This just in: Memorial Day sale events aren’t really Nordstrom’s thing. Instead, the luxury American department store marches to the beat of its own drum with a limited-time deal-a-palooza called the Half-Yearly Sale. Hey, we’re not complaining. Rather, we’re already stocking up on a few discounted finds that are up to 60% off.
We're talking all kinds of top brands — Zella, Adidas, Skims, Open Edit, Khaite, Sam Edelman, and so on — going for way, way less in honor of Memorial...pardon us, the Half-Yearly Sale. Prepare to take 36% off wedding-ready sandals, 40% off scented candles, 35% off running shoes, and more discounts on summer must-haves. The clock's tickin', so scroll on for our 20 editors' picks that are sitting pretty in Nordstrom's sale section.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
NEST New York Rattan Bamboo Scented Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
36% Off Dolce Vita Paily Slide Sandal
"If you're looking for new summer heels, these are perfect! I just bought them for a trip to Aruba, and they were so comfortable I wore them daily." —Sam Baker, VP, Commerce & Partnerships
Dolce Vita Paily Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
35% Off Adidas Adistar Sneaker
"I’m obsessed with sneakers, but my daily hot girl walks (aka walking my dog around the block three times a day), wear them out faster than I’d like. Which is why I will take any opportunity to get great, high-quality sneakers when they go on sale. Adidas isn’t known for huge sales, so I’m definitely adding this light-pink running shoe to my cart while it’s still avail. It’s the perfect summer sneaker." —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer
"This is such a fun way to stock up on an easy beauty treatment for summer travel. I try to travel light, but I’m also a skin-care hoarder, so I love an extra product like this that won’t take up too much space." —Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
KNC Beauty Big 3-Pack Facial Masks, $, available at Nordstrom
50% Off Bala Silicone & Recycled Steel 10-Lb. Power Ring
Although I admire it, I don't subscribe to the fancy-gym lifestyle. But recently I've been desperate for motivation to go exercise instead of heading to happy hour or straight to the couch. I'm curious if some luxurious equipment like Bala's normally $85 silicone weight will push me to get active, especially now that it's only $42. Plus, I can just use it at home for those days I really don't want to trek to the gym. I'm excited." —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Bala Silicone & Recycled Steel 10-Lb. Power Ring, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off Khaite Preen Wide Leg Jeans
"If your style skews ‘quiet luxury,’ then you’re probably just as obsessed with everything Khaite like I am. The Nordstrom sale is THE time to snag high-quality wardrobe staples at a discount — like these slouchy jeans in a classic wash that would be a year-round staple in my closet." —Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
"I'm SO late on the waistcoat trend but I don't care. I finally get the appeal and will be adding this 25%-off Free People vest to my cart while it's still in stock." —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Free People Charley Crop Vest, $, available at Nordstrom
70% Off Felina Lurra Bralette
"R29 readers seem to love Felina bras, as seen from our coverage of the brand’s past holiday sales, so I have to try one for myself. I really enjoy ribbed bralettes like this one. The low neckline in the front and back is also really nice for when I want to hide it under a lower-cut top. I can see myself lounging around or working out in the bralette this summer." —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
30% Off Calvin Klein Classics 3-Pack Cotton Boxer Briefs
"I’m absolutely obsessed with Calvin Klein boxers, whether I use them as sleep shorts or actual underwear. They wash very well, and look so good on! Super-comfy!" — Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
Calvin Klein Classics 3-Pack Cotton Boxer Briefs, $, available at Nordstrom
25% Off GIR Ultimate Spoon
"These are my favorite kitchen spoons. They can be used on every and any kind of pot or pan (won’t scratch nonstick or melt in super-hot cast iron) and clean like a dream. And, because they're silicone, you don’t get breaking or weird gunk building up between the handle and the head of the tool. I have a set (clearly), and I think they would be a perfect housewarming gift for my cousin who just moved." —Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
"Forever on the hunt for the perfect to-go cup that’ll keep my coffee hot all day and will survive my 30-minute walk to the office. Here’s hoping this one is IT." —Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
"Tea time is all the time. I love this cute purple tumbler that will keep my tea warm all day long." —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Hydro Flask 12-Ounce Coffee Mug, $, available at Nordstrom
23% Off Zella Studio Lite High Waist Print 7/8 Leggings
"Zella leggings are some of my favorites, and I have a lot of leggings. They are so comfortable and long lasting — they barely feel like they’re there. Any chance to grab them on sale is a win for me. For only $20 they’re a must-buy. "—Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer
Zella Studio Lite High Waist Print 7/8 Leggings, $, available at Nordstrom
39% Off Steve Madden Harlene Slide Sandal
"I’ve been looking for a new white sandal for the season, and these ones are perfect in my opinion. Sometimes I find that strappier styles are too fancy for work or daytime activities, and many name brands put large logos emblems on them, which feels a little tacky to me. But the gold buckle cutout on these sandals is pretty chic and doesn't literally scream 'Steve Madden.'" —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Steve Madden Harlene Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
60% Off Camila Mesar Capaes Mini Shoulder Bag
"This mega-sale is always great for buying something trendier, which might not last the test of time, for a super-discounted price. These brightly colored woven shoulder bags are everywhere right now, but I haven’t wanted to pull the trigger because of high costs. This bright-blue version with a chain strap is even cuter than I imagined, and at 60% off, it feels like a steal." —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer
Camila Mesar Capaes Mini Shoulder Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
37% Off Felina Oversize Stretch Organic Cotton T-Shirt
"Those who have lived with me know that 75% of the time I walk around my house without pants. After recently being introduced to the idea of a nightshirt, I am very excited at the idea of an oversized T-shirt with pockets nonetheless." — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Felina Oversize Stretch Organic Cotton T-Shirt, $, available at Nordstrom
55% Off Madewell Bandana
"There’s no such thing as 'too many bandanas' — and no one knows that better than me, myself, and I. There’s simply no better bandana than a Madewell one. Trust me. I’ve tried them all." —Mercedes Viera, Associate Deals Writer
30% Off Sam Edelman Kia Ankle Strap Sandal In Soft Jade
“My hunt for green strappy sandals ends here! With reviews backing this Sam Edelman pair’s uniquely flattering silhouette and incredibly comfortable block heel, the extra sweetness of the sale price was all the convincing I needed to add them to cart. I will 100% be relying on these for upcoming summer weddings.” —Elizabeth Buxton, Senior Affiliate Director
Sam Edelman Kia Ankle Strap Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
57% Off Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra
"Newer bra brands pop up all the time, but I always find myself coming back to Natori. Its Feathers bra achieves the seemingly impossible — decent coverage and support while still looking cute and sitting well under a T-shirt. Nordstrom is my go-to for well-priced, high-quality bras in a wide array of sizes, and I never miss a chance to pick up a brand like this on sale." —Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra, $, available at Nordstrom
60% Off Vince Camuto Enella Ankle Strap Sandal
"I recently bought another pair of Vince Camuto heeled sandals for rapidly approaching wedding szn, and they are surprisingly comfortable. With that in mind, I’m planning on buying a similar style in this incredible baby-blue hue. The heel isn’t sky-high but will still elevate — both literally and figuratively — any summer date-night outfit." —Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Have you ever heard of a shirt that’s anti-odor, wrinkle-free, softer than cotton, and lightweight? Well, now you have! Made from merino wool, the signature fabric for Unbound Merino‘s shirts (and dresses and pants and more) is all of this as well as sustainable. This packing-friendly material can be found in everything the brand offers, from its top-rated T-shirts to its bestselling leggings — and R29 readers get the chance to try them out first-hand with an exclusive discount. Today through May 30, use the promo code R29SCORE to get 15% off sitewide at Unbound Merino. Keep on reading to see some of our top picks from this supersale.
Made from merino, the brand’s signature fabric, this shirt’s wool fibers lock odor molecules within and only release them on washing — which means less washing and more wearing. That makes this V-neck T-shirt the ultimate travel top.
This tank is guaranteed to keep you ultra-comfortable, no matter how hot and humid it gets. Lightweight and breezy, it’s made from the same merino wool fabric.
Do you enjoy wearing leggings but prefer not to overheat? The Merino Leggings are moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them the perfect choice.
Everything we love from the Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt, but this time in a crew-neck style — same 100% merino wool fabric, same versatile top that’s airport-perfect.
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A few weeks ago, I was texting with friends as we all were on our way to meet each other. One of them wrote, “Oh, no, I forgot my fan.” It was the first hot day of the season and we were heading to a vineyard. For a group of Puerto Ricans, handheld fans were not optional.
Throughout my life, similar scenarios have played out. With high temperatures year-round, handheld fans were a core item. My grandmother couldn’t attend Sunday service without one. The temple didn’t have an air conditioner, so it was practical. But there was also something oddly beautiful about seeing her whole friend group pull out their lace-adorned fans, which always matched their suits and clip-on earrings. My aunts also carried fans in their purses at all times. If someone felt like they were going to pass out — again, high temperatures have always been a matter of concern in the Caribbean — there they were gathering hastily to revive them with the power of their fans.
I first adopted this practice in college. At the University of Puerto Rico air conditioning was not the norm, and, in order to make it through a 60-minute class, handheld fans were the go-to accessory for the university population. You’d see students parading their beautiful fans as they sat for their lunch break in front of the university theater, and in class, it was normal to see people writing with one hand and fanning themselves with the other. While growing up I thought fans were reserved for older women, but I quickly adopted the accessory, stacking up a sizable collection.
Every year, as summer approaches and it’s time to start substituting sweaters for bikinis, the fans come out to play too. And yet, I’ve always wondered why, if I live in a world in which portable electronic fans exist, I still bother to go for the manual, handheld version? It’s because they are fabulous.
Handheld fans have been around for thousands of years, with different cultures around the world each producing their own versions. The folding fan is the most common iteration today and was invented around the 8th century in Japan, according to Aisla Hendry, curator at the Fan Museum in London. Folding fans weren’t brought to Europe until the 16th century. “They first come in through Italy, and then, they get popularized by Catherine de Medici,” Hendry explains, adding that later on France, Spain, and Great Britain also adopted the accessory. But there has also been evidence that fans were in use in multiple civilizations across Africa, South America, and North America before the colonial period.
The handheld, folding fans I grew up with stem from a shameful history of colonization, specifically the invasion and settlement of Spanish people in Puerto Rico from the 15th century. Over time, this led to people adopting Spanish aesthetics, including the handheld fan, to assimilate to colonial rule. It’s hard not to think about this murky legacy whenever I carry a folding fan, yet, it’s also a tradition that connected me with my family’s matriarchy and allowed me to express my femininity on my own terms. I’m aware of this strange dissonance whenever I use a folding fan decorated with flowers and lace, forcing me to reconcile the good and the ugly of its history.
Still, the art of carrying a folding fan in my everyday life holds a strange allure. It’s in the open posture it forces your body to adopt; the triangular shape your arms hold; the vibrant prints and materials swaying against the backdrop of your outfit. Not to mention the mannerisms one adopts to communicate through the fan: close it forcibly, for example, and it’s just like ending a conversation by flipping an old Razr phone.
Recently, I also got my boyfriend into handheld fans. While I go for rose-printed, lace-embellished fans most of the time, he went for an Avatar: The Last Airbender version, ditching all gender constructs associated with this accessory. As folding fans continue to evolve, we can always count on their wearers to expand as well, especially because, when it comes to being practical and stylish, there’s few staples that can get the job done like a folding fan. No electric fans will breeze into my summer tote bag — ever.
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In the world of social media influencers, creatives aren’t just trendsetters and tastemakers — their unique ability to captivate audiences and cultivate a loyal following has evolved into a lucrative business model, and many are fully stepping into the entrepreneurial space. One fashion influencer who’s been hustling nonstop is Jayda Cheaves, popularly known as Jayda Wayda. Highlighting her chic personal fashion, modeling career, and day-to-day life as a mom, the 25-year-old’s social media presence has taken her from an internet sensation to a rising business mogul. The genius way that Cheaves has finessed her personal brand into the thriving business empire that is Waydamin has inspired the thousands of young Black women that follow her.
The clothing brand includes unique, trendy pieces to classic styles of clothing. Waydamin is taking over the internet, and from the look of it, its success isn’t slowing down any time soon; in an interview with Unbothered, Cheaves shares that she had to move to a bigger warehouse space just to house the outgoing shipments, as well as hire more people to meet the insatiable demands of her customer base. What is it about Waydamin that makes it stand out in a saturated market? Cheaves believes its draw is the fact that every single piece in the collection is authentic to her personal style and something that she herself could be caught wearing out and about. “I’m very hands-on with my brand, from the select pieces, fabrics, and textured all the way to the marketing,” she explains. “I make sure to test them out because it’s important to me that whoever buys pieces will not only look good but feel their best.” Cheaves knows her audience — the girls will want whatever it is she has on.
On May 19, Cheaves released Waydamin’s Capsule Cozy Collection, which featured comfortable but sexy sleepwear options including leggings and a short sleeve shirt, ribbed bandeau and shorts, babydoll set, robe, branded socks and slippers. Interestingly enough, when she first teased the launch, Cheaves’ social media was flooded with comments questioning the focus on sleepwear and warning that spring wasn’t the right season for that type of clothing option. But the power of Jayda Wayda can’t be underestimated; within the first 24 hours of the launch, items were selling fast, proving that if other loungewear brands can sell cozy sleepwear items year-round, so could Waydamin. To celebrate the official Instagram account hitting 500K followers, the Waydamin brand offered a flash sale of the cozy collection. If you blinked, you might’ve missed it before everything went out of stock!
Just shy of two years in the game, Waydamin’s momentum from startup to a million-dollar corporation is a beacon of hope to small Black business owners, and she’s paying it forward by mentoring up-and-coming entrepreneurs in her area. We don’t often hear about entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business ventures taking the time to pour into their peers, but Cheaves says her company’s success has pushed her to support young women also looking to grow and excel in business.
“Many of the girls that are now working for me, I met them at a panel that I was on for Essence Girls United,” shares the Waydamin founder and CEO. “I had them email their resume over, and then I interviewed them at my headquarters. They’re full-time students at Spelman and Clark Atlanta University, and I really just wanted to help and mentor them along their journeys.” The valuable insight, information, and experience that Cheaves is able to pass on to the young women she mentors will no doubt be a pivotal part of helping them get their feet in the door. Wiser beyond her years, Cheaves knows her work is bigger than just expanding Waydamin — it’s about making entrepreneurship more accessible and viable for everyone.
Cheaves’ dream is that the brand continues to grow to the point that it’ll one day be globally recognized, and she knows the key to that expansion lies in her close connection with her dedicated customer base. “I’m looking forward to the future of Waydamin,” Cheaves says happily. “I hope to do a big collaboration and host more pop-ups to interact with my audience. They really bring me joy and keep me going, so any opportunity I get to interact with them is truly a highlight for me.”
The journey of Waydamin is just beginning, and we should be keeping an eye out for what Cheaves has up her sleeve next. With a hungry entrepreneurial spirit, an unlimited creative vision, a constant finger on the pulse of culture, and a loyal community, she has the potential to turn her brand into a whole conglomerate. Soon Waydamin will be the blueprint for other Black influencers and creatives looking to establish a legacy of their own.
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On hot, humid days, when most of our clothing feels sticky and constricting, a cool summer dress is often the perfect hot-weather outfit solution. We’ve gotten through some scorchers with the help of floral maxis and silky slips, but while these staples will always have a spot in our rotation, it doesn’t hurt to add a few more to the mix — especially since 2023’s summer dress trends are essentially classics with bold new twists.
This year, you’ll want to take into account occasion and personal style. Are you looking for a dreamy romantic vibe for a summer wedding, or, perhaps, an easy way to embrace the mermaidcore trend for the festival circuit? Flowy, cascading ruffles might be your best bet. Is your goal this season to show off a ton of skin, but to do so in a sleek and subtle way? Well, you’ll be able to choose between tons of sternum cutouts and leggy fit-and-flares.
The top 2023 summer dress trends also offer plenty of versatility. Crocheted dresses, for instance, will not only work for weekend brunch plans but they can then be worn as swimsuit coverups after you’ve finished your meal.
Ahead, five summer dress trends that will be everywhere from May until September, with shoppable options in a range of prices (with plenty of designs below $100!).
Summer Dress Trend 2023: Cascading Ruffles
Between the rise of mermaidcore and the continued reign of Y2K, it makes sense that cascading ruffles are one of this year’s hottest dress trends. Those soft, flowy details can be casual yet fancy at the same time, so footwear and accessory choices will end up determining your outfit’s overall vibe. Sneakers or flat sandals and delicate jewels will be more than enough to complete a laid-back daytime look, while strappy heels and a rosette choker can amp things up for a more formal summer soiree.
Summer Dress Trend 2023: Lace Trims
Some lace dress designs come across as too classic and prim-and-proper. Not this season: This summer, it’s all about that subtly sexy, lace-trim dress. It’s a no-fuss, low-effort way to nail the everyday lingerie trend, and, by opting for moodier colors (like black, which is surprisingly big this season), these pieces will feel a bit tougher and grungier instead of feminine.
Summer Dress Trend 2023: Crocheted Material
Just like florals for spring, crocheted summer dresses aren’t that groundbreaking. But after seeing them all over the Spring 2023 runways, being showcased at brands like Gabriela Hearst, Proenza Schouler, Khaite, and Carolina Herrera, we’re now seeing the material in a whole new light. Instead of going with a simple beige maxi this season, try a design that’s brighter and bolder, or one that includes playful embellishments such as ruffles or a fringe detail.
Summer Dress Trend 2023: Mini Fit-and-Flares
If the words “fit-and-flare” bring up memories of your early 2010s twee phase, it’s time to be reintroduced to this dress trend, which is much more versatile in 2023. This summer, you’re bound to see sweet A-line shapes popping up everywhere, from nylon workout dresses fit for action-packed days to corseted alternatives perfect for a night out.
Summer Dress Trend 2023: Mid-Section Cutouts
For summer 2023, both side- and front-cutout dresses appear to be popular, convincing us that, at the end of the day, placement doesn’t matter much — it’s simply time to show off that torso. Although cutout minis are always cute, play around with proportion by choosing a midi or a maxi design. That pop of skin will add an element of surprise and make longer lengths feel less stuffy.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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