Shopping the Anniversary Sale

sandals | denim | similar tee

A few days ago launched the early access for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! For me, usually that means browsing and shopping online; but with an hour to play, I thought it’d be worth heading into the store to see some of the fun in action! Whether you’re a card holder or waiting to shop on official launch day (Friday the 22nd), hopefully shopping together will help you narrow-down your list, pick up a few new favorites, or just get some inspiration for assembling outfits from your existing closet! So, let’s get to it… 

booties | denim | tee | cardigan

First up, basics. When I think of the outfits I tend to go back to time and time again, it’s the ones that are: simple, comfortable, but still have some style. This pocket tee (I can never have too many) fit perfectly. Loved it alone and even more so with this perfectly soft oversized $32 burgundy cardigan! The booties fit like a glove — that little dip there in the front? Icing on the cake! I forgot to take a pic with the neutral Marc Jacobs bag on the bench (Mom brain x3 for the win). It paired so nicely with the booties! Double whoopsie? The jeans aren’t actually included in the sale; but were strategically placed right next to other Current Elliott sale items. Dagnabbit! I didn’t realize it until later or I never would’ve tried them on! Tricky McTricksters, I tell you! 

booties | denim | shirt (selling out fast online)

Next! While I was still wearing the jeans and booties, I tried on the twill top I’ve been eyeing online. It was sold out in white (womp womp) so I tried it in the olive. The white would’ve been so much better with this, don’t you think? Or even that lace hem top (also sold out) with a lightweight cardigan (ditch the belt) for chilly summer and fall nights? I think so! 

boots | denim | shirt | bag

Next combo: the same twill tunic (loving the high-low detailing), swapped the jeans for the Rag & Bone ones I’ve been drooling over (perfect for stuffing in over-the-knee boots — or nice tight leggings would also work great here) and added the classic staple Marc Jacobs bag, again! The selection of knee-high boots were slim pickings. Like years previous, they’re always a fan favorite and tend to go fast! How ’bout the boot tassels on these guys? I may or may not have pranced around a bit in the dressing room just to see them in action! Ha!

booties | denim | tunic | jacket | backpack

If you’re one for real leather, this jacket (selling out fast online) is it — the perfect amount of structure while still feeling soft and lived-in! It can easily be dressed up or down; and truth be told, I didn’t want to take it off. No really. If you’re in need of a good black denim, these Hudsons had the perfect amount of stretch to make them a no-brainer! And this Free People tunic top added a fun feminine boho edge (BTW it also comes in blue… meep). Cut-out peep toe AND an ankle-notch bootie? Now that’s what I call a super cute two-fer! Black backpack (once again just chillin’ in the corner, solo! sorry!) worked like a charm, with this look!

sneakers | denim | tee | jacket | backpack

Weekend hangs anyone? This fun tee was the last one on the rack and I can see why! It could easily be paired with the leather or camo jackets, either of the cardigans (burgundy above or cream and gray below), or even a hoodie! A word about the denim — the dark denim coupled with a subtle black wash made these really awesome! Hello cute chucks! They come with two sets of  black and white laces (to switch it up); and the textured gray makes them so universal. These would’ve been great with the first “basics” outfit or the “camo” look coming up next. FYI, they run a half-size big. If you’re looking for a fun jacket, bomber jackets are everywhere for fall! This shiny soft pink one is a fun take on the trend; and I’m intrigued by this one too! Again, add the backpack in lieu of a handbag to keep it casual. High-fives!

booties | denim | thermal | jacket | backpack | sunnies

Oh camo you’re so right on! This jacket is so fun (and selling out fast online)! The color is much better in person (I blame the iPhone)… but truly, the oversized front pockets and understated pattern are what really won me over! Isn’t it cute? The thermal henley is the one I listed in my wishlist; and I’m happy to report it’s just as cute as I had hoped! I might go back for more colors! Jeans are J brand and not too snug at the ankle which I like for a change. Booties are clearly becoming a favorite and proving to go with almost everything. See how the sneakers could’ve easily gone with this look, too? Both are cute and both work! Sunnies are Tom Fords (true fact: they never go on sale) which is a real treat this year; but they’re selling out fast! They felt substantial on and I’d assume: made to last! And the Rebecca Minkoff backpack… it’s bananas kind of crazy good and went with every single thing I tried on! Pretty sure it’d also look great with pajamas, if push came to shove. Just sayin’… 

booties | denim | flannel | cardigan

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like a really good light denim is always hard to find. These were awesome! I wanted to try these $37 ones; but they were sold out. The flannel was super soft and casually muted (even better in person) for that perfect “I’ve worn it for years” kind of look. The long hooded Topshop cardi is a heavier weight for winter months and super functional for layering with different pieces. And I was surprisingly impressed with the little flat booties — especially on point if you don’t want the added height of most booties; but don’t want to succumb to always wearing flats. I was hoping to find these Steve Madden ones — repeated theme of the day? Sold out.

booties | denim | flannel | jacket | backpack | sunnies

Last but not least? Yes, the jacket again followed by the black booties (for the third time in a row), the backpack and sunnies again, of course. Basically this whole outfit on repeat over and over by simply swapping out different tops for different looks — boho tunic to plaid shirt to graphic tee to lace blouse to striped top? You get the picture! Speaking of flannel, I was so happy they had the Madewell one to try because it was everything and then some!

I would’ve liked to have tried more of my wishlist items on in person to show you; but it seemed like every hanger in the store had wings that migrated out the door! ha! Having shopped the sale for many years, there’s a limited supply of most things. If something you’ve wanted has already sold out try again at 12:01 pacific time Friday am, for your best chances for a restock! But, if you’re on the fence about something and it’s available now, I’d advise to go for it and decide whether or not to keep after it arrives on your front door. Returns are as easy as slapping the sticker on the box!

Hot ticket items seem to be: cut-out booties, hunter short booties, over-the-knee boots, denim, rebecca minkoff bags, basic cardigans, basic plain and graphic tees, outerwear, and activewear.

I’ll be posting a few more collages of my favorites coming up next week: women’s accessories, kids, beauty, mens, etc. Let me know if there’s anything you snagged that I should know about! Happy Shopping!