Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Dressing Room Diaries
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to everyone! Today marks the first day of the sale open to the public. Now is the time to get your Fall fashions. Several departments are on sale at discounted prices: clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home, kids, men and more.
If you’re not familiar with Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that happens this time every year, Nordstrom puts hundreds of items on sale, even NEW items! As a blogger, I look forward to this yearly sale. Last year I stocked up on several basic essentials that I needed. I saved lots of money by doing so.
Since the closest Nordstrom to me is about 3 hours away, I must rely on ordering what I need online. What’s great about ordering online is that I select the pieces I want and have them shipped to me, for Free. It’s convenient shopping online because I don’t spend hours in the store looking for what I need and I don’t get sidetracked looking at other things. If any pieces don’t fit, I can either return them or exchange them for another size for Free. Plus, having a Nordstrom card, I accumulate points with each purchase and they will send me Nordstrom Notes, where I can use on my next purchase to save money. For every 2,000 points earned, you’ll receive a $20 Nordstrom Note. See more about their Rewards Program.
I placed a big order and received two big boxes from Nordstrom earlier in the week and spent yesterday trying everything on. Because I keep a Capsule Wardrobe, I’m picky about what I buy and only the best fitting items that fit in my capsule, that look best on me will be added to my closet. I love use a capsule wardrobe system for my closet. I’m conservative with what I buy and because I wear only the items that I love, I’m able to save hundreds each year, while looking great! If you want to start your own capsule wardrobe, but have not idea where to begin, see my blog post, How To Start a Capsule Wardrobe: 5-Step Visual Guide. If you want a capsule wardrobe where all the pieces are picked out for you, dozens of outfit ideas already made, a checklist, packing list and more, get one of my e-books in the Capsule Wardrobe e-Book Store.
Here’s what I ordered and the verdict on how everything fit. There’s lots of photos to follow! If any of the products do not have your size or are sold out, please check back often, as Nordstrom is great about restocking items.
TEE // DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS // TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style) c/o Shopbop
Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee in “Pink Smoke” – I’ve been looking to add a loose fitting white tee to my wardrobe. So when I found the white tee I was looking for, I saw this blush colored one. It fits like a dream! The material is lightweight enough so that it drapes loosely, but still fits well. I like the scoop-neck style too. You all know my love of the “blush” color, so this one will be on repeat. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. Verdict: Keep!
Articles of Society Sarah Distressed Skinny Jeans – I love these jeans! I have a pair of white Articles of Society jeans that I adore and they fit almost identical to them. These jeans, being mid-rise are my favorite. I don’t like low-rise and sometimes high-rise doesn’t fit right. I have owned only one pair of distressed jeans, because since I couldn’t wear them to work, I didn’t want to waste money on jeans I wouldn’t wear much. Because I don’t have a 9-5 job anymore (as of almost 3 weeks ago, now working for myself!), I can wear pretty much anything I want. So, when I saw these jeans had slight distressing to them, I was anxious to try them. Verdict: Keep!
TEE // CARDIGAN (similar on sale!) //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS //TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
BP Lightweight Rib Stitch Cardigan in “Burgundy Stem” – I love this cardigan! The color is perfect and the material is so soft. When I was writing this post last night, it was sold out, but I expect them to restock it as they had several colors when I ordered it. This Leith Circle Cardigan and Caslon Hooded Cardigan are similar and are both part of the Anniversary Sale. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. It’s a little roomy, but it still fits well. Verdict: Keep!
TEE // SUEDE JACKET //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS //TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket in “Spice” – Last year, their belted version of this jacket was so popular, but I didn’t buy one. I’m on the fence about this one. I love it, but my conservative-buying self is not sure if I should make the plunge and get it. I’m not sure if the warm color would coordinate with my mostly cool tones in my fall capsule wardrobe. They have it in a gray color, so I may end up with that one instead. The fit is perfect. I ordered a Large, so it would be roomy enough to wear a sweater underneath. Verdict: Undecided
TEE //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS //TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee in “White” – Could a white tee be any more perfect than this one? I had read great reviews on this tee, so I had to order it and try it. I loved the blush color, so I ordered it as well (see first photo above). The lightweight material is slightly see-through, but you can wear it by itself and not be conscious of it. I’m modest when it comes to very see-through tops…I don’t wear them. So, this tee passes the test! Verdict: Keep!
TEE // FAUX LEATHER JACKET //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS // TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
BLANKNYC Life Changer Moto Jacket – I love the fit of this faux leather jacket. The gold metal hardware really makes this jacket a statement piece! The faux leather is textured, which also looks great. I ordered a Large so it could be worn with sweaters underneath. I’m not sure I will keep this one or keep the real leather jacket (see photo below). Verdict: Undecided
TEE // CARDIGAN //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS // TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
Madewell Ryder Cardigan – I wanted to love this cardigan because it’s from one of my favorite stores, Madewell, but it was too big and bulky on me. The material felt bulky to me. For size reference, it is Medium (but still too big for me). The color was beautiful though, it is the “heather root” color. Verdict: Return
CAMI // JACKET //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS //TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
Kut From The Kloth Tayanita Faux Suede Jacket in “Buff” – If you want the look of a suede jacket, but the feel of a cardigan, then this one’s for you! I don’t really need 2 suede jackets, but I really like this one. The color is a neutral color, cross between a brown and a gray, which is great because it will coordinate with multiple colors. I ordered a Large so it could be worn with sweaters and bulky tops underneath. Verdict: Might Keep
BP Double V Swing Camisole in “Pink Mauve” – I love the color of this cami. It’s a deep mauve, which is perfect for the Fall to wear with jackets or cardigans. I ordered a Large, but I’m going to send it back for a Medium. Verdict: Keep (will exchange for a Medium)
COLD-SHOULDER TOP //DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS // TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
Treasure & Bond Cold Shoulder Tee in “Red Tannin” – I like this top, but it’s kind of out of my comfort zone. I love the color, which is a deep red. The fit is great, I like it with my body shape, but I’m not sure about the look of the cold shoulder on the style of the rest of the top. Usually a cold shoulder is incorporated on a loose-fitting top, so this one is definately different. I would like to have this top like this one but without the cold shoulder look. Verdict: Return
TWIST FRONT TEE // HIGH WAIST SKINNY JEANS // LEOPARD FLATS (love these Leopard Mules on Sale!)
Bp Twist Front Tee in “Tan Cork” (not included in the sale, but only $22) – I love the look of the twist front tee trend. I wish that I had added this top to my Summer capsule wardrobe! It’s a deep peach color, which is so pretty and you could even wear this into the Fall. I ordered the Large, which is a little too big on me. I’m going to exchange it for the Olive color in a Medium. Verdict: Keep (will exchange for the Medium in Olive)
Rag & Bone High Waist Skinny Jeans – They weren’t kidding when they labeled these as high waist jeans! It was funny, I was putting these on and kept having to pull them up, then pull them up some more. These jeans didn’t fit me too well. I don’t really need a pair of darkwash jeans, since I still have my Paige jeans from last year. I wanted to try the Rag & Bone brand to see how they fit. I’ll be sending these back. Verdict: Return
TEE // LEATHER JACKET //HIGH WAIST SKINNY JEANS // TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style)
Halogen Leather Moto Jacket – This is a beautiful leather jacket! The leather on this one is buttery soft. The fit is great, except that the front sticks out that it makes the front look awkward. The size is a Medium, so I don’t think the small would fit. Verdict: Return
TEE // UTILITY JACKET //HIGH WAIST SKINNY JEANS // LACE-UP FLATS
Madewell Catskills Utility Jacket – The fit on this jacket is great. I had to work with the collar to make it lay flat. The color is a pretty light olive. I wish this jacket was lined. I currently have a Gap utility jacket that similar to this one that is lined. I’m going to keep the one I have and send this one back. Verdict: Return
Halogen Giraffe Print d’Orsay Lace-up Flats – I wanted a pair similar to these last year but they sold out before I could order them. Not this time, I couldn’t click the “Add to Cart” fast enough! I have the Halogen blush lace-up flats from last year and wore them a lot. These will be on repeat! Verdict: Keep!
TUNIC SWEATER // HIGH WAIST SKINNY JEANS // ANKLE BOOTS
Dreamers by Debut Tunic Sweater in “Tan” – This is sweater I wasn’t too sure about at first, but since I tried it on, I like it! It’s an ivory color and is so soft. Although it feels a little roomy, it’s a Large, I’m keeping it because it’s one of those cozy feeling sweaters. I’ll be wearing this with jeans now. In the Winter I’ll layer button-up shirts underneath and wear with leggings and tall boots. Verdict: Keep!
Hinge Block Heel Bootie in “Taupe Sport Suede” – This boot was comfortable right out of the box. It’s a warm taupe color which I love. I have been wearing my Sam Edelman Petty Suede booties for a couple of years, so I’ll give them a break and wear these this Fall. Verdict: Keep!
TEE // TWILL PEPLUM JACKET // HIGH WAIST SKINNY JEANS // ANKLE BOOTS (see my review in the photo just above)
Caslon Twill Peplum Jacket in “Grey Ebony” – I ordered this jacket in a Medium and it’s too big on me. The sleeves are little too long. The color is pretty, but I’m just not loving it enough to exchange it. Verdict: Retur
TEE // OLIVE JEANS // LEOPARD FLATS (love these Leopard Mules on Sale!)
DL1961 Margaux Instasculpt Ankle Skinny Jeans in “Clover” – I needed to replace my current olive jeans, so I wanted to try these. These jeans are a beautiful olive color and fit great. They are mid-rise and the length is just right to wear booties or flats. Verdict: Keep!
TEE // BLACK JEANS //TORY BURCH BLACK FLATS (this year’s style) // PLAID SCARF
DL1961 Florence Instasculpt Skinny Jeans in “Hail” – These black jeans are more stretchy than the olive. Plus, they are a bit longer, since they are not the ankle fit. They are so soft, they almost feel like jeggings! Verdict: Keep!
Bp Plaid Scarf – This scarf is really thick and seems like it would be itchy and too warm for the mild Winter here, so I’m sending it back. Verdict: Return
A closer look at the lace-up flats and the booties!
LACE-UP FLATS // ANKLE BOOTS (see my review in the photo just above)
Have fun shopping at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Remember, the sale ends August 6!
Hello just discovered your post and I appreciate your ideas. Quick question for reference how tall are you? I’m only 4’11” and on the very curvy size. Just looking for ereference. By the way you look fabulous! Thanks!
Great finds! Love hearing the feedback on the Madewell cardigan – had really wanted the wine color but it sold out before I got it and I was a bit crushed. Perhaps I will check out your BP version instead. And the twist front tee looks better on you than in the picture online. May have to give it a try as well! Thanks for sharing your wonderful finds and feedback.
Elizabeth / NattyGal.com
Angie, I am 5’9″ and wear a medium/large large in tops.
Thanks for sharing! Fun to see all your keeps, maybes and returns!
I was really interested in the Madewell cardigan as well but didn’t want something too big. I so appreciate the way you put outfits together to try on the pieces. It helps to understand if/how the pieces could work. I haven’t shopped the anniversary sale in years but am definitely going to this year. There are many brands that I have never tried on so am not quite sure about sizing.
Question for you in regards to your capsule wardrobe and the new items you are buying. For fall, you have these new items. Your capsule from last fall was great. Just wondering how you think through what you’re adding/removing? My issue is that I have things I love. Then I get new things new I love. So now I have too much and it seems wasteful to give away things I love. Should I not shop? How do you decide what to keep in your capsule?
Thanks for you posts!
Love the way you styled the pieces into outfits. I had great hopes for the Madewell cardigan but now wonder if it is going to be too big on me too. However, those Tory Burch flats are mine!
Question for you….
You have gotten pieces you love for your fall capsule. But you had pieces you love in your last fall capsule. How do you think through (what does the conversation in your head sound like) when deciding what to keep in the capsule and what to get rid of? Do you give the extra items away? Pack them away? My problem is that i find new things i love but just can’t seem to get rid of what I already have, then there is a lot/too much in my closet. I feel so “wasteful” not using last fall’s items.
Also, are you going to do a post on what your outfits or style is now that you work from home? I work from home (although I do travel to offices here and there) and somehow struggle with the at home style. For instance, I love to wear “stretchy” pants for the comfort of sitting all day and boxy sweaters but would like to elevate my style. Maybe you could do a post on the different brands of jeans out there and what you have found with lots of stretch and high comfort?
Thanks for all you do!
Jenifer, Thank you for you comment! I rely on mostly basic essentials to be the basis for my capsules (tees, cardigans, shorts, jeans, pants, etc). I always have my favorites I start with when deciding on my capsule. I also like to include a couple of statement pieces, that aren’t too trendy. For items that I’m replacing, I sell them on Poshmark or donate them. Whatever I’m not using or is for another season, I store in crates on either side of my closet.
Thank you Lynn!
Jenifer, I always strive for everything in my capsule wardrobe to be items I only love wearing. The most important place to start is the buying process (see my post from this week: https://classyyettrendy.com/2017/07/buy-clothes-no-regrets.html/ ). To start off narrowing your closet, take everything out and go through each item. Put aside items you absolutely love to wear and that you wear often. Build your capsule around those items. The items that are left over, store them away in a container. A few months later go through them and see if you are willing to part with them. I plan on doing a blog post on my capsule wardrobe for Fall. It will consist of items that I will wear while I work at home. I can do a review of jeans brands too. Stay tuned!
Your blog is changing my wardrobe and the way I approach shopping/dressing and have made it easier to pack as well. Several pieces I’ve purchased based on your capsule e-books have received compliments from friends I’m curious if you have chosen your color palette for fall yet? Also, what fall trends are you noticing and planning to include? Thank you!
I like the brown suede motorcycle jacket on you. Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style linkup party.
Thank you Tricia! I haven’t finalized the “Essential” capsule colors yet, but I’m leaning toward burgundy and light olive. Of course the French Minimalist will consist of mostly neutrals like black, white and gray.
Hi Leanne,
Thanks for both your answers. Sorry for the double post, my computer was acting up and I thought I lost the first post.
I have been taking a hard look at my closet and the post your reference has really helped. Looking forward to your fall post on your capsule!