Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Hits and Misses

Before I begin, I have NO IDEA whether this post is going to interest my readers. If you like it (or other posts), would you please help me out by liking the post on Facebook or posting a comment on here? I so greatly appreciate it, and it gives me a better idea of what you are interested in. Those Facebook algorithms are such a pain, so throwing a few likes my way would also help my posts reach more people. [There's nothing sadder than taking a bunch of time to write a post that only reaches a handful of people!] Pretty please? I would be so grateful!

I've mentioned before that I'm not, on the whole, a fashion blogger, but we mamas have to put something on our bods every morning if we want to avoid being jailed for public nudity and/or insanity, right? I've found that what I wear can make a big impact on how I feel about myself and my general mood. For example, I can't help but want to skip around with glee when I wear these babies. [I call them "My Happy Shoes."] And although it's not necessarily right or fair, the reality is that our appearance sends a message about us to other people. So, while I don't think fashion is the end-all-be-all, I do think it's necessary [and fun!] and it's not a terrible thing to give it some effort. Just don't let it become an idol, okay?

Why would I want to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

I reserve a lot of my yearly clothing budget for the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or NSale). Why? Because you can snag BRAND SPANKIN' NEW items from amazing designers for up to 40% off! Normally, when we see these kinds of deep discounts, they are for old items that are out of season or have sat around the shelves feeling lonely and unwanted. Not so with the items in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You can shop the entire sale by clicking HERE.

The other thing I love about Nordstrom is that they offer free shipping AND free returns, always. If you don't love something, it's easy to ship it back on Nordstrom's dime.

How does the NSale work?

If you have a Nordstrom Credit Card, you get early access to the sale. [You don't have to put your purchases on the card, but you do need to hold one to get access.] This year's Early Access started on July 12th at 2:00 AM CST. Now, if there are particular items you really want to snag from the sale, it's probably best to be a bit crazy, set your alarm, and get those fingers flying when the Early Access goes live. Personally, I did not plan on doing this, but I happened to be a bit of an insomniac that night, so when I was still lying awake at 4:00 AM, I finally decided to mozy on down to the PC and do a bit of shopping. While I was browsing, one of the items in my bag sold out! That's how intense some people are about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. [I was a little disappointed, but I figured it was not meant to be.]

Anyhoo, if you do not have a Nordstrom Credit Card, Public Access began Friday, July 20th at 2:00 AM CST.

Is it too late to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The sale runs through August 5th. While many of the items are currently out-of-stock, they are periodically restocked, so you still might be able to snag them if you're lucky.

If the items on your wishlist are sold-out, don't despair! Nordstrom ran a Fall Sale last year that featured many favorites from their Anniversary Sale at really great prices as well. So if you need to supplement or update your wardrobe, it's smart to get an idea of what you're looking for ahead of time.

What did I buy?

I bought a lot from the NSale, but I knew I would be taking a lot of it back. Because Nordstrom makes their return process so easy [and because the nearest Nordstrom is in Milwaukee and I can't easily go into a physical store], I ordered items as though I were piling them up to try on in a dressing room. If I wasn't sure about a size, I ordered two (Small or Medium for tops; 8 or 8.5 for shoes), so obviously at least one (if not both) of those pieces would be going back. In sum, I bought a lot, but I returned a lot. Here goes...

The hits:

Disclaimer: I wish I had outfit photos to show you, but I have one full-length mirror attached to the inside of my closet door. When I open it, the huge arch window in our bedroom is directly behind me, making a decent photo impossible. I ordered a cheap full-length mirror from Target that I can prop up anywhere and tuck under the bed when I'm not using it, so hopefully, I will have outfit photos for you next time! I suppose I could have had Dan take pictures of me, but I feel awkward enough doing a mirror selfie, haha!

Gibson Poplin Cuff Sweatshirt

This one technically isn't part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but it's 33% off right now. Last fall/winter/spring, I noticed that I was short on sweatshirts [I had a grand total of zero], so I was on the hunt for a cute one. This is so soft, and I love the detail of the poplin cuffs tied into a bow. So cute! There are a lot of darling patterns, but I chose Lavender w/ Ditzy Navy Floral.

Fit Tip: If between sizes, size up for a bit of a roomier fit. [I kept this in M.]

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan

I'm not sure why this isn't showing up as an Anniversary Sale item right now. [I got it for $76.90.] I've heard people go wild over Barefoot Dreams cardigans in the past, so I was intrigued. Oh my goodness, I get the hype now!! This thing is buttery soft, and I am going to LIVE in it when the snowflakes fall. I'll admit, it's so soft and cozy, I even tried wearing it on 80-degree days! I got this in a gray color, and I am in loooooove. I have to warn you: there is another Barefoot Dreams cardigan in the sale that looks very boxy and "grandpa-ish." (It's the CozyChic cardigan. I'd pass on that one.)

Fit Tip: I wear this in an X-Small/Small.

Gibson Convertible Cozy Fleece Wrap Cardigan

I lifted this cardigan out of the box and thought Oh, you are definitely going back. I mean, it even took me a few minutes to figure out how to wear it! [Even if you don't think this is for you, you must click on the link and look at the pictures of how it arrives. It's kind of crazy!] Once I figured out that you let the cardigan hang in the front, cross it over once, and then lift the loop around your neck, it actually looks really cute! It was soft and cozy too, but I thought it might be a bit voluminous for me. (At the time, I was wearing it with a maxi-skirt.) Leggings (or jeggings) make all the difference with this one though! I tried it with leggings and was sold. (It's not flattering to have volume on both the top and the bottom at the same time.) It covers my bum, so they are legging-approved. The hot pink version of this is the unicorn that eluded me at 4:00 AM on the opening day of Early Access, but I'm hoping to get lucky and snag that one too eventually.

Fit Tip: I wear this in a Small.

Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra

Quick preface for this one. After giving birth to and nursing four children, I thought it was high time that I had a professional bra fitting. Did you know you can get a free fitting at Nordstrom? Months ago when I was at Nordstrom, I got a fitting while I was on the hunt for a strapless bra. I was surprised (and delighted) to find that my bra size hasn't changed since pre-kids. (Woot!) I also learned that the bra I was in search of, which is highly recommended by a popular fashion blogger, is actually best for ladies who are much chestier than me. The saleslady recommended this strapless bra for me, and it was perfect. I immediately wanted to get the regular version, but I had really only come in search of the strapless. I put it on my wishlist and was delighted to find it in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! But, before I go further, I highly recommend getting fitted by a professional when bra-shopping.

I bought this bra in the nude "Cosmetic" color, so it won't show under white t-shirts.

Fit Tip: I was fitted to be a 34B/C (depending on the brand), and the 34-C worked best for me both in the strapless and regular version.

UGG Milana II Moc Toe Flat

 

Back in my days working in an office as a Human Resources Generalist, I wore heels a lot (particularly pointy-toed ones) and consequently screwed up my feet. I have a really hard time finding shoes that are comfy and cute, and I can't tell you how many ballet flats I've tried and returned. These UGG Milana II Moc Toe Flats FEEL LIKE SLIPPERS! I love them so much, I bought them in red (so cute!), black, and chestnut. The black and chestnut run the risk of looking a bit geriatric, but I figure they're UGG, so that automatically makes them a bit cooler, right?

Fit Tip: I am usually a size 8 or 8.5 in shoes, and these fit me best in 8.5.

Gibson Cozy Fleece Tunic

This one can be worn with leggings, so that gives it a huge advantage right off the bat! The back is a bit longer than the front, which makes it different and fun. This tunic is super-soft, and the vertical seam down the middle is very flattering. I snagged this one in Grey White Mini-Stripe.

Fit Tip: I wear this in a Small.

**BONUS!**

Gibson x Living in Yellow Hannah Ruched Faux Wrap Dress

THIS DRESS IS ONLY $14.97! There, did I get your attention? This one is from Nordstrom Rack and isn't a part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but I'm obsessed with it. The ruched dress is super-flattering and is both modest and sexy at the same time. [Is that even possible??] I'm all set for date night! I ordered this dress in Small and Medium in both the Black and Fuschia Red. I like the black a lot better than the pinky-red color. My only beef with it is that the neckline is a bit saggy. When I was trying it on, I thought the price was somewhere in the $40 range, and I was prepared to keep it for that. When I remembered that I had paid less than $15, I was like, "Umm, no question, this is staying in my closet."

Fit Tip: I kept this one in a Small.

The misses:

Sam Edelman Rivera Genuine Calf Hair Flat

Remember when I told you that I have a hard time finding shoes that are cute AND comfy? I've been hunting for a pair of leopard-print flats for ages, and I guess I'll keep on hunting. I was hopeful when two of my favorite fashion bloggers sung the praises of this shoe, so I ordered it in 8 and 8.5. The size 8 pinched my toes, and the 8.5 fell off the back of my feet. Back to the store they went!

Olivia Moon Cotton Blend Knit Blazer (Black and Pink Smoke)

Dan and I are hoping to start a homeschool Mock Trial team next year, so I thought it would be a good idea to add another blazer (or two) to my closet. This one was highly recommended by a popular fashion blogger, so I thought I'd give it a go. In the photos, the blazer looks like it is made of sweatshirt material, so I was hoping for something that was at least soft. Nope. The blazers are heavy, kind of scratchy, and arrived very wrinkled. They both had loose threads hanging from them, so the quality seems kind of poor as well. I have to say that I did look pretty professional in the black blazer, but I already have a black blazer in my closet that I like better, so back to the store these went.

Fit Tip: I ordered the blazers in Small, and they fit just fine.

Calson Rounded V-Neck Tee (Black and White)

Good white t-shirts are the hardest things to find, I swear! Although I did like the neckline (not too deep, but not too matronly), this tee was otherwise a miss for me. The material is very thin and sheer. It is also clingy in the stomach area, which I know is a total nightmare for a lot of mamas, myself included! I wish I had ordered it in a Medium to see if that would be any better, but, alas, I didn't. Pass!

 

Well, I can see the bottom of my Nordstrom shopping bag, so that's all I've got for you! Do you shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, or do you think you're going to give it a try? Don't forget that the sale runs through August 5th, so there's still time to get your shop on! 😉

Oh, and my clothing budget is now totally gone, and I've had to tap into my personal savings. Drat!

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