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Nordstrom just kicked off its famous Half-Yearly Sale, boasting up to 40 percent savings on a range of must-have Spring and Summer clothes, shoes, and accessories. Our shopping list includes standout party dresses from the likes of Tibi, Naeem Khan, and Rachel Roy; sleek mini bags from Foley + Corinna and Rebecca Minkoff; and eye-catching skirts from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Kate Spade, and Marni. The styling possibilities are endless — shop all of our top Nordstrom sale picks below.

It's easy to see why the colorblock trend, known for flattering curves and creating visual interest, is still going strong. Make an entrance at the office in Sandro's cool blue color combination or wow the crowd in a chic black-and-white Tibi dress at your next Summer soiree.

Don't let your eyes fool you. That's Karolina Kurkova taking a casual stroll around NYC — not hitting the catwalk — although both the supermodel strut and perfect outfit might have convinced you otherwise. Aside from compelling us to commit to that Pilates class today and tomorrow, Karolina's latest just gave us a much-needed dose of weekend outfit inspiration. The supermodel balanced casual and pulled-together styles with a few key pieces, like a cool-girl meets ladies-who-brunch play on the tweed jacket and a bright Spring-ready skort. Rather than give the look a too-dressy tilt with a pair of heels, she kept it easy (and walkable!) with black ankle boots and an equally functional Gryson crossbody bag. You don't need much to finish it off, just a pair of Ray-Bans to further the street-styled appeal. All the outfit ingredients are below — just shop to channel Karolina's effortless (and perfect for your weekend) look.

Shop clockwise from top left: AllSaints Kayo T-Shirt ($65), Sandro Vernis Jacket ($600), Ray-Ban Clubmaster Half-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($145), ASOS Altitude Leather Jodhpur Ankle Boots ($92), Gryson Women's Ruby Belted Strap Classic Small Satchel ($695), Zara Culotte Shorts ($50)

The company that owns the cool French brands Maje, Sandro, and Claudie Pierlot has sold some 65 percent of its shares to the American multinational private equity firm KKR — and now that they have the backing, those labels are expected to expand.

While KKR wouldn't say just how much it paid for the brands, WWD reports that some analysts believe the deal could be valued around €650 million, just south of $850 million at current exchange. Evelyne Chétrite, creative director of Sandro, and her sister, Maje creative director Judith Milgrom, will still own around 35 percent of the company along with their partners Elie Kouby and Frédéric Biousse, CEO of SMCP Group.

"I have created this beautiful family history with my sister and I am pleased to embark on a new phase of our lives with KKR," Chétrite said in a statement. "Judith and I are reaffirming our full commitment to the business and have great ambitions for the group: building a global leader in the affordable luxury segment."

Part of those ambitions include growing their number of stores: SMCP Group's wares are sold at 570 stores across the world, and plans are for them to be in 150 more by the end of the year, meaning it will be that much easier for fans of the brands to find their items.

Alexa Chung in Maje's Spring 2013 campaign. Photo courtesy of Maje.

The Winter chill has us in a very steady stream of coat consciousness (exhibit A: Jessica Chastain's envy-inducing collection), and now, Jessica Alba has us convinced that it's entirely OK to lust after yet another outerwear option. Spotted last night in LA, the brunette beauty bundled up in a Sandro Mémorable olive coat ($725, originally $1,035), complete with a rabbit-fur-paneled and buckle-infused front, and flared jeans. And, with just one look at her wintry ensemble, we knew: a coat that eye-catching is worth a little more "research." While the exact version is on sale right now, we're aware that it's still a bit of an investment spend. Not to mention, we're also aware that not everyone is on the fur-wearing bandwagon — understandably so. Here's your win-win: see our editors' budget-friendly faux-fur picks below.

We're used to seeing Pippa Middleton in dresses and tweed, but during a recent London stroll, she showed off a sportier ensemble. Up top Pippa wore a black boatneck top with a black biker Sandro jacket that made quite the badass statement. Then on bottom she sported dark-blue skinny jeans with a pair of black high-top sneakers also by Sandro. For accessories, Pippa chose oversize sunglasses and a black and purple Loewe satchel. Re-create Pippa's sporty cool outfit by investing in a biker jacket, then matching it with trendy high-top sneakers.

Ashlee Simpson bundled up in an olive fur-trim Sandro coat and leopard Golden Goose sneakers ($560) while walking hand in hand with her son, Bronx, in NYC. Ashlee's textured topper and peppered Neff beanie ($17) kept her warm, while her plum ankle-zip denim added a pop of color to her Fall-friendly look. Classic Ray-Ban wayfarers ($150), an Anita Ko rose gold arrow necklace, and a black fur shoulder bag completed her street-chic style. Take a lesson from Ashlee and style her exact kicks with a fur-trim coat, purple skinny jeans, and a celeb-approved topper for a day of errands.

A handful of J. Mendel-clad Hollywood starlets — including Sophia Bush, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Brittany Snow — attended the third annual Autumn Party benefiting the Children's Institute in West Hollywood last night. We got a chance to catch up with Sophia — who carried a vintage Valentino clutch and wore red bow Christian Louboutin sandals — on the red carpet, where she shared with us her five essential closet pieces: "A great black blazer, always. It's a staple in my wardrobe. A printed pant, a good black pump, I need comfortable tank tops, and I need a good red lipstick." As for her favorite Fall pieces? "I'm excited to start wearing new sweaters from Sandro and coats from Maje," Sophia said.

To get Sophia's look, shop her favorite pieces below!