Jul 11, 2019

Sugarplum First Picks | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Oh happy day!!! The wait is finally over…this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is LIVE! Granted just a few can shop the Early Access Sale items today (Icon and Ambassador level cardholders), but we can all start our wish lists!

True, it’s a little crazy to think about Fall clothes in the middle of a piping-hot Summer, but here’s the deal…this is not an end-of-season sale! It’s all the cute, NEW stuff coming out next season, but marked down for a short time! Once the Anniversary Sale is over, the prices will go back up (assuming they aren’t sold out).

I tend to look for closet staples and quality pieces that will be the foundation of my wardrobe for years to come. I had the chance to shop my local store earlier this week, plus the Nordstrom team sent me several of my top picks, so I’ve seen a lot of what’s available, and I’m here to tell you it’s good!

The NSale can be a little overwhelming (#understatment), so hopefully today’s post is useful in helping you navigate and prepare.

Sugarplum Shopping Tip: If you’re not an Icon or Ambassador member able to shop today, you can use today’s post as a lookbook to save your favorites for when your shopping day arrives! If my post has been helpful and you’d like to ensure I receive credit, simply click HERE before checking out in the same browser window it opens. I appreciate y’all so much!

EVERYDAY STAPLES FROM THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

The first thing I do is replace worn items that I’ve come to love and rely on throughout the year…jeans, boots, undies, bras, basic tees, workout wear & sneakers, and of course…I always cross my fingers for Barefoot Dreams products. And HOLLA, because this year has several cardigans, blankets, and my favorite cozy socks!

BAREFOOT DREAMS

My favorite cardigan styles include:

The original waterfall, that’s longer in the front with a drapey fit

The shorter circle cardigan with shawl collar and pockets, and the newest addition, a longer cardigan with pockets (like last year’s, minus the hood!). There’s a fourth style here, but I don’t care for the thicker material.

They all feel like heaven and it’s the first thing I reach for the second I get home every.single.day. I’ve gifted them to both our moms, and any pregnant friends. It’s just the softest, coziest thing you’ll ever own…and rarely (if ever) goes on sale! It’s cute enough to wear with jeans, but I get so protective of mine, it rarely leaves the house. I add a new one every year, which may sound excessive, but wait until you feel it for yourself! It will sell out at this price, so get it now, and thank me later.

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing an XS/S.

BASIC TEE

This scoop neck tee has been a favorite for years (in fact, I styled an entire 5 Ways seriesaround it!), so I’m definitely stocking up on more colors, and a fresh new white one! This updated version is a little a few inches longer, and while the white is a touch sheer, it works perfectly with a nude bra. (The other colors are fine.) It’s also perfect for layering under cardigans in the fall.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but size up one if you prefer a looser sleeve.

Scoopneck Tee | Jeans | Wedge Boots

NATORI BRA & UNDIES

Next in my stock-up is always bras and undies…and these are my hands-down faves year-round, and so excited they’re both included in the Sale!! They have legit changed my life…so comfy, no slipping or bunching, and no visible lines. Honestly, when I discovered these undies, I replaced every pair in my drawer with them.

Fit Tip: Bra is true to size for me, and I wear a small in the undies.

Bra | Undies

ZELLA WORKOUT WEAR

Next up, my workout wear takes a beating, so I every year I add a few new pieces during the NSale, and Zella is a go-to brand. I found several great leggings, tops and jackets I’ll share soon, but I was especially excited to find these new leggings with a phone pocket! They’re high-rise with good control (without being completely compression), and a cropped ankle length.

The tank is free-flowing and so light, and I love the deep scoop. I added this bra, too…great support, and a cute criss-cross back perfect for racerback styles. We’ll chat about these sneakers in a minute…but just know they’re on my short list. Oh, even the no-show socks I highly recommend are on sale!

Fit Tip: I’m an XS in the leggings, but always size up one in Zella tops and bras. I’m wearing Smalls. Size down half in the sneakers.

Scoop Tank | Criss Cross Running Bra | High-Waist Leggings | Sneakers

Mom loves the leggings, too, and added a super-soft pullover sweatshirt.

Fit Tip: She’s in small leggings, and sizes up one in Zella tops too, and is wearing a medium sweatshirt.

PAJAMAS

Everyone’s favorite pajama sets are on sale, in both the pant and shorts version. They are the softest, silky jersey knit, and so lightweight and stretchy. They wash and dry well, too.

Fit Tip: They run a little big, but I still prefer the fit of an XS

Striped Pajama Pant Set | Floral Pajama Shorts Set

Mom is partial to the pants sets, and owns just about every color they make!! They’re pretty much the only pajamas she wears. Paired with a Barefoot Dreams cardigan, obviously!

Fit Tip: She’s in XS pajamas and cardigan.

Striped Pajama Pant Set | Solid Pajama Set | Circle Cozy Cardian

MUST HAVE DENIM

Jeans are always a hot ticket item, and I love to grab a new pair or two for the upcoming season. I tried a ton, but couldn’t resist going back to my favorite brands…Kut from the Kloth and Wit and Wisdom. I’ll go into greater detail tomorrow, but here’s the basic scoop on my Must Have Denim.

one // Mid-rise with just a touch of distressing and fading, with a cropped ankle length and exposed hem. It’s true denim with just enough stretch to make them comfy. (I’m wearing a 2)

two // Lighter weight and super stretchy, this mid-rise pair has built-in tummy control!! Plus a dark rinse with no distressing. (I’m wearing a 2-petite for a cropped length with flats and booties)

three // These magical bootcuts add height and legginess to your frame, plus they’re crazy comfy! (I’m wearing a 2, but would need them hemmed.)

four // Same as #2, but in a deep, black rinse! Wear them as jeans or leggings.

Sidenote: Mama SP loved this pair of high-rise jeans, and wore them almost exclusively with everything we found!

PATAGONIA & NORTH FACE

Y’all know I love Patagonia pullovers and jackets, and they rarely go on sale…especially the popular styles. This zip-up is teddy bear soft, with a cozy, thick fleece. There are several Patagonia pieces for the whole family included in the Sale, plus a good selection of North Face.

Fit Tip: I size up one for roomier fit, I’m wearing a small.

Patagonia Fleece Jacket | High-Waist Leggings | Sneakers

Mama SP loves them for her morning walks, and causal weekends. I’ll share more on this North Face jacket tomorrow, but it’s a great medium weight jacket for all weather.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small jacket and mom a medium zip-up.

me: North Face Jacket | High-Waist Leggings | Sneakers
Mama SP: Patagonia Fleece Jacket | High-Waist Leggings | Sneakers

MUST HAVE SHOES

Then it’s on to shoes, starting with my favorite fall staple…boots! I tried every single flat, stacked, heeled, knee-high, and over-the-knee boot available in store, and this wedge bootie was the clear winner! It’s actually an updated style to a pair I’ve owned for years, so I know they’ll hold up longterm. (I wear booties with these no-show socks, also on sale.)

I found several great shoe styles I’ll share tomorrow, but first wanted to narrow it down to my top pick in each of the main categories.

Boot // The perfect blend of flat and heeled bootie, this wedge provides height without compromising comfort. The zipper makes it an easy on and off, and the waterproof suede stays clean. It comes in a ton of amazing colors (even leopard), but this taupe is the best neutral. True to size.

Casual Slip On // Part sneaker, part flat, part bootie…these slip-ons are incredibly versatile, insanely comfortable, and have a genius built-in wedge for added height!! The hightop version of this shoe has been around for awhile, but was never my favorite. I’m thrilled to have all the same great benefits, but in a stylish low-top! True to size.

Flat // My beloved leopard flats now come in this gorgeous snakeskin with a touch of edge. I’m not a fan of the typical gray-toned snakeskins, but this brown and black version wears like a subtle leopard! You’ll see them appear over and over in my Anniversary Sale coverage…they went with absolutely everything! But if snakeskin isn’t your jam, other colors are available. True to size.

Sneaker // I added Adidas to my running rotation last year, and haven’t looked back! This style is super comfortable and supportive for working out, but stylish and streamlined enough for running around town. Wear them with leggings or jeans, and I’m crazy for the gold stripes! Size down half.

Wedge Boot | Hidden Wedge Sneaker | Flat Loafer | Sneaker

MAMA SUGARPLUM’S SHOE PICKS

Shoes are Mama Sugarplum’s weakness, so she didn’t pare her top picks down quite as much! But she fell in love with each of these styles and recommends them all. Each comes in a bunch of other colors, as well.

As you can see, the wedge boot and hidden wedge sneaker made both our top lists! We also fell head-over-heels in love with this Ugg Slip-On Platform Sneaker!! Insanely comfortable and sturdy, with tons of cushion and insole, and comes in great colors. It’s pretty much neck-and-neck with the hidden wedge sneaker, so it’s just a matter of whether you like a little lift or not. (Size down half in the Ugg Sneaker)

Hidden Wedge Sneaker | Flat Slip On Sneaker

MY FAVORITE FINDS SURE TO SELL OUT FAST!

And finally, I turn my attention to all the fun new Fall finds. And wowza did I find a ton! In the interest of not overwhelming you, today I’m sharing my very favorites and the ones that came home with me!

Starting with this hooded cardigan, which sold out on the first day last year! It’s the same darling fit with ribbed sleeves, deep pockets and optional drawstring closure, and now available in fun new colors. It’s lightweight and soft, not scratchy or bulky. I especially love it for travel.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Hooded Cardigan | Scoopneck Tee | Pendant Necklace | Distressed Jeans | Wedge Boots

It’s hard to imagine crisp Fall mornings and cold Winter nights right now, but these next few pieces are exactly what I’ll reach for when those days come again!! This slouchy turtleneck is my favorite style of sweater…super soft, relaxed fit, amazing colors. I love the ribbed cuffs for staying put, and the longer length covers the bum. It has a touch of angora, which gives it a silky feel, but may bother some of you.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small for a relaxed fit.

Relaxed Turtleneck | Dark Skinny Jeans | Leopard Booties

I mean, hello….just look at the stripes, too!! I seriously want this sweater in every color! And it’s under $50!

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing a small.

on me: Relaxed Turtleneck | Dark Rinse Ankle Jeans | Heeled Booties
Mama SP: Relaxed Turtleneck | High-Rise Jeans | Wedge Booties

A similar sweater, but this one a little less relaxed, and without the angora. It’s stretchy and cashmere soft, but without the cashmere price tag. A gorgeous, comfy sweater for dressing up or down, and comes in several amazing solids, too.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small, but only because I prefer my sweaters to fit loose.

Striped Turtleneck Sweater | Dark Rinse Ankle Jeans | Snakeskin Flats

The same great material, but in a shorter, crewneck style! This medium-weight sweater is perfect for jeans, skirts, and trousers, and would be super cute layered over a collared shirt. Of course I’m a sucker for the black and white stripes, but it also comes in bright stripes and solids.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a small.

Crewneck Sweater | Dark Rinse Ankle Jeans | Snakeskin Flats

So cute, right?! And they feel incredible…so soft, and not at all scratchy! And both under $50!

Fit Tip: We’re both wearing small

on me: Striped Turtleneck Sweater | Dark Rinse Ankle Jeans | Snakeskin Flats
Mama SP: Crewneck Sweater | Ankle Jeans | Loafers

Of course I had to throw another cardigan in, and this one had me at colorblock! The popular Madewell Ryder sweater, this year available in fun stripes and solids. I love the longer length, soft feel, and flap pockets.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but it’s oversized so considering sizing down one.

There are so many coats and jackets in this year’s Sale, but I had all the heart eyes for this quilted cutie. With a fit and style similar to that of a military jacket, it gives a touch of edge to outfits, but the medium weight and lining provide actual warmth, too. It also comes in the cutest blush pink. Oh yeah, and it’s under $60!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS

Quilted Jacket | Distressed Jeans | Slip On Sneaker

How cute is the collar, too? Mom’s wearing a small.

on me: Quilted Jacket | Distressed Jeans | Slip On Sneaker
Mama SP: Quilted Jacket | Dark Jeans | Converse Sneakers

Hello, classy date night! This top is the perfect office to night out top, so chic with trousers or denim. I love the little flutter sleeve and collar, and the lace overlay is sturdy. Layer it under blazers this fall, or wear alone now. Add statement earrings and you’ve even got a great holiday top.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS top and size 2 jeans.

Belted Lace Top | Bootcut Jeans | Leopard Boots

J.Crew has a few fun surprises in the Sale (I see you, leopard bomber!)…including one of my closet staples, the Tippi Sweater! A lightweight merino wool, this sweater is perfect for layering over shirts and under jackets, and is a go-to for Spring and Fall. The Sale includes this fun camo, bright stripes with a button detail on the shoulder, and even leopard! I wear them with everything from skirts to trousers to jeans.

Fit Tip: I size up to a small for more relaxed fit.

And last, but not least, my go-to cocktail/wedding/black tie/everything fancy dress is included in the Sale!! For under $60, I had to add a new color, and this lilac had me swooning. It has adjustable straps, sturdy lace overlay, and a fitted top…it’s equal parts sweet and sassy.

Fit Tip: Runs small, size up one. Size up two if you’re busty.

Lace Midi Dress | Perfect Nude Pump

Okay, those are my top Nordstrom Early Access picks from what I’ve seen so far (I won’t recommend anything I haven’t seen in person yet!), but there is still so much goodness to come! Beauty has a ton of great deals, including the miracle eyelash growth serum NeuLash, a great Oribe Hair set, and even this micro needler!

If you like to get a jump on your Christmas shopping, go ahead and stock up on these amazing throws while they’re only $25!! Mom and I both have them all over the house, and they feel as luxurious after 50 washes as the day we got them.

Come back tomorrow for a huge Dressing Room Diaries with lots more with Mama Sugarplum. Are you shopping today, tomorrow, or next week? What is at the top of your list? I’d love to hear what you’re finding and loving! Find the entire Nordstrom Anniversary Sale HERE!

And don’t forget you can utilize Nordstrom’s Wish List for saving favorites! Happy shopping, lovebugs!

Dressing Room Diaries