite designers.
An easy way to brighten up your winter wardrobe.
Instant interest incoming.
Forget going for gold; this is so much better.
Next up, see the prettiest things on my Nordstrom wish list.
