If you follow my melodramatic IG reels, you know that waiting to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was torturous. But between restocks and a very elaborate Wish List scheme, I was able to find many a gem — some favored by my TME teammates and some completely unexpected.
NSale Jackets, Jeans & Bags For Building A Fall Wardrobe (A Post-Postpartum One At That)
This is the first time in a decade that a pre-fall/winter sale is not only exciting for me, but necessary. As I mentioned in my Wish List post, I left my boots and cable knit sweaters behind when I moved to Florida. I was on a mission to find #allthecoats for my foray into four seasons. I found that and much more.
Mama was also on the prowl for some practical pieces as I get past the postpartum phase and get to dress like a human again. I shopped for layers, experimented with different jean styles (flares mostly), and played dress-up with all the coats and bags to find some versatile pieces to mix into my closet’s regular rotation.
1. Build Your Fall Layers With Stylish Jackets
A. A Pretty Iridescent Puffer By Sam Edelman
“This looks obnoxious…I’m trying it,” I thought to myself when I saw this Sam Edelman Iridescent Puffer Jacket (TTS-L). It’s actually not as in-your-face as it is online, but still super pretty. I can see myself twirling in this puffer in the snow of small-town USA where I run my family’s printing press and catch the eye of…oh wait that’s the beginning of a Hallmark movie. But I do really love this puffer, it doesn’t add bulk to my already broad shoulders and pairs perfectly with these High Waist Flare Jeans (size down) and the most adorable little leather purse from FRAME you have ever seen (comes with a removable strap!) and finally, the Steve Madden Sloane Platform Booties you will see me wearing all.the.time — they are chunky-heeled goodness (TTS-8). My family isn’t losing me even if they tried (and they will try) in this coat.
Jacket | Jeans | Purse | Boots | Lip Gloss (Pillowtalk)
B. A Drapey Suede Moto In A Warm Neutral
This was the jacket I tossed into my virtual cart in despair because half of the coats weren’t available in my size. Sometimes impulsive decisions are the best decisions. The Kut From The Kloth Faux Suede Jacket is under $60, an ideal weight for fall, and comes in various colors. I threw it over a jumpsuit I already owned and the Mini Les Second Leather Crossbody Bag by FRAME and also paired it with the AG Ex-Boyfriend Jeans (size down) and Pikolinos Vicar Combat Boot in black (although I was SO tempted by the Red).
Jacket | Romper (similar) | Purse |Lip Gloss (Pillowtalk)
L: Jacket | Jeans | Boots | Lip Gloss (Pillowtalk)
R: Jacket | Dress | Sneakers | Lip Gloss (Pillowtalk)
I finally tried it with the Rib Cutout Cotton Stretch Midi Dress from Treasure and Bond (TTS-L) that’s a little more form-fitting than I would typically wear, but I love the cut-out in the lower back and that color. The jacket hides the back, but it does make it appropriate for fall, and looks cool and casual with my Adidas Superstar Original kicks. Understated, but definitely there is the new lippy from the Charlotte Tillbury Full-Size Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss collection I picked up. It features three lip glosses, including the famous “Pillowtalk.” I haven’t tried it yet with the lip liner of the same name, but I plan on it. Perfect neutral lip for any season.
C. The AllSaints Leather Jacket We’re Obsessed With
I was a bit nervous about this Balfern Leather Jacket from AllSaints, mostly because I had to order the largest size and I’m a 10-12 on top. Size inclusivity is a topic for another time, but I couldn’t say no to the sage green (even though I had my heart set on the pale pink). The length is perfect, but it is a smidge tight in the shoulders. As long as I’m not attempting Crossfit or something whilst wearing it, I should be fine. Laura mentioned the coat breaking in a bit, so I think I’m going to give it a chance. I love the way my trusty Rolling Stones graphic tee (TTS-L) looks under it, and the FRAME Le High Waist Flare Jeans, Steve Madden Sloane Booties and Coach Canteen Crossbody Purse in honeycomb give it a groovy ’70s vibe.
L: Jacket | Shirt | Jeans (lt wash) | Boots
R: Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Purse
I also paired the Balfern Leather Jacket with my Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans (TTS) and, let me tell you, the Sloane Booties and a cropped jacket are PERFECTION with these jeans. Check out more ideas for styling the Good Waist Palazzo Jeans here.
D. Mix It Up With A Hooded Moto Blazer
If you like the look of leather, but eschew leather jackets because of the presence of actual shoulders, the Hooded Moto Blazer with Faux Leather Sleeves from Blanc Noir (TTS-L) is for you. Crossfit ready! OK, maybe not Crossfit, but definitely for a cool morning school drop-off. The hood is a plus for rainy days especially since, despite the best of intentions, I never have an umbrella on me when I need one.
Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Purse
I put it on over my James Perse tee, a pair of surprisingly wonderful bootcut jeans with a bit of stretch for under $100 (size down), the Sloane Booties and…drumroll…the Clare V. Simple Tote in Army Suede that I have been waiting *patiently* to see in person. This baby does not disappoint. A great size for if you unexpectedly find yourself with kids (where did they come from and why do they keep multiplying?), but not bulky. You can also add on a strap and wear it as a shoulder bag. I love it. LOVE. IT.
2. Update Your Denim Silhouette
A. FRAME Le High Waist Flare Jeans
Ok, ok, I’m not completely breaking up with skinny jeans, but I am definitely open to playing around with new styles. Or, old styles, as is the case with flares. These FRAME Le High Waist Flare Jeans are PERFECT if you were eyeing the Good Waist Palazzo Jeans but weren’t quite ready to commit to that much flare. I chose this AllSaints Ellie Sweater (also available at Revolve) to wear with it, and HOLY MOLY THIS IS THE PIECE. So many ways to wear it depending on if you’re spending the day with a handsy toddler (all the snaps done up) or out on date night (add a little off-the-shoulder spice). It reminds me of an off-the-shoulder sweater I had in high school that I adored and always felt beautiful in. It gives me that same confidence and that makes a piece totally worth it.
B. NYDJ Marilyn Stretch Bootcut
These Marilyn Stretch Bootcut Jeans are the under-$100-surprise stunners from my haul. I typically feel some sort of way about bootcut (re: bad), but these feel timeless without being dated (plus they give great bum). The stretch is also very forgiving if you’re braving jeans for the first time in over a year and a half. Definitely size down to account for the stretch. I love how they highlight the Sloane Booties. A great hangout-on-the-weekend jean in a tee or long-sleeve off-the-shoulder top like this one from Treasure & Bond (TTS-L).
Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Lip Gloss (Walk of No Shame)
L: Sweater | Jeans | Boots | Lip Gloss (Walk of No Shame)
R: Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Lip Gloss (Walk of No Shame)
C. AG The Ex-Boyfriend Slim Jeans
These are the jeans for those of us that are not ready to break up with true skinny jeans, but want something close. I’m 5’7, so the AG Ex-Boyfriend Slim Jeans (size down) are definitely ankle-length, which would still work for fall. The silhouette is very streamlined with the graphic tee, KUT jacket, FRAME bag and of course, those booties. I rolled them a little to show off the boot, but you could always unroll for a different look. PS. Has anyone actually ever had a significant other they stole jeans from? This is a reoccurring theme in jean names that I cannot relate to.
Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Boots | Purse
3. Add A Chic Bag
A. Clare V Simple Tote
Clare V. can do no wrong. This was my first foray into CV totes and this Simple Tote is a stunner. I feel like I either have small purses or like a 32 gallon trash bag that I’m lugging around. This is a happy medium. Goldilocks approved. If you don’t want to use it as a handbag you can add the strap and use it as a shoulder bag. A fun, functional piece, which truly is my favorite kind.
Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Purse | Boots
B. FRAME Mini Le Second Leather Crossbody Bag
Why is everything cuter in mini form?! I know I just waxed poetically on the merits of a larger bag, but did you see this Mini Le Second Leather Crossbody Bag from FRAME? That can be used as a handbag OR a crossbody bag? I mean that’s pretty practical for a bag that can hold a lip gloss, car key (not keys), and some credit cards. In all seriousness, this is a darling bag and an ideal size for a sans-kids outing when you aren’t feeling a clutch.
Jacket | Shirt | Jeans | Purse | Boots
C. COACH Canteen Leather Crossbody Bag
This is the neutral bag for those of us who need a burst of color in a “neutral” palate. I own a lot of solid color, darker pieces, so this bag works great with a lot of things already in my closet. The canteen shape of the Coach Leather Crossbody Bag gives it a vintage feel that I adore. Snaps to Coach. I haven’t been feeling what they’ve been putting out for the past few years, but they are back baby.
L: Sweater | Jeans | Purse | Boots
R: Top | Jeans (lt wash) | Boots | Purse
4. Keep It Casual For Work
A. Yes, It Really Is A Jumpsuit
Y’all, if I went into an office I would be rocking this jumpsuit like Emily in Paris…or, in this case, more like Meredith in Missoula, LBH. The details on this Eliza J Twofer Wide-Leg jumpsuit are to die for. I also almost died when I bent over and it felt like the back of the trouser was flossing my bum. PERSONAL SPACE ELIZA. I needed to size up to make this work. I like the pop of pink my Coach Mollie Sandals provide and, of course, the FRMAE leather bag is the perfect accessory to round out this look.
Jumpsuit | Purse | Similar Shoes
B. Accessorize A Black Jumpsuit
On to a jumpsuit that doesn’t leave me yelping whilst trying to put on shoes — the Everlane Go Weave jumpsuit (size up). Naturally, this baby is sold out, but this jumpsuit is very similar. I love wearing it on its own in the summer, but for an office (I’m thinking unregulated temperatures) a jacket and cute purse definitely give off a more professional vibe.
L: Jacket | Jumpsuit (similar) | Purse | Shoes
R: Jacket | Jumpsuit (similar) | Purse | Shoes
Overall I do not recommend moving, vacationing, leaving the house in general during the NSale if you have your heart set on some goodies, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my first experience as a TME contributor during the event. (It’s sort of like having a newborn because of the lack of sleep, except instead of your female parts hurting, it’s just your scrolling hand and eyeballs.) I found some great pieces that have me excited about the promise of fall and a fresh start in a new state.
And BTW, if somehow you missed ALL our NSale coverage (laughing-crying emoji), check out our ultimate guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (EVERYTHING is there) or head over to the cheat sheet for an easy list of all our #NSale articles and shortcuts to each contributor.
And please remember, if you want to be sure to support us throughout the sale, be sure to click a link from one of our posts before you shop and check-out. We realllly appreciate it.
x,
Meredith
. Think: different jean styles, all the coats & chic bags for fall.){kind=link}
Meredith, you have the best writing voice!
Thank you so much!
#1, I’ve seen that Hallmark movie. Many times. No shame here. #2, I still have an old Sak crossbody bag from Nordstrom from at least 10 years ago in the same shade of yellow and it’s such a great neutral
I think the love interest just came back to town after a difficult break up and is working at the artisanal cheese shop in town. He stopped into my printing press because they want new custom labels. We hated each other at first (I found him cocky obviously).
Meredith, I love your style and have been so happy to see you join this team. As a fellow broad shouldered person, I want to say that you look fabulous and I think you should embrace it. I’ve started in the last few months to actually emphasize my shoulder width and I’m enjoying it (dressing in more of a “T” shape instead of always trying to balance the lower half with the upper). I got interested in different body shape theories and I learned that those of us with width in our bones can wear more draped looks— those kinds of clothes that look like nothing on the hanger can look great on us because our bones provide the structure. For myself, moto jackets just have too much going on, and I’m much better with something like the drapey suede jacket you have here. I just wanted to chime in because I’ve noticed that many of the other contributors have more compact body shapes (no shade, we are all built differently) and that is one reason I love to see how things look on you especially! Congrats on your move and your new haircut is really flattering!
Thank you! And that’s a good point about drapey clothing and probably why I gravitate towards it. I don’t hate my shoulders. As a teen I wished for narrower shoulders, but now they just feel strong and lovely, even if some coats/tops don’t work for me. High-five fellow broad-shouldered gal!