We've been digging through pages and pages on online inventory, going into nearby Nordstroms and trying on hundreds of items, and this list is the result of all of that hard work.  Below are our favorite pieces, our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017 top picks.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017 Dressing Room Selfies

Want to see these pieces on a real person? Then try one of these articles - in each, we've gone into our nearest Nordstroms, created outfits with items from this year's sale, and snapped selfies so you can see how the pieces really look.  And readers - please send in pictures of your favorite finds!  We love featuring reader finds - it's so helpful for everyone involved.

SHOP Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017 Top Picks

Just want the good stuff right away?  Keep reading.  I tried to include styling and/or fit notes for each piece.  There were some fails, also.  A few of them we call out below, just as a warning to not waste your time.  (There's nothing we hate more than uncomfortable shoes, ya know?)

The Best Shoes & Boots

My top five picks are the Stuart Weitzman Over-the-knee boots, the Kate Spade Fringe sneakers, the Steve Madden embroidered booties, and the Vince loafers (these will be restocked).  Rounding out the top five were one of two happy surprises (I couldn't decide):  the tan Hinge booties with a V-cut shaft - they're easily overlooked but SO COOL on - vs. these textured Vince Camuto peep-toe heels.  A high heel, yes, but verrrry cushy footbed and super soft leather upper. (More DressingRoomSelfies on those last two coming soon.)

The Best Dresses

My fav dress, hands-down, is this T by Alexander Wang Lace-Up dress.  So comfy, so sexy, and surprisingly versatile.  This swingy Milly dress is another top pick - comfy and amazingly well made.  (Both can be seen in dressingroomselfies article.)  One will never go wrong with James Perse's easy midi dress, nor the James Perse v-neck wrap dress...and finally, I'm obsessed with the high-end looking print of this Vince Camuto number,

The Best Bags

My top five in this category are easy: The TUMI laptop backpack (easily the best laptop backpack on the planet), both of the Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpacks (olive green or stone - both colors should be considered neutrals, and used year round), Rebecca Minkoff's gorgeous, embroidered cross-body clutch, and Frye's rich caramel crossbody.  It's a WOW.

The Best Sweaters & Sweatshirts

This is basically impossible to narrow down to the top five.  All of my sweater favorites can be found in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - What To Buy (#dressingroomselfies edition), but many of them are sold out. Never fear, they'll restock in time for the public sale.  The five pieces most worth stalking are this asymmetric hem cashmere sweater, this cashmere sweater with oversized cuffs, this delicious off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater, this Treasure and Bone off-the-shoulder, varsity striped sweater, and this Topshop cardigan.

The Best Tops

My favorite tops were this silk DVF wrap top - it seriously looked good with everything I tried on, Equipment's floral silk tee, this cute little arm-striped tee, this Free People off-shoulder top (forgot to include this in my #dressingroomselfies post - will throw up on my IG, @shanachristine) and this gorgeous and affordable lace-back poplin tee, which is a dead-ringer for the Sandro top I picked up in Barcelona last summer.  Like.....exactly the same thing.  GRRRR.

The Best Jackets

If you don't yet own the James Perse Sweatshirt Blazer, snap it up.  It's pricy, even on sale, but it's one of my most-worn pieces ever.  And readers who have taken the plunge send comments like, "soooo worth it!!" and "I wear this EVERYWHERE".  It's comfy and structured, which is a really tough combo to find.  Also pick up a leather jacket - my two favs were the black Mackage moto jacket and the navy Joie leather jacket.  Rounding out the top five jacket recommendations are my longtime favorite rain jacket by The North Face (the green color is gorgeous), and this cute white puffer jacket.  The white feels unexpected and fresh, especially with black and brown accents.

The Best Bottoms

The five standouts in this category were the AG paint-splattered jeans, the Joie gray velvet cargos, Rag and Bone's dark wash skinnies (they're PJ soft), the Rag and Bone Dre boyfriend jeans (TME community fav), and these Lysee faux-leather leggings (my sister loves them).

The Best Accessories

My top 5?  This is tough.....at the moment, my top five accessories are these blush colored Le Spec sunglasses, this delicate Dana Rebecca rose gold necklace (I have a similar one and wear it every day),  a Chan Luu wrap bracelet (also my long-time fav...although I'm seriously considering this update)....and these Tory Birch sunglasses.  I like the thick arm - it blocks more sun.

The Best Workout Gear

My favs?  These Flyknit Nikes are cute enough to wear with street clothes,  this swingy workout tank is flattering and has a cool back, and I'm debating between these three pairs of edgy workout leggings:  side slashed leggings, open-knee leggings, and these sheer bottomed leggings.  And if these blush pink and gray leggings come back into stock, I'm snapping them up!

The Best of Intimates, Lounge, And Swim

Happy shopping!  And don't be shy about sending in pics! xo, S