So here we are…The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’m going to skip over my usual spiel (The Nordstrom Anni Sale is a unique sale, etc.) because if you happen to be reading this right now — as Early Access opens (or is about to) — you’ve got this part. 

However, a few things have changed, and they impact this post. 

FIRST of all, per reader requests, we are publishing this article before Early Access actually opens. This means that some of our links will work differently. Some pieces are linked to a category page that will — once the sale is live — show the featured product at the top of that page. Category links will be denoted with an asterisk*.  

SECOND, once the sale is live (12:30PM ET today) we’ll work as fast as we can to swap out the category links for the actual product link. Again, all category links will be denoted with an asterisk*.

THIRD, only cardholders who have Icon or Ambassador status can shop online today at 12:30PM EST. All other Nordstrom credit card holders can shop online starting tomorrow (Friday) at 12:30PM EST.

AND LAST…we’ll be doing a simultaneous Facebook & IG Live tomorrow at 12:15PM EST to answer any questions as you guys prep and shop. I’m excited to see what you guys are up to — should be fun.  

ps. We’re doing a weekly giveaway of our fav Anni Sale goodies — for newsletter subscribers only. It’s our little way of saying thank you for hanging in there with us. (If you want in on the fun, subscribe here.)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 – Favorite Items (& Outfits!) From My In-Store Preview

And by “outfits” you know I mean #dressingroomselfies. And because we’re fancy this year….Table of Contents. #BAM 

Let’s do this.

A Girl Goes Into A Nordstrom Dressing Room For 12 Hours & This Is What She Finds 

1. Find Your New Fall Accessory Combo
2. Pick Your New Fall Topper
3. Consider The Dad Jean
4. Find Your Flare
5. Boyfriend Jeans If You Must
6. Upgrade Your Playground Uniform
7. Buy One of These Black Turtlenecks
8. Two Tibi Favs
9. See Jane Run (In Vintage Stripes)
10. See Jane Run (In Vintage Sneaks)
11. See Jane Walk Quickly In Comfy Pumps
12. Where’s Jane? (She’s Hiding in Camo)
13. The Best Ever Trousers (not even kidding)
14. Two Cute Skirts
15. DAMN. (Dresses)
16. But wait!  There’s more!

1. Find Your New Fall Accessory Combo

Whenever I want to simplify my sartorial life, I almost always start with the shoes & the bag. Packing for a trip? Shoes & bag.  Outfit planning for an important day? Shoes & bag.  And if I want a SUPER EASY way to upgrade my existing wardrobe….Shoes. And. Bag.

Since this is an area many of you get excited about too, especially in the context of the Anni sale, I thought it would be a good place to start. And after hours of try-ons, there were a few star shoes & bags that really stood out. 

A. Taupe Boots + Camel Bag + An Unexpected Fall Color Palette 

This was one of my favorite outfit combos of the entire sale. Classic Fall colors paired with really wearable, cool neutrals (blush pink, gray) make for an unexpected and fresh fall palette. 

NOTES: I included two plaid blazers to pick from (one is affordable, one an investment). The sweater is 100% pure Vince cashmere, and totally delicious. I mean…THAT COLOR. And the jeans – PAIGE skinnies – are soft, have a nice high rise, and a perfect wash.

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – size 25 | boots | bag

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | boots | bag

 MIDDLE ROW: jacket – 0

BOTTOM ROW: left jacket – XS | right jacket (sold out – similar) – US 4

B. Taupe Boots + Camel Bag + More Sweaters

These Vince taupe boots were the star of my in-store try-on. They looked good with everything, and were super-comfortable, even without socks. The color I’m wearing is called “straw”, but the boots are also available in a really light camel and a black. (I didn’t like the black in person.)

NOTES ON SWEATERS: The cream sweater below, sadly, is NOT cashmere. But the other two are. 

OUTFIT 1: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | boots | bag

OUTFIT 2: sweater – S-M | jeans – 25 | boots | bag

OUTFIT 3: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | boots | bag

C. Taupe Boots + Belt Bag + An Insanely Versatile Uniform

I love this combo. It feels so sleek and just right for fall – especially with a pair of high-rise skinnies. I’m a simple gal, so I paired this combo with a black cashmere sweater. This base uniform stands on its own, but can dramatically change with another layer. (Observe…..)

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | belt bag | boots

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | belt bag | boots

Belt Bag Combo For Day….

This Rebecca Minkoff belt bag fits a large iPhone, FYI. There is a similar belt bag from Treasure & Bond, but it’s bigger, and I prefer small belt bags (just phone, credit card and lip balm).

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | belt bag | boots

LEFT jacket – XS | MIDDLE jacket (sold out – similar) – US 4 | RIGHT jacket – M

…and Belt Bag Combo for Night

Surprisingly, this is when the belt bag really shines. I love that I wouldn’t have to worry about holding a clutch, and I think I could maybe dance in these outfits. (The belt bag strap is designed to actually go through your belt loops, and the tiny size means that it won’t bounce around too much.) 

BASE UNIFORM: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | belt bag | boots

LEFT jacket – S | RIGHT jacket – S

But Wait! There Are Actually TWO Cashmere Sweaters That Work..

On the left is a much more affordable cashmere sweater by Halogen. It has a really low v-neck (in both the back and the front), and a slightly slouchier fit. On the right is a cashmere sweater from the Nordstrom Signature Collection. This cashmere is slightly ribbed (the brand makes some of my favorite cashmere sweaters) and has extra-long sleeves, which I always appreciate. This one would layer under dresses beautifully.

BASE UNIFORM: jeans – 25 | belt bag | boots

LEFT sweater – S | RIGHT sweater – S 

C. Taupe Boots + Grey Bag + All The Cozy Sweaters

I’ve long thought of taupe as the unsung hero of neutrals. Not only does it look fresh and appropriate for summer, but it also pairs so freaking well with black and other dark colors (even in the winter months). 

OUTFIT: sweater – XS | jeans – 25 | boots | bag

The Vince taupe booties and Rebecca Minkoff gray (greige?) bag are a killer combination. They’re cohesive without perfectly matching. I’m totally obsessed, and SO…a little demonstration of the POWER of the taupe/greige combo begins….

With Soft Pastel Sweaters….

NOTES: My favorite sweater in this section is the first one, in blush pink. But it’s not cashmere. The only one that IS cashmere is the baby blue v-neck (third one down).  I was a liiiitle disappointed in the nubby blue Vince sweater. It’s super cute (the flecks are everything) but it was a tiny bit itchy and not nearly as drapey as cashmere. Boo.  

BASE UNIFORM: jeans – 25 | boots | bag

VARIATIONS: top sweater – XS  | middle sweater – XS | bottom sweater – XS

…With Darker-Hued Sweaters

NOTES: Hunting for cashmere? Check out the bottom two. The top sweater, however, with the gloriously flecked color, was my favorite. It’s soft, but you’ll definitely know it’s wool (not cashmere). 

The navy sweater (cashmere) has some sort of interesting shape, so it…pulls over your shoulders. I tried to get a photo but it’s one of those drapey things that look better IRL. Especially if you wear your hair up — the lines in this sweater are really cool.

BASE UNIFORM:jeans – 25 | boots | bag

VARIATIONS: top sweater – XS  | middle sweater – XS | bottom sweater – XS

D. Oxblood Loafers + Camel Bag (Rich & Gorgeous for Fall)

Gang, these Vince flats are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. They did something clever to the back heel area so it’s almost unnaturally soft. I’m typically between a 6-6.5 and I went with a 6 (they do feel like they might stretch out). I especially loved the burgundy paired with a dark camel bag.  

This color combo works, even in a range of shades-that-should-not-quite-match. Like, uh, tan/orange/burgundy/madness. 

OUTFIT: sweater – XS | jacket – 0 | jeans – 24 | loafers | bag

A Few Ways To Wear the Loafers….

NOTES: Don’t miss the black silk Vince top (bottom left). It’s a tricky piece to photograph, but it’s so freaking good in person. And I love that this color combo works just as well with black. (AHH I forgot to grab the bag in that photo. But whatever — pretend or just squint. You’ll see what I mean.)

BASE UNIFORM: jeans – 24 | loafers | bag

TOP : sweater – XS | jacket – 0

BOTTOM:  silk top – S | sweater – XS

Back to Table of Contents
 

2. Pick Your New Fall Topper

The coats in this sale are really freaking good — plaids, faux fur, and some seriously lux wool coats were all at the top of my list. There were not, however, a ton of leather jackets to choose from in-store, but the one I found is pretty fantastic.

A.  If You Can Swing This Gorgeous Theory Coat…DO IT.

This is the coat that I would wear in my dream life, the one in my head. This is the same life where people think of a young Jane Birken when they see my too-big teeth, my house is always light-filled and clean, and high heels never hurt my feet. That life.

coat

ps.  I’m wearing a size small in this coat because that’s all they had in store, but it’s too big. In my dream life I casually strolled out of the store in a perfectly fitting coat (XS). It’s a testament to the drape that even too big, it looks OK. This coat will be the first thing I order.

coat

Oh the versatility….

OUTFIT 1: coat (wearing S but needed an XS, cognac)  | dress | bag | boots

OUTFIT 2: coat | turtleneck | jeans | bag | boots

OUTFIT 3: coat | dress |  booties

B. Or Maybe Theory’s Shorter Coat

I picked up this exact coat (in camel) at the NSALE a couple of years ago. It’s important to know that it won’t be a super warm winter coat….rather it’s almost like a really thick cardigan or blazer. It IS warm enough for almost all fall nights, or a wintertime date (if you are just jumping from Uber-to-restaurant and need a fancier coat). But it’s thin and drapey enough to function as a blazer inside, too.

OUTFIT: coat | top | turtleneck | jeans (size 0)*

ps. The store only had a size medium in stock…again, another testament to that amazing Theory drape. You can see me rocking my camel one (in the XS) here:

More Ways To Wear This Year’s Theory Topper….

OUTFIT 1: coat | dress | heels

OUTFIT 2: coat | top | turtleneck |  jeans

OUTFIT 3: coat | turtleneck | jeans | boots

C. Fun! With Faux Fur!

I will never get tired of this gorgeousness.

FRAME Maroon Faux-Fur

This is one of my top picks. It’s so cozy and fun and warm. Perfect for the holidays or school drop-off. (HA.) Size up if you want to layer over a sweater. The arms run a bit tight. (I was happiest in the size small.)

OUTFIT: coat | jeans (size 0) | booties

Vince Faux Fur

Remember Vince’s faux-fur hoodie from last year’s sale? If you missed out, this one is basically the same thing – same color, same fuzz. I love the peacoat shape. This one, however, runs bigger than the FRAME one. In these pics I’m wearing a small, but it was too big.

OUTFIT: coat | jeans (size 0)*|  booties

[BLANKNYC] Faux Fur

This one was the big surprise of the sale. It’s not quite as plush as the other two, but the extra-cropped shape makes it really modern and perfect for layering with other tricky shapes (like high-rise jeans and dresses). Very cozy, but won’t be as warm as the other two.

OUTFIT: jacket – S | jeans | bag | boots

 

D. Snap Up This Surprisingly Versatile (& Pretty) Leather Jacket

Guys, I was kiiiind of blown away by this ALLSAINTS leather jacket. Many of you have been raving about the brand’s leather jackets for years, but I’ve been pretty happy in my IRO leather jacket, and haven’t had reason to switch it up. 

This jacket is a pretty darn good reason. 

The ALLSAINTS jacket feels a whole lot like my IRO, but is roughly half the cost (less than that, when you factor in the sale price). And I was surprised by how much I LOVE the pink. It’s not overly pink, neither is it an insipid rose, rather it’s a dusty, cool blush that reads more rich neutral than pink.

OUTFIT: jacket (sold out – similar) – US 4| sweater | jeans | boots | bag 

E. Battle Of The Plaid Jackets

There’s no shortage of plaid in this sale. And while I can’t claim that my local Nordstrom had ALL the plaid jackets in the sale…they had a ton. So I tried them all on. Two heart-breaking fails? That blue and red Halogen from the catalog (so bad I didn’t even take a photo – it’s just really bulky and terrible in person) and a Hugo BOSS that skewed matronly. 

Now that that’s out of the way….bring on the battle-worthy plaids.

 

Halogen Plaid Blazer

Super-affordable, but my least favorite. There was a boxiness to this cut that hit me at a weird spot. I suspect this issue may be fixed by someone over 5′ 2″. 

OUTFIT: blazer | tee (xs, white) | jeans (size 24)  | boots 

Veronica Beard Plaid Blazer

The plaid here is SO freaking good. Wearable and *almost* a neutral, but still Very Much A Plaid Statement.  This blazer also has permanently scrunched arms, so there’s that.  

OUTFIT: blazer | sweater | jeans | bag | boots

Veronica Beard Other Plaid Blazer

If you want to go Big Plaid, this is your blazer. Despite the bold statement, this one is shockingly wearable.  It’s not *really* my style, but so good I found myself thinking that I wanted it to be. Dangerous.

OUTFIT: blazer | tee (xs, white) | jeans (size 24) | boots

rag & bone Plaid Blazer

This was my favorite. It’s more of a tomboyish topper than a blazer, which is much more my style. And the pop of red on the standing collar is a nice touch. For whatever reason this blazer didn’t photograph nearly as well as it looks in real life. It’s fantastic. 

OUTFIT: blazer | sweater | jeans | bag | boots

BB DAKOTA Plaid Topper

This one was my other favorite. It’s not nearly as well made as the rag & bone above (and you can really see the difference in person), but it has a similar vibe. And the plaid pattern is basically a neutral.

OUTFIT:  blazer | sweater | jeans | boots | bag

Back to Table of Contents

3. Consider The Dad Jean

Gang, I was a little disappointed with the in-store inventory of denim. Maybe I was just pouting over the relative lack of rag & bones (or these gray FRAMEs OMG)….buuuut my frustration resulted in one of the most exciting purchases of the sale: 

THE DAD JEAN.

These Topshop Dad jeans are super high-rise, non-stretch (yet comfortable!!), with a loose, cropped leg. They’re basically the boyfriend jean update I’ve been looking for. (UPDATE: These are low in stock in my wash, but the washed black are available here.)

I immediately paired them with this FRAME silk top (my OTHER favorite thing in the sale — seriously sexy I just can’t even) and Jeff Campbell snake print booties. I DIE. I love this outfit so hard.

OUTFIT:  top (tts, black)  |  jeans (size 2) (black wash)  | boots

A. Dad Jeans by Night, 2 Ways

I’ve been sexy-ing up oversized jeans since 1997 –  I can do this in my sleep. Here’s my NSALE take.

BASE UNIFORM:  top (tts, black)  | jeans (size 2) (black wash)  | boots

TOP OUTFIT: jacket (small) | top (tts, black)  |  jeans (size 2) (black wash)   | boots | bag

BOTTOM OUTFIT: top (00, snow combo) |  jeans (size 2) (black wash)   | coat (s, bordeaux) | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

B. Dad Jeans by Day, 4 Ways

This, I thought, would be trickier. But I was surprised to see how many different jacket shapes work with dad jeans – even a cardigan!  The key here is to make sure that your waist shows…and pointy-toe footwear helps.

OUTFIT 1: sweater (xs, grey clay) | cami (s, vanilla multi) |  jeans (size 2)  (black wash)  | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

OUTFIT 2: jacket (sold out – similar)  – US 4  | tee (xs, white) |  jeans (size 2) (black wash)  | boots

OUTFIT 3: coat (M but needed XS/S, grey melange) | sweater (s, black) |  jeans (size 2) (black wash)   | boots

OUTFIT 4: blazer (size 0) | jeans (size 2) (black wash)   | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

Back to Table of Contents

4. Find Your Flare

My sister has been raving about Good American jeans for over a year…with good reason. These flares have a nice bum, a cool wash, and a totally unapologetically high rise. YAS.   

OUTFIT:  turtleneck (s, black) | cami (s, vanilla multi) | jeans (size 0) | boots

A. Top It Off – Two Lengths

The flare silhouette is one of the most versatile out there. Case in point? Shrunken, cropped jackets look just as good as long flowy jackets.

BASE UNIFORM: turtleneck (s, black) | cami (s, vanilla multi)| jeans (size 0) | boots

VARIATIONS: coat (M but needed XS/S, grey melange) | jeans (size 0) | jacket 

B. Try A Cool Cardigan…

I’m not typically a fan of cardigans, but this slouchy one with varsity-striped sleeves is legit cool. I’m in.

OUTFIT: tee | cardigan (xxs, navy) | jeans (size 0) | backpack | booties

C. …Or An Oversized Cashmere Sweater

There’s nothing cozier than a slouchy, oversized cashmere sweater. The flares and pointy toe boots give this unstructured piece some edge.

OUTFIT: sweater (s-m, olive tuscan) | jeans (size 0) | boots

D. Maybe a Tee & Casual Jacket?

Gwen has last year’s version of this Rails jacket, and it’s a nice lightweight topper. Cute and easy.

OUTFIT: jacket (xs, sage) | tee (xs, white) |  jeans (size 0) | boots

E. Or Perhaps Cropped Flares Are Your Thing

I’m not tall enough for these jeans….nor crazy enough to cut them off in the dressing room. We’ll just chalk this one up to a really good try.

ps. That striped sweater reminds me of Equipment…but it’s Halogen and costs almost nothing.

OUTFIT 1: jacket (small) | sweater (xs, black/ivory) | jeans (size 25) | boots

OUTFIT 2: sweater (xs, ivory) | jeans (size 25) | boots

OUTFIT 3: jacket (small) | sweater (xs, black/ivory) | jeans (size 25) | boots

Back to Table of Contents

5. Boyfriend Jeans If You Must

I haven’t worn my low-rise boyfriend jeans in a while…but when I do it’s usually with UGGs. Let’s be real – that third outfit (below, right) is calling my name for early morning school drop-offs.

In any case, these AG boyfriend jeans are a pretty solid choice. They’re not as low rise as rag & bone’s Dre jeans – these are *almost* mid rise. So if you are not a high-rise girl, these.

ps. The silk Vince tee (middle) is really, really pretty on. 

OUTFIT 1: jacket (sold out – similar) – US 4 | tee (xs, white) | jeans (size 25) | loafers (run slightly big) 

OUTFIT 2: top |  jeans (size 25)  | loafers (run slightly big) 

OUTFIT 3: sweater (s, navy olive tweed) |  jeans (size 25)  | boots

Back to Table of Contents

6. Upgrade Your Playground Uniform

If a leather jacket and a sweatshirt and a cardigan had a baby (threesome? Ahhh just go with me here)….you’d get this jacket. And it’s WAY better than my terrible metaphor.  

NOTES:  Don’t miss these two interesting tees. A cozy tie-dye longsleeve that’s perfect for Fall…and the floatiest little romantic white tee from ALLSAINTS. Good stuff. The snake booties are Dolce Vita and they are better than last year’s perforated bootie. However, I’m right in between sizes, so I may go down a  half size and hope they stretch.

BASE UNIFORM: cardigan (s, washed black) | jeans (size 24) | booties

BASE UNIFORM: cardigan (s, washed black) | jeans (size 24) | booties

VARIATION 1 (top):  top (xs, navy ombre) | cardigan (s, washed black) | jeans (size 24) | booties | backpack

VARIATION 2 (bottom): top | cardigan (s, washed black) | jeans (size 24) | booties

Back to Table of Contents

7. Buy One of These Black Turtlenecks

I LOVE a good layering turtleneck. There are two worth discussing: 

LEFT: Vince’s layering turtleneck. I bought it last year and love it. It’s thin, drapey, and has a perfect neck for layering.  The key difference is that the body of this top is a little slouchy, so if you ever want to wear it alone, it’s forgiving and looks like a real shirt.

RIGHT: Halogen’s layering turtleneck. The ruched neck is perfect, and the length is pretty long. But it’s fairly skin tight (and thin) so it doesn’t hide much. (HA – it looks way better in pictures than the Vince one…not so IRL.)

LEFT:  turtleneck (xs, black) | jeans (size 2)

RIGHT:  turtleneck (s, black) |  jeans (size 2) | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

Back to Table of Contents

8. Two Tibi Favs

A. The Most Interesting Cardigan

I’m wearing a size too big here, but the sleeve detail was too good not to share. Gorg.

OUTFIT: cardigan (s, navy) | jeans (size 25) | loafers (run slightly big) 

B. A Sculptural White Top

I LOVE a good white top – especially one with some sort of interesting detail. The fabric is heavyweight but comfortable – a really well-made piece. And scroll down to see the back.

BASE UNIFORM: top (size 0) | jeans (size 0) | boots

 

More Ways To Wear It….

TOP (left): top (size 0)  | jeans (size 0) | boots

TOP (right): top (size 0)  | jeans (size 0) | boots | coat (s, bordeaux)

BOTTOM (left): turtleneck (s, black) | top (size 0)  | pants (size 2) | boots

BOTTOM (right): turtleneck (s, black) | top (size 0)  | pants (size 4) | booties

Back to Table of Contents

9. See Jane Run (In Vintage Stripes)

Vintage stripes manage to add a pop of color without losing any street cred.

NOTES:  The first two are a fitted, ribbed knit….the second is a regular sweater.

OUTFIT 1: sweater | jeans (size 2) | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

OUTFIT 2: top (s, noir multi) | jeans (size 2)* | boots (TTS in ‘straw’)

OUTFIT 3: sweater (xxs, antique cream)  | jeans (size 2) | boots

Back to Table of Contents

10. See Jane Run (In Vintage Sneaks)

I have a pair of brown and mustard yellow sneakers, and there’s something about those vintage colors that make the sneaker wearable and fresh. These orange Nikes have a similar vibe.

NOTES:  Take a closer look at that blush pink sweater (left). It’s covered in colorful flecks and the arms are nice and long. I really liked it (by Something Navy).  

OUTFIT 1: sweater (xxs, beige) | jeans (size 25) | sneakers | bag 

OUTFIT 2:  tee (xs, white)  | skirt (size xs) | sneakers | bag 

OUTFIT 3: sweater (xs, olive dark heather) | jeans (size 25 | sneakers | backpack

Back to Table of Contents

11. See Jane Walk Quickly In Comfy Pumps

These EILEEN FISHER pumps do NOT look like anything special on the shelf. But on…OMG. Not only are they insanely comfortable, but they look pretty sexy, too. These came home with me.  

ps.  Pull up on those string things to make sure they’re even and for the best fit. They’re adjustable.

OUTFIT 1:  top (tts, black) | pants (size 4) | heels (TTS, black)

OUTFIT 2: coat (s, bordeaux) |  jeans (size 24) | heels (TTS, black) 

OUTFIT 3: top (tts, black) | skirt (size xs) | heels (TTS, black)

Back to Table of Contents

12. Where’s Jane? (She’s Hiding in Camo)

I didn’t bring these pants home…and then the next morning I woke up and the ONLY thing I wanted to wear was these pants. Darn. Ordering. Size up for a slouchy fit (as pictured). I’m wearing a size 4.

NOTES: That silk snake cami (middle) is by FRAME, and it’s really good. The combat-looking boots (left) are waterproof Sorels and very comfortable.

OUTFIT 1: sweater (xs, beige) | pants (size 4) | boots 

OUTFIT 2: cami (s, vanilla multi) | pants (size 4) | heels (TTS, black)

OUTFIT 3: sweater (xs, black/ivory)  | pants (size 4) | booties

Back to Table of Contents

13. The Best Ever Trousers (not even kidding)

I literally swooned when I tried on these Vince trousers. They have a really high waist, with a thick waistband and subtle pleats. They are, without exaggeration, the most beautiful trousers I’ve ever put on my body.  

BASE UNIFORM: pants (size 2) | boots

OUTFIT:  top (tts, black) | pants (size 2) | boots

More Ways To Wear….

TOP ROW (left): sweater (s, black tweed) | cami (s) | pants (size 2) | boots

TOP ROW (right): cami (s) |  pants (size 2) | boots

BOTTOM ROW (left): turtleneck (s, black) | top (size 0) | pants (size 2) | boots

BOTTOM ROW (right): coat (M but needed XS/S, grey melange) | sweater (s, black)  | pants (size 2) | boots

Back to Table of Contents

14. Two Cute Skirts

A. The Silky Bias-cut Midi

This Chelsea28 silky midi skirt is basically a knock-off of Realisation Par (see it in snake, below), and is very similar to what Vince and other brands have been doing in real silk.

For the price, it’s pretty amazing. 

I found it a touch too long, and the elastic waist is feeble – you’ll need to squish it up over your hips (sizing up might help).  That said…it’s really GOOD.

OUTFIT: jacket (small) | tee | skirt (size xs) | booties

More Ways To Wear…

OUTFIT 1: sweater (s, navy olive tweed) |skirt (size xs)| booties | bag

OUTFIT 2: tee (xs, white) | skirt (size xs) | sneakers 

OUTFIT 3: top (tts, black)| skirt (size xs) | heels (TTS, black)

B. A Mod Faux-Leather

There’s always some cute faux-leather skirt in this sale, and this is Free People’s version. I love the tough-girl mod vibe.

NOTES:  These PAIGE Willa boots are the same ones I have in snake. They look so good with bare legs, but really shine with any sort of cropped, non-skinny jean (straight legs, cropped flares, dad jeans, mom jeans).

OUTFIT 1: skirt | tee  (xs, white) | sweater (xs grey clay)| booties

OUTFIT 2: skirt | sweater (s, navy olive tweed) | booties

OUTFIT 3: skirt | tee (xs, white) | cardigan (S, washed black)| booties

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15. DAMN. (Dresses)

A. Three Subtly Sexy Options

NOTES: The first dress (left) is by Veronica Beard and is so freaking good in person. It’s well-made and interesting and the kind of dress that makes your day.  I’m wearing a size 0, but really needed a 2.

The second dress (middle) is by Gal Meets Glam and has a fun, Grace Kelly vibe. 

The third dress (right) was my favorite. It’s a faux-leather dress by Theory, but the faux is so good that both Gwen and I were convinced it was real…until we saw the price. Happy surprise!  I tried on the 0 (too tight) and the 4 (pictured)…but I probably need a 2 (my usual dress size).  Sizing up, however, is a good idea if you need extra length or want it to skim nicely over your curves (not a bad thing – I almost kept the 4).

OUTFIT 1: dress – 4 | wedges

OUTFIT 2: dress | wedges

OUTFIT 3: dress | wedges

B. A Ladylike Leopard Day Dress

I love a silk day dress. They are one of the few pieces that are truly seasonless. This one is pretty and easy — Rebecca Taylor always does a good silk dress.

 BASE: dress – S |sweater – S  | boots

OUTFIT 1: blazer – 0 | bag | boots

OUTFIT 2: coat – S | bag | boots

C. The Fall Maxi Dress, 5 Ways

This Topshop maxi is both comfy and incredibly sexy. It is, however, very thin. Like you will see basically every lump and bump and mayyybe your black underwear.  Which is part of why it’s so sexy, tho. (That and the two big slits up the sides – wowza.)

BASE: dress – 4

OUTFIT 1: jacket  – US 4 | boots

OUTFIT 2: wedges

OUTFIT 3: jacket – S | wedges

OUTFIT 4: coat – S | boots

OUTFIT 5: cardigan – XXS | boots

D. A Tweedy Work Shift, 4 Ways

This little work shift (by Theory) looks like nothing on the hanger. But when worn…it’s fantastic.  So versatile and flattering and comfy to wear.  A really good investment piece.

BASE: dress – 0

OUTFIT 1: boots 

OUTFIT 2: tee – XS | boots

OUTFIT 3: sweater – S | boots

OUTFIT 4:  coat  – M | boots

E. Madewell’s Dot Dress, 3 Ways

Guys, I forgot to get a photo of this dress by itself! Gah! Whatever – you can see the short sleeves in the retailer pic. Anyway, it’s a cute little dress that layers easily for fall.

OUTFIT 1: dress – 0 | sweater – S| boots

OUTFIT 2:  dress  – 0 | blazer – 0 | boots

OUTFIT 3:  dress  – 0 | coat – M | boots

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16. But Wait! There’s More!

A. Two Accessories That Must Be Mentioned

Know that period of time when you’ve been in a dressing room for almost 12 hours straight trying on 24872369 things and mayyyybe the last “outfit” you attempted to create was uploaded to Instagram stories by your evil coworker with the hastag #fail?  Yeah? 

This outfit isn’t as bad as that one. 

And since we’re getting to the bitter, bitter end here, the one where everyone’s better judgement gets…fuzzy…maybe I can be positive and say that this outfit is, in fact, cute and quirky.  

(Or maybe just close one eye and just look at the scarf alone, and then close the other eye and squint at those boots. They’re both too good to miss. )

OUTFIT: tee – XS | jeans – 25 | scarf | boots

B. The Sweatsuit That Makes Me Feel Like a Kardashian

Nuff said, really. 

NOTE: This thing certainly doesn’t feel as lux as I typically prefer…but neither does it feel cheap.  It’s soft and thin-ish material and cute.

OUTFIT: hoodie – XS | pants – XS

C. We Must Discuss These Sweaters

I was disappointed with the in-store selection of cashmere sweaters. There were a few Vince ones (but most were not cashmere)…and then these from Nordstrom Signature. Historically, the Nordstrom Signature line has produced some pretty epic cashmere sweaters (high quality, cool shapes) but this year’s crop missed the mark. None of these sweaters can be tucked into high-rise jeans (or even half-tucked – they’re too bulky), leaving us with sweaters that don’t necessarily work with current denim silhouettes.

However, if you are looking for long, oversized cashmere to wear with leggings…these would be perfect.  Or if you prefer to keep your bum covered (even in your cropped straight legs)…these work.  The cashmere itself is super soft and thick and delicious. 

LEFT  sweater | MIDDLE sweater | RIGHT sweater (xs, beige string)

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Shop Everything I Wore In This Post 

 

So that’s it for my in-store try-ons! I’ll be putting in an order online to see what other gems I can uncover…let me know if you have any questions. For more #NSale coverage — best of recommendations & #DressingRoomSelfies — head over to our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hub, right here.

Happy Anni Sale!

xo,

S

A HUGE thank-you to Fauzia (and Carolyn) at KOP Nordstrom. This day is always a long one, and it’s so lovely working with people as nice as you.  xoxo