Expanded Nordstrom ready to tempt your wallet

By Debbie Cafazzo | The News Tribune • Published October 02, 2008

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TACOMA — When the remodeled Nordstrom store opens Friday at the Tacoma Mall, South Sound shoppers will find new merchandise in a newly designed environment.

The store, which opens at 10 a.m. Friday, will feature shoes, accessories and designer-label clothing not available in the old Tacoma Nordstrom.

"We are thrilled to give our South Sound customers, who have been shopping with us for over 42 years, a brand-new store and hope they love the enhanced selection of merchandise we have to offer them," says Nordstrom spokeswoman Kendall Ault.

Here are several new options for Tacoma Nordstrom shoppers:

• Dress up: The store's new "via C" department for women, which will feature emerging designer labels and favorites, including Catherine Malandrino, Vince, Anna Sui, Tracy Reese, Rag and Bone, Just Cavalli, M Missoni and D&G.

"The great thing about the department is it's a way for a customer to get edgy fashion pieces at a more entry-level price point," says Gregg Andrews, one of Nordstrom's fashion directors.

• Step up: The Salon shoe department will feature footwear by Tory Burch and Burberry, the established international luxury brand.

Burch, who draws her inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s, is known for her comfortable ballet flats but also has a collection of boots, pumps, wedges and other shoes.

"You get all the trend, but a bit more toned down, more wearable," Andrews says.

• Surf's up: Find sunglasses by Gucci and Yves Saint-Laurent veteran Tom Ford, and by Italian designer to the stars Dolce & Gabbana.

Ford's glasses are chic without obvious logos, Andrews said. "The shapes themselves are what the look of the sunglasses are about."

Dolce & Gabbana, by contrast, offers "a little more bling, a little more status look," according to Andrews.

• Glitter up: David Yurman's signature look is his cable jewelry, made from twisted strands of silver. But he has branched out into several new directions, and he now offers jewelry for men as well as women.

• Spruce up: In cosmetics, visit the brow bar by Anastasia or pretty up your hands at the Deborah Lippmann manicure bar.