Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Six Investment Pieces, Budget Buys, and Five Random Products I Swear By

Investment Basics (That You’ll Wear For Years)

Avec Les Filles Wool-Blend Coat – I have two Avec Les Filles coats from last year and they’re solid choices.  This bright red is sure to cheer you up this winter–it’s chic with denim, black, dresses–anything!  I am a first believer that you can wear a red coat from September – February, too.

Simone Snap Pants – When I worked at Trunk Club and we launched the women’s business, this pants style was the top seller for over a year; they’re like the sisterhood of the traveling pants!  They’re slimming and great for work or weekend alike–pair with an oversized sweater and leather jacket or a silk blouse!

Vince Havana Notch Bootie – I’ve never been disappointed with Vince footwear; I have a pair of oxford that I still love from 2014!  The designs are never trendy, the shoes are well-made, and expect to wear them for seasons to come.  These remind me of a pair of Anniversary Sale rag & bone booties I bought two years ago that I still love to wear. (Contemporary designer shoes ALWAYS sell out during the anniversary sale, by the way. I don’t think the buying team goes deep here.)

Vince Boxy Sweater – ALWAYS get yourself a Vince sweater during the Nordstrom sale.  Whenever I buy a Vince sweater, I wear it to DEATH.  I still have some from before I was pregnant with Harry, so they’re built to last.

L’Agence Kenzie Double-Breasted Blazer – This brand makes some beautiful pieces.  It’s a splurge for sure but that rich color could easily be worn year round (color is making a comeback in a big way and this is coming from a neutrals love).  It’s also less expensive than our beloved Veronica Beard (who also makes a kick-ass blazer).

Frame Le High Waist Skinny – Frame Denim makes a great pair of jeans.  I was introduced to teh brand in 2015 via their classic Jeanne (mid-rise skinny) and I still wear them.  I prefer a slightly higher rise so this high-waisted pair is just the ticket.

Nine Picks Under $100 (And How I’d Wear Them)

Topshop Blazer – if my last Topshop blazer taught me anything, it’s that they make a good, oversized blazer.  I generally wear a 6 in all Topshop items (and my US size is a 2-4).

Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan – I really hesitate even including this just because it seems like the whole blogger community waxes on about this thing, BUT, the hype is real.  I call these types of cardigans my “house coat” and I love wearing them in the house and even to a workout class.  It’s super soft and I keep it on my closet door.  I have in in beige but wish I would’ve snagged it in charcoal.

Eliza J Leopard Midi Dress – Midi dresses are just my favorite and Eliza J is a solid designer (if I remember my retail facts correctly, she’s the the #1 sold dress brand at Nordstrom?).  It’s slightly over my $100 mark but this dress can be worn all four seasons. How chic would it be with a black blazer at the office–you can even throw a chunky knit sweater on top and fool everyone into thinking it’s a skirt (like I did with my leopard Rixo London dress).

Halogen Faux Fur Jacket – Faux fur has come a LONG way, baby.  Seriously, ten years ago it looked like an abandoned stuffed animal and these days it looks and feels like real fur.  The green is my favorite out of the bunch–it’s rich and expensive looking.

Zella Mock-Neck Pullover – Zella can really nail the sweaters and coats.  As you know, I can’t resist a mockneck, so this cashmere blend sweater under $100 will most likely come home with me.

Leith High-Rise Crop Pants – One of my favorite pair of wide-leg pants are Leith and these are an INCREDIBLE price.  This is an item that’s perfect for buy now, wear now.  Once it’s frigid, you’ll need ot wear with knee high boots, but for now, you can wear them until the first frost!

Sanctuary Drawstring Military Jacket – Military jackets come and go every season…and you can just keep on wearing them.  I’m pretty sure I have an H&M one from 2010 that I still wear on occasion.  I really like the brownish tones of this one–would look great with white this summer and with camels and rusts later on this fall.

Halogen Bias Cut Midi Skirt – I’ve definitely invested in midi skirts over the years (a few of my favorites are ALC from years back) but now all brands are designing them so you can snag a look for a lot less.  I love this rust color–how gorgeous would it be with that Vince sweater? You could even wear it now, in the heat, with a simple cami and flat sandals.

Alo High-Waist Leggings – I LOVE my Alo leggings (I have two pairs and their workout tank which is also part of the sale).  They suck you in at the right spots, are super flattering, and they are NEVER on sale for $54.  Plus, you can grab these in black instead of some random color.  You’ll live in these, whether you’re at the gym or running errands. (I do have a couple pair of Zella leggings but I prefer these…they hold up really well in the wash, too.  Athleta leggings are also legit)

Five Miscellaneous Items (That I Swear By)

Maxi Cosi Convertible Car Seat – We have two of these and I’m a big fan (Teddy is still in one).  Don’t splurge on the infant car seat–they’re BARELY in those.  These convertible car seats, though, they can be sitting in for years.  Harry was in his from 9 months (I have tall kids) until he converted to a booster at 4.5.  The are expensive but snag one on sale and you’ll use it for years!

Hanky Panky Retro Thong is one of my favorite pairs of underwear, closely followed by Hanky Panky Lace Boy Short.  These do go on sale BUT the classic colors like black and beige never do!  That’s what I buy during the sale.

UGG Scuffette Slippers – UGG slippers are worth it–I won’t apologize for that.  I’ve had mine for years and I wear them both in and outside the house (obviously, only if I need to run outside…they aren’t outdoor shoes).

Patagonia Kids Coats – I always snag these when they’re on sale because they’re costly but they last forever!  Teddy is wearing all of Harry’s old Patagonia and Harry wore this jacket ALL WINTER…it washes really well.

Patagonia Men’s Pullover – Speaking of Patagonia, this stuff never goes on sale and Eric lives in his better sweater jacket (I also steal it from him because it’s perfectly oversized).

What’s next for this sale? 

I’ll be going my local Nordstrom and doing some try-ons (and shopping the sale myself!).  I will keep a look out for chic basics that are also a little special, because that’s the best part of the sale!