
Yesterday was a momentous occasion for me. I mustered up the courage to shop the Nordstrom Annviersary Sale and in so doing, I overcame some strange, suppressed fear/anxiety dating back to my childhood of shopping at expensive department stores. Hey, some people are afraid of spiders, while I, crazy lady, would get totally stressed out by shopping at certain stores. So I avoided them. But you'll be happy to know that all of that is a thing of the past, because yesterday I totally conquered the NSale! All the sales associates I talked to were helpful and friendly (okay, almost all of them, one seemed immensely annoyed when I didn't want to order something online that was out-of-stock in store), I found a lot of good deals and left with some pieces I feel really happy with. I even opened a Nordstrom credit card (for research purposes mostly) and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Nordstrom cafe.
Ok, enough with the boring stuff, let's get on with the sale!

First things first, here's what I bought!
Leith Floppy Felt Hat, $16.90 (after sale $26) // Topshop 'Amelia' Slouch Coat, $99.90 (after sale $160), size 6 US // BP Plaid Shirt, $24.90 (after sale $38), size XL // BP Stripe Pullover, $24.90 (after sale $38), size XL

My first stop was the shoe department where I immediately spotted these BP Trott Booties ($79.90, after sale $119.95) that I saw online and knew I wanted to try on. Unfortunately they were sold out in my size/color. Boo! The sales girl offered to order them for me online, which was cool, but I wanted immediate gratification so I passed.

Upstairs, I headed to the juniors/contemporary section where I knew the prices would be in my budget. Lots of finds under $30, $50 and $100. If you're worried Nordstrom is too pricey, it's really not. I think they have to compete with fast fashion chains so their BP and Halogen lines, to name a few, are super inexpensive. Phew! (Shown here: BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket, $63.90 - I know the sign above says $64.90 but online it's $63.90 / after sale $98)

Items that are included in the Anniversary Sale are clearly marked in displays... (Shown here: ASTR Floral Jumpsuit, $51.90 / after sale $78)

...and on the pricetag. The whole store is not on sale (silly me, I thought it was) - just specific items. I felt like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks are smart for shoppers because they tend to be key trend pieces and really wearable. It's like they've done the leg work for you! Honestly I do better when my options are limited, too, so I don't get overwhelmed.

First I tried on this Love by Design Blanket Cardigan ($37.90 / after sale $58) that would work while I'm pregnant and afterwards. Soft, cozy and chic for everyday fall layering!

Next up, I fell in love with this BP Plaid Shirt ($24.90 / after sale $38) and while I bought it, I don't think the quality is all that great. You get what you pay for. The fabric is thin cotton. But it fits my bump and since the oversized look is trending, I can wear it after baby comes, too. Should be easy for nursing.

This striped shirt did nothing for my figure so I had to pass, but it would be a stylish and versatile work and weekend top to have in your wardrobe.

I had to try on this BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket ($63.90 / after sale $98) and it was amazing. But I already own two solid moto jackets so I had to pass. But please, someone else get this! Also comes in dark burgundy. Swoon.

Gosh I'm so predictable! Show me a stripe top and I'm sold. (BP Stripe Pullover, $24.90 / after sale $38). Purchased a size XL for a roomy fit. Again, this top is kinda cheaply made and says "lay flat to dry" - groan. Didn't notice this until I got home. But at least it's super soft.

Don't forget accessories! Lots of affordable scarves from just $12.90. This BP Southwestern scarf is $17.90.

I really wanted these drusy stud earrings by Sonya Renee after seeing a friend from church wearing them but my store was sold out. Again, a store associate offered to order them for me online. I still might. Look for NSale deals on designers like Kendra Scott and Gorjana, blogger faves!

This delicious port red Rebecca Minkoff bag was included in the NSale ($129.90 / after sale $195). It's a legit time to buy something special, just pick a style you'll wear a lot!

Another item on my wishlist was this DKNY parka ($129.90 / after sale $198) and I almost bought it. Almost. It's warm and substantial and stylish. Wait, why didn't I buy it?!

Steve Madden leopard coat, purrrrrrr. ($99.90 / after sale $150)

Embellished plaid top feels special but not $64.90 special (after sale $98).

Got this hat, couldn't resist!

Say hello to my new fall vibe! All my husband could say was "what's with the hat?" Sigh. (Leith Floppy Felt Hat, Topshop 'Amelia' Slouch Coat)

This plaid top was on my wishlist after seeing it all over Instagram, but seemed cheaply made for the price. I think I can do better at H&M or Forever 21.

Another shot of the BlankNYC jacket and this layered shirttail sweater. Really wanted this but couldn't spend $58.90.

Pretty displays with cheeky messages encourage shoppers to shop.

Oops, not part of the Anniversary Sale! But cute nonetheless. (BP Reversible Tote, $48)

Sweet shades for $12?! That's totally affordable!

Modern art and cushy furniture in the lounge/restroom areas make for a special shopping experience. This is what you're paying for, ladies, enjoy it!
Okay, what did you buy at the NSale? I'd love to know! (and if you already shared in the comments on my earlier post, thank you! I love reading each one.
And I'm glad you like the hat, all the sales associates told me it looked good (enablers!) so I was like, I'm going for it
I looked at the handbags, but have purchased a number of new ones in the past month or so from Lord & Taylor, Last Call, Saks Off 5th, and Bloomies - and got a better discount. The coats, sweaters, and booties were a fair price but I just don't need anymore of any of that. (I already own a coat almost identical to the Steve Madden leopard one that I purchased last season from, ironically, Nordstrom.) I did go back and purchased the hat though
1. Steve Madden blanket coat
2. Sam Edelman Paige booties in putty
3. Layered shirttail sweater you showed above
4. Halogen print pencil skirt in black and ivory
5. Halogen long cardigan in Aquamarine color
6. Halogen tshirt
7. Donna Karan deodorant
I've never felt intimidated by price points of the likes of Nordstrom, but I might hesistate very much going into a high end designer store.
Since I am not living in the US, I didn't shop this sale.
1. Dolce Vita Ohanna OTK boots (in both saddle and anthracite)-these were by far my favorite purchase of the sale and the main thing I was wanting.
2. Halogen Felt Panama Hat-got the blush and the tan
3. My husband bought himself a pair of AG Jeans he's had his eye on.
What I'm still considering:
1. Topshop Faux Fur Vest in cream (I have a ton of vests so I'm not sure I'll end up getting this).
2. Frye Heidi Fringe Hobo in tan or studded black
3. Vince Camuto Leather Brim Fedora (I'm on a hat kick lately but I definitely wear them in the fall and winter. I feel like they add a bit more flare to an outfit).
4. Chelsea 28 Lace Romper in green-this is such a unique piece and I can easily see myself wearing this with tights and leopard accessories once the weather cools down.
5. AG "Stilt" Cigarette Jeans-now that we can finally wear jeans at work on Fridays, I feel like I'll get my use out of these.
Again, the last few are just things I'm thinking about. Probably my absolute favorite purchase is the OTK boots. Loved your finds!
Wishes & Reality
http://rstyle.me/n/bjpjqzgsvw