Today marks the first official day of the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access!! Yesterday, was a special shopping event for level 4 cardholders and I was lucky enough to be able to head in to Nordstrom Valley Fair to shop the sale before it went live online or available to all other Nordstrom cardholders. This is the first year that I was able to make it in a day early and let me just say that the sale is AMAZING! I mean, it is every year but I am obsessed with so much this year and I didn’t even get a chance to get through all the departments before I was thoroughly exhausted and needed to call it quits for the day.
I will be returning to Valley Fair today to finish up going through all my pulls. But, until then, I wanted to kick off the Anniversary Sale Early Access with my favorite pieces from my first, of what will probably be at least 2 or 3, try-on sessions I end up doing throughout the sale. Like last year, many items sell out before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens up to the public so I like to make sure I check back to see what’s still available and if any new pieces catch my eye that I didn’t see the first time around (which almost always happens). The sale can be super overwhelming because there are so many things to look at and no one wants to miss out on something truly amazing so I’ve done all the leg work for you!
Whether your budget for shopping the sale is big or small there are so many great selections at all price points! I’m sharing below my initial thoughts on each item I tried on as well as if I think it’s worth the sale price. I’m also sharing the fit cause I think that’s super important, especially if you’re going to be shopping online. But as I mentioned in my tips for shopping the Anniversary Sale is that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns. So, you don’t have to worry about it if you change your mind or need a different size!
Let’s start with this sweater from Alice & Olivia because this one I spotted immediately in the catalog. It’s definitely a splurge item even when it’s on sale ($233.90 during the sale and $350 after the sale) but I’m kind of obsessed with it. The cropped length is perfect for high-waist denim and the color blocking makes it easily wearable with so much. I tried it on with these mustard flats from Steve Madden that I knew I would just love. They come in so many different color options if mustard isn’t your color maybe you’d prefer them in black, red, or be bold and go with the snakeskin pattern. Both the sweater and the flats run true to size (TTS).
I wasn’t really shopping for a new pair or denim but I wanted to try them all on for you and this pair by AG literally won me over the second I pulled them on. I didn’t want to take them off. They run TTS. Designer denim is a bit of a splurge but during the NSALE is probably one of the best times to buy yourself a new pair! They’re on sale for $149.90 and after the sale will be $225.00. You’ll see throughout this try-on session these jeans paired with most of the tops I tried on.
Next up, another splurge worthy sweater from Lewit (It’s on sale for $199.90 and will be $299.90 after the sale). This was another piece I spotted in the catalog and new I would need to try on. I love the stripe color combo and the snap button detail on the right shoulder is a nice touch. The sweater tapers in at the waist so you can either pull it down to wear a little longer or pull it up at your natural waist like I did here. This suede mini skirt from BlankNYC comes in two colors this taupe and a grey. I’m honestly not really a mini skirt fan after having Mason but for all you lovely ladies that are chasing around a toddler/s I think the quality and price ($64.90 during the sale and $98.00 after) definitely make it worth considering. I sized up in the skirt since it’s suede and wore the sweater TTS.
The lavender suede slingback pumps are also from Lewit and again something I spotted in the catalog. I love the vintage cut and the heel strap being elastic makes them really comfortable. The heel is also on the lower side so these would be easy to walk around in for long periods of time. I wore my normal size in them. They’re on sale for $164.90 (going up to $275.00 after the sale).
Now here’s a color block sweater that is totally budget friendly and insanely comfortable! I plan to wear this one a lot this fall. I love the color combo. I’ve been really crushing on mustard, blush, and all the shades of blue. I tried it on in a size small and I love the oversized fit. The bubble sleeve detail is super fun too! The jeans are the same AG jeans as before. These mules which you can barely see are from BP and they come in 4 colors. I tried the grey suede but am seriously considering the blush suede even though I know they will start to look dirty quicker than with the grey.
Another budget friendly sweater at only $31.90 during the sale and $49 after. This one is from BP. I love the coral color, perfect to buy now, wear now, especially during cool summer nights! I love the twist knot detail and the back is a shallow v. The lace cami I layered underneath is also from BP and a steal. I snagged both in a size small. The jeans are AG and these espadrilles are perfect for summer. You can find so many similar options still at full-price so these are a great option if you’ve got any fun summer plans to pick up while they’re discounted for the NSALE at only $49.90 ($74.95 after the sale). PS they run TTS.
So this Vince sweater is definitely a splurge ($263.90 price after sale $395) but if you can splurge on one sweater this season I would say this one has got to be it!! It’s seriously the softest cashmere sweater I have probably ever tried on. I love the neckline and the boxy shape. The neutral color combo is perfect for pairing with almost anything you want. These jeans are from Paige. They felt a bit tight, though I tried them in my normal size. Paige jeans do stretch out so I don’t think sizing up would have worked for me. These mules you can see peeping out at the bottom are a gorgeous rust suede. They’re super comfortable and so easy to just slip on and go. They also come in black, white, rust, and a genuine calf hair version. I’m wearing my normal size. All options are only $64.90 during the sale and they’ll go up to $99.95 after the sale.
This convertible sweater is so darling. I love the ruffle detail at the shoulders and what a fun concept. The sleeves zip off so you can buy now, wear now with the sleeveless version and come fall wear it with the long sleeves. This sweater comes in 6 colors and is on sale for $78.90 (will be $199 after the sale). I grabbed a size small. You can let it sit lower on your hips or pull it up and fold it over to crop the length a bit if you want since the bottom has a slight taper.
The last sweater I am going to share is this one from Nordstrom Signature Collection. I loved this cashmere sweater. The directional ribbing detail and speckles in the cashmere make this sweater more interesting than a basic navy sweater. The mock neckline is asymmetrical which is a nice touch. The sweater runs TTS. It’s $199 during the sale and $299 after the sale is over. If I could splurge on more than one sweater, this one would have come home with me as well! The navy bow flats are from Cole Haan and they come in a total of 5 colors. Cole Haan shoes are always so comfortable so at only $99.90 during the sale, if you’re needing some new flats for work, I highly suggest these! They’ll go up to $149.95 after the sale.
This white lace romper from Socialite was just darling. It would be perfect for a summer vacation. I sized up in this because I have a wide ribcage and I knew just by looking at it that it would have been too tight in my regular size. If you have a narrow ribcage I’d say your normal size will fit you. It’s a great price at $56.90 for the NSALE ($85 after sale). I wouldn’t pair this romper with these flats but I wanted to try them on. I love the knot detail and the mix of suede and satin on these flats. They run TTS.
I’m gonna start by talking about the booties because I am slightly obsessed with sock booties right now. They’re just so comfortable and stylish! These are from Steve Madden and they come in blush, rust, and black. I highly recommend the blush color only because you can wear it now and come fall. But I also love the rust color. Ugh the struggle is real! These booties are only $86.90 ($129.95 after the sale). This dress is from Socialite and is a STEAL at only $31.90 (going up to $49 after the sale)! I’d get your hands on it before it sells out. I love the tie front detail as it’s super figure flattering. I got it in a small.
This cashmere blouson sleeve cardigan is a perfect fall basic. It’s form Halogen and man oh man is it soft! I just wish it came in petite because it’s so long for my shorty self (PS in the catalog and now online it looks like it should hit right at the knee). I’m wearing a size xs/small for reference. OH WAIT, I stand corrected! It does come in petite sizes, Nordstrom Valley Fair just didn’t have them in store. So shop online and you’ll have the option for petite or regular! It’s on sale for $199.90 which is really great for a cashmere long cardigan and $299.00 after the sale and is available in grey, tan, and black.
This color black oversized button-down shirt is from Nordstrom Signature. I love the blend of solids and pinstripes. I tried it on in a small but would definitely need it in xs. There was so much extra room. Nordstrom Signature is a bit of a splurge so sadly as much as I wanted this top, I had to put it back. These AGL smoking slippers I think tied this whole look together. I love AGL shoes because they are so comfortable. The metallic trim detail on these flats are a really nice touch. They come in 4 colors the grey metallic option being my personal favorite. They’re not cheap at $229.90 during the sale and $350.00 after the sale but if you’re loving them as much as me and trying to justify this purchase just know that my first pair of AGL flats I ever bought lasted me over 5 years with some major wear and tear because I wore them all the time walking around SF.
This ruffle smocked top from Vince Camuto comes in regular and petite sizes. I love this floral print but it also comes in a larger floral print in black and red and 5 solid colors. All are only $52.90 during the sale and will be $79.00 after. These paperbag waist pants from Ted Baker I was hoping would be a slam dunk but for some reason on me, the wide culotte legs are just too wide. I’m thinking these culottes are better suited for someone taller.
And then, there are these sock booties! It was so hard for me to walk away from these booties. I think they would be absolutely perfect for NYFW. They’re from Stuart Weitzman, one of my fave shoes brands, but they’re not cheap. On sale they’re $369.90 but after the sale they’ll be $575.00. I know I’ll be dreaming of these sock booties for the next week or so stocking them to see if they’re still available in my size…But I found these sock booties by Leith (also included in the sale) and at a much better price of only $69.90 ($109.95 after the sale). I think I’ll have to settle for these since my budget only allows me to get so much.
This bell sleeve wrap blouse is from a brand I hadn’t heard of before, Chloe & Katie. Or maybe I have and I’ve just never shopped it before. I love the floral print and you know I love me some bell sleeves. This blouse is only $29.90 ($45.00 after the sale). The ankle boots I’m wearing with the same AG jeans are from Vince Camuto. They’re almost identical to a higher heeled bootie that sold out almost immediately and even sold out after being restocked halfway through the sale last year. I have a feeling these will be about the same. I’m wearing the greystone suede color and I really like them.
So I know this has been a long post and if you’ve read this far, thank you! There is just so much to cover in this sale. So I am going to leave you with this one last outfit because I realized up to this point I haven’t included any plaid. And well plaid is very popular in fall and it’s staying that way this season. I love these plaid wide leg pants, I’m wearing them in petite, and I feel like they fit my body a lot better than the Ted baker culottes. This blouse by Trouvé has a flattering drape in the front. It’s super lightweight and comes in 3 colors. I decided not to get this blouse mainly because I felt the fabric was super thin. It’s a great price though ($45.90 during sale $69.00 after) and the top has lots of style points!
So tell me, what are you shopping for? How can I help you navigate this sale? I’ll be back at it today getting to more departments like athletic wear, swim, home, and kids. Let me know what you’re looking for so I can help you out!! I’ll be posting a lot on Instagram and my stories so be on the lookout for those.
Thank you for stopping by the blog today. I hope you enjoyed the post and happy shopping!!
