As promised, I’m back this morning with my top picks from this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale**. So, grab your credit card and settle in…let’s shop!
It’s time, friends! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here! (well, if you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, it’s here…if you’re not, you’re just annoyed that everyone else is pre-shopping and you’re left out. Sartorial politics, I tell you.) By now, my annual guide has become a bit of a tradition, so I hope you’re as excited as I am to show off my picks from the best of the sale. I’ll have those for you bright and early tomorrow morning.
But first, a little pre-game strategy session. Pre-sale starts tomorrow, 7/10, and it opens up to everyone on 7/19. If you’re dying to shop early, just go get a Nordstrom Debit card and be done with it. It attaches to your debit card, no credit check, no heinous interest rates – easy peasy.
Even if you’re not a cardholder, I have a little treat for you. You can peruse the entire catalog here, right now!
Now, let me tell you about the designer insert. Not everyone got this special 12-page booklet in the front of their catalog – a little birdie told me these picks are virtually guaranteed to sell out during pre-sale, and I couldn’t even get advance photos to show you. But, I can tell you that the standouts from these limited pieces are a fantastic Vince cardigan with leather trim, and two Rag & Bone boots – one of which is the Harlow in black suede, and it’s gorgeous.
You can officially start shopping at midnight tonight (Pacific time), and I’ll be back first thing in the morning with links to all of my favorites. Stay tuned!
It’s time, friends! Our annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rundown…are you excited? I have to tell you, it’s given me all sorts of warm fuzzies this week to get all of your emails and tweets asking when I’d be running this post. I love that you look forward to it as much as I do!
Background: If you don’t know, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is this wonderful occurrence every July, in which Nordstrom strikes deals with dozens of designers to pre-release a few special pieces from their fall collections (occasionally exclusives), and marks them down by 40%. Prices do go back up (though they then predictably drop back down a few weeks later), and things do sell out. Today is the first day of pre-sale, which you can participate in if you have a Nordstrom card. If not, hold out until 7/20, when the fun officially begins.
But enough chatter, let’s get down to business! Am I just getting old and slow, or did the sheer volume of the sale increase dramatically this year? Overall, this year is amazing for shoes, especially boots. It was hard to pick favorites, but a girl’s got to prioritize.
Nadine riding boot, Tory Burch, $299 / Gillian flat boot in midnight suede, Via Spiga, $259 / Laguna boot, Coach, $260
Now on to the real fun, the ankle boots! Hands down, my favorite shoe in the sale is the Rag & Bone Newbury, which isn’t suede, as I’d feared, but is nubuck. Mincing hairs, I know, but I’ll take any justification for these babies!
Veronica in crinkled leather, Frye, $192 / Fastrost bootie, ALDO, $87 / Jane Trapunto bootie, Frye, $190 /
Newbury boot, Rag & Bone, $299 / Folly bootie, DV by Dolce Vita, $67 (awesome, but they’ll be everywhere)
And, of course, a couple of fun flats…some of you asked specifically about Tory Burch, so I’m including hers, even though they’re a bit of a snooze.
Noel flat, Tory Burch, $170 / Adaptable flat in grey snake (also in leopard), Stuart Weitzman, $170
Note I specifically excluded the pieces I think will be oversaturated (Sam Edelman leopard booties and Steve Madden tasseled loafers, I’m looking at you).
Moving on to bags and accessories! The bags are hit and miss this season, though there are some goodies. I hesitate to buy bags during the Sale as a rule, since I hate seeing every girl on the street carrying my bag. But every rule is made to be broken, and there are some rule-breakers here!
Prado tote, Pour La Victoire, $263 / Drew-Dia bucket bag, DVF, $297 / Zip around wallet, DVF, $150
DVF makes a fantastic wallet, so if you’re in the market, that one’s a no-brainer. There are some fun accessories this season as well – Michael Kors has his usual menswear watch contribution. It’s available in every possible metal color this time, but the rose gold continues to be my favorite.
Cameron watch, Michael Kors, $184 / Barriewood bangles, Natasha Couture, $36 / Mollie sunglasses, Kate Spade, $85
Oh, I love those bangles! And the Kate Spade sunnies are pretty fantastic, even if they are a Tom Ford look-a-like.
Now, on to the clothes! As always, loads of great coats. I’ve been on the hunt for a black leather jacket that doesn’t make me look like I’m trying too hard, and this version from Yigal Azrouel may just be it! Also, I know at least a few of you are in the market for a Burberry trench…that one on the far right is a steal you should not miss.
Drape front leather jacket, Yigal Azrouel, $699 / Asymmetrical jacket, Burberry London, $589 /
Wool wrap coat, Trina Turk, $366 /Double-breasted trench, Burberry Brit, $695
Silks and stripes are everywhere, of course, but they’re great picks this season. Well worth stocking up on a few of these!
Star print shirt, L’Agence, $169 / Dolman silk top, Vince, $164 / Brett silk top, Equipment, $139
Striped boatneck top, Vince, $89 / Stripe crewneck sweater, A.L.C., $179 /
Colorblock crewneck sweater, Halogen, $49 / Drape neck sweater, Caslon, $46
And last but not least, a few special pieces worth your attention:
Leather trim tuxedo jacket, Rag & Bone, $379 / Etiara dress, Theory, $197 /
Alice skinny coated stretch jeans, Habitual, $149
If you’ve been dying to get in on the leather pants trend, those Habitual jeans are the best way to do it on a budget. From pics, they’re almost indistinguishable from leather (but undoubtedly more comfortable). I’m pretty obsessed with that Rag & Bone tuxedo jacket, and that Theory dress…well, it’s a staple if ever I saw one.
Outside of these picks, there are plenty of fantastic basics: solid and striped knits from Vince, as well as a few sweater coats (all styles they’ve released before), and loads of denim (though nothing I’m over the moon about). You’ll all probably want to know about that Mcginn tweed jacket, since last year’s version sold out in a flash. I think it’s a much less universal style this time – that peplum waist is trouble, friends. Definitely a try-before-buy situation.
And, of course, I’ll be stocking up on my favorite thongs (Hanky Panky), hipsters (DKNY) and yoga pants (Zella)…it’s the best time of the year for that!
Now comes the fun part: tell me what you’re buying!!
Well, this is exciting. I got a hot tip over the weekend that the first preview catalog for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale had gone out to the VVIP customers, and I nabbed a sneak peek!
First, a little down-and-dirty on what’s happening with the sale this year. The official start date is July 15, but pre-sale shopping begins July 5. The pre-sale shopping option that’s typically been open to Nordstrom cardholders and other VIP customers is now only open to cardholders, allegedly. This means that no matter how much your salesperson loves you, they can’t let you pre-shop without a Nordstrom card. But, the upside, according to my sources, is that you get to take your goods home with you the day you shop, instead of having to head back to the store on opening day to pick up your pre-sale goods.
So, with that done, how about a little peek at my picks from the sale?
First up, shoes – since I know you’re all shoe nuts like me. Not much in the way of heels and flats, but there are some good boots to choose from.
Far right: Frye “Melissa” button-back boot, $219
Far right: Via Spiga “Kacey” riding boot, $259
Tory Burch riding boot, $299
The coats are really lacking this season…Nordstrom seems to have abandoned coats for capes, which is unfortunate, as they’re hard to wear – both literally and figuratively. But, if you must cape, there is one style I actually love – it has enough tailoring to keep the look clean and easily wearable:
Right: Helene Berman wool cape, $165
This Mackage coat is the other winner from the catalog. It’s still not something I’d love enough to nab, but the clean tailoring is nice, as is the leather detail at the sleeves. I do have a feeling this one’s going to be popular…so you’ll be seeing it out and about.
Mackage “Tessa” wool-blend coat with knit & leather trim, $389
As for the rest of the apparel, there are the usual suspects: a few highly-identifiable, under-$100 picks that everyone will be snatching up…and then a few special pieces that are worth a second look.
That Halogen pencil skirt on the first three models comes in 6 colors and is $45, so expect to see it on everyone in your office come August. The little cuffed ankle pant on the far right is by Amber Sun, and is also $45. I’m cautiously optimistic about the pants – they’re cute on the model, but atrocious in another image I saw, so it could definitely go either way.
Left 3: Halogen seamed pencil skirt, $45; Right: Amber Sun “Aubrey” pant, $45.
And, a few standout pieces that are perfect for giving your fall closet a little kick-start:
McGinn “Elizabeth” tweed jacket, $229
This silk blouse by Joie is one of maybe three pieces I’ll actually be nabbing from the sale. I love the bright teal, and it’s a perfect tunic shape, so you can easily dress it up or down. It’s hard to imagine beneath that fugly chunky knit vest, I realize…but try.
Joie “Marlo” blouse, in peacock, beige or grey, $145
If you’re not quite over the faux-fur trend, this Trina Turk cardigan is a great way to give it a try. While the photo doesn’t really provide much help, it’s a long, wrap-style cardigan, and the fur collar is removable. So, when you’re ready to retire the trend, you still have a classic camel cashmere cardigan in your closet.
Trina Turk “Deville” cardigan, $198
There’s always one killer splurge in the sale. Last year, it was a classic Burberry trench. This year, it’s this black faux-wrap dress by St. John. It’s a classic long-sleeved wrap cut (without the wardrobe malfunction potential), and it will be in your closet forever, making it a bargain by any standard.
St. John faux-wrap dress, $399
(Love those shoes she’s wearing too, by the way…Michael by Michael Kors, $99, but they have a 5-inch heel.)
Last but certainly not least, a few accessories to tie all this fun together. There are two big “splurge” bags this year – one by Chloe, which I thought was boring, and this one by Marc Jacobs. It’s hard not to love that pink, which is actually a bit more mauve in other photos.
Marc Jacobs “Karlie” shoulder bag, $866
And on the more reasonable end of the spectrum, I found myself quite liking the bag on the top left, below. The brand is “Roccatella,” which meant nothing to me until I saw it was a new diffusion line from Be&D, which makes amazing bags. I also love the Rebecca Minkoff bag in the bottom right image, though I’ve found the quality on RM bags a bit spotty lately. Love the ostrich-embossed leather, though, and it comes in 3 colors.
Top left: Roccatella by Be&D “Jane” belted leather satchel, $264; Bottom right: Rebecca Minkoff “Covet” flap bag, $282.
And my bracelet obsession continues with these options from Ippolita and Lagos. The Ippolita styles are the bangles in the center with the solid-set semi-precious stones, and the Lagos is that rope-style silver bracelet with the diamond X in the center.
Center: Ippolita bangles, set of 3, $394; Bottom, far right: Lagos Caviar X Diamond bracelet, $299.
That’s it, friends! Of course, if you see something else in these images that you’re dying for details on, just leave a comment, and I’ll give you all the info I can. In the meantime, give your favorite salesperson a call, and get a pre-shop date scheduled!
{editor’s note: don’t forget to enter our fab summer giveaway – a whole year’s worth of gorgeous stationery from hi, friend design, and all you have to do is leave a comment!}
it’s time to resurrect our annual guide to the nordstrom anniversary sale, after requests from a few of our dear readers. i was lucky enough to shop the preview of the sale a couple of weeks ago, so i’ll be able to give much more guidance on fit and choices this year, which is fabulous.
for those that don’t freakishly stalk the nordstrom anniversary sale, it actually doesn’t start until tomorrow…but it’s best to check out the sale catalog in advance and order on day 1, before all of the best pieces are gone. since nothing’s actually available for purchase until tomorrow morning (midnight EDT PDT, technically), we’ll be using the online catalog as our hymnal for today, which you can access here. i’ll post page numbers of every item, where possible, so you can read along with me in your book.
now, on to the show! in general, i was overwhelmed by the great apparel choices, and thoroughly underwhelmed by shoes, bags and accessories…so we’ll be spending more time on what to wear than on what to wear with it.
outerwear: for me, the best buy of the sale was a DKNY trench, down to under $100 (check it out at left, or on page 8 of the preview catalog). i tried on the same style in a classic black burberry trench (also on sale, for $549), and the DKNY was actually a better fit for me. so, at 1/6 the price, i didn’t have to think long. but if you are in the market for the tried-and-true classic, this is definitely the perfect time to nab that burberry trench (right, page 15b, $549)!
jackets: blazers were another amazing find at the sale this year. my picks are the black rag & bone knit blazer (left, page 9), which fits beautifully (though beware – there are leather elbow patches that don’t suit everyone’s style…mine included), and two by elizabeth and james, which aren’t online yet – one in a grey flannel with beautiful pleating on the placket and shoulders (see crap iphone pic below, right), and the other is a classic black boyfriend blazer with ruched 3/4 sleeves. both are instant classics. all three ring in right around the $300 mark, but these are workhorse blazers you’ll pair with everything from suits to jeans, so they’re definitely worthy investment pieces.
the best bargain blazer is this red tweed cropped version from hinge (page 13, $89), which is just begging to be layered for fall. but i would warn that this needs more than just a tee and jeans to work – you’ll want to add more texture in the way of necklaces, scarves, and maybe a contrasting tank over the tee, or you’ll look more barbara bush than kate moss.
if it’s a leather blazer you’re after, i like the two black options from kenna-t (page 15f, $299). the military style (at left) is impeccably on-trend, but there’s something about that asymmetrical version (right) that’s just a little more offbeat, and original, making it my personal favorite.
cardigans: the ruby autumn cashmere ribbed cardi (left, page 9a, $159) felt like a no-brainer initially – it’s one of my favorite cashmere lines, and the price is a steal. but the fit across the back wasn’t perfect…i felt like it bunched at the shoulder seam. but if you have narrower shoulder than i (not a hard bar to clear), the lines of this one are really beautiful on, and the color is a great foil for both grey and camel, which will be huge this fall. but the classic i’m buying in at least two colors (grey and nude) is this long-ish halogen cardigan with just a bit of sheer fabric at the lapel (pages 28-29, $49). i’m a little worried i’m not the only one who will stock up on it, but it’s just a perfectly classic cardigan, and i’m due for a few new staples.
denim: it’s all so subjective, of course, when it comes to denim. but i’m steering clear of skinnies for fall – i have a feeling wider legs are the future. so, my favorite was the hudson straight-leg (page 21g, $119) – a great fit, just a bit lower rise than i typically go for. if your waist isn’t absurdly high (like mine), these would be a great addition to your closet.
shoes: the only shoes i really fell for in the sale were the vera wang lavender rhinestone ballerina flats, in blue nubuck (page 10, $189) – but only if you’re a size 9 or smaller (in larger sizes, the rhinestone accent doesn’t cover enough of the top of the shoe). it’s tempting to recommend the steven by steve madden covered wedge boots (page 40), but trust me, you’re going to be seeing those on every third girl you pass on the street for the next year.
accessories: all i’m after on this front is the michael kors men’s style chronograph watch, in silver (pages 16-17, $149). still a bit of an investment, but one you’ll definitely get years of mileage out of.
cosmetics: we all have our favorite brands, of course, and nearly all have stellar offerings for this sale, if you like buying pre-packaged sets. i’m not a huge fan as a rule, but i will say that if you haven’t tried kate somerville’s exfolikate yet, pick up the set on page 57b – you’ll never look back.
so, that’s my take. but i’m even more interested to hear what you’re excited to nab tomorrow. share your favorite finds in the comments, won’t you?
for those of you wondering how i’m managing to hold my head high without blogging the first day of the nordstrom anniversary sale today…well, the truth is i just wasn’t all that in love this year. there were a few goodies, though – so i decided to be all high-tech and tweet them instead. if you’re curious, check out the pieces i may not be able to live without over in twitter-land.
that’s right, it’s time for my favorite holiday of the year: the nordstrom anniversary sale! ignore the half-yearly…this is the sale to watch for. for those that aren’t familiar, this is the sale in which nordstrom orders in mass quantities of select pieces from the fall collections, and marks them down (usually 25-40%) for about two weeks – then, the prices go back up to regular retail. here are a few of my faves that are well worth picking up while they’re a steal:
this taupey grey color is going to be the hit of the fall season – it’s a much warmer, more flattering shade of grey than we saw last year, and it will be everywhere. normally i advocate bright colors for overcoats, but the tailoring on this was too pretty to pass up. calvin klein wrap coat, $248 down to $159.90.
if you want a look at the sculptural tailoring trend that’s going to be so hot this fall, check out this gorgeous boiled wool coat from alice+olivia ($365 down to $219) – zoom in and notice all of that stunning detail.
and another trend i’m looking forward to this fall is tonal texture – things like jacquard and lace overlays to give substance to traditional dark fall colors. if you’re in the market for an evening coat, this jacquard version from milly ($675 down to $399) will round out your fall wardrobe beautifully.
speaking of sculptural detail, this drape sleeve tee by 3.1 philip lim is about as on-trend as you can get for fall. go classic with the black, or branch out a little with that gorgeous lagoon shade – but either way, less than $100 (down from $175) for a current-season philip lim tee is a deal not to be missed.
i’m also oddly excited about this puff-sleeve cardigan from a brand called fever (never heard of it, can’t vouch for it, but it’s $50). it’s kind of odd in the black and “treetop” colors, but that sweet potato shade is just what the doctor ordered. again with the sculptural detail, this is a piece i’ll be wearing all winter long.
i think i’ve just been sucked in by the fabulous electric blue color and that gorge pleating at the neckline on this classiques sweater ($158 down to $99.90). but that’s enough – i have a feeling this will be on major closet rotation when the weather cools off.
can’t explain it, but i’m gaga for this daytripper bag from see by chloe (okay, and the matching wallet). this is another one you should take a close look at – i love the edgy styling, and the bowler/satchel hybrid. and that little detail on the front? i was shocked, but it’s just zipper teeth of different colors. i love it when designers surprise me, and chloe has done it…especially in lambskin and for $500.
as long as we’re talking handbags, the pic on the website would have had me totally passing by this nordstrom brand pleated tote. fortunately, i got a sneak preview of this one in person, and i can tell you it’s well worth another look. purple is oh-so-hot for fall, and the styling on this bag will keep it on-trend for years to come. plus, it’s not often i suggest a bag under $250.
the shoe department has a tradition of lackluster options for the sale, and this year’s no exception. but if you were in love with those flat loeffler randall matilde boots from last year (i’m still kicking myself for missing out!), but couldn’t stomach the $700 pricetag, never fear: steve madden has actually managed two very similar versions, both under $150. naturally, i’m going for the higher-end (a term i use loosely here), priced at $129.90 for the sale.
last but not least, remember those extra-long scarves i was just talking about yesterday? you won’t find another chance to scoop up an 8-foot piece of cashmere for $60…time to pounce!
so, what did you all end up buying??
