What’s Worth Buying From The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open for public access and my orders have come in, so I’ve decided what I’m keeping and returning and I’d love to share with y’all the pieces I believe are worth investing in.

This sale can be overwhelming as there is a lot to choose from – that’s why I like to shop the sale, experience the items for myself and whittle it down to a list of “must haves” (not that you need anything from this post, but you know what I mean) and “nice to haves.” I could link tons and tons of items that are cute, but at the end of the day, I want to share what I’m actually bringing into my closet. Having said that, I will still share some “nice to haves” because they’re items I love, but I may already have a cardigan that color/style and don’t need another.

For sizing reference, I am 5’10 tall, usually wear a size 4 pant/jean (27) and a size small or XS top, depending on the style and brand. I’m finding a lot of the sweaters and jackets to have a roomier fit, so I will note whether an item is TTS (true to size) or whether to size up or down for each item.

THE “MUST-HAVES”: MOST-LOVED ITEMS FROM THE SALE/YOU WILL 100% NOT REGRET PURCHASING THESE ITEMS

ALO LEGGINGS (size small/TTS)
Of everything in this sale, these leggings took me by surprise the most – but, should they come back in stock in this color, they’re also my most recommended purchase if you’re in the market for some new leggings and feel like splurging. They are buttery soft and they smooth out your legs and body amazingly. Sometimes lighter colors like this are not flattering – but these magically lift and smooth the body out and are the perfect high-waisted style. I truly wish I didn’t love these because they are just under $80 (down from $114) and that is a lot for leggings (especially since I love the $25 amazon ones so much).They do have them in another color and the brand has two other styles part of the sale here and here.
TOPSHOP LOUNGEWEAR SET (size small/TTS)
I cannot stop talking about or wearing this lounge wear set (top linked here). Sorry if it’s annoying, but when something is this soft, comfy and overall amazing, you want everyone to experience it. I was not even planning to buy pajamas this year since J.Crew didn’t have any in the sale (major bummer), but these made up for them because I wear these around the house all weekend. Sorry, family, it’s just these from here on out. Hope you like blue!
PAIGE JEANS (size 27/TTS)
I love the fit, color and raw hem/destruction details on these jeans. They’re so good, that even though I technically don’t need another pair of jeans, I couldn’t bare the thought of sending these back. They’re incredibly flattering and I wanted a higher-waisted style in this color.
WACOAL WIRELESS BRA
I’m literally wearing this bra as I type this post. It is truly the most comfortable bra I own and I get a little sad when it’s in the wash. Truly, I should just purchase a second one and never wear my other bras again. I love the shape it gives and that it’s wireless but still supportive. It’s the only “real bra” I look forward to wearing.

HALOGEN BRA (size medium/TTS)
Speaking of bras, I cannot even adequately sing the praises of this bra enough. It’s SO comfy, has the cutest scoop back and comes with removable pads, all for under $16. My favorite color is pink misty, followed by black. This, IMO is a must-have, especially for the price. I also own, adore and highly recommend the True & Co. bras (I wear a medium in both brands).
SQUARE NECK TOP (size small/TTS)
I’m crossing my fingers for a restock on this beautiful top because it’s so versatile and the square neckline is incredibly flattering. It’s made from a stretchy/lightweight sweater material and works well with high-waisted jeans and skirts. I love the idea of pairing it with slim high-waisted work pants and blazer – so chic!
BLANK NYC MOTO JACKET (size small)
I’ve had this jacket for a few years now and it adds such a “cool” element to any outfit. Great for when temps start to get cooler but not cold enough for a heavier/winter coat.LACE MIDI DRESS (wearing a medium, size up a size if you have a larger chest)
I have this dress in light blue and adore it – it’s such a good buy during this sale ($58.90 vs. $89). It is suitable for weddings or any special event!
PAVE EARRINGS
Literally wear these 350 days a year! The BEST style and quality, I cannot rave about them enough!MARBLE + WOOD CUTTING BOARD
To be honest,  I was not impressed with this year’s selection of home goods that are part of the sale. However, a wood + marble cutting board looks amazing in any kitchen – highly recommend getting one if you don’t already have one!

THE “NICE TO HAVES”: LOVE THESE ITEMS IF YOU NEED THEM/ARE MISSING THEM IN YOUR COLLECTION

LONG RIBBED CARDIGAN (size XS/size down a full size)
I love this cardigan – the length is perfect, it’s flattering on and feels really great in terms of quality. My color is sold out in every size, but the oatmeal is still available and I may actually exchange it for that color. I do love this heathered green color, but for some reason I feel I’d wear the oatmeal more often. This green is a fantastic neutral color, but I still feel I would wear the oatmeal with more outfits, so that’s the color I recommend ordering if you’re on the fence.
CASLON STRIPED CREW NECK TEE (size small/TTS)
I adore the color way of this top. It’s on sale for $18.90 and comes in many colors (including solids). It’s lightweight (but not sheer) and feels great on. I think it works for both work and weekend, depending on how you style it.
PLEATED LEOPARD DRESS (size 4/size down a size)
This dress is gorgeous. The leopard is beautiful, it’s a great length and the pleating is stunning. I wish I had ordered a 2 but it was sold out as soon as I logged into my account. I am going to have to return this because it’s a little big on me, but I am going to try to re-order in a 2 if there are restocks. This is GREAT for the office, looks amazing belted and would be so cute with a black blazer.
RAG. & BONE BLACK JEANS (size 27/TTS)
I love that these have a raw hem and are very flattering on! I took them home with me, but I plan to try them on again before making a final decision. I don’t wear black jeans that often, so I’m not sure it 100% makes sense to get another pair right now (I do have a pair of black AGs with some destruction details – but I loved that these are “clean”).
FREE PEOPLE TOP (size XS/size down a size)
So…this top is so sold out but I hope it comes back in stock! Overall a comfy, oversized long sleeve tee with a sweet button front detail and I wear these all fall and winter long…with jeans, leggings, etc. Free People tops are my weekend go-tos.

FAUX LEATHER MOTO JACKET (size 6 – needed a 2/4)
I don’t need another moto jacket (I have the Blank NYC one) however, I wanted to try this one on for y’all because the price point was so good ($62.90 down from $95). I think this is a great budget option and looks similar to the Blank NYC one. 
QUILTED JACKET (size XS, size down)
Of everything I tried on, this jacket surprised me the most (in a good way!) I LOVE how it looks on, it’s lined with the coziest material and I love the quilting/pockets. I did not purchase it because it will be a LONG time before I could enjoy it, but if you live in a climate where it gets cooler, sooner, I 100% recommend it.
WUBBY FLEECE PULLOVER (size XS/size down for closer fit or buy your true size to keep it looser!)
This pullover is $48.90 during the sale, down from $78. I did not purchase it because though it’s so cozy and comfy, I didn’t feel I’d get the wear out of it to justify it (I can’t wear it to work and don’t find myself wearing pullovers much on weekends). This is a very popular Nsale item, so I did try it on for those of you considering it. It’s very soft and feels like being wrapped in a cozy, fuzzy blanket. I don’t think its worth the full $78 price tag, so this sale is the only time I would consider purchasing it.
FLUFFY CARDIGAN (size small/TTS)
The standout feature of this cardigan is its fuzzy texture – I adore how soft and cozy it feels. I tried on the green (love it!) but opted to order the black online instead, as I thought I’d get more wear out of it and I don’t own a good black cardigan (I was also shocked to learn this, btw). I will report back when the black one arrives!

THE ONLY BEAUTY ITEMS I THINK ARE WORTH IT

There are great beauty buys in this year’s sale, but if I could only pick a handful of them, these are the ones I recommend/think you should prioritize. These are products I use daily, not just once in a while (other than the self-tanner), so I think you’ll get way more use out of them than a random eyeshadow palette or lip gloss set (those are fun too, but I’d rather invest in those everyday products).

TROPEZ SELF-TANNING MOUSSE
This bottle is huge and will probably last you two years. I didn’t even find it cheaper than this on Amazon Prime Day. This is hands down my favorite self-tanning product for even, perfect, natural-looking color. Make sure you use a mitt to apply it to avoid staining your hands and for an even, streak-free finish.

REVITALASH
I ordered the 2-pack that’s part of the sale because I’ve been out of it for months (I’ve been using NeuLash in the meantime, which I also love, but I prefer to alternate serums for best results). You cannot beat the price for a two-pack ($98) and I use lash serums year round, so for me, it’s worth it to buy the two tubes at a discount.

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING SPRAY SET
The humidity isn’t going away any time soon and this setting spray is KING at keeping makeup in place, no matter the weather, all day (and night!) long. I’ve been using it for years and it’s an item I continue to repurchase. This set comes with the travel size too, which is a huge bonus (I’m brining mine to Seaside).

BEAUTY BLENDER MAKEUP SPONGE SET
I use a beauty blender every single day to blend my under eye concealer and it makes a huge difference in how your makeup sets and how natural it looks. You can also use it for foundation. This set comes with the a case for the beauty blender, which keeps it clean and germ free during travel. If I hadn’t just bought a new bb, I would 100% be purchasing this set.

T3 One Pass Flat Iron + T3 Cura Hair Dryer : I’ve had some wonky hair regrowth since my kids were born and it is HARD to control. Some of my hair grew back really curly with cowlicks and this flat iron is the only thing that helps me tame it. I always straight my hair on day one and it makes hair so smooth and perfectly straight!  Worth the investment – it has several heat settings as well! I’ve been using the Cura hairdryer for several years and LOVE it. It dries hair quickly, smoothy and helps add volume. I like that it can be set down and turns off (it turns back on again the moment you pick it up). I have several hair dryers and this is the one I use 99% of the time (I have others I use for travel).

SUPERGOOP SUNSCREEN
Guys, don’t go in the sun without sunscreen – this set of three is $38 during the sale (regularly $58). It’s a spray, which I love, and is an SFP of 50. 

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