What You Really Need from the Nordstrom Sale

Blah, blah, blah… you’ve heard enough, or shopped enough, from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, or you have totally avoided it. One thing I’ve learned with sales: filter out all the fun best deals for the pieces you really need to make a happy closet. For me, that meant added a few new blouses, one or two fresh t-shirts, and a few fresh pairs of shoes. I’ve needed new nude flats for ages and I really only have black boots, so I didn’t even look closely at the jewelry or handbags (oh, the handbags!) because personally, it’s not what I need.

I did make an unexpected purchase of these jeans but I loved, loved, loved the fit, the color, the modern hem, all of it.

So, what do you NEED for your wardrobe? Many times women, that means undergarments: underwear, bras, updated pajamas, a few fresh tees or non-scuffed neutral shoes that pair with everything in your closet. When you walk in your closet and say, “I have nothing to wear?,” what do you feel like you’re missing. GET IT. Do not get swayed but some pretty handbag or a blogger modeling something you don’t need. Well, except for me modeling the cozy navy cardigan below because I swear it’s the softest, cuddliest thing in the universe.

HERE’S THE SCOOP:

Hanky Panky thongs and Natori full tush: I get it, spending even $12-15 on each thong or pair of underwear really adds up and is so annoying, particularly very few people will see them. 😉 BUT, good underwear that doesn’t rid up your tush, tag or give you lines in your dresses is kind of everything. Undergarments really are the foundation of every outfit. Both of these styles, which get amazing reviews, are worthy. I love Hanky Panky in nude (and this mid rise; I did not like the lower rise at all), and I honestly love a full tush underwear, particularly at night. Even during the day, these stay put and don’t give you mega VPL (visible panty lines).

Wireless nude bra (also in gray and black): since I can’t do a bra with underwire I’ve been wearing bralettes the past six weeks. While they’re great, I find the often scoop neck in the way of most clothes and it’s shockingly difficult to find one that’s not super sheer — I love how this one has the tiniest padding — and also in nude. While some of the nude sizing is sold out, I so love this v-neck bra if you’re looking for an update. For an amazing underwire option, this Natori bra with the most amazing five star reviews is seriously where it’s at (I used to have one pre-breast aug so can personally vouch for it).

Perfect, flattering tee: I shared this one on social media because this tee at under $20 is so insanely good. Not only is it crazy soft, it has this super flattering scooped side split that provides a super flattering illusion in the front, and yet covers my tush in the back… without being too long. I’m short-ish at 5’3 and personally not a tunic girl… this is perfection. If you saw my social media post, I’m wearing an XS and the fit is just right.

Cardigan (shorter and longer): my most favorite cardigan in the universe. These are like quasi cardigan/blanket/robe/happiness that are still presentable to go out in public with. I didn’t realize that’s possible. I have two of the longer version from last year that I’ve used just at home, for the movies, travel, errands, everything and just scooped up the shorter one in navy this season. They’re so insanely soft, it’s really like wearing a blanket around your body. I know it’s 95 degrees in Florida but if you follow me on snapchat (alyson.seligman) you legit know that I wear this every night/morning.

Perfect nude flats: these come in five colors and while I love the fun factor of the fuschia, the cognac color stole my heart (err, and wallet!). I had to have these and they do not disappoint. They’re going to be on repeat now and into the fall. I love, love the chic silhouette (promise you that pointy toe heels don’t hurt!), and the little spike detaliing around the heel is so cute. I’m not one for crazy spikes and when you’re walking you can just barely see it, just enough to have a little wow/something special factor. LOVE.

Lace-up flats: last year lace-up flats felt a little edgy, this year they’re everywhere. I purchased a pair of black ones though the blush and cognac are equally gorgeous. Are you thinking, can I work this? Answer, yes. I wouldn’t wear them with shorts, but pair these with denim or work trousers for an updated look. They’re super comfortable, and perk: because they lace up, they won’t fall off your feet.

New running sneaks: I’ve gotten a few questions over time about how to look cute while mom-ing or running errands. Lucky for all of us, running sneaks are totally chic. WOOHOO. This rose pair — which also comes in a beautiful mint — are fun, and you can work out in them… or just wear the weekends. I won’t tell if you go for the later. Athleisure is totally a thing. 😉

Zella tab-back socks: bo-ring… socks, I know. But do your socks ever run down your ankle into your sock? Ugghhhh, pet peeve. I discovered ankle-tab socks last year and it’s been a game changer. I have them in both black and white and this price at $15 for three pairs is a mega steal. My local sneaker shop has Balega’s around $12/pair.  It’s free shipping at Nordstrom on any purchase so even if you only update your socks this season, feel good about this one.  Wear these, plus the best leggings ever (currently on sale), with the floral Nikes mentioned below and either a tee or oversized sweater and you’re done. That easy.

Leather pants: if you saw my Instagram (@avggirlsguide), you know I convinced my friend Ceci into these. I have these from last season and they’re trust me on this, they’re seriously going to make you look HOT. Some faux leather pants are more like leggings and don’t offer any structure, don’t hold you in at all, and don’t have tush pockets. Meh. These do all of that, are a great length and seriously, look smoking with a tee and your lace-up flats, your oversized sweater and your floral sneaks, or your flowy blouse and a pair of statement heels. They’re my go to each winter/fall.

Flowy blouse in olive green: this blouse, which comes in a few colors, has been a big seller this season with good reason. It’s so nice to have a versatile blouse that flatters your body, that you can mix and match with different bottoms, toppers and jewelry, and is not a tee. I ordered this light-weight blouse because I really don’t own anything in olive green except a jacket. Can’t wait to wear it!

Elevated jacket: instead of reaching for a sweatshirt or old cardigan, layer on this mixed-media jacket. I got this exact one last year and LOVED it, plus got a ton of compliments. It’s perfect for now leading into fall, and in warmer climates, all year long. This, a trusty army green jacket and the cardigan mentioned above are my three go-to layering tools.

Wedge booties: wondering what to wear when you go out that’s cute yet warm? Yup, booties are amazing — and so many good ones sadly sold out so quickly — however if I needed a pair of black booties I’d so get these. I’m even still tempted because I hung with a friend last year one weekend and she literally wore something identical day to night, was comfortable and looked awesome in jeans and dresses. They’re super mom friendly if you’re hanging with your kids, too, plus they’d look super cute with your denim this fall.