| Psst…Looking for details on the 2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? I’ve got the scoop right here. |
Trina Turk coat | Halogen urban sketch tee | Pure Amici cardigan
Franco Sarto boots | Freida Rothman earrings | C.O. Bigelow rose salve | Deborah Lippmann Polishes
Well friends, my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale haul this year was…um, injurious. Mostly to my UPS driver, who undoubtedly has some serious back issues after lugging this stack of boxes up my stairs. (And there are more scheduled to arrive tomorrow. This is why I shouldn’t shop after wine.)
Since the Sale officially opens tomorrow morning (technically, that’s tonight at 12:01 AM Pacific for you night owls/diehards), I thought now was the perfect time to give you my rundown of the best (and worst) of my haul this year!
Sweaters are always high on my list, and this year, there were a few I couldn’t help but love. I was fully prepared to send this Vince cream shawl cardigan back – I mean, how many chunky cardigans does a girl need? The answer is, apparently, one more than I had before, because there was no way I could part with it once I tried it on. We are going to be the best of friends this fall. I’m also a huge fan of this super lightweight Pure Amici cashmere cardigan, which is the most lovely shade of deep red and will be a perfect antidote to all of the black I wear all winter. It was a tough call, frankly, between this one and this much less expensive burgundy bouclé version, which is also quite good. But in the end, I preferred the length and the color (and yes, the cozy cashmere-ness) of this one. And though I ignored this Nordstrom x Caro Issa sweater in my online browsing, when I saw it in person, my heart skipped a beat. Seriously thick, luxe cashmere in the most beautifully variegated denim heather…I ordered it the second I got home.
Coats…oh, friends. There are so many good coats in the Sale, and so few cold days in California. This green Trina Turk coat is absolutely flawless in person, with maybe the prettiest, most flattering and feminine silhouette I’ve seen on anything in ages. And that malachite color is incredible on just about every skin tone. Alas, it didn’t come home with me, because something else happened. Specifically, this DVF wrap coat. True story: 2 years ago, DVF launched an almost-identical version of this coat. I coveted it something fierce, but couldn’t stomach the $750 pricetag. While I was vacillating, it sold out, and I gnashed my teeth in envy all that winter as I watched Julianna Margulies wear it all season long on The Good Wife. But I walked into Nordstrom yesterday and there it was, reincarnated! In possibly even a better red than the original version, and at a much better $390 price. Hello, lover.
On the lighter side of things, I was surprised by how cute this Rebecca Taylor jacket was in person, after the meh photos of it online. Cozy and luxe, it’s a no-brainer for you office-dwellers, as it’ll make that all-black wardrobe of yours instantly more interesting. (I’d add a black silk tee and these Eileen Fisher skinny trousers if it were me.)
Speaking of pants, I flipped my lid when I saw DL1961’s Florence jeans were in the Sale! They’re my true-love skinnies (I love them even more than my Paiges), so I was over the moon to see them in the Sale. I almost bought two pairs. But other than that and the EF trousers…I didn’t find any other pants I couldn’t live without.
Now, about shoes. Can you believe almost all of my faves were under $100? Me neither. I had my heart set on some extremely cute moss green Lucky boots and those charcoal Dolce Vita boots, but alas both sold out before I could nab them, which I’ll admit was a crushing blow. But I’m consoling myself with these sleek little Franco Sartos in a yummy cognac color, which are very nearly perfect, and will even be acceptable with skirts, which I almost never say about ankle boots. I also grabbed these floral Tory Burch sneaks – I loved the print, and considered getting it in the dress version, but neither of the styles were quite right in my book. Plus, let’s be honest: I’m a jeans and sweaters girl these days. I also nabbed the Nike Flyknits in black and white, but am seriously considering exchanging for the teal color. I am, as a rule, staunchly opposed to flashy sneaks, but these ones really stole my heart.
DVF wrap coat |Alexis Bittar necklace| Vince cardigan | kate spade scarf | DL1961 jeans
I had a lot of fun with the jewelry this year as well. Nadri always has a slew of pieces that are a steal, and gorgeous for the price point. But this year, I was falling pretty hard for the styles from Freida Rothman. To be honest, I’m still torn between the two earrings I nabbed. This one is more versatile, but the turquoise is awfully lovely in person, and might be just the dose of color my jewelry wardrobe was needing. Opinions? And I surprised myself by falling for this blingy little Alexis Bittar necklace. I still might chicken out on this one, but it’s awfully pretty (and more delicate) in person. I also quite loved this little Sugarbean lariat necklace, which is one of those styles you might not glance at if it weren’t on the Sale, but I’m telling you, once it’s in your jewelry box, you won’t be able to stop wearing it. Just different enough to be interesting…much like yours truly.
Then, of course, there were the stock-ups. A few of these easy Pleione split-neck tops, which come in a rainbow of prints and solids and are so damn versatile, I can’t stand it. And this Halogen tee is super boring in the solids, but that urban sketch print is completely adorable, and $15, so why are we even still discussing this? And I always stock up on my beloved Clarins SPF – it was the first thing in my cart. And this set of Deborah Lippmann polishes is tough to beat for practicality. I’ve heard fantastic things about Dr. Gross’ skincare line, so this seemed like a good opportunity to give it a try. And really, who can’t use a stockpile of Rose Salve?
Now, about the misses…there were definitely some pieces I was bummed about this year. That IRO jacket, for example – I had high hopes, but on me, it was a little bulky and shapeless, and sheds like crazy. Ditto for the Helmut Lang, which was nowhere near as flattering as its shorter counterpart. The Vince shearling I was so excited about is lovely, but maybe a little on the thin side. Not necessarily a bad thing, as shearlings can be crazy bulky, but I think I’d hold out for a more timeless style at this price point. And the chevron-print Trina Turk coat I could not wait to see is actually really fun in person, but maybe a little too faux-fur-inspired to be as practical as I was hoping for. But…I have to admit, I still kind of love it.
I always try to pick up a scarf or two in the Sale, but nothing was really calling to me. The Kate Spade prints were cute, but they weren’t as soft and cozy as I wanted them to be. And I had high hopes for great sunnies, but unless you’re ISO aviators, the pickings were slim.
These zip-up Hunter boots were a breeze to slip into, but the color options could have been more exciting – and I couldn’t help thinking they felt a little less solid than Hunter’s usual quality. And those Nadri triangle stud earrings I was dying to try didn’t line up quite as perfectly on my ears as they do in the photos online. Le sigh….
So, friends: that’s the big haul! What about you? What did you end up loving (or hating)? Dish in the comments – I’m dying to hear!
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Thanks for sharing, Becki! Love hearing about your haul and your assessment 🙂 Living vicariously! I LOVE My Zella pants – so comfortable. Some misses with the boys’ stuff: T’s Patagonia vest came in the wrong size TWICE (Nordstrom figured out the size I ordered was unavailable so now I’m waiting to exchange the next size up) and L (picky husband he is) didn’t like the color of HIS Patagonia vest. Men. Still waiting for the Tory Burch Melinda in cerise red that I’m hoping will truly be true to size (I always have to size 1/2 up in TB flats). KICKING myself for not getting the Aquatalia Fay that is now sold out. Le sigh indeed.
Good stuff! I like the first pair of earrings, but the turquoise ones do have a nice pop to them!
My Kadie boots arrived today, and they are just a smidge too tight. The charcoal is sold out in the next size up, SOB, so I’m trying to decide if I should settle for black. My “buy now, edit later” haul doesn’t arrive until Monday, so more dishing then, I hope!
They released more charcoal Kadies this morning! All sizes are available right now.
Kendra: You are a good friend. WOOT!
D: Aren’t those Zella pants great? I know there are people they don’t work for, but for me, they’re 99% as good as lululemons, for 35% of the price. Bummer that the boys’ stuff wasn’t a hit, but knowing L, I’m sure he’ll end up doing just fine 😉 And just noticed that those Aquatalia Fay boots are restocked this morning too!
Kendra: I’m with you on the earrings…this is why I’m stumped! Super stoked about the Kadies being restocked – now we get to be boot twins! Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your haul.
I’m pretty disappointed in myself this year. So far, my favorite thing is my red Halogen not Rockstud flats. Also picked up some DL1961 skinnies. I’m waiting on the Paul Green Delgado booties to come (picked up the grey, woohoo, when it restocked this morning), and some basics: the Halogen seamed pencil skirt in teal, a Pleione tunic, and my favorite Spanx tights. I have to return all the IRO jackets (I got it in three sizes, ugh) due to shedding and scratchiness, and the Vince striped tee (neck hole is too small). I tried out the Halogen cashmere tunic, but not loving that either. I will probably pick up some tops when I go in to do my returns, though.
So I actually loved the Vince shearling and splurged! I think it’s a chic alternative to a fleece on a cold Boston fall day. I also scored the Fay boots and the Stuart Weitzman leopard flats; both are really comfortable and versatile. I picked up the Paige Hoxton skinny jeans and the Vince Trousers, which are a much nicer green in person than on the site.
I am super tall so I loved this Eileen Fisher Vest and Splendid poncho to go with skinnies and boots. For chunky sweaters, my haul was the Autumn Cashmere from the catalog and this Hinge sweater in black (surprisingly flattering, really great price).
And just to fully deplete my shopping budget in one sale, I bought myself the Chloe bag (in the tan color) and told my husband he is giving it to me for my birthday next month.
The IRO jacket was also a miss for me; really tight shoulders and questionable quality. I was the 1st person to try it on and it had visible pulls. One of my big disappointments was this Joie cardigan, which I thought might be cozy, but was just frumpy. Other misses for me were the J Brand flare jeans and Trouvé blouse that were shown in the catalog with the green Trouvé trench. Not so hot on curves.
A: Let me know how you like the DL1961s…I usually love the Florence, but the cut was weird on the Sale version for some reason, so I’m curious about the Emmas. Pleione tunics were odd in the solid colors too…they have a stretchy modal back, which I wasn’t expecting! So glad you got the Paul Green boots – they’re a goodie.
Kristin: Loving all of your picks! That Chloe bag is dreamy…well done! And I was seriously SO tempted by the Vince shearling – I agree, if you’re thinking of it as chic version of a fleece, you nailed it. Gorgeous!
I finally pulled the trigger on some coats and will be deciding between the Bernardo “Packable Hooded Down & PrimaLoft® Fill Coat with Contrast Inset Bib” and the Laundry by Shelli Segal “Packable Hooded Down Coat”. I’ve never owned a coat by either before but the North Face quilted puffy had some really hit-or-miss reviews. Also got the Deborah Lippmann polishes above based on your recommendation, you know, because I need a few more just barely different colors to add to my collection of 700 nude nail polishes. I’ve been eyeing the rag & bone Margot booties online but the “crackle leather” and the little notch at the front of the ankle make me really hesitant. Oh and I’m still disappointed that the Frye Melissa Tabs are included but not the Melissa Buttons. I should probably just be thankful though, for the sake of my bank account & credit rating.
You all are making me so sad to live in Canada. Wait till Nordie’s comes to Toronto next year…I’ll be lining up in May 🙂
Becki, that red coat is making me salivate…honestly! Living in Toronto, I am such an advocate for the statement coat and this one is darn near perfect. Let me know if you hunt down anything similar that’s Canada-friendly, would you?
Also – that Halogen tee is looking a lot like a certain CM silk blouse we both own… 😉
Vanessa: Okay, I love both of those puffer coats – you have to report back. I have to tell you, the notch at the front of the ankle on the Margot boots makes them SO much more wearable IMO. It’s the perfect detail to bring them down in the front so they’re not hitting up against your jeans, and gives them just a little extra something. It’s my favorite thing about them! And um, I did see a bunch of Frye Melissa Button boots at 6pm. Just here to help!
Rox: I thought the same thing about that Halogen tee!! You are going to flip your lid when Nordstrom gets to Canada. I’m already excited for you 🙂
Also: I always have that issue with IRO jackets! They seem so perfect on the hanger, like they belong in an architectural showroom somewhere, softly illuminated next to some dark wood and white ceramic pieces. But the minute I get them on my petite, curvy body, it’s all downhill.
Just wanted to report in to say thanks for your original editor’s picks post — really helped me find some hidden gems and navigate the overwhelming awesomeness of the #nsale.
LOVE the halogen v neck cashmere tunic – ordered black in size small and love how roomy it’s cut in the body while remaining tailored (but not sausage-y) in the arms and neck.
Also tried out the Zella leggings per your recommendation. I find them to be not as heat-wicking as my lulus for working out, but for casual knock around layering leggings, they will be my new standard for sure.
Also totally struck out with the Nadri triangle stud earrings – looked so bizarre on my lobes.
This Timex is rocking my world — shop.nordstrom.com/s/timex-round-patent-leather-strap-watch-38mm/3631495 – warning, yes it is technically a camo print (as advertised), but in tortoise colors, so the effect is much more tortoise than camo.
And now, I am going to go fantasize about the DVF coat, even though I already have a new Emerson Fry black tweed that is just waiting for falling temps in New England…
Jess: That watch is gorgeous! And I’m with you – not sure how the Zellas would be for serious cardio, but then we all know what I deem “serious cardio”, so I’ll have to take your word for it. They’re awfully cute with that Halogen tunic, btw 😉