Breathe, Julieta! Just breathe! My 3-year-old had a fever as I wrote this. I noticed the minute I started to take my mirror selfies. I gave him some medicine and laid down with him so he’d nap. #momlife > #NSale.
Once things calmed down a bit, I was able to get back into the zone. Earlier that day, I had gone to my local Nordstrom for an in-store pick-up, and they had a few things from my wish list waiting for me (like this midi dress I know I’ll wear year-round and the perfect high-rise skinnies) — but bags and coats had to get ordered.
Feel Your Best At Home: Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks For Right Now
At first, I was feeling nervous about pulling together an entire Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post without some of these staples. I wondered if the post could be as fun without these “missing” pieces.
Then I took a deep breath and thought, “What are things I can wear at home now AND later when things feel more normal? I took another deep breath and just started. I believed my babysitter and husband could take care of my boys. And in the end, I’m happy with the looks I created to feel like my best self at home this year.
1. My Best-Kept Secret: This Seamless Bra Under Almost Everything
This True & Co. bralette is one I actually WANT to post on the internet. It’s just that good.
Bralette (follow their sizing chart, very accurate)
What I’m most excited about, though, is the color. It matches my skin perfectly and will be invisible under anything white or light-colored for a clean look. It also looks seamless under tee-shirts and thin sweaters. I need to order one or two more (or maybe 10) because I know my mom and three sisters will start asking for one of their own.
2. The $45 Ribbed Midi Dress That Does It ALL
I’m afraid this Leith dress will sell out with that under $50 price tag. It’s perfect. Comfortable enough to lounge in…and sexy enough for an at-home date night. It’s also easy enough to take the kids for a walk with a pair of sneakers, and perfect to dress up.
Dress (I sized up for some more room)
…Layer This Vince Sweater Over Top
Click here to see it styled five more ways below.
I styled this Vince sweater over the Leith dress in two ways. First, I used fashion tape to keep the sweater folded (left). The other, I gathered one side with a gold huggie hoop earring to create an asymmetrical hem. Which do you like best?
3. Next Up, Denim: Battle Of The Rises
While I wait on a few more pairs of jeans to get delivered, I decided to get curious with different rises. It was hilarious! You know I only wear high-waisted jeans (but it was still worth a try).
3a. Can I Take These Off Now? (Low-Rise rag & bone Dre)
Top (TTS) l Jeans (26) l Boots
This is precisely why I hate to see pics of me from the early 2000s and why I stay away from anything low-rise. Where did my legs and butt go? I will say, these rag & bone Dre’s are very soft, for those of you with longer legs.
3b. *Almost* Convinced By These Mid-Rise AG Jeans…
Top (TTS) l Jeans (26) l Boots
These AG jeans have a mid-rise of 8 & 1/2′. I didn’t like them at first, but after sitting in them for a while at my computer, I warmed up to them. I understand the rave reviews now — they’re insanely soft and comfortable. The crop is perfect for Petites, and I love the slim fit with both the Sorel and Vince boots. Reviews say to size down and I agree, especially if you want a snugger fit.
Let’s Try The Mid-Rise AG Prima Jeans With A Few More Fall Looks
Top left: Top (S) l Jeans l Boots
Top right: Top (S) l Jeans l Boots l Jacket (same jacket that’s on sale, just in a different color)
Bottom left: Sweater (XS) l Jeans l Boots
Bottom right: White Sweater (S) l Jeans l Boots
3c. Winner, Winner! High-Rise rag & bone Nina Skinnies
My face says it all. I have a long-rise. Just measure from your natural waist down to your crotch and see how much that is. My sweet spot is 10″-11″. These rag & bone Nina skinny jeans are super-soft, stretchy and have a great fit.
All 3 Rises (Low, Mid, High) Side-By-Side
No words needed. But I can see I would love that high-rise pair to be a little darker. I’m not so good with light-wash skinny jeans.
3d. More High-Rise Denim…In Black
Good American Jeans are perfect for curves and avoiding that gap at the waist if you have that issue. They don’t seem to stretch too much with wear, thanks to the fabric composition with a polyester percentage. The website recommends sizing down, I’m now a size 26 most of the time, and these are a size 2 — seems to be the right size.
This Rails flannel is two years old and is part of the sale. I’ve washed it several times on the delicate cycle and it’s still in excellent condition. There are more colors, but this one seems to sell out fast every year — size up.
4. Make Those Jeans & Sweaters Look Amazing With 1 Key Addition
Last year I fell in love with a Veronica Beard blazer, but didn’t want to spend the money. Well, it’s haunted me this whole year because finding a high-quality, tailored blazer has been impossible — oversized blazers are not for my petite body. Enter this L’Agence blazer.
Blazer (Size 4 but would prefer a Size 2) | White Sweater (S) | Jeans (2)
Are leggings your go-to? Or maybe it’s jeans and a sweater? Throw on a beautiful tailored blazer. Done. No need for fancy shoes.
These super-comfortable, weatherproof Sorel boots pair so well with this look for a perfectly casual-chic outfit. The burgundy and pink colors are beautiful together. Pink, however, is not one of my best colors…so I’m still on the fence. Should I keep it?
Blazer l White Sweater (S) l Black Top (S) l Jeans (2) l Boots
5.This Vince Sweater Is A Wardrobe Workhorse
I’m still waiting for the AllSaints Tara Sweater in olive and the Vince striped green sweater, but adored this heather white mock neck sweater by Vince. It’s an essential color to have in your closet. It incorporates easily with various outfits while keeping you cozy. I went up one size for a more slouchy fit.
Vince Mock Neck Sweater, 6 Ways
Over dresses, with leggings, high or mid-rise jeans. You can tuck it in completely or leave it out to show the step hem—a wardrobe workhorse for sure. Remember I’m only 5’2″; the sweater might not be long enough if you’re taller and want to cover your bum when worn over leggings.
6. The Pants That Didn’t Live Up To My Expectations
Pants (S) l Sweater (XS) l Top (S)
Two sales ago, I got a Leith pair of pants similar to these. I LOVED them, and they loved me back. They covered my postpartum belly and allowed me to wear crop tops while on vacation. Last year they stopped zipping up, and now belong to my sister.
These pants, while very similar, were not what I wanted. They seem to run big, but I don’t love them enough to try a smaller size. I love this color combo with the burgundy sweater, though.
7. Cute & Motivating Workout Sets
Sports Bra l Leggings l Jacket
You’ve seen it on Shana and Laura, now on me. The print of this Zella set is so chic and wearable with its neutral colors, yet still way more fun than regular black leggings. I’m worried about that seam digging a little into my hips, will try to stretch it.
And the jacket? It’s my favorite to workout in in my driveway when the temps cool down. I got it last year, and it’s back again.
These Leggings Are Just Fun
Leggings (size S) l Top (not in the NSale)
What a fun print! I may love it even more than the Zellas above. I couldn’t find the matching top at the store, so I paired it with a dark olive green top I already had. Love the combo.
One thing to note: they’re not very high waisted. You can’t see it in the pictures, but I have a camel toe because I pulled it higher up to cover my belly button. (Those who follow me on IG know I don’t like my bellybutton…I won’t keep them just for that fact.) If you have a short torso or don’t mind it hitting under your belly button, they are amazing.
8. Is This FRAME Sweater Worth It? Still Deciding.
At first, I didn’t like this FRAME sweater when I saw it online, but at the store, the classic and sporty vibe made me curious. I brought it home, and styled it with the couple of jeans I had. I don’t dream about it, but I seem to reach for it and think of it styled in different ways. I’ll hold onto it for a bit while I decide what I’ll keep. I’m between sizes and went up one.
Left: Sweater (S) l Jeans (26) l Boots
Right: Sweater (S) l Jeans (2) l Boots
9. All I Want For Christmas Is…
These wide-leg Nike sweatpants. Seriously. Ignore the color — only one available at my store. I’m still waiting for the ivory pair, but I think I need the black too. Yes, I know they’re super-long on me but will show you when I hack them off.
To style them — especially if you’re petite — it’s key to show off the waist. I did it with a snug black turtleneck or by tucking in the tops. A cropped tee or sweater would look great to avoid dealing with extra fabric. I’m an S in leggings, but here I could take one size down.
10. Nordstrom Anni Sale Shoes Up Close & Personal
This year, I’m looking for a casual weatherproof boot with a low heel. I’ll have to try these three with my most-worn jeans and see which one works best. I’ll report back.
10a. Vince Henderson Waterproof Chelsea Boot in Militaire
I initially wanted the black leather pair thinking the suede wasn’t waterproof, but then I saw this green. I’m excited to try them on with my slim or straight leg jeans. They have the perfect higher shaft to keep your feet warm.
10b. Help Me Decide: These Sorel Boots In Burgundy Or Black?
The heel is insanely comfortable and puts them in Everyday Wear territory. The two colors are great, depending on what you need. I really like the black ones, but I have a very similar pair already. The burgundy adds a beautiful pop of color to everyday boring cold weather outfits, aka black cashmere sweater, and jeans. Decisions, decisions.
Shop Julieta’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On Sesh
OMG, it’s 5 am. It’s been a long 23-hour-day, but I know my 3-year-old will ask for some extra cuddles later today, and I want to be able to do it. Could you tell I took some of the pics in the middle of the night? I hope this post was helpful or entertaining in any way. In times like these, thank you for your ongoing support and shopping with our links. Be sure to check out all our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage on our guide or our cheat sheet.
Besos, Julieta
Currently taking some time away from IG to take care of my mental health, but would love to see you there when I’m back (@julietatorresd).
Julieta so happy to see your picks…have missed your posts!! That white dress looks amazing on you and I love the burgundy Sorels!
Aww thank you Katie! you made my day.
Love these! Giving those Sweaty Betty leggings a try, and your styling of the white Vince mock neck has me thinking hard on that one too! Thank you
Those leggings are SO good, Liz! I’m having a hard time letting them go – the print is fantastic. And the Vince mock neck…at first, I didn’t see the potential, but as I started putting outfits together, it became the most versatile piece of all.
Love these looks!
Thank you Sarah!
What a cool trick with the hoop earring to pin up a sweater over a dress! I will have to try that one. It’s funny, I struggle with super high rises and love the rag and bone Dre’s–but I see why you have the opposite issue! The Nina’s look amazing in you.
For my part, I think the burgundy Sorel boots are the winners. They just look so right with your style. Thanks for a thorough and helpful post, and I hope you get some sleep soon!
Yes! Try it. Huggies are incredibly useful. Now I’m a little jealous the Rag and Bone Dre look great on you. I love the idea of a low rise boyfriend pair, but then I try it and well you saw. Getting so many votes for the Burgundy Sorels, you’re making the decision easier. Thank you for your feedback, and yes, I managed to get some sleep.
I love that L’Agence Blazer on you! Even though there’s pink in there, the blend of colors looks stunning on you. Also I LOVE that white Leith dress on you! Thank you for showing the styling of the pieces in different ways. Now I cannot wait to receive my Nike Palazzo pants. And I’m thinking hard on the L’Agence blazer now too!
Hope you managed to get some sleep!
So glad the styling of pieces in different ways helped. Those palazzo pants are amazing – I just got the oatmeal pair in the mail today. And the blazer is so unique, I love how it makes an outfit without a lot of effort. Thank you for commenting. PS. Husband let me slept till noon.
The Leith dress looks amazing on you! I love that blazer on you as well and I like how the colors pop. I think you may like it better in a smaller size. I was also on the fence about the black or burgundy Sorels but after seeing your pics I love the uniqueness of the burgundy and how they add a little extra interest to outfits. I also already have a similar pair of black boots. As for the Frame sweater it’s cute but for me I know I wouldn’t reach for it as much as I should based on the cost. It looks great on you but I wasn’t wowed by it compared to the other items on this post. Love the Vince boots on you. Great post!
Agree! The Burgundy Sorels are more unique and add that little something to outfits. So glad my pics could help you with that! I’m definitely trying the blazer in a smaller size. It was gone when I came into the store.
Thank you for posting the Sorel boots. I have them on my wish list but wasn’t sure how they would look styled. You definitely gave me some great ideas. No one else is posting about those boots. Buy the burgundy ones.
Any chance we could persuade you to do a how-to on that earring hack? 🙂 I feel like I’d mess it up… Haha… I also cast my vote for burgundy!
Did you pick the color of the sorel boots? I got both color but don’t know which one to pick…😐
I’m going with the Burgundy! I loved what the color did to simple outfits, and I have similar black boots. It’s a tough decision, though, but it really depends on your wardrobe and style. I rarely wear black shoes with my more casual outfits, so I usually leave black for more dressy shoes. Best of luck with making the decision!
Thanks! I don’t have black shoes at all.. i like dark navy shoes which look like black from far away but not black.. you know what i mean. I love burgundy…. so i will know when i have both in my hands.. i am still waiting for my package. Thanks again!