Hey, this year. Everything is different! I’m an Aquarius, I can embrace different but whew, amiright?! While I usually approach the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with my super-picky eye, don’t try on a bazillion things and yet always find some good stuff, this year I was forced to dig even deeper and make it happen! (I didn’t have to dig too deep, though because right away I found these awesome mid-top, Dolce Vita sneakers!)

Curbside pick-up was seriously easy and amazing, but due to this year, that meant only one pair of jeans from my list was available for pick-up for this denim-loving gal (have no fear, the rest are on their way! I will definitely have a jeans-heavy post coming soon! And Linzi’s first round of #DressingRoomSelfies came out last night and has some amazing jeans!!) All I could hear in my head when approaching this post was “PIVOT, Laura, PIVOT.” Haha, I hate buzzwords like that, but that word pretty much sums up this year.

Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items: Laura’s Casual Street Style Edit

Nevertheless, that ONE pair of jeans? The perfect gray! Some of my total favs from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year have been gray jeans. Seriously. A darker gray jean is the best for fall, and I’m gonna show you eight stellar outfits — featuring cozy sweaters, great boots and sneakers — and of course moto jackets — that totally came together from the pieces I could try on first. (Plus, I’ve included a few extras worth checking out at the end!) I’m stoked to try more jeans in a few days, friends, but these pieces are some really fabulous finds for a first look!

OK, let’s just get to the good stuff. The pieces I’m so excited about right off the bat are the AllSaints Balfern jacket in oxblood (I have and adore it in black, so of course I love this!), the Dolce Vita coziest-ever, raddest mid-tops, the waterproof Blondo Camila boots (that I include in my Animal Print Capsule post), the Helen boots, AND the AllSaints Tara sweater in that gorgeous fawn brown. The Wit & Wisdom jeans are no slouch either! They held up so well in all these looks I threw at them, and they have the comfiest waistband ever. Note: They do look a little more blue-gray here against my old wood floors than they do in person, just FYI.

Outfit #1 | My Everyday OOTD For Fall

AllSaints Tara Sweater & Dolce Vita Mid-Top Sneakers

Ahhh this sweater. An investment? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Sellout risk? I think so. It’s soft and cozy and thin enough to half tuck because that’s what I do with all my tops and sweaters if I can. It’s made from 60% recycled cashmere, 35% cashmere, and 5% wool. It’s cool here today and I have this on as I write. This beautiful fawn brown is just the loveliest shade between gray and brown. The split hems on the sides add a cool (literally and visually) detail to this gorgeous piece. I knew I’d like it and I do.

Also, I can’t say enough good things about these high-tops, well, mid-tops. (Yay!) I prefer a mid-top since I have shorter legs and these…These! I thought the glitter sides would be too much, but they really aren’t when they’re on — they just add a little sparkle and who doesn’t need that these days? The inside is SO cushiony and so is the upper sherpa lining around the ankle. I haven’t tried my coveted zebra P448’s yet, but these may totally be up there for my top sneaker pick of the sale. The price-point is more approachable for sneakers, too. Love. TTS.

AllSaints Tara Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

More AllSaints Tara Sweater Inspo

Hey, fall coziness. It’s actually cool and rainy here today as I’m writing this! Thanks, Universe, for that little gift. I’ve said it before and I’m a gal who loves fall. Can’t wait to wear this sweater all the ways. This [BLANKNYC] suede moto (in shade French Taupe) I’ve had for a few years now and it’s just gorgeous. I treated it with a suede protectant and it has held up so beautifully. Size up if you for sure want to wear it over heavier sweaters than this. The BB Dakota plaid boyfriend blazer from my wishlist is so cute in pictures, but kinda underwhelming in person. Which is weird. The fabric and plaid just look inexpensive and the blazer is more like a coat length on me. The pinky-orange stripe just seems to pop more here than in person, FYI.

AllSaints Tara Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts) | BlankNYC Suede Moto (s) | BB Dakota Plaid Boyfriend Blazer (s)

Outfit #2 | The One That’s Most “Me” 

AllSaints Balfern Jacket (aka the best moto ever), Graphic Tee & Dolce Vita Mid-Top Sneakers

If ever there was a Laura outfit, this is it. Sneakers, gray or black jeans, graphic tee and a moto jacket are my forever lewk. This jacket, tee, AND sneakers are all fabulous picks that I highly recommend. For colder months, I’m loving the boots option I included below. Those are the waterproof Blondo Camila boots. They’re great! I will admit they’re more of a utilitarian pair of boots since they’re waterproof, but the styling is so cool! They’re perfect for Portland. 

AllSaints Balfern Moto (6) | Graphic Tee (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts) | Daydreamer Def Leopard Tee (s) | Blondo Camila Boot (bottom left) 

Outfit #3 | Zoom Now, Errands Later (W/ This Knit Blazer)

Caslon White Knit Blazer, Graphic Tee & Blondo Flora Waterproof Bootie

Well, I’ve got my fellow rainy weather lovers covered here. Just in this first batch of selfies, I tried three of the waterproof Blondo boots…and it’s gonna be so tough to decide which ones to keep! Loving this sneaker sole taupe bootie. They’re really comfy and that white sole makes them look so much more modern. A taupe boot literally goes with all denim colors so well. These are a solid find and a pretty good dupe for the Vince booties Shana has had forever and loves. These are more utilitarian close-up, but a solid choice…and waterproof!

I’ve raved about this blazer for two years, y’all. I found it at the sale in 2018 and haven’t looked back. It comes in an array of colors, but white is my favorite. It just adds a crisp fresh, modern look to any outfit. It’s jersey material but not flimsy, looks sharp, and is super comfy. What can I say? Perfect for travel, to throw on for work Zoom calls, or for running errands. Real life. It’s great for real life, friends! Haha. I previously tried the petite Small and it was too short in the arms (I have pretty regular length, not petite arms) so I’d say this runs pretty true-to-size. It has enough stretch to be super comfy, but not too much that it stretches out or sags.

Daydreamer Tee (s) | Caslon Blazer (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Blondo Flora Bootie (tts) 

More Graphic Tee, Blazer & Gray Jean Inspo

It always helps to see a few more details when making a decision on these pieces to add to your cart or wish list. The tee is a little oversized, modern fit. It’s super soft and wonderful. It does say “high and dry” on the back really huge, just FYI, but if you’re already sporting a Def Leppard tee I bet that doesn’t bother you either. These jeans are super comfy but perhaps size down if you’re between sizes. They started riding down on me as I was wearing them. They’re so soft and have SUCH a comfy waistband though. 

Daydreamer Tee (s) | Caslon Blazer (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Keans (4) | Blondo Flora Waterproof Bootie (tts) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

Outfit #4 | This Cozy Hoodie Sweater & Amazing Boots

Treasure & Bond Hoodie Sweater & Waterproof Blondo Helen Boots

If a hoodie and a cozy sweater had a baby that you wanted to wear all the time, it would be this Treasure & Bond goodness. Orrr something like that. Sorry, I’ve had a lot of coffee, y’all. I will say it did shed onto my black graphic tee after wearing, but it seems like the type of sweater blend that won’t do that after washing. It’s a little oversized, too, so if you’re between sizes, I’d go down. So cozy cozy! A good staple and a great price!

Treasure & Bond Cotton Blend Hoodie Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High Waist Jeans (4) | Blondo Helen Waterproof Lace Up Boot (tts) | Caslon Utility Jacket (s)

Outfit #5 | The Moto Trench Of My Dreams

Avec Les Filles Moto Trench W/ Hood, AllSaints Tara Sweater, Dolce Vita Mid-Tops

A water-resistant jacket with moto details and a cozy hood?? UM, hi yes. Who made this for me?? I love love this jacket. Granted, it’s not lost on me this isn’t waterproof but here in misty Portland it’s perfect for my daily runs to the grocery store and other errands AND it has the raddest zipper details. I bet one could add some Scotchguard and make it more waterproof (just sayin’). I’m especially stoked about the super cozy lining in the zip-off hood. For some reason, this coat is on sale at Amazon, but Nordstrom being awesome as it is, will price match! 

AllSaints Tara Sweater (s) | Avec Les Filles Moto Trench (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

More Moto Trench Inspo

The sizing on this jacket is great for fitting a sweater or sweatshirt underneath. It’s perfect. I guess if you’re truly between sizes, size up but they have left a little bit of room for layering.

Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater (s) | Avec Les Filles Moto Trench (s) | Wit & Wisdom High- Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

Outfit #6 | Hi Again, Moto & THIS BAG!

AllSaints Balfern Jacket, Better Days Graphic Tee & Kurt Geiger Violet Blue Tote

Have mercy, this bag is fun. It was a last-minute add and I’m so glad I did it! It’s like if David Bowie made a tote and I’m so here for it. (May he RIP, dear Stardust.) I have a metallic gold tote I get compliments on all the time that sold out years ago, so I’ve had experience with crazy metallic giant tote bags and I say GO FOR IT. I haven’t gotten my hot little hands (as Shana would say) on that Clare V. Leopard Tote yet but we might be looking at a run-off for best tote purse of 2020 Nordstrom Sale!

AllSaints Balfern Moto (6) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Project Social Better Days Will Come Tee (s) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts) | Kurt Geiger Violet Tote

More Amazing Kurt Gieger Tote Details

AllSaints Balfern Moto (6) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Project Social Better Days Will Come Tee (s) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts) | Kurt Geiger Violet Tote

Outfit #7 | The PSL Outfit (In All The Good Ways)

BlankNYC Suede Moto, Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater, & Blondo Waterproof Camila Boots

I mean, if this doesn’t just ooze fall I don’t know what does. I think you could get away with these rad boots or the mid-top sneakers with this look, too. Helloooo socially-distant pumpkin patch. Or outdoor coffee date this fall. Yes, please. These colors are so gorgeous together I can’t even stand it. This sweater runs a leeetle big so I could have sized down to an XS I think if I truly want to make it work seamlessly under my moto jackets. The giant cuffs are everything on this. But if you’re not a giant cuffs or cowlneck gal, the hoodie from above also comes in this same gorgeous orange!

BlankNYC Suede Moto (s) | Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist jeans (4) | Blondo Camila Boot (tts) 

A Closer Look At The Cowl Neck Sweater

Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Blondo Helen Waterproof Lace Up Boot (tts)

Outfit #8 | Forever Loving A Utility Jacket

Caslon Utility Jacket, Graphic Tee & Dolce Vita Mid-Tops

This jacket was a last-minute addition. It’s such a reasonable find from Caslon and the styling is so cute! I adore the cozy, detachable hood. It’s a great mid-weight, cool jacket and while I already have a utility jacket, I love that this has the hoodie option. If you want an awesome, everyday go-to jacket that isn’t moto style, go with this! To note: a couple of the button loops holding the hood on did pop on me when I tried to remove it (arg) but it’s so cute, versatile and price-right (unlike my much more expensive Anine Bing jacket) that it’s worth a little time stitching them back on, IMO. 

Caslon Utility Jacket (s) | Daydreamer Led Zeppelin Tee (s) | Wit & Wisdom High-Waist Jeans (4) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

More Caslon Utility Jacket Inspo

 Caslon Utility Jacket (s) | Daydreamer Tee (s) | Treasure & Bond Cotton Blend Hoodie Sweater (s) | Wit & Wisdom High Waist Jeans (4) | Blondo Camila Boot (left) | Blondo Helen Waterproof Lace Up Boot (right, tts) 

Hey-o! More Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items Too Good Not To Mention

This Zella Set: Workout-To-Street Look

Let’s be honest. This is what type of outfit I’m in most of the time. Well, outside of COVID times. I’m bopping to-and-from barre3 a few times a week, running errands, and don’t want to look like I’m fresh out of the studio. My trick is to add sporty, badass pieces to mix up the traditional workout wear look. This. This is my JAM. 

These Zella pieces are great! I adore the print. I’m so spoiled on the lovely softness of Beyond Yoga that I forget not all workout wear is that insanely soft, but these are such a great print, fit well and hold up well that I’m not mad about it. The longline bra fits a little too long on me (this is the case for all longline bras because I’m short in the upper torso) and I do wish it had light lining. But honestly, it’s a great set that looks so cool. 

AllSaints Balfern Moto (6) | Zella Longline Bra (s) | Zella Leggings (s) | Treasure & Bond Cotton Blend Hoodie Sweater (s) | Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts)

 Zella Activewear & That Madewell Cardigan

 Zella Longline Bra (s) | Zella Leggings (s) | Ugg Fluffette Slipper | Madewell Rib Side Tie Cardigan (s)

This Cute Dress The Team Loves, But Ahem…Be Careful

“So, I tried this really modest dress from Topshop, y’all. The split goes up to your nether regions.” Says me yesterday on Slack.

“You have to share it! The people must see!” says the TME team.

Amongst claims they’d all actually wear it…

So, here I am, showing you a super cute dress that is literally cut up to your undies. Ok, standing still…super cute! But I’m not sure how you’d sit in it, so I threw on some cutoffs underneath, and yeah, I can see that. The top is also pretty low & gaping, so I’d have to pin, but I will agree this has potential and the print was too cute not to include. And it’s Topshop so the price is good. Wearing a US 8 which is my typical Topshop size. (Up one size from normal.) There ya go, peeps. 

Topshop Print Mock Wrap Dress (US 8) | Blondo Camila Boot (tts) 

Top Shoes & Boots In My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

Excited to style some of these shoes up, even more, when I get to try other jeans and pants, but they’re definitely worth a closer look now! I honestly can’t decide right now which boots I’ll keep, but the sneakers and UGG slippers are for sure staying with me. When I pulled them out of the box I thought the Dolce Vita Zonta mid-top sneakers would be too much since the arrows on the side are a silver glitter, but on they’re totally amazing and it doesn’t stand out too much at all. They’re literally SO comfy, as I said before. They also come in a rose gold and leopard print option that is rad. The Blondo Camila boot is rad, too, and waterproof as I mentioned above. They aren’t leather, so no, they’re not like the end all be all gorgeous boot, but for a great utilitarian boot with cool buckle details to wear in the rain? YES.

Dolce Vita Zonta Mid-Top Sneaker (tts) | Blondo Waterproof Camila Boot (tts)

Shoes are always the hardest on me to narrow down each year during the sale. The two below are amazeballs. The Blondo Helen on the left remind me of I think a Marc Fisher boot from last winter, but I love that they’re a bit lower on the leg. Good for us shorties. Just wear matching black socks when it gets to be colder. The purchase I knew I’d be keeping immediately  — hands-down — was these UGG Flufette slippers. Definitely add them to your cart or wish list now! TTS unless you’re between sizes, then size up due to fluffiness!

Blondo Helen Waterproof Lace Up Boot (tts) | UGG Flufette Slippers (slightly short bc of the fluff, go up if between sizes)

The Blondo Flora booties are great. I can’t wait to try them with other styles of jeans to see how they work out. They come in black and leopard, too. These Corso Como snake print ballet flats are so good if you’re a flats person. I don’t wear a ton of flats and didn’t love them styled with the skinny jeans that much, but they’re comfy for flats and are so well made. They have a little bit of cushion, too. The snake print is SO good. Really lovely. And better in person than on the website.

 The Blondo Flora (tts) | Corso Como Snake Ballet Flat (tts)

Shop My Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks (Round 1)

Here are all the pieces above in a little shopping widget for easy clicking!

Whew! What a fun first-look. I have many more pieces on their way to me to try out for y’all and style up in various ways. Thank you so much for your continued support of our coverage of the sale here. We so appreciate you clicking through our links before you check out, your great questions that keep us delving more into these sale pieces and your amazing comments that honestly keep us doing what we’re doing and give us life right now during such a busy time. Thank you thank you!

Let me know if there’s anything you’re seriously excited about me trying and reviewing. I’ve got lots of jeans, jackets, coats and more animal print pieces all on their way! Stay tuned! And have fun shopping!

xo,

L

Hey hey from Portland, OR. Would love for you to follow me over on Instagram for all things casual mom-wear, lots of foodie pics and donuts, some kitchen dance parties and some social justice. xo

This One’s For the Pinners!