The excitement everybody had for Penny on Wednesday was really quite touching.
We all know that being a mom is HARD!
Of course it’s rewarding, wonderful, lovely, and the best thing you’ll ever do…but it’s also really hard. And being the mom of a precious little one with special needs although also rewarding, wonderful, and lovely is extra hard.
The doctors appointments, therapy sessions, late night, early mornings…it’s all hard.
While working as a speech therapist in the schools, as well as privately in people’s homes, I had a front row seat to the constant selflessness that takes place each and every day with these moms.
I developed a heart for these mamas who gave everything they had to their children and their families.
They never really took time for themselves.
And they certainly never spent money on themselves.
So, with a little nudge from Candace, the idea for these giveaways was born!
It is so much fun to recognize and celebrate these VERY SPECIAL moms!
If you are new here and want to read an in-depth account of how this contest started, click HERE.
So today you all are going to get to see Penny go on a $1,000 shopping spree at Nordstrom during their Anniversary Sale!
Click HERE to learn a little bit about today’s special mama and see what else she is getting!
Let’s Get This Party Started!
I walked out the door on Tuesday morning with a spring in my step and a huge smile plastered on my face! I knew I was going to have such a great day and I was just so excited!
And I was wearing one of my favorite anniversary sale purchases! THIS blouse!
blouse/ cami / crossbody bag/ similar jeans with great reviews /
nude patent flats
earrings / necklace / watch
For size reference, I’m wearing a small in the blouse, so I would say it’s true to size. I’m wearing a medium in the cami, so I would suggest sizing up 1 size.
This shirt is also going to look great with my new stretch grey jeans (size down 1 size) that you’ll get to see on Monday!
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
THIS IS PENNY EVERYBODY!!!!!
YAY!
We met in the shoe department the moment the doors opened, and I handed her a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card.
WoooooooooooHooooooooooooo!!!!
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!
We started with shoes. Penny really wanted to find a versatile pair that would go with a lot of looks. Also of importance, it needed to be EASY ON, EASY OFF.
She found THESE from Steve Madden and felt they met all of her needs.
Totally functional, yet with a little bit of edge with the fun gold toe!
She found a couple of others she was interested in as well, but we thought it was best to head to the clothes and see what kind of money she had left over after that!
Penny’s husband Dustin came and joined us for our first couple of hours of shopping.
And let me tell you, he was the absolute sweetest.
He was so excited for Penny and he had such good comments and suggestions while we were looking for clothes for her to try on! (As you can see, he’s a pretty snazzy dresser!)
When I told them I wanted a picture of the two of them, they hopped in front of the mannequins.
It was then that I knew we were going to get along just fine the rest of the day!
One of the first things she tried on was this coat.
And y’all.
THIS COAT.
THIS COAT.
It’s awesome.
It’s water repellent. It has a detachable hood. It has a removable internal liner.
It’s classic. It has great details (more on that in a minute….).
AND IT’S TOO DANG CUTE FOR WORDS.
Click HERE for the coat.
During Sale Price: $129.90 / After Sale Price: $210
THAT’S A FANTASTIC DEAL ON A CLASSIC COAT!
Doesn’t she look so pulled together?
AND LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW GREAT SHE LOOKS IN THESE JEANS!
SASSY MAMMA!
The jeans weren’t on sale, but we didn’t care. Jeans that make you look great and feel good about yourself are worth their weight in gold. She HAD to take them home with her!
This military jacket is 40% off and I’m telling you, if you don’t have one yet, get this one…
it comes in green as well.
Get Penny’s Look For Yourself:
This next look is another simple tee and jeans.
military jacket / crossover front tee / jeans
She really liked the shape and cut of the bottom of this tee, and since she thought it was so versatile, she went ahead and got it in 2 colors! And looky there…it’s cute with the military jacket too.
#toldyaso
😉
This next shirt was a HUGE surprise for me.
When she picked it out in the store, I didn’t love it.
I thought it was a little too Brawny paper towel guy.
HOWEVER.
When she tried it on, I died.
IT. HAS. POCKETS.
I know.
I died.
Penny died.
We all died.
flannel shirt WITH POCKETS / jeans
During Sale Price: $49.90 / After Sale Price: $78
And I’m wondering now if it would be long enough to wear with leggings?
#ibreakforpockets
THESE pants are incredible.
They have a wide waistband up top and could totally be dressed up or down.
They are ponte knit and very figure flattering.
They were so awesome on Penny (wait until you see the next pic! VA VA VOOM!),
that she bought a black pair and a grey pair! She LOVED them!
These would be perfect for office wear, but they were comfy enough on Penny that she could even see herself getting up and down off the floor with them on if she needed to during therapy sessions.
Click HERE for the pants in grey.
Pants During Sale Price: 48.90 / After Sale Price: $74
So now she’s wearing the black version of the grey pants above.
How great does she look in this outfit?!?
Everything about it is flattering!
The colorblock and the close fit of the sweater along with the wide waistband of the pants all work together to really define her waistline!
I mean y’all, she walked out of the dressing room with the biggest grin on her face and exclaimed “Look! I’m skinny!”
She looked and felt amazing in this outfit!!!!!
colorblock v-neck sweater / pants
Sweater During Sale Price: $58.90 / After Sale Price: $88
Pants During Sale Price: 48.90 / After Sale Price: $74
After seeing how great the sweater looked on Penny, now I’m going to have to try it for myself! And I love that it comes in 2 other colors as well! I think a v-neck sweater is so chic.
So we loved THIS skirt (almost sold out). And THIS shirt was a surprise to me.
I thought the shirred sides might not be flattering, but HOLY COW they were!
side-shirred tee HERE / maxi skirt HERE
Both on sale.
So when Penny was checking out, the sweet lady ringing her up said “Did you know this skirt can also be worn as a dress?”
Penny just about stroked out right there at the counter.
She walked back into the dressing room to try it on as a dress.
I wasn’t so sure about it, BUT THEN I SAW HER!
I mean, HOW CUTE!
If you love the idea of this dress/skirt combo, even though the striped option is almost sold out, grey and black are available HERE….and they are only $48!
Similar cardigan can be found HERE. I suggest sizing up in the cardigan because it’s junior’s sizing.
Penny is wearing her own jeans here, but a lot of you (especially those under 5’5″) have reported back that you are loving THESE dark wash jeans from the sale that are only $41.90.
You can find the layered sweater HERE.
During Sale Price: $58.90 / After Sale Price: $88
I have it in the navy colorway and love it! Penny ended up not getting this sweater, but I’m thinking she totally should have! Because SUPER STYLISH MAMA!
(For size reference, I took a small, so I think it runs true to size.)
So as Penny was trying on all of her stuff, I got to meet a blog reader, her daughter, and her mom.
This is Hallye! Isn’t she cute?
Well, Hallye and her daughter Gillian saw me and we got to talking.
And then Hallye’s mom Elizabeth came out of her dressing room.
And she was wearing the Michael Kors trench that Penny had tried on (and I had tried on), and we all loved it!
Look how darling Elizabeth is!
And get this, I was struggling with the belt on the coat, and I looked at Elizabeth and saw how she had hers just knotted up and it looked perfect!
Elizabeth was so wise. 🙂
So we did the only thing that made sense.
We all put on our coats, knotted all of our belts, and posed for a selfie.
Hey, it makes sense in my world.
#wemadelikeCharlie’sangles
#kindof
Click HERE for the coat.
Click HERE if you need a plus size!
Online it also comes IN RED and the CLASSIC KHAKI.
I’m kind of flipping over the red.
The below pic is in black and white because it just felt right. 🙂
me, Penny, and Elizabeth
The details on the coat are fabulous.
Check out the sleeves!
And it’s worth mentioning again that it also has a removable liner and a detachable hood.
#that’swhatyoucallversatile
Dustin took off right before Penny and I headed to lunch, but I had to snap another pic of the cute couple with some of Penny’s haul.
I wish you could have seen them in action together.
The love and respect they have for each other is undeniable, and you can just tell they are an amazing team. It was really cool to see!
In addition to the $1000 she had to spend on herself, I also surprised her with $250 to spend on her kids. The kid’s clothing department was a little picked over, but I INSISTED that she get her girls some Natives. And when she saw the shimmery purple ones, she shrieked.
Like she seriously shrieked.
We had a winner.
fyi: The shimmery ones come in a pink and coral as well!
After getting the first pair of shoes, 2 pairs of nice pants, 1 pair of jeans, a military jacket, a trench coat, several blouses, and a nightgown, we had some money left over so we headed back to the shoe department where she tried on THESE espadrille flats. Also easy on and easy off, but still super stylish! Ordering a 1/2 size down is recommended.
And get this.
It’s called a “Teddy Bear” scarf.
And it lives up to it’s name.
Click HERE for the scarf.
blouse/ cami / crossbody bag/ similar jeans with great reviews /
nude patent flats / earrings / necklace / watch
I have 1 regret.
I should have forced politely convinced Penny to try the MUST HAVE leggings.
She said she didn’t think she was a leggings person, and then we just moved on.
But who really thinks that they are a leggings person?
Nobody.
But most people feel differently after slipping THESE babies on.
I have the black and the grey, and I know many of you have the espresso also!
I’ve had them for over 2 years now, and they still look AWESOME. Especially the grey ones. I would say that the black have faded a bit, but I’ve washed them soooooo much. And I don’t handwash them. I just throw them in the wash and dryer with everything else!
They don’t sag, they wash perfectly, and they suck you in without making it difficult to breathe.
So I think our little trip was a HUGE success!
I am proud to now call her a friend!
Before you go today, I want to share part of an e-mail that Penny sent to me the day after our Shopping Spree!
I knew this already but making it happen was the difficult part. Guilt prevents it. But winning forced it to be. Had it not come complete with a day with you at the store Sheaffer, the likely hood I would have gone and spent it on me is very slim! And I would not have gone by myself either, which was a totally necessary part of this experience because even just a little time away makes me a better me!
They have reasonably priced clothing and sales people that actually assist you in finding what you are seeking. Help you with the right fit (I so would have bought the bigger jeans) and they tell you when things do not look right. LOVE THAT! AND FREE SHIPPING!! If you love it and it’s not in your size they do not send you to another store….THEY SHIP IT TO YOU!!! WOW!!
Those pants that I bought in grey and black…AWESOME! My Favorite Find was the $14.99 Maxi THAT DOUBLES AS A DRESS! Are you kidding me? skirt and dress in one? LOVE!
OH and we cannot leave out the flannel complete with SIDE POCKETS OMGoodness!!
I can’t believe in ONE DAY with Sheaffer we covered ALL the seasons, at Nordstrom and On Sale! How is this possible!!??
WHO KNEW!!!
Your note was too sweet and I was thrilled to be a part of your day!
YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING THAT CAME YOUR WAY!!!!
Thank you again to all of the sponsors that participated in the giveaway package earlier this week. Y’all are all awesome!
I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
p.s.
Don’t forget to enter the Score Report for an entry into the contest for a $250 Nordstrom Gift Card!
Send me a picture for each and every item you bought at the Anniversary Sale! Actually, I’m going to cap it off at 10. Send me your 10 BEST pictures.
And the purpose of this post is to see other ladies in the items. So, don’t just take a picture of your new coat on a table, take the picture with you in it!!
However, if you got some unmentionables, don’t worry you can still enter without sending me a picture of you in your Hanky Panky’s!
Karen says
What an awesome post!! I'm an SLP too and the things I see these mamas do for their babies makes my heart so full. Also after placing NINE Nordstrom orders I thought I was finished. Until I saw those madden girl espadrilles. Might as well round it off and have 10 orders right? I am done now. Really.
Stacy P. says
I literally did the same thing. Like, really. 🙂 Those espadrilles were cute!!! My UPS guy is going to kill me….
Karen says
Just remember all this hard work the ups man is doing when Christmas rolls around and leave him a nice tip. 😉
Narci says
Aw, yay!!! So glad that you and Penny had such an amazing time!!! 🙂 she is precious!!!
Charming Lucy says
Yay Penny!! It looks like a successful day! Susan
Anonymous says
I've been looking forward to this post all week! So awesome!! Looks like you has a blast!
Erika Slaughter says
My very favorite outfit was the black and white v-neck sweater with the black pants-so cute!! Penny is darling! So glad she got a day she deserved!
Mix and Match Mama says
How cute is Penny?!?! She looks amazing!!! I am beyond thrilled for her!!! (And PS: I want that blouse that you were wearing that day…so cute!!)
Sarah Kuykendall says
What a super fun day! I smiled during the entire post. And I finally added those black Vince Camuto pants to my shopping bag 🙂
Stacy P. says
I loved this post! Penny is adorable. I love that she sized DOWN in the jeans! 🙂 How many times do we go into a dressing room and think that if the clothes touch us that they are too tight because we are moms? Penny came away with awesome purchases and will look FAB all the time! 🙂 I'm so happy for her!!!
Kathy Olson says
Wonderful!!
Kathryn says
What a special day for you and Penny!!!! She looked fabulous! What a fun fun fun day!!! She definitely was deserving of some "me" time!! Thankful for your compassion for Special Mama's, Sheaffer!
Anonymous says
Loved this post. What an awesome day you had! Penny looks amazing in all her purchases, especially those black pants and sweater…wow!
Jan Fisher
Candace says
I SO enjoyed this post!! You are a gem and Penny is inspiring. I loved the b&w trench pic and the shots of Penny and her husband. So sweet! She got some great stuff that looks really nice on her.
Tiffany says
Her email to you. Priceless. We don't know that we need time off sometimes, we do!
Elizabeth says
How awesome that you were able to bless this sweet mama!!!!! It looks like she had the best day! It warmed my heart reading every single word on this post and the pictures were priceless. You can tell she is just glowing! Praying for this sweet family! 🙂
Sabrina says
This is so sweet! I love all of the clothes that Penny got! And her letter to you at the end made me sit here and bawl like a baby this morning. I'm so glad she had the opportunity to enjoy her day and be blessed!!! She deserves it!! What a gem you are Shaeffer!!!
Leigh Clark says
What a fun day! The excitement on her face says it all – and her note made me tear up!!
Trish says
I want to be Penny's friend!!!
(And after this post, I may need to invite the UPS guy for dinner or something…..)
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
what an incredible day!!!!… I loved the colour block shirt on her.. adorable!!
Kjlb37 says
How wonderful it is to see a special needs momma get such a deserved blessing. I can tell you made not only her day, Sheaffer, but probably her year!
Mindy Gray says
I love this! It reminds me of What Not to Wear and the lessons they taught countless women about taking some time to value themselves. I think they should bring that show back with you as the host!!!!!
Sara Laverty says
Looks like such a fun day! I love that you do stuff like this for moms out there! It's awesome and fun to "watch". 🙂
Gloria says
So happy for Penny! Great choices. First time commenting here (had to figure out how) and first time buying a Blardigan! They were out of most colors but was able to order a grey one. You were right Shaeffer, super soft and comfy! ♥️
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
This post just made me smile until the end and then it just made me cry happy tears! I am so happy that Penny was able to just take a day and focus on herself. It's obvious how selfless she is and so deserving of all of her gifts! How cute that her husband joined you all for a bit! They're just precious. It's so awesome that you do this giveaway!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
Ricki says
What a great thing for Penny, who totally deserves this! Many blessings to her and her family!
I loved the trench coat on everyone. What size do you have on Sheaffer? Thinking this would be perfect for my umpteenth order this sale?
Katelyn Sloan says
More tears!! Not sure when they will stop. This was just the sweetest post! I am so glad you guys had so much fun and Penny got so many cute things. She most definitely deserves that. xo
Anonymous says
Wow! So amazing that you did this for Penny who was so appreciative yet deserving of the Nordstrom shopping spree. There should be more people in this world like you that would take time out of their day to give back to someone that deserves a "me" day.
Lauren Kate says
I have been reading your blog {and shopping from it!} for a while now, but this is my first time to comment! I think what you helped Penny realize about herself was amazing. Thank you for doing this AND for providing all of us with the shopping information that we need, want, and crave 😉 I LOVE all the items from the Anniversary sale that you helped me purchase. All the sizing {thanks to you} was perfect. Even though returns are easy with Nordie's, I didn't have to make any 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
What a great day you guys had! Penny looks adorable in everything…and now I need that club sandwich with fries STAT!
Olivia B says
I smiled the entire time while reading this! So nice of you to treat such as special momma 🙂
Kathy Cochran says
Loved this post and Penny is an awesome Mamma!! Thanks for sharing your fun day of shopping and for all you do to help us Moms stay stylish!!
MissKimmie says
I am crying my eyes out with joy. Thank you for sharing. She is adorbs and so are you.
Nichole Mancone says
Oh yeah! I'm so happy for Penny. Her joy just radiated through the pictures.
Lbblunden says
This is so awesome, thank you for sharing! What a wonderful gift for such a deserving mother!!!
Andrea Clark says
Unrelated urgent PSA…to all of you who have yet to listen to Sheaffer and buy yourself a blardigan, you are only hurting yourself….seriously!!! I FINALLY gave in, and it was literally one of the best clothing decisions I have ever made. Do it now…
Queen In Between says
Love that you do this! I have that cute tan jacket and she will love it!
Jordyn Brown says
This just made my entire day, I love that you were able to do this for this special mama!
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
Domestic Engineer says
I loved reading this post. I have tears of joy in my eyes afyer reading Penny's letter to you. She is a very special mama. So are you to host this contest!