Nordstrom Heads North: Beauty Binging & Camp Nordstrom

Nordstrom is finally(!) opening it’s doors here in Canada this fall, and saying I'm excited would be an understatement. In celebration of Nordstrom's arrival in Toronto, I was invited to get a sneak peak of their stunning beauty section and to attend Camp Nordstrom (a fitness bootcamp).

BEAUTY BINGING:

The beauty section is GINORMOUS, and it was one of the most user-friendly beauty shopping experiences I've ever had. There is an open section in the middle where you can find all of the top products organized by category (masks, night creams, etc.), and mini tester versions of more every day lifestyle/beauty products like diptyque candles and dry shampoo. 

 

My favourite part is the central area which houses individual stations where you can sit down in front of a giant ring-lit mirror (every Kardashian fan's dream), and try products out yourself. They even provide a smaller hand mirror and other necessities. Beauty product shopping is SO preference-driven, so I really dislike having to meander through the various salespeople who continually try to sell me random expensive products when I just came in to try something before I spend money it. 

It's rare to be able to sit down and fully try a product out in-store, in front of a mirror with arguably the best selfie lighting, never mind actually have a designated section to do it in. Don't fret if you need and/or prefer beauty guidance though - right next to the stations is a desk where you can ask for assistance!

Camp Nordstrom:

Camp Nordstrom was a one day fitness event which offered two complimentary fitness classes. As someone who hadn't truly worked out in a while, the class killed me, but luckily Nordstrom is a department store and not a gym. 

A few years ago, Nordstrom started their own fitness apparel/modern activewear collection, Zella. To spotlight the line, I was sent a full Zella workout outfit to wear to Camp Nordstrom and I was actually really impressed. 

       

Both my friend Becca and I are wearing different pieces from the line in the photo below. Both of our tops were breathable and SO comfortable. I personally prefer baggier tops because I feel like I can move better in them, and I've actually worn mine many times since for non-workout purposes. If you're a fan of more fitted tops they have those as well, but it's nice to have the option!

The leggings are actually really cool because they're fashionable but somehow still wearable. The leggings Becca was wearing had a funky pattern and cutouts at the bottom, while mine were black, high-waisted, and actually had mesh cutouts at the back. I was worried these little fashion accents might feel irritating to work out in, or just look ridiculous when you're doing anything athletic, but they were totally fine! They also have more regular/every day leggings if that's more up your alley. 

Keep an eye out for my post on the Nordstrom Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Galas for more pictures of the stores themselves! AND if you're interested in attending either gala, tickets are still available!

Disclaimer: I purchase most of the products I review on my blog myself, but sometimes I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to try and review products sent by brands for consideration. I'm also lucky to have some amazing friends that may give me a gift or two from time to time. That being said, any thoughts and views expressed are always 100% honest and straight out of my own crazy brain.