Sugarplum First Picks | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s almost the weekend, the sun is shining, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Pre-Sale is LIVE…it’s like Christmas morning and my birthday all rolled in to one!! I’ve been stalking the catalog for weeks, drooling over all the new Fall goodies, and counting down the days until some of them could be mine.

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 temporarily marked-down! 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 yesterday (!!!), and have already found some amazing pieces I know will be Fall favorites.

The NSale can be a little overwhelming (#understatment), so today’s post will walk you through my process for initial shopping, plus share the items I think will sell out first.

Everyday Staples from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The first thing I do is stock-up on items that I’ve come to love and rely on throughout the year, and need replacing…jeans, booties, undies, bras, basic tees, workout wear & sneakers, and of course…I always cross my fingers that a Barefoot Dreams cardigan will be included. And HOLLA because three styles are actually included this year!

I’ll go into more detail on many of these items in tomorrow’s Dressing Room Diaries (with Mama Sugarplum!), but here’s the rundown on Barefoot Dreams…the first is the newest style, thick and cozy with deep pockets and a mid-thigh length. It’s warm and quite a bit bulkier than the Barefoot Dreams cardigans we’ve loved for years.

The other two are my go-to styles from year’s past…the Circle Cardigan is shorter with a shawl collar and pockets, and the Hooded Cardigan a longer length with pockets (and hood, obviously). Both feel like heaven and the first thing I reach for the second I get home every.single.day. Seriously, I put it on the second I get home, and never take it off unless I’m leaving the house.

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 never leaves the house. I already own two hooded cardis, and just added a second circle cardi…that 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: I’m wearing an XS/S.

So happy to see it included in the Sale!

Hooded Cardigan | Leather Bootie

This scoop neck tee has been my favorite for years (in fact, I styled an entire 5 Ways series around it!), so I’m definitely stocking up on more colors, and a fresh new white one! This updated version is a little thicker and a few inches longer.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Scoop Tee | Jeans | Booties | Earrings | Watch

They even added stripes!

Fit Tip: Mama Sugarplum wears a small (she has a fuller bust than me).

Cardigans are always high on my list for Fall, but just as important is the perfect stripe for layering! I found it in this tee, which is super lightweight (but not sheer), and thin enough for layering without bulk. It’s got a great scoop neck, and comes in both long and short sleeve. I grabbed one of each.

Fit Tip: They are fitted for layering, so size up if you like a more relaxed fit. I’m in an XS.

Striped Long Sleeve Tee | Striped Short Sleeve Tee | Distressed Jeans | Booties

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!! Both 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 (I have some junk in my trunk).

Bra | Undies

Next up, my workout wear takes a beating, so I every year I add a few new pieces during the NSale, and Zella is my go-to brand. I found several great leggings, tops and jackets I’ll share soon, but these basic crops and sports bra are what I grabbed first.

Fit Tip: I’m an XS in the leggings, but size up in tops and bras.

Sports Bra | Cropped Legging | Sneaker

Jeans are always a hot ticket item, and I love to grab a new pair or two for the upcoming season. There are still a few I want to try, but these were my faves from the day (and goodness knows I tried a ton!). Again, I’ll go into greater detail soon, but these three were all super-soft, extra-stretchy, and flattering mid or high rise. And all well under $100! The middle pair has an exposed hem, but that’s the extend of the distressing.

If I had to name a fave right now, I’d say the third pair.

Mid-Rise with Absolution Control | High Rise Raw Hem | Mid Rise (size down one!) | Sandal

If you prefer a little distressing, these are my favorite two so far.

Mid-Rise Raw Hem | Distressed Ankle Skinny | Sandal

Then it’s on to shoes, where I always grab a flat bootie. I think I tried virtually every pair on display, and while I found a bunch of really great options, these are my Number 1 picks so far! The top pair was a surprise as I’ve never owned this brand of shoes before, but I’m obsessed! The color is neutral-perfection, the block heel extremely comfy, and just enough details to make them fun, but still chic. I found them true to size, and scooped up the wheat color. (I wear booties with these no-show socks, also on sale.)

The bottom ones I knew I’d love because it’s my go-to boot brand. The side details are so fun, and I like the fresh gray color. I sized down half in these.

Ankle Bootie | Moto Bootie

Wish List Items

Once my staples are secure, I move on to the more luxury items that have been on my wish list for awhile. Things I really love, but don’t love paying full price. I’ve been wearing the same Kate Spade watch for over four-years, so a new watch has been on my list for awhile. I narrowed my faves down to these two, but couldn’t resist the chance to own a Michele watch for under $300…so the white one came home with me! #swoon

White Deco Sport Michele Watch | Two-Tone Tory Burch Watch

With all our travel, I’ve learned the importance of good outdoor apparel, and it’s hard to beat these jackets and vests (both included in the Sale)! I needed a lightweight rain jacket/windbreaker for easy packing, and this one on sale was a no-brainer. The hidden hood is available when you need it, but tucks away for a streamlined look. When it comes to colder weather, I swear by this one, also on sale!

Fit Tip: I size up in these sort of jackets, and wear a small.

All Weather Jacket | Striped Tee | White Jeans | Sneakers

I’ve also been dying to try at-home micro-needling, so I grabbed this set while it’s on sale. I’ve heard such great things about it, and can’t wait to try it for myself. Oh, and even NeuLash Serum is on sale, so I grabbed this set. It is absolutely the miracle growth serum it claims to be. People ask me every day if I have lash extensions! (I don’t.) It’s pricey, but I’ve had the same tube for 8 months!

Fun Pieces 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 just the pieces I believe will sell out first…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.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS.

Hooded Cardigan | Raw Hem Jeans | Booties | Scoop Tee

Here’s the gray from last year…I love it worn open and closed.

Hooded Cardigan | Scoop Tee | Bootie

Mama Sugarplum is a fan, too, and she’s wearing a small.

Hooded Cardigan | Striped Tee | Jeans | Similar Booties

This moto jacket is an amazing thick faux-leather with gorgeous gold hardware (but not that brash gold that can look cheap), a great cropped length. And to make it even more fun, there’s a detachable hood in a thick sweatshirt material! It’s a steal at under $65 and will likely sell out today.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but if you’re in-between, or like to layer bulkier sweaters, size up.

Another great cardigan, this one super lightweight and soft, and great for layering over tees and tanks. It comes in a slew of colors and is an amazing price point. If you prefer chunkier long cardigans, I love this one and this one. I have to point out the necklace too…I love the little dose of color, and the chain adjusts from pendant to choker! I’m wearing it at the mid-way point in this pic.

Fit Tip: Sweater runs large, so size down. I’m in an XXS.

I shopped my local Nordstrom before it was even open, and this top was already sold out in XS and S before I made it over! The top is smocked, with a subtle ruffle trim at the neck and shoulder, and sweet buttons on the back. It’s a great wear now and later piece, and perfect for work or weekends.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a medium, but will be ordering my usual XS.

Smocked Floral Top | White Jeans | Sandal | Watch | Hoop Earrings

This tunic is one that could easily get overlooked, but was definitely in my top 5 finds of the day! It’s a jersey knit sweater, thick enough to wear alone, but also so cute layered over a long-sleeve tee (I’ll show you soon!). The material is soft and stretchy, with a relaxed cowlneck and sleeve.

Fit Tip: It’s true to size, I’m wearing XS.

This sweater was just too fun not to share now! It’s a sturdy thick, but still soft and stretchy material, and good hip length for tucking in or wearing out. And as if the ruffled shoulders weren’t fun enough, the sleeves are actually detachable giving it two completely different looks in one! The sleeves are attached with a hidden zipper.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but I’d recommend sizing down for a closer fit.

Detachable Sleeve Sweater | White Jeans | Peep Toe Booties | Earrings | Leopard Clutch (includes a chain strap)

It wouldn’t be Fall without a good plaid scarf, and this was my fave of the day. Great shades of pink and plum, and rectangular shape for easy wearing. The boots are insanely comfortable with extra cushion and block heel, and fully weatherproof!! Your rainboots just got an upgrade!

Fit Tip: The boots are true to size.

So many more pieces I’m excited to share, but let’s end it with some darling pajama options…first up, this tee and shorts combo. They both come in several colors, and are insanely soft. I love the retro vibe of the shorts, and the fuzzy jersey material.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS tee, but sized up to a small for looser fit in the shorts.

Striped Tee | Jersey Shorts

I have more shoes to try out and share in the coming weeks, but wanted to leave you with my other non-boot favorites.

Old Skool Van Sneakers: My son has been raving about Vans for years, so I tried these as a Converse-alternative, and loved!! They are sturdier with more support, but still a streamlined, chic fit. And how darling is the gold stripe on canvas? I sized down half.

Leather Moccasins: Flats weren’t really on my radar, until I slipped on these loafers and literally melted! And who knew this brand made such a darling, flattering, non-slipper shoe?! These come in several fun colors and are an amazing price for the quality. True to size.

Adidas Sneaker: I adore the old-school feel, but they’re also really comfortable with lots of cushion and support. These will fly off the shelves at the sale price!

Patent Pump: For you working girls, you won’t find a better heel this season! I adore the updated shape of the block heel, and perfectly rounded toe. This soft blush is a great alternative to nude, and just as neutral. True to size and available in leopard here.

This is just a drop in the big ol’ Christmas in July bucket….there are tons more sale items available online for cardholders here. And for the non-cardholders, the sale goes live to the public next Friday.

Come back tomorrow for a huge Dressing Room Diaries with lots more (including non-Nordstrom things). Who’s shopping the pre-sale with me? What’d you get? I’d love to hear what you’re finding and loving! Happy shopping, lovebugs!