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What I Actually Bought // Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 16, 2016

By:

Erin Schrader

If you’ve been on any form of social media or blog recently, you’ve probably been inundated with buzz around the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale happening now for early access and available to shop for everybody July 22nd. I totally eat up the hype and have loved seeing what others are deeming as “necessary buys” during this grand ole event. I know I did a blog post a few days ago highlighting a few [uhhhh or maybe 100+] of my favorites, but now I thought I would share what I actually purchased.

Unfortunately, the nearest Nordstrom to me is a 2 hour drive away [one of the many perks of living in small town Indiana ;)] so I simply ordered anything and everything that I thought I would be interested in online. Please keep in mind that while it is going to appear that I spent thousands of dollars [okay, I did] I am going to be returning a good portion of it after I see what I truly love, what fits right, what I think I will get good use out of, etc. Thankfully Nordstrom always offers free shipping and free returns [it’s so simple, they include the return label so all you have to do is drop it off at your nearest post office!] that I feel like it’s a no lose situation. Unless of course I would decide I absolutely can’t live without everything in which case, we will be losing our house, our cars and everything else associated to our name 😉 It’s cool though – my closet will look good [joking].

I fully plan on taking pictures in everything I purchased and doing a full write-up of my honest thoughts on each item once they arrive [hoping it will be in time for the July 22nd shoppers] so stay tuned for that!
Note – I did extensive research before purchasing these items and read up on what others found to be true about the sizing and quality before making my final selections! I’m excited to see how right/wrong it all was!
Here we go!

1. Sweaters and Cardigans – I am all about that sweater and cardigan life in the fall and winter and from the looks of things, cardigans are totally on trend for fall this year.

1. Leith Shawl Collar Cocoon Cardigan [$74 –> $49] Ordered in Rust, size XS. I have read so many rave reviews about this baby // I did order one size down as it does run larger.
2. Free People Crossover Sweater [$88 –> $58.90] Ordered in Grey, size Small. Free People typically runs larger, however I have read that this sweater does run true to size. I love the cross detail in the front and the slight turtleneck look to it. I can’t wait to see how comfy this thing is in real life!
3. Dreamers by Debut Cowl Neck Boxy Pullover [$45 –> $29.90] Ordered in Olive, size Small. I love nothing more than cowl neck sweaters and when I saw this in Olive I thought it would be perfect with skinny jeans and brown riding boots.
4. BP Open Front Cardigan [$48 –> $31.90] Ordered in Black and Burgundy Stem, size XS. Many are saying this is their favorite cardigan of the sale [hence why I ordered in two colors!]. I did read to size down as the sleeves are pretty long!
5. UGG Hayley Long Cardigan [$148 –> $87.90] Ordered in Fresh Snow Heather, size XS/SM. This is my personal favorite cardigan in the sale from what I have seen online. I love the button and cable knit detail. I can see myself wearing this over and over again with a simple tee underneath!
2. Basics and Layering Pieces – you can never have too many great basics! Especially if you are a little cardigan crazy like me!
1 & 3. Lush Deep V-Neck Tee [$24 –> $15.90] Ordered in White and Heather Grey, size Small. Personally I don’t think you can ever have enough plain v-neck tees. Perfect alone or under jackets and cardigans. This is a great price for a super comfy tee!
2. Caslon Stripe Pocket Top [$39 –> $28.90] Ordered in Heather Grey, size Small. This is pretty basic but I have seen a few wearing it and it looks really cute with distressed jeans and booties.
4. Caslon Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee [$25 –> $17.90] Ordered in Beige Rainy Day and White, size Small. It does advise to size down if you are in between sizes, however I prefer my tees a little looser so hoping the small works! I love this brand as the quality is excellent and again, plan on wearing them under jackets or alone.
5. Pleione High/Low V-Neck Mixed Media Top [$48 –> $29.90] Ordered in Ivory Cloud, size XS. I have seen so much buzz around this shirt as it comes in 15 prints and colors. I did read to size down so that’s what I went with.
1. Socialite Off the Shoulder Top [$45 –> $28.90] Ordered in Rust, size Small. I am obsessed with all things off the shoulder right now and this one is a beaut! Can’t wait to see it in person.
2. Socialite Cowl Neck Shift Dress [$38 –> $24.90] Ordered in Black/Taupe Rib, size Small. I have this same dress in the non-cowl neck version and love it! So easy to throw on and go and I think it will look really cute with some ankle booties this fall. Available in 10 colors and patterns, definitely a great one of the sale!
3. Pleione Bell Cuff High/Low Blouse [$68 –> $44.90] Ordered in Pink Smoke, size Small. This is a personal favorite top from the sale, I just love the feminine look of the bell sleeves and light pink color. I can’t wait to see if this is a hit or a miss in person!
4. Lush Strappy Long Sleeve Woven Blouse [$48 –> $31.90] Ordered in Black and Peacoat, size Small. Everybody who has bought this has loved it. I love the cross strap in the front and also love that it doesn’t go low and show off the ladies like crazy. This should be one that I will wear over and over again.
5. Make + Model “Hello Friday” Crewneck Lounge Sweater [$49 –> $31.90] Ordered in Grey, size Small. I am obsessed with this brand as I recently purchased these lounge pants and they are the most comfortable thing I have ever owned. I love the fun factor this sweatshirt brings!
I only bought one handbag as I am not a huge purse person, however I thought this Michael Kors Medium Collins Leather Satchel was too pretty to pass up. The price tag is pretty hefty [$398 –> $237.90] so I’m really, really going to need to love this to keep it but all I envision is how great it would look all fall and winter with earth toned clothes and brown riding boots. Ahhhh, we will see whether this baby stays or goes. Stay tuned.
5. Boots – I had a very, very hard time deciding what to go with if you can’t tell… #oops
1. Vince Camuto Feina Bootie [$159.95 –> $99.90] Ordered in Khaki Suede, size 8 [my typical size]. These are being chosen as one of the best booties from the sale so I figured they are worth a shot. I do have a similar pair from Target, so we will see if they are a keeper or not! Definitely a great basic bootie for any ankle length jean.
2. Hunter Original Refined Rain Boot [$195 –> $129.90] Ordered in Black, size 8 [my typical size]. I am probably one of the only people on the earth who haven’t ever owned a pair of Hunter boots so after seeing this sale price I figured now is the time to give them a shot. I am a little concerned about the size as I have heard you should size up one in these. Stay tuned for my final review once I receive them.
3. Vince Camuto Melaya Over the Knee Boot [$239.95 –> $159.90] Ordered in Bark Suede, size 8 [my typical size]. I can’t get enough of over the knee boots and I love the Vince Camuto brand so I decided on these as there are a ton of over the knee options in this years sale. Fingers crossed I love them as much in person as I do online!
4. Tory Burch Ashlynn Riding Boot [$495 –> $299.90] Ordered in Almond Leather and Black, size 8 [my true size]. I have been on the fence with these boots for awhile so when I saw these on sale for $200 off I wanted to give them a try. As you’ll see I ordered the Frye’s as well because I want to compare the two and then decide which one is worth the investment – again, stay tuned.
5. Vince Camuto Peera Cutout Bootie [$149.95 –> $99.90] Ordered in Khaki Suede, size 8 [my typical size]. Hands down my favorite boot from this year’s sale. I can’t wait to wear these all fall and next spring. So cute, I love the cutout detail.
6. Frye Melissa Button Leather Riding Boot [$367.95 –> $246.90] Ordered in Cognac, size 8 regular calf. I have heard amazing things about these boots so again, I wanted to order them to compare to the Tory Burch boots to see which one I like better. I am assuming these are going to be the winner based on what I have heard but we will see!
7. Born Poly Riding Boot [$239.95 –> $159.90] Ordered in Pelto Distressed Leather, size 8 [my typical size]. I’ve been on the hunt for a great pair of greyish boots and these looked like just the ticket. Anxious to see if these will be a keeper or a send back. The verdict will be here in about a week….
1. Ugg Aira Knit Scuff Slipper [$109.95 –> $72.90] Ordered in Cream Knit, size 8 [my typical size]. These are probably my most exciting purchase of the sale as I live in slippers during the colder months. I have never had a pair of slippers that have lasted more than a season and I have only heard incredible things about the comfort level of these. Ahhhh, couch laying here I come.
2. Vince Camuto Barsha Lace-Up Pump [$129.95 –> $79.90] Ordered in Cabernet, size 8 [my typical size]. I have been on the hunt for a pair of cabernet colored heels as I think they are so great for the fall and winter months so when I saw these I knew I had to try them. While the website says to size down I have read that others feel they are true to size so I stuck with what I know. Anxious to see if I will keep or return these beauties.
3. Halogen Owen Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat [$89.95 –> $59.90] Ordered in Chestnut Suede, size 8 [my typical size]. I have read so many great things about these flats so I knew I wanted to try them for myself. I love this color especially for fall.
4. Halogen Owen Genuine Calf Hair Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat [$89.95 –> $59.90] Ordered size 8 [my typical size]. You have to be an animal print lover to appreciate these but man, I’m obsessed. I did read that others bought their typical size and they worked great [even though the site advises to size up]. Love, love these!
5. I totally forgot to include these in the collage above, but these Lucky Brand Rozina Cutout Wedge Sandal were at the very top of my list of things to buy. I can’t get enough of these and hope they are as great in person as they are online. I ordered in black, size 8 [typical size].
6. Winter Coats – for us Midwest folk, these are necessary for half the year #blessed

1. Michael Kors Mixed Media Hooded Zip Front Coat [$168 –> $109.90] Ordered in black, size small. This is great price for a Michael Kors jacket and I love the mixed fabric combo with the zippers, buttons and other details.
2. The North Face Miss Metro Hooded Parka Jacket [$320 –> $239.90] Ordered in black, size small. I have never owned a North Face piece of anything before so I am super excited to see how warm this baby is. Believe me, Indiana winters are brutal so this coat should come in handy. I’ll be deciding between this one or the first one above as to which to keep.
3. Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Wool Coat Blend [$340 –> $219.90] Ordered in size small, although it does suggest sizing down one if you teter between sizes. This is probably my favorite coat of the sale as I love the look of it oh so much!

7. Fashion Jackets

1. Blank NYC Faux Leather Jacket [$98 –> $64.90] Ordered in Brown, size Small. I can’t wear these types of jackets enough in the fall and winter. So cute with tees and tanks, this baby will get a ton of use I have a feeling. Definitely a sale favorite!
2. BP Cargo Anorak Jacket [$68 –> $44.90] Ordered in Olive, size XS. I have read that this runs large so to order down a size [even two!] so I did go with the XS. I love cargo jackets with tees, boyfriend jeans and ankle booties. Can’t wait to try it on in person and see what I think.
If you are looking for the perfect denim jacket, I have this one and it’s currently in the sale. It is an excellent denim jacket [great quality] and right now it’s on sale for $64.90. I wear it in size small and always roll up the sleeves for a cute look over dresses or tees.
8. Jeans – all about that denim!
1. PAIGE Transcend Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans [$189 –> $99.90] Ordered size 26, typical size. I believe this is one of the only pair of designer jeans in the sale that is under the $100 mark. It’s definitely a great price for this brand of jean and I don’t know about you but I will be wearing ankle length skinny jeans all fall long with booties.
2. BlankNYC Skinny Dipper Distressed Skinny Jeans [$55 –> $58.90] Ordered in size 26, typical size. I love BlankNYC jeans [I wear these all of the time!] so when I saw these I knew I had to order. A great price and I am kinda diggin’ the bigger distressed look. Definitely not a jean that I would wear all of the time but cute for a more rugged look with a basic top.
3. Kut from the Kloth Diana Stretch Skinny Jeans [$89.50 –> $59.90] Ordered in size 2, typical size. I have several pair of Kut from the Kloth jeans due to my Stitch Fix boxes and they are always a great quality jean. For this price, you can’t go wrong on a basic pair of skinnies!
4. AG The Legging Ankle Jeans [$245 –> $163.90] Ordered in size 27, up one from my normal per the sites recommendation. I have heard so many great things about AG jeans, however they are quite pricey. I loved the amount of distress on these jeans so I thought for the discounted price I would give them a try. Stay tuned as to whether they are worth it or not!

And phew, there we have it! Stay tuned to the blog and my IG accounts [here and here] for updates on the products as they come in and to see how they look on! What are your sale favorites?

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