“Question…” I asked our FB Insiders group, “…if my first round of #NSale mirror selfies are mostly stay-at-home outfits, will you be mad?”

50-plus responses later the answer was, unanimously, NO. Definitely not mad.

Which is a good thing, because after perusing through hundreds of items and making wish lists (you can find those here), and putting in orders and going in-store for one final walk around (sidenote: I highly recommend working with Lori Beckman at KOP Nordstrom — she is insanely helpful)…some of the pieces I’m most excited about are…sweatpants.

Let’s Be Real: The Best Items In The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale For Right Now

So this article will likely look quite a bit different this year. Real Life looks different now, and my head (and yours, if our FB insiders are any indication) is in a different place. Also, Nordstrom has experienced a few shipping delays from vendors (oh, pandemic), so not everything in my wish list was immediately available. Not to worry, I have several (embarrassingly) large orders headed this way, but I ended up being really happy with the items I was able to get my hands on; they’re simply too good not to share.

So yeah: here’s my ‘real life’ edit.  It’s made up of mostly comfy, easy, stay-at-home-ready outfits. But I still found a few exciting pieces — ones that will last long after this pandemic is over. To quote Krissi, one of the FB Insiders who responded to my question, I did manage to “sprinkle in a little bit of hope” in the form of casual dinner outfits and a few investment-worthy pieces.

Ready?? (I’m roughly attempting to list in priority order, based on which pieces I think will sell out quickly.)

1. If So Inclined…Start With One Of These Bags

 

COACH Trail Leather Crossbody Bag | Clare V Simple Animal Spot Suede Tote

First of all, Coach’s vintage-inspired bag is even better in person. It’s one of those pieces that I will literally have forever, and it’s unique enough to be worth the splurge.

Secondly, I don’t think Clare V pieces will live to see the end of the sale. I can personally attest to the quality and craftsmanship of a Clare V bag…and their timelessness. The genius is in taking classic, simple shapes, and putting a unique, unexpected twist on it.  The result is a fresh, un-boring bag that never goes out of style.

UPDATE!!  I just got the tan leopard Clare V crossbody in…and it’s GOOD. Literally goes with everything and now I’m debating between it and the larger tote.  Grrr.

2. Levi’s 501s Are In The Sale. Go Buy Them.

Sweater – s | Bra  | jeans (not in NSale) | similar Levi 501s In NSale – 27 | Bag | similar shoe in Nsale

The jeans I’m wearing in this pic are my beloved Levi’s 501s (not in the sale). I sized up two sizes for the best fit, and have been wearing them all summer. They’re already nicely broken in — soft and comfy enough to wear around the house…yet dress up nicely. 

There is a pair of very similar Levi’s 501s in the #NSale (same wash, lighter distressing) and I have high hopes. I ordered just to see.

Also of note? That FRAME sweater (size small) is going to be my at-home-date-night move (especially over the Free People bralette,) and there is a pair of sexy Cole Han pumps that have a very similar vibe to the heels I’m wearing in the pic. Ordered. Will let you know.

3. This Vince T-Shirt Dress Won’t Last

T-Shirt Dress – xs | Sneakers

This Vince dress…might be my favorite thing in the sale. It’s made from a surprisingly thick t-shirt fabric, yet drapes like a dream. It looks and feels…expensive. The belt is actually sewn to be crossed in front, making the whole thing insanely flattering and stay-put.Yet the dress isn’t fussy. It looks great, yeah, but is honestly the kind of thing you could throw on around the house. It normally retails for $195, but is currently on sale for $99.

Don’t overlook the p448 sneakers I’m wearing above. The footbed is shockingly cushioned and supportive, and the leather is so soft. 

Other Ways To Wear The Vince T-Shirt Dress

First of all, I think all dresses can be worn with Vans, and that straw AllSaints Tote is great — nice and big.  

Secondly, the tall PAIGE Boots in the #Nsale haven’t arrived yet, but my vintage Fryes are very similar. Since I’m worried this dress will sell out before the boots get here, I wanted to show you My Ultimate Dress Outfit for those hopeful days again someday. 

And YES: That darn Theory wool trench IS everything I dreamed it would be.

UPDATE: That Theory Trench is sold out, but I rounded up some seriously good statement coat alternatives (both in NSale and other retailers) here.

BASE OUTFIT: Vince T-Shirt Dress – xs

OTHER PIECES: AllSaints Tote | Vans | Trench Coat – s | Top Right Bag | Paige Boots

UPDATE: That vintage-looking bag is sold out (sob!) but I found some seriously good alternatives for this Coach bag as well as some Clare V alternates – all on sale!

4. FYI: Statement Coats Look Cute With Face Masks

Vince faux-fur coat – xs | similar 501s in sale – 27| masks | Vans 

Since my order was so big (and The Pressure, you guys, SO HIGH)…Lori had put everything into a dressing room, just so we could make sure it was all there and see it all together. I couldn’t resist slipping into this faux- fur Vince moto jacket real quick and taking a selfie for old time’s sake — when I realized — statement coats might be my bit of hope this fall and winter. I mean…they’ve always made an everyday denim outfit look good, but a statement coat even makes a mask look good! Or…ya know…better.

So let’s play around with this idea:

A. Start With a Killer Base Outfit (Jeans, Sweater)

Sweater (s)| Jeans – 26 | Bag | Flats

If you’ve read my earlier post, loftily titled The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe From The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you may recall I had pinned all of my #Nsale hopes and dreams on this now sold-out La Ligne sweater. (We’re waiting to hear if there’s been a glitch with so many sold out products — stay tuned.) IN ANY CASE..this striped Vince sweater is a darn good consolation prize — I love it. 

These FRAME jeans are another fav — super soft, and just interesting enough. I didn’t have to hack them off, but turned them up instead.

Lastly…the Born flats!!!! There’s something about these that felt really modern and fresh, and the print was great. Best part? SO COMFORTABLE. These are flats I’ll actually wear to walk around the city.

B. Play Around With Statement Coats

The Vince Faux-Fur moto was an easy win with this outfit…and I especially loved the Theory wool trench with sneakers. It’s the same outfit, but the vibe is different.

The Vince moto reads casual despite the faux-fur (in fact, I style this coat with sweatpants further below), but the Theory wool trench is decidedly more classic. I might actually keep…both?  

One note on the Theory wool coat: I’ve been looking — for years — for a wool trench with perfect drape and tailoring, but wasn’t overly long. THIS. IS. IT. It fits my 5’3″ frame perfectly. Gwen also tried it on, but at 5’9″ she was…underwhelmed. So. This one might be best on someone shorter than 5’9″. 

BASE OUTFIT: Sweater (s) | Jeans (26)| Bag 

VARIATIONS:  Vince Faux Fur Coat (xs) | Flats | Trench Coat (s) | Sneakers

C. Don’t Underestimate A Cute Fleece

I’m putting this North Face fleece into the statement jacket category. Why? Because it’s adorable and, based on the reviews, horribly misunderstood. Make no mistake, this is a statement coat. It’s boxy and swingy, and seriously chic. It won’t be for everyone, but I personally LOVE it.

ps.  If your size is gone, Backcountry has additional sizes/colors, some of which are on sale.

Coat – s | Sweater – xs | Jeans – 26 | Bag | Flats

5. These Nike Wide-Leg Sweatpants Are Everything

Top (xs) | Bra (s) | Pants (xs)

I’m more than a little obsessed, and, I think, once the word gets out, these Nike wide-leg sweatpants won’t last long. I’m wearing an XS, and they are a *bit* tight in the waist, and obviously too long. But my plan is to wash them, hack them off and wear them constantly.

UPDATE: I’m now trying to decide between the black and the gray…you can see both sets on me here. I also rounded up a few solid alternatives if they’re sold out in your size.

Don’t over-look this Free People top! It seriously looks cute with everything (you’ll see it repeated throughout this post) and the back is gorgeous.

Top (xs) | Bra (s) | Pants (xs)

A. Nike Wide-Leg Sweatpants Go On A Walk

Also of note? These leopard print Adidas always fly off the shelves, even when they’re not on sale. I bought the wrong size however — they run at least a half-size big. And this Zella top is one of my fav workout tops — the back is so pretty.

Top (m) | Pants (xs) | Sneakers (also at Amazon, but not on sale)

 

B. Nike Wide-Leg Sweatpants Homeschool My Children

Sweater (xs) | Pants (xs)

Last spring I relied on pretty, pretty pink sweaters to breathe some life back into my tired skin. It kinda worked. This pink Vince sweater is not just a pretty color, but it has a really flattering fit. I’m wearing the XS small here, but you can see how the small fits by looking for the pics with Vince’s olive stripe sweater — it’s the same style as this one, but I’m wearing a size small. These sweaters are NOT 100% cashmere (they’re a wool-cashmere blend) but they’re super-soft and drapey.

C. Nike Wide-Leg Sweatpants Have A Kitchen Date With My Husband 

Sweatpants, meet sexy sweater and pretty bra. Pour me a scotch; we’re all done here.

Sweater (s) | Bra (s) | Pants (xs) | Shoes

6. Lighten Up Your Loungewear: Zella’s Organic Joggers

Sweater (xs) | Joggers (s) | Sneakers

I’ve barely taken these Zella joggers off since I got home. They’re lightweight and comfy — perfect for warmer weather — yet still have enough heft to be comfortable well into fall.

If you haven’t yet tried sweatpants in a lighter shade, they’re a welcome break from black.  There’s also something rather luxe about a monochromatic ivory look (even if it’s just loungewear). They also look cute pushed up a bit…

Top (xs) | Bra (s) | Pants (xs)| Sneakers

Playing around with that luxe theme…these comfy joggers look almost glam when paired with Vince’s faux-fur moto jacket:

Coat – xs | Top – xs | Pants – s | Bag | Sneakers

Four Other Ways To Wear White Joggers

BASE OUTFIT: Pants – xs | Sneakers

VARIATIONS: Top Left Sweater – s and Bra – m |  Top Right Sweatshirt – xxs | Bottom Left Sweater – xs | Bottom Right Sweater – s

 

7. Don’t Overlook BB Dakota’s Stretchy Jumpsuit…

Jumpsuit – s | Bag | Shoes

This BB Dakota jumpsuit is basically perfect: it’s comfy, easy, and a tiiiiny bit sexy. Feels like pajamas, but I wouldn’t mind wearing it out of the house. Looks cute with flat sandals and Vans soooo….CHECK. 

UPDATE: Verishop has a really similiar BB Dakota jumpsuit still in stock.  Slightly different shape, but same soft material.

Jumpsuit – s | Bag | Sandals

8. …Or Topshop’s Soft Midi Dress

Dress – 8 | Bag | Shoes

I’m always go one size larger in Topshop…and technically speaking the size 6 also fits. But it’s hot, I’m bloated and I wasn’t havin’ it. That said…this dress is fantastic. It’s a lightweight sweater-ish dress (but almost sweatshirt-like material) and is the kind of dress I will happily wear around the house.

Or outside.

Also, these Madewell mules are pretty great. They’re not comfort shoes, but I can see myself sliding into them if I need to head out to CVS or something. (OH THE EXCITEMENT.)

Styling note: To layer a lightweight sweater over a belted dress, try tucking the front of it into the belt to keep the leg line long.

BASE OUTFIT: Dress – 8

VARIATIONS: Sweater – s | Bag Left | Mules | Bag Right | Sneakers

Of course, this is how I’ll be wearing this dress most of the time:

Dress – 8| Slippers

UPDATE:  The dress is low stock…but Nordstrom has a short-sleeve version I love. 

9. Comfy Jeans, Cute Sweaters

Gang, most of the jeans on my wishlist weren’t available via in-store pickup. However, the two that were available are GOOD. I do have more pairs on their way to me now, but I’m not sure how much I care? We’ll see.

A. Madewell’s Waffle Stitch + FRAME’s Distressed Skinnies

Sweater – xs | Jeans – 26| Flats

These skinny jeans are soft and stretchy with a really comfy high waist — exactly what I was hoping for. And since there’s already so much distressing, I didn’t have to hack them off, just a slight turn-up at the cuff.

Madewell’s sweater is an easy win. It’s a bit itchy for a 90 degree day (ha!) but would be fine for all but the most sensitive skin. (Mine is pretty sensitive, and while the sweater has just enough itch factor for me to recognize it, it’s not so itchy that I would be bothered.)

B. Pink Vince Sweater + rag & bone Skinny Jeans

Sweater – xs | Jeans – 26| Sneakers

These are my beloved rag & bone Nina skinny jeans, and these jeans I did hack off with scissors (2-3″). I have several pairs of Ninas, and I love how they fit. They’re nice and tight on the legs, hips and tush, but they’re not overly tight on the waist (despite having a high rise). This particular wash is so good — I keep thinking of it as a ‘nice, ’70s bluejean blue.’

I’ve been waxing poetic about Vince’s Wool & Cashmere sweater…but it really is good. I was worried that the wool would make it itchy (nope) or — quel horreur — put it into DryClean Only territory but…nope! It’s still hand-washable (on cold). Which means I’ll wash it like my cashmere sweaters (in the machine, delicate cycle, cold).

 

C. Black Cashmere V-Neck (The One We Wear The Most)

Sweater -s | Jeans – 26 | Sneakers

This 100% cashmere v-neck sweater by Nordstrom Signature is very similar in shape to my old Equipment cashmere turtleneck sweater (for you longtime readers)..except, obvi, the v-neckline. But it has the same slightly longer body and arms, as well as thickness (not thin, but not thick, either). In short…it’s great. It’s not exciting, which means that I’ll prob wear it all winter.

D. Budget Pick: This Oversized Treasure & Bond Sweater

Sweater – xs | Jeans – 26 | Bag | Sneakers

I do not understand how this sweater is so impossibly soft and stretchy. The fit reminds me of something I wore in high school, all oversized and past my fingers, almost stretched out of shape. Yet the fabric is SO soft. I half-tucked it out of habit, I suppose, but this is one sweater that doesn’t need to be tucked. (And looks good with leggings — scroll to the end of this article.)

E. Vince’s V-Neck Nep Wool Sweater

Sweater – s | Jeans – 26 | Bag | Sneakers

The best part of this sweater is the color and texture. Gray sweaters can be a little boring, but there are so many variations in this knit that it’s anything but. Not quite as soft and drapey as the other Vince sweaters, but it’s chunkier, which sometimes is what I’m looking for. Also in a light blue, which would also be gorgeous.

F. Nordstrom Signature’s 100% Ribbed Cashmere 

Sweater -xs | Jeans – 26 | Sneakers

Now THIS is the cashmere I’m used to seeing in the sale. Thick, cozy, delicious. My only beef is that Nordstrom Signature went in a more classic direction with their sweaters this year. Instead of asymmetrical hems and extra-long arms…this sweater is tunic length with perfectly-fitting arms. BOO. Unless that’s your thing — then this sweater is perfect. The cashmere is so freaking good. Some of the best out there.

10. Get A Cute New Workout Set

Sweater – xs | Leggings – s, plus size available here

Full disclosure: the workout set I really want is the Beyond Yoga one (leggings, top) but they didn’t have it in store. However, I was really pleasantly surprised by this fun Zella set. The fit is great, the fabric comfy, and the pattern is fun…but one that integrates seamlessly into my wardrobe.

BASE OUTFIT: Bra – m | Leggings – s | Sneakers  

VARIATIONS: Top Right Sweatshirt – xxs | Top Right Tank – xs | Bottom Left Trench – s | Bottom Left Sweater – s | Bottom Right Sweater – xs 

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Well, that’s it for the moment, Gang! I’m expecting…um….many, many boxes to arrive today, and even more tomorrow. It looks like a few items I’m really excited about can’t be overnighted, so if anyone gets their hands on those Cole Han heels or Vince square-toe slide sandals, let me know — I’m dying for details.

As I try more stuff on, if there are any other good finds, I’ll let you guys know. As always, we give all of our newsletter subscribers early looks, so if you’re interested, we’d love to have you subscribe. Our next sneak peek newsletter will probably go out on Friday night.

Shop My First Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Selfie Haul

Here’s everything in a handy little widget.

 

Happy shopping!

xo,

S