With just ONE DAY LEFT to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I headed back to Westfarms mall yesterday to see what was left and give the sale one last hurrah before prices go back up tomorrow, August 8. Anyone else feelin' the heat!?
I had already made a sizable purchase online (see what I bought here) but couldn't resist going back for more. I was somewhat surprised to find there was hardly anything left at my store! I know, I know, everyone warns you that stuff sells out - and they weren't kidding. If you waited until the last minute like me, the good news is that there's still plenty available online, and with free shipping and free returns, it's a no-brainer!
For a little real-life inspiration, here's what I tried on and picked up in round 2 of my shopping...er...saving spree:
I don't think I would have noticed this Hinge Crochet Lace Trim Dress, ($59.90, after sale $89, wearing a size M) or picked it out had it not been for the fact that it was the lone dress on a tiny rack of Anniversary Sale leftovers...but I'm so glad I did! It's boho but not overly so, has a lovely floral print that's not too loud, and the fabric just flows really nicely. I like that it has a slip-dress lining and pretty crochet detailing. But you can still wear it with a regular bra. This dress looks great with sandals or ankle boots. I plan on adding tights for the winter months. So fun and flattering.
Ok so this is just a striped tee, but it's kinda awesome. The BP. Stripe Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee ($17.90, after sale $28, wearing a size XS) runs big for that cool oversized look. The long-sleeve is sold out online but I highly recommend looking for this one in stores, or scoop up this short sleeve version instead. I might actually prefer the short sleeve, as it's more versatile. Both are super soft and perfect for layering.
Let's talk about these booties for a moment: The Sam Edelman 'Rudie' Studded Fringe Bootie ($99.90, after sale: $169.95) is a gorgeous boot with that totally on-trend fringe, suede, almond toe, and low-heel. I passed by these at first because I thought they were too fancy for me, but I'm so glad a sales associate pulled them from the back for me because I fell in love the moment I put them on. Who says your everyday boots should be boring?! These are comfortable enough to live in, yet still ridiculously stylish. Scoop 'em up while they're still under $100 because when the sale ends, they'll go up to $170! I'm wearing a size 9.5 and they run true to size.
These Bobeau cardigans ($58, 2 for $75, wearing a size S) weren't part of the sale but I was looking for some lightweight cardigans and had to try them on. They're super soft and stretchy and come in a bunch of great colors for fall. Here, I've layered them over a white long-sleeve Caslon tee. Add a scarf, a crossbody bag, and you've got the perfect fall casual look!
I don't know how well these will wear but they get 5-star ratings from Nordstrom shoppers, and I'm beginning to learn that Nordstrom shoppers really know their stuff. In fact that's probably one of the top benefits of shopping at Nordstrom: You can trust the online reviews. And Nordstrom carries many of the same items from season to season, so there's a level of accountability. And if you love something, chances are you can buy it again in the same color or a new color. I've been shopping fast fashion so long now that I've forgotten some of these old-school shopping principles, but sometimes, it pays to pay more! #momwasright
Here's the same cardigan in an army green...
If you need a military/cargo/army type jacket/anorak for fall, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has a ton of options. This Hinge Drapey Military Jacket ($49.50, down from $98) is on sale but not part of the #NSALE...but I still love it! Such a great wardrobe essential, and this one hits all the right marks.
I ordered two of these Lush Deep V-Neck tees ($15.90 after sale $24, wearing a size S) online but only received the gray (the white sold out after I placed my order). I see why everyone raves about these. Soft fluid jersey with a little spring to the fabric, they're sexy, everyday staples. I hope they wash well, as reviewers have said they do. Note that these are kinda billowy in the back but you could do a half tuck if that bothers you.
In all these photos I'm wearing my pair of BlankNYC 'Hotel' Distressed Skinny Jeans, which I bought a little while ago from Nordstrom. They are hands down my favorite jeans! That's why I was a bit disappointed by the BlankNYC 'Skinny Dipper' jeans that I bought online at the start of the sale...I love the look but after one wear, they were so baggy and had completely lost their shape. I needed a belt to hold them up. I don't think sizing down would have helped, so I returned them. At least Nordstrom has a great return policy. Online reviews tend to love these jeans, so maybe it's just me!
Like I said, there wasn't much left at the sale, so I tried on yet another military jacket. This Hinge Fatigue Jacket is sold out but here's a similar style. You might also like this hoodie lined Treasure & Bond jacket. Both looked and felt great for the price. The Who What Wear for Target collection also has an amazing cargo jacket right now but I can't find it online (see it on my Instagram here).
So that's it! Next year I will buy more during the early access days - having those little curtained off areas made it much easier to navigate. And I tend to make better purchases in person rather than online.
More on what I returned (if you've read this far, congrats! haha!): The black B.P. Destroyed Skinny Jeans were stiff and too short on me. TheMadewell Garment Dyed Skinny Jeans in Highland Green were too gray - I wanted more of a rich olive green color for fall. The Kate Spade 'Forever' Stud Earrings proved too big on me for everyday (but fun for special occasions), while the white Madewell Whisper V-Neck T-Shirt was totally see-through...um, no thanks, I can do better elsewhere. I kept the blush one, though, I liked the color and I may have worn it around the house and got baby slobber and food stains on it before I could return it #hypotethicallyspeaking. I know I just said you can totally trust Nordstrom reviews but sometimes I feel like people are way off, as was the case with these tees! #sorry.
The B.P. Round Faux Leather Strap Watch was priced cheap and looked cheap and didn't lay right on my wrist.
My favorite purchase was this B.P. Plaid Square Scarf - super soft, cozy and colorful!
I accidentally had these Vigoss Distressed Skinny Jeans shipped to my mom's address, how that happened I'm not entirely sure, but I called customer service and they tried to reroute it for me but it was too late. #oops
Oh! And it turns out my Sperry 'Saltwater - Quilted' Duck Boot are too big. I should have heeded reviewers who said to size down. Even with thick winter socks, my foot and ankle slides around. Now they're sold out in my size, but I will be stalking Nordstrom and other sites until I get the right size. They will be mine, oh yes.
And a note about last year's purchases - the BP cardigan I got was so beat up after a season's wash and wear, I had to recycle it. It wasn't in good enough condition to donate. It snagged on every little thing, and pilled and faded in the wash (cold, delicate, lay flat to dry). So this year, I avoided BP knits altogether. BP is the budget-friendly juniors line so I shouldn't be surprised. Meanwhile, my Topshop coat is still going strong and I plan on wearing it this winter. High five, Topshop!
Phew! Thanks for reading - and let me know what you ended up buying during the sale. I know some of you were not all that impressed this year...what would you like to see next year??
Yeah it's funny but I find myself gravitating towards online sites with reliable reviews more often than not. Maybe things sell out so quickly on Rack that they don't bother...?
Thanks for commenting! xo
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Lots more good stuff coming down the line from the WWW line at Target, too, I'm excited to see their holiday collection...