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Welcome to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018

Hey Friends,

I have been excited ALL week about the Nordstrom sale starting this last Thursday for Nordstrom card members. This sale was extra special and exciting for me because it was the 2nd Nordstrom Sale I have experienced since I started this blog but it was the first I have actually shopped in the store. In fact it was my first time shopping in the physical store period. I have always shopped online at nordstrom.com exclusively as opposed to drive to Jacksonville. With a 5 year old online is just easier- you moms understand. Anyways, this sale was an extra special treat for me because in addition to the first in store experience, I also was lucky enough to have my little sister LK join me for the sale. She is much younger and very in touch with all the latest trends. I wanted her to make sure I did not buy ALL beige and that I stayed relevant for my age in my selections. After staying home with my five year old all summer long, I was definitely looking forward to a mom’s day away to do some serious shopping!! When you are a mom it really is the small things!

We pulled up at exactly 10am and we were greeted by SO many helpful employees who were all wearing fun yellow outfits. We quickly got straight to business and began to explore all of the cordoned off sale areas. For those who may not have visited a physical Nordstrom either, each department sections off the items that are available for the sale within that department. This results in many smaller departments within and you can easily and efficiently find the sale items in the area you are interested in for example all athleisure is together and all the beauty items ect. The setup is flawless! This is not their first rodeo girls! As we worked our way from department to department, we were always greeted and our items were taken to a room that was held with all of our items we had selected.

It wasn’t very long and I was greeted by a lovely stylist named Jessica. I told her a bit about the blog and described exactly the woman and reader I was shopping for. I told Jessica she was probably between 25-50. More than likely a mom but either way a busy woman. She might work outside the home or she may have one of the hardest jobs in the world and work in her home. She loves quality and fashion but she also is thoughtful and conservative with her purchases. Some days this woman does not have time for muss and fuss but needs functional style that is not sloppy but also comfortable and to be out the door in 10 minutes. Jessica definitely understood what I was looking for and we were off in a whirlwind all over the store. Nordstrom offers A LOT of reasons to become a dedicated fan including but not limited to free shipping, free returns, fantastic customer service, nordstrom notes, beautiful clothes, many affordable lines, AND complimentary appointments with stylists like Jessica. I previously believed the free shipping and returns were the bread and butter but now I realized it is the stylist that really take the cake. If you are a cardholder well now THAT opens up a ton more extra benefits including $100 yearly alteration credit, access to Anniversary sale an entire week in advance and so much more depending on which level cardholder you are.

Welcome Ladies to Heaven on Earth

I will preface this next statement by saying I have never been in another Nordstrom store until this day in Jacksonville, but the store at the St. John’s Town center is absolutely stunning! LK and I were both in love. Everywhere you look it is beautiful, white, sparkly, and luxurious. It totally reminded me of SATC movie where Carrie walks into the penthouse apartment and says so this is where they keep the light. We found a huge and lovely lounge in the women’s room. There are also lounge type areas outside the main dressing room areas. In addition to some super nice places to stop and take a rest, there is also Bazille’s which is a full service restaurant serving adult beverages as well. Ebar is also an options with coffee, expresso, pastries, and sandwiches if all of that shopping wears you out.

When we finally made it to the dressing rooms we were yet again blown away. Jessica had arranged all of our clothes, shoes, and accessories for us and even grouped the clothing items into outfits. Previous department store shopping experiences I have had included carrying around absurd amounts of heavy clothing and then dragging it all to the waiting rom and waiting in line for a super small room with terrible lighting. Again- LK and I decided we are both now forever spoiled. Next came the fun part- trying it all on. For some little girls playing dress up is something they never outgrow. That is certainly our case!

All the Clothing

1. Caslon Lightweight Colorblock Cotton Tee Sale $19.90 (Reg. $29)

This Caslon camo tee is literally one of the first things I picked up and UNDER $20! It feels SO good!! It is super thin and if you live anywhere remotely south of the mason dixon line then you will understand why this is an important component in building a fall/winter wardrobe. I think the camo gives it young vibe without being over the top. I conferred with my teen consultant to ensure I was staying in my age lane on this one and she approved. I picked up in a medium and I like that it is a loose fit because it covers the c-section pouch. There are several cute colors. I think it could work with jeans of all colors, shorts, and I thought it would be especially cute with yoga pants. This will be something I throw on to run errands ect but still look put together. This is a glorified t-shirt that feels comfy but looks fancier than your old work t-shirt from four years ago. Amen!

2. DREAMERS BY DEBUT Exposed Seam Sweater sale $29.90 (Reg. $45)

This is an amazing and super flattering sweater! It is a fantastic length for those of us that do not love our stomach. I do not like anything that hits above the hip area. For me and my figure I think this length hides a multitude of sins. The fact that this sweater is thin ( all the Southern girls cheered) did not add any BULK to my mid section which is important when you are not a super skinny chic (ME) ! Also very important for us petite girls of ALL sizes because it will make you look dumpy (ALSO ME) :/ Trust me I know! I have traditionally steered to grey, beige, black, brown but LK and I agreed I would make a conscious effort to incorporate some color. Our stylist Jessica agreed. So this dusty rose is a fantastic way to add color without looking like you are dressing too young I feel. Plus if you have been paying any attention whatsoever this rose hue is everywhere!! The racks at Nordstrom confirmed this is surely to be HOT fall “it” color. This also comes in a beautiful ivory that I had to fight the urge to snatch. I think this is a wise purchase because you can wear this to work with slacks or casually. I can see about 75 different ways to style this.

3. STS Blue Emma Ripped Fray Hem Skinny Jeans Sale $38.90 (Reg $59)

I paired with these black jeans STS jeans and the black BP mule. I love the look of the black ripped jeans and the dusty rose. Keeping the shoe the same color made me look longer for sure which is a massive WIN when you are 5’2. I tried on a TON of jeans at the sale from $38 to over $100. I HONESTLY liked these better than any expensive jeans I tried. I am really into the raw hem and the hole-y accents right now and so is everyone else. Jessica, LK, and I conferenced on the age at which it is inappropriate to wear this look and we all determined I still have quite awhile so ladies air out those knees!!! I think the holes on these are just enough to give you a young, hip flair without being over the top. Raw hems are literally everywhere but if that is not your thing or you change your minds in a year then it’s easy peasy to hem that part off. These jeans are FOR-GIV-ING (!!!!) in the tummy area and hold everything in. Sweet Jessica brought me SO many that would be fantastic on a pre-mom bod but if it did not flatter the tummy area it did not make the cut. HALLELUJAH!

4. Caslon Varsity Stripe Tee Sale $24.90 ( Reg $39)

If you have followed me at all you know I am a HUGE fan of comfy t-shirt type blouses that feel good AND look more stylish than your average t-shirt. It’s all fine and good to have extremely nice and dressy clothes for date night, special occasions, ect but how many REAL moms wear that on a daily basis ??? UM not me! I need stuff I can wear to run to the grocery store, school, dentist appointments, extracurricular activites and so on. I want to be comfortable but also not look like I just rolled out of the bed and ran out the door. I probably did but I don’t have to look that way! This CASLON shirt fits the bill AND doesn’t break the bank. #WINNING. This shirt is thin but does NOT feel remotely cheap. Caslon=quality and one of my fav affordable nordie brands. This comes in a TON of cute other colors (red, grey, & black) but I went for the white/crimson so that I would have a lot of options to mix/match with various scarves and vests that I already own. I picked it up in a medium because I liked the slouchy oversized fit. I would say it runs larger so consider that when sizing. I plan to pair with black & blue jeans as well as yoga style pants.

I also like the free people bralet underneath (insert MORE comfy). This bralet is NOT part of the sale but I have been wearing. it. out. Like all the time seriously. I was really on the fence because it seemed like a lot to me for what it was but it was seriously one of my absolute favorite purchases of the summer. The idea of a bralet is a new concept for me and again something I wondered if I was too old for. The feedback I have gotten all points back to no. This little bralet really elevates any little basic t-shirt or tank and gives it a more thoughtful, put together look. Trying it on with all of these outfits illustrates to me a bralet does not have to be a

5. Caslon Dolman Sleeve Sweater Sale $39.90 ( Reg. $59)

I picked up quite a few sweaters as we were sorting through the racks. Several of them felt really heavy to me or just did not “feel good”. LK really wanted me to try on this one and I skeptically agreed. If I had to pick a favorite of the sweaters I purchased this would probably be it. The material feels SO soft and I have determined I must be a textural person because things have to feel good for me to buy them. The sweater has enough weight that it lays well on the body but does not add bulk! It is still thin enough that it does not make you feel hot but thick enough you won’t have to have a tank under if you don’t want to. I grabbed the medium and the fit was the right amount of roomy without being baggy. I debated a large to get the oversized look that is very popular. I think both work and look good so just a preference. This sweater comes in some amazing jewel tones that really stood out to me. I initially gravitated towards to navy but the professional stylist and the sister stylist both insisted I give the rose a try. I probably would never have picked up the rose without that input. See the personal stylist is LIFE. I hate to admit it but they were right! I ended up snagging the rose and was SO shocked how much I loved it. It really popped with the dark jeans and I can’t wait to wear it with the black STS jeans mentioned above. Also think it will look fantastic with blue hole-y denim too. We are headed to Navarre at the end of the month and I am going to take this for the cool beach nights to wear with white shorts and jeans.

6. Caslon Dolman Sleeve Sweater Sale $39.90 ( Reg. $59)

This is the same exact sweater but in the navy that I LOVE!!! I haven’t snagged the navy yet but I am contemplating grabbing it online before the price goes up because I loved the rose one so much!  I paired it with dark denim, the FP bralet, layered bp necklace, and the grey bp mules. I really like this particular combo because it made me feel long and lean- and I am definitely not either of those ha ha.

7. Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee sale $17.90 (Reg $25)

I am a HUGE FAN of basics! Shirts like these are so versatile! I think these CASLON shirts are cute enough to work alone and still perfect for layering with oxfords, cardigans, or sweaters. I have several of these CASLON t-shirts both long and short sleeved in several patterns and colors. I grabbed a white medium because I like the blousy fit but you could definitely size down from your normal size if you like a more fitted look. If you are trying to choose just color I always grab white first because every closet should have a great looking, crisp white tee. The ones I got last year have been worn and worn and so I knew these would be a must on my list for the sale this year. I especially like the addition of the bralet and I have been wearing the ones I already own with the bralet ever since I got it a few weeks ago. I think between the bralet and the layered necklaces it really dresses up a simple staple into something still casual but polished. I wear t-shirts all summer with white and blue denim shorts and as I am sure you might have guessed…. YOGA PANTS ;). I also REALLY love them with white jeans (holes optional) and jack rodgers sandals and that is a got to beach outfit for me. If you are looking for some very affordable basics that will carry you from summer to fall/winter and then back to spring these tees are definitely what you need at under $18 bucks.

8. Caslon Rounded V-Neck Tee sale $17.90 (Reg $25)

I loved the shirt above so much, I snagged it in grey and black! At that price you just can’t beat it. I still am still contemplating ordering the beautiful blue one. There is also a super cute white and yellow striped one that is adorbs as well!!! You will definitely not regret these shirts and I can promise they will be on constant repeat all year long.

9. Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Skinny Jeans Sale $44.90 ( Reg $68)

These are the black skinny jeans in the outfit above and they are amaze balls!! Seriously I am NOT kidding. I tried on some very expensive jeans and some very inexpensive jeans and these were my fav not only because they were reasonable, and because I love this brand but because the fit is perfection. I loved them so much I bought every color I could find. These come in petite and regular. If you are pint sized like me then you know the struggle of getting the right fit in pants- especially jeans!! I tried the regular version of this jean to see how it would work for me in comparison and I had to go up a size in the regular but my normal size fit in the petite version. Having the correct length in a jean, much less a skinny ankle jean, really does make the difference and these hit me (5’2) in a perfect place right above the ankle. I am pretty sure these jeans were made for moms or anyone that the belly is a problem area. Their jeans have a built in band that you would never know was there that REALLY holds everything in. These jeans feel more like yoga pants when you have them on than blue jeans. This brand has incredible reviews and not without very good reason. I bought a pair of dark bootcut wit & wisdom jeans last year at full price and they are still my go to jeans! If you had to pick one pair of jeans from this sale then this would be my pick!

10. BLANKNYC Meant to Be Moto Jacket with Removable Hood Sale $64.90 ( Reg. $98)

This moto jacket is my favorite jacket from the sale and if you have to narrow your purchase down to one single item then I suggest this jacket hands down! LK and I looked at a TON of jackets in this sale and we especially looked at a ton of moto jackets because that seemed to be a hot item. Their were several moto jackets from the sale that were $199 from more well recognized designers but in my opinion this was the most expensive and best fitting one, PLUS it was the most reasonable one!! Double win!!!! I ended up with a medium and it was a DYNAMITE FIT! To me it fit like a $500 jacket. At that price point I could NOT turn it down. I think it is still VERY age appropriate and would look fantastic over a dress, skirt, or pretty much anything you can think of. I feel like I can put this over any old, tired shirt or pants I already have and throw on some heels and this jacket will make it an instantly awesome outfit. We decided to permanently lose the hood pictured for good but you could certainly use the hood to rock a more casual look I think ( think vans or converse) for a daytime outfit.  Simply change the shoes, add some earrings,  and you have a daytime to nighttime look easy peasy.

We styled this jacket with this white CASLON tee from above, the wit and wisdom ab-solution skinny regular length jeans, bp layered necklaces ( not in sale but still super cheap) and the bp mules. But again, the possibilities of this jacket are seriously ENDLESS!

11. BP. Textured Stitch V-Neck Pullover Sale $25.90 (Reg. $39)

This was another light sweater that I loved so much I wanted to buy it in multiple colors!! I LOVED the dusty rose pink version!! I went back and forth on whether to get both but ultimately held off since I already had several pink items. I think I still may order the pink online though 😉 This material is the perfect weight because it is substantial but not too heavy or thick. It is the perfect top to wear under a jacket because it would layer well since it’s not very thick. I picked up the grey in a medium and loved the fit especially with the bralet. I think you could definitely get away with a large if you wanted a more oversized feel which is SO on trend but I felt like this fit on me was very flattering especially over my problem areas. I paired it with the black wit and wisdom jeans  from above in petite but this would look fantastic with any jean combo including dark or light wash, hole-y jeans, white jeans, or with a skirt or dress. I also liked this sweater with these Halogen mules that are also below. This sweater was a winner for the fit, the price, and the versatile nature.

12. Vince Camuto Smocked Neck Blouse Sale $59.90 ( Reg. $89)

Vince Camuto is a brand that I adore but I often wait until there is a deal before I snag it. That is the great thing about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is that you don’t have to wait until AFTER the season to shop guilt free!! My dream come true. When I looked in the catalog a few weeks ago this top definitely made my list of things to try but I was not sure I would like it on. I knew for $59 and change it would really have to wow me. Challenge accepted. This top is worth every penny and I would pay $89 if necessary too. While I did not have the perfect undergarments for this type of material ( i.e. no bralet on this one girls) you get the general idea. This material is thin, flowy, and skims right over you in a very flattering way.While I see major holiday, Christmas party, and Christmas card potential here I also think it’s a great anytime shirt. It will work with a skirt very well for work or a more dressy occassion, or jeans for a more casual look! I can’t wait to try it with leather pants because I think that will be look chic. While LK is not typically a turtle neck fan she said this was a MUST! I also loved the detail at the wrists. I like the way it paired with the black wit and wisdom jeans and the black bp mules both from this sale.

13. BP Lace Trim Satin Camisole Sale $22 (Reg $35)

This BP silk-like lace camisole is one of my favorite finds from the sale. At $22, it is SURE to be one of the hottest items from the sale and I predict it will sell out at some point. It is being offered in several really pretty colors such as the one I chose, the green, and also a very pretty melon pink! I believe there is a black as well and I predict that they will restock before the public sell opens. This green colors is one of my favorite colors and especially for fall and winter. Think Thanksgiving, Christmas card pics, and holiday parties!! I am also all about items that can be worn in lots of different ways. I think this affordable tank epitomizes multi-functional fashion. I can see this top under a blazer, with a skirt, under a sweater or cardigan, or with jeans for date night. This can be a key transitional piece from summer right into fall when it is still pretty warm especially in South Georgia! In reality I would probably wear a strapless bra but I had to make the bralet work for dressing room purposes. Personally, I would probably wear something over my arms too but I wanted ya’ll to see the tank in it’s entirety. My plan is to pair this with the leather moto jacket above, jeans, and some stilettos 😉

14. Nordstrom Lingerie Dolman Sleeve Nightshirt Sale $25.90 ( Reg. $39)

Yes friend, you read that title right. This little gem is in fact a nightshirt ?!?! I know right! Well it’s true! AND under $26 bucks 🙂 We found it in the lingerie section along with lots of other items that definetely can be used for purposes other than sleepwear. LK joked that this is a look that LITERALLY takes you from night to day lol.  It seemed a little too good to true but we thought we would give it a try and my mind was blown when it looked so good this way. I think this particular little getup turned out to be the best surprise of the day!!! This “dress” is offered in grey, black, pink, and red so several options. I bought the grey in a medium. For reference I usually wear an 8 in dresses but occasionally a 10. I though the 8 was perfect! The BP mules looked super cute with this dress for the summer and could carry you right into the fall. I think this would also look super cute with flat or high heeled boots or even booties. You could also layer with a scarf or a long cardigan to bring the dress into winter. I also think  this could be a SUPER cute and inexpensive bathing suit coverup. I will 100% be taking this dress with us in a few weeks to Navarre Beach!!!

Shoes

1. Halogen Violet Mule Sale $64.90 ( Reg. $99.95)

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. My favorite shoe purchase from last years sale was some nude Halogen leather slides. I wore and wore those shoes. I got so many compliments on these shoes and they matched everything. Halogen has done it again with these gorgeous black suede mules. I think these are shoes that will go with so many oufits. They also made these mules in a pretty rust color that is killer. I picked these up in a 6 1/2 which is true to size and I anticipate these will also be a hot item from the sale.

2. Steve Madden Trace Studded Mule Sale $49.90 ( Reg $79.95)

If you are trying to narrow down one shoe to purchase from this sale I think these would be my number one for several reasons. They are affordable, they are flats ( i.e. practical), and they will go with anything!! The snake skin pattern is gorgeous but will likely sell out FAST! I saw the mustard and the black in the store and both of those are really pretty too ! I am just such a fan of animal print period ( fake obviously which is fine with me). It just looks so rich and luxurious. Within around an hour of the store opening on the first day of  pre-sale my size was gone :/ Fortunately they ordered me a pair and I should have them shortly. These ( 6 ) were a touch too small but I would say these run TTS.

3. BP Tonya Open Toe Mule Sale $49.90 ( Reg. $79.95)

I drool! Oh. M. G. This is a surprisingly sexy shoe. When I put it on with the black STS jeans myself, LK, and Jessica ( Amazing Nsale stylist) were all in shock I think. I was not expecting a less than $50 shoe to blow me away but it did. I originally asked for the shoe in a grey/mushroom color and black. After LK saw it she really like them but I had gotten the only 6 1/2. So she went with the grey and I the black! I still might order the grey 😉 I would say you can not go wrong with either. I kept telling Jessica I could not get over how it felt like a very expensive shoe. Get it if you can. Period!  You are welcome!

4. Chuck Taylor ‘Shoreline’ Sneaker Sale $42.90 ( Reg $65)

These were a last minute purchase but boy am I glad I did!! My shorelines that I about wore slap out last year were looking pitiful!! I saw these in the store the first morning of the sale but then I thought about how I already had a pair in a very similar color. But later that night as I was re-reviewing the sale online from my house I could not stop thinking about these shoes. And so I did a bad thing and pulled the trigger 😉 I decided on ivory but they also had a beautiful rose gold that was really pretty!! Pink seemed to be everywhere at Nordstrom so I think it will be hot this fall too. You can not go wrong with any shoreline and I promise it will be one of your favorite shoes ever. These seem somewhat dressier than mine by a smidge so I am excited!!

Beauty & Accessories

1. beautyblender blend.cleanse.carry Set Sale $35 ( Reg. $60)

My sister LK is a certified make up guru. Like for real! She is always telling me brands to try and dupes ect. We love to talk makeup! While I don’t always speak the language as fluently as she does, she certainly keeps me up to speed. Anyways as we browsed the beauty sale section this kit was the first thing to catch her eye. She said if we don’t  buy anything else we are definitely getting this. We will take two I told the stylist 🙂 I can not wait to give this a whirl but LK says the sponges alone are normally $20 each and worth every cent. She has never led me astray with makeup before! You also get a carrier and a cleanser for the sponges to extend the life and  prevent bacteria. I seriously needed the sponge case because I am tired of my sponge getting makeup on my pretty cosmetic bag!!!

2. NARS Undressed Liquid Lip Set I Sale $49 ( Reg $104)

This lip quad is another no brainer! These NARS lip colors are normally $26 each! You get two Velvet Lip Glide and two Powermatte Lip Pigment which is a long wear product ( MOM WIN). They offered this kit for the sale in a pink family and a nude family. I opted for the nude because I just feel nude lips are everywhere right now and work for almost every skin color. I prefer an everyday type color for my lip as opposed to something really dramatic. I can’t wait to see how well these hold up to a long work day. I hear amazing things about NARS and I figure at this price you just really can’t pass it up!

3. kate spade one in a million initial pendant necklace Sale $31 ( Reg $48)

I have really been into the layered necklace look lately. I keep seeing it everywhere and so now I am getting in on the action. I loved how dainty this this necklace was and I thought it would be a great way to further build a layered necklace look with existing pieces for not a lot of money. This would be a great starter piece to get that look or add to existing chains. I went with the initial of my last name but it would be cool to do one for each child or your husbands name. This also would make a fantastic Christmas or birthday gift for someone special in your life that will not break the bank. It looks like it cost a lot more than $31 and the green/gold/white packaging is super cute too.

4. BP Plate & Disc Layered Necklace  $19

This necklace is NOT part of the sale! But if you have looked at these pics then you have noticed I have it on in every pic. I am obsessed. I got it about a month ago, as well as the bralet, and have worn this necklace ( and bralet) *almost* daily. I love being able to put on one necklace but yet have the layered look! And I am crazy for the price point even if it’s not technically in this sale- it is still Nordy’s AND fabulous. Don’t be surprised if you see me wear this necklace with the kate spade one above all. summer. long.

I can not tell you how much I truly enjoyed this years sale. It is SUCH a great excuse to plan a fun girls day and go check out some awesome deals with some of your family or favorite gals. We originally planned to have a nice leisurely lunch at the in store restaurant but we got so carried away we ran out of time and had to get back to relieve our awesome babysitter. However, I recommend you investigate this option and treat yourself to a LOOOOOOONG, kid free, and lazy lunch! Sometimes it’s something as small as a girls day that really helps you hit the reset button and recharge your energy. If you hit the sale, whether in store or online, please drop me a note and let me know what you picked up! I would love to hear all about what YOU are loving. You can also find more looks I bought from the sale here.