Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Top 50 Picks

… it’s finally here! The 2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally upon us! This is the sale where Nordstrom temporarily marks down all new apparel, accessories, etc for fall, and then marks it back up. Cardholders get to shop early today, July 13 through the 20th, and the sale opens to everyone on July 21th. I’ve learned (the hard way) that some items go fast so it’s best to shop, test  and return if need be to avoid major FOMO.

If you got this year’s catalog you might have felt “meh” about the sale; in honesty, I did. BUT, oh my gosh… it barely scratched the surface because there are SO many good picks for fall, and more importantly, great fresh staples to add to your year-round wardrobe. I’ll be doing a few posts over the next few weeks with my top finds across a few categories and price points, however let’s start it off with a bang… the top 50 finds from the sale. Think what  your closet is missing: cardigans, fresh denim, a few cute new blouses, a t-shirt update, some new workout gear (hand raised!) or a fun new purse, and prioritize accordingly. I suppose we can also toss in mention of any little ones+85 and any significant other, but don’t think that’s coming out of “my” budget. 😉

 

MODERN SAVVY OUTFIT PICK

long cardigan (wearing small, comes in seven colors)// striped long-sleeve tee (wearing XS, lots of colors!) // skinny, high rise denim (size 4) // black sneakers (TTS)

Four of my favorite picks all in one outfit! I regretted not getting a longer cardigan last year — every time I see someone wearing one, it looks so chic, and it’s honestly so versatile. I even love it thrown over a dress where they’re around the same length. This tee is available in a bunch of colors but I went for stripes. It’s soooo soft, and a favorite around the store. Ok, now this denim. It’s by Good American, which has quickly become one of Nordstrom’s best selling brands. Created by Khloe Kardashian (don’t let that stop you!), she knows curves, and this pair, with its higher waist and distressing is perfection. They suck in all the right places and are super comfy. If you want a darker/bluer wash, try these.

Lastly: these Gentle Souls sneakers. Get ready to see them a lot… I bought them and they’re my top 5 pick, and come in six  color options. I’ve wanted a pair of black high tops for a while and these fit the bill. They’re not too high, the zipper sides give it a sleeker, age appropriate appearance and they’re really well made,  and now under $80. Obsessed.

MODERN SAVVY PICKS

The Barefoot Dreams cardigan (size XS/S)

You guys, it’s back! The Barefoot Dreams cardigan was this site’s top seller last year — and sold out quickly! — because it’s so good. You hear me rave about this cardigan/robe/amazingness because it’s so soft and cozy, and there are versions with pockets, too. I seriously wear mine when I get home and get in my cozies, but also wear it to the movies or running errands, and especially for travel. It’s almost like a mini blanket. I have bought one during each of the anniversary sales, and we even bought for my mom and mother-in-law. If I’m gifting them, you know they’re good. Trust me, it sounds like a splurge — and I felt the same way — but I absolutely don’t regret it one teeny tiny bit.

Original cardigan (I have two of these from previous sales // beige cardigan style (with pockets; I have from last year in navy) // with hood (in black below, comes in 5 colors)

PS: wearing Blank Denim boyfriend jeans here; they run big and I didn’t have a chance to try smaller. Not my favorites however if you like, be sure to go at least one size down. 

 MODERN SAVVY PICKS

Cozy sweater (wearing XS; check out the back zipper detail & comes in five colors!) // Denim (size 27; under $40!) // black sneakers (top 5 pick)

I didn’t buy one sweater last year and I’m going abroad in October so I’m totally justifying this entire purchase. This sweater is so freaking soft, the prettiest shade of grey and the back zipper detail just finishes off the perfection. The denim is by Articles of Society, and is hugely popular on Nordstrom’s site. They’re a tad thinner than your typical but work so well (great for tucking inside boots, too). I’m considering cutting the bottom hem for a modern frayed look though they look great as-is. And, here are those black sneakers again! You could equally wear this with a pair of black loafers or pumps.

MODERN SAVVY PICK

The eternally classic Suede jacket (wearing size small, comes in three colors)

Talk about a gorgeous jacket! I completely regretted not getting last year’s version of this after wearing my friend Kim’s grey version nearly the entire time we were in Nashville. Wear it over a blouse or tee, over a dress, you name it. It has the softest texture and is lined for added warmth (but not too warm). It’s one of those transitional pieces you can wear more than you even think. A great alternative to your denim jacket and this camel color is stunning, and the grey is available too!

MODERN SAVVY PICKS

Favorite blouses and sweaters!

I’ll be doing a separate post on this once I can more thoroughly review more blouses online however here are a few I was seriously loving!

 

This 3/4 length sleeve pale pink sweatshirt (so sorry for the awful lighting; click the link to see a better image) is my FAVORITE. Also comes in grey! (plus size)

The inside is the softest material ever, and check out the back… how unexpectedly cute is that ruffle detail?! I’d wear this now with denim cut-offs and come fall as well. I can seriously see this being my go-to shirt. NEED. Wearing size XS.

A cold-shoulder sweater with ruffle detailing in the prettiest lilac shade… yes, please! Particularly if you live in a cooler climate, this is adorable. Wearing size small.

A super fun sweatshirt — yes, nice and cozy! — with an unexpected, adorable bow detail. You can still wear a regular bra with it. Plus, I’d totally wear this daytime, and even wear it with black denim or faux leather leggings and booties for a casual night out where I still wanted to look cute and put-together. Wearing size small.

More of a ruffles girl? They didn’t have this one in my store but I LOVE this one so much and it comes in five colors.

The cold shoulder blouse with slight bell/ruffle sleeve

I actually like the black and white floral print better but my photos turned out terrible (frustrating!) so be sure to check that one out. We loved it, and see the sleeve detail in the third image? It’s super fun… and best of all, not so long that you have to worry about it getting in your food. Seriously. Been there. Wearing size XS.

Love this so much for $31! (remember, free shipping at Nordstrom!). You can wear this year-round… would love now with white denim.

Oh these booties… they will sell out! 

Wrap blouse (comes in three colors, wearing XS)

I’m not even sure how I pulled this in the first place (out of my comfort zone) but I’m so glad I did! Love this print and the wrap detail, and it looks and feels way more expensive than it is. I also love how it’s not revealing, covers the arm and yet cinches in the most flattering place. The one thing is that it has a snap closure by the chest but because I’m super short from shoulder to chest, it was a little low on me — I actually just unbuttoned it and wrapped as you see here, though I’d likely ask Nordstrom alterations to make that fix.

Scalloped sweater (wearing small)

A scalloped sweater in a super chic black?! In love. So cool that the detail goes around the neckline and hem. Comes in half-dozen colors.

Scallops girl? You  MUST check out this tank, under $30, with scallops around the hem and OMG, this back detail. Comes in four colors including black and navy.

Lastly, this scalloped dress comes in three colors (also love the emerald green), in regular and petites and is a steal at $65. I’m excited to test this (will order a 2P) out for workwear.

The ruffled bell sleeve blouse

Now this is simply for fun because how can you not have fun with this on? It needs a major statement earring — IMO — to balance out the big sleeves but that’s about it… this outfit is ready to roll! Wear it now with white denim, and into the fall with darker denim, or olive green pants… would look so good. It’s hard to tell in the picture but it has the lightest striped print.

Statement tee: J. Crew “pardon my french”

Can’t resist one great statement tee… and I LOVE this one!

 

MODERN SAVVY PICK

Cashmere sweater vest (comes in three colors; also love the grey)

Well I mean, how can a cashmere sweater not be a top pick!? 🙂 Confession: I’ve been wanting a chic long vest like this for ages. This is more on my wish list because I’m not sure I’d get enough use in Florida but I lurrrrvvveee this in a powerful way. Powerful. How cool does it instantly make my outfit look? Plus, imagine if I was wearing booties or OTK boots. This pulls together anything and the neutral camel is an instant wardrobe classic you’d have forever. And, don’t worry about your height — I’m only 5’3 and the knee-length is perfection.

ps: get the saddle bag here.

MODERN SAVVY PICKS

Distressed leggings (size small) // Nike tank (size small) // cozy jacket (size small) // sneakers

Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I was cool enough to pull off these leggings but then I put them on — and now, looking back at the pictures — they’re so freaking cool, and you can’t beat the price tag. The perfect pant to wear to workout and then run errands. I neeeeed these in my life. I also love the Nike tank that goes with everything, and this jacket– if I didn’t have a super similar one — would be major temptation. It’s that perfect soft grey jacket that pairs with everything, from over workout gear to your jeans and tee, too. One of the best finds!

PS: ALL THINGS ZELLA are a great deal for athletic wear... seriously, loving the workout gear (on par with Lululemon for way less)… leggings, jackets, sweatshirts, etc.

MODERN SAVVY PICKS

The refreshed workout outfit: Bra (size small) // Leggings (size small) // Tee (that I would wear!)

High rise to suck it all in, and with a super cool mesh and color blocking with an awesome color palette?! YES. These leggings were one of my favorites in the catalog and so happy to see how well they fit. I’ll of course be wearing a tank or tee over it (love this matching pink one) but wanted to show you the higher rise. What I do for you guys. 😉 This bra is fantastic, too, with some fun strappy back details that also add extra support. I’m typically somewhere between a 32C-D and the small fit perfectly and the girls didn’t move when I did a quick jump test! I’ve been wanting a new workout outfit for months and months and this one is it. Absolutely coming home with me.

MODERN SAVVY PICK

Moto leggings! (also comes in olive green)

How cute are these?! Again terrible lighting, but loving these soft cotton leggings with an elastic waist that had the details throughout the legs. I saw a similar pair by Free People a few months back and no way could justify $90+; these will only set you back $25!

 

MODERN SAVVY PICK

burnout tee (small) // Sweatpants (small, comes in 4 colors)

Both of these might be the softest, coziest pieces ever… especially these joggers. Holy cow. I honestly don’t care how they even look because they’re so soft I am dreaming about them. Anything by this brand, Make and Model, felt sooooo soft. Note that this tee is in the “lingerie” section however I’d totally wear this out. It’s adorable, and under $20 in a bunch of colors, is a worthy buy!

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE – ACCESSORIES

MODERN SAVVY PICK

Velvet cross-body (top 5 pick!)

Holy cow is this thing GORGEOUS or what?! I honestly didn’t want to let it go during my preview and totally put it aside. It looks SO much more luxe than the price tag says and it’s the kind of purse that will add such amazing visual interest to every outfit. Imagine your go-to black top and denim with this. Obsessed. If you get one new purse, I kind of want to say it’s this. Otherwise, the olive green one below (also available in a beautiful purple) is my runner up.

PS: sorry for the horrific lighting but wanted you to see it with a full look….

Ultimately… I ordered this Rebecca Minkoff gorgeous olive green girl. LOVE her! 😉

MODERN SAVVY JEWELRY PICKS

Bracelet // Necklace  (comes in three color options)// Ring (similar to the one I always wear) // Earrings (perfect gift, too!) 

Want a longer necklace? I tried this one on, and it’s awesome.

Notice how I wore the bracelet in nearly all the photos on day two (white top, black bottoms). I love, love how it added this cool, tough-girl vibe, and is an under $40 price tag. Super wearable both day and night. The necklace was an unexpected stunner and available in a variety of metallic options. This one is both silver and gold tone, which is great because it goes with everything. It’s both delicate yet makes a statement. That piece of jewelry you’ll never take off… along with this ring! I have a similar version of this ring (see above velvet purse photo) and have been so scared I’ll lose it. This one is slightly smaller, and more wearable if you’re not a big ring person. Lastly, these Kate Spade earrings are SO good. SO good! Get a pair for you, and a few for holiday gifts or a girlfriends birthday. They’re gorgeous, look beautiful and always sell out each season.

MODERN SAVVY PICK: 

The best bra for your girls

Comes in a bazillion colors and sizes will start to sell out fast. This bra by Natori has a million fantastic reviews (like 1100 nearly 5 star reviews!) for good reason. Provides coverage, is beautiful… it does everything it’s supposed to.

Want a bra without undewire? I got two of these last year and will likely get one more… they’re so comfy and the under $12 price is awesome.

MODERN SAVVY PICK

The leather tote (comes in four color options)

The Madewell tote is part of the sale, and this time in a few color options with striped detail. This grey/black combo is awesome, and could serve as a great baby bag, work bag, versatile travel bag, you name it. Otherwise, this under $50 tote is the best buy.

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE – SHOES

Now let’s be smart, ladies. There is A LOT of temptation here. Focus on where your closet is lacking, what you find yourself wishing you had (a classic flat, new sneakers, a pump in a fresh color, a great bootie, etc) and then prioritize. Last year I got an open-toed bootie that I wound up wearing a ton. I had nothing like it and so it became a great investment. Here are some top finds!

The block heel (comes in five colors/prints)

This style is going nowhere fast and we should be thankful… plus this pair is identical to one I just saw by Prada for $630! This onein blush velvet is insane gorgeous in person but the gold and black are equally stunning based on what your wardrobe needs. Also comes in two more styles online. Absolutely one of my favorites.

Pointy toe flat (comes in a dozen colors and prints!)

I’m a sucker for a good pointy toed flat. Promise you they’re comfortable, and provide leg-lengthening vibes without adding heel height. The floral is a personal favorite — I see it jazzing up a lot of solids in my wardrobe — and a nude flat is eternally classic if you don’t have one. I’m personally not as into the silver hardware on the black, though that’s just me.

Want a solid black flat? These are my favorite, and currently under $60!

Sneakers! Try these Nikes here or here.

Give your workouts some extra motivation thanks to a new pair of sneakers. I swear it makes all the difference. Plus, a lot of these slimmer-lined Nikes are great for athleisure wear, too. How pretty is that pink pair?? 

Leopard pumps are always a good purchase, and this pair with an ankle strap (makes it so much easier to walk) and the kitten heel make it a practical shoe for work or date night. Also love that cut-out detail in the arch. 

The cutest open-toed booties by Vince Camuto (under $100)!

Such great texture and a neutral shade that can work across your entire wardrobe. You can easily wear these with jeans and dresses. 

My favorites! Vince Camuto booties

This is another angle of the pair I used in my try-ons above. Totally see these selling out! Love, love, love the grey color that goes with both black, navy, etc in your closet and the ankle cut-out details make them better for year-round wear.

Check out the below booties, that come in under $100 and look super similar to a designer pair that goes for over $450! Both colors are awesome so it just depends on what you need (or both; no judgement zone!). I’m really considering the taupe pair since I only have black booties and an open-toed pair in a lighter color.

The Tory Burch flat

Absolutely one of the best flats I own. I wear mine constantly when I’m on the go, and I am loving this black/gold for fall because I can also wear these for work or weekend. Gorgeous!

Tory Burch riding boots

These babies sell out ASAP every year so if you’re considering I suggest you pull the trigger and decide once you get them.

PS: If you’re searching, start with these top brands:

For on-trend, affordable finds
Vince Camuto
Articles of Society (awesome denim)
Caslon (great, great tees and tops this season!)
Adidas
Nike
Zella (the best activewear; I want about three pairs of their leggings this season… yikes)
Barefoot Dreams (for the coziest cardigans ever — I wear mine at home, for travel, for the movies, errands, etc)
Steve Madden
Topshop
Trouve

Designer 
Tory Burch
Rebecca Minkoff
FRAME (for denim)
Good American (for denim; fits all the curves and love the higher rises)
Ugg (so many cute booties this season)
Kate Spade
Stuart Weitzman (especially for boots; they sell out fast)
Rag & Bone

 

PS: and I suppose ONE to the guys… this is Adam, and a bunch of our guy friends, favorite pants. They’re like a quasi pant/jean so they are super versatile for casual work days, date nights, movie nights, anything.

They come in two styles — slim straight leg and a modern slim with stretch.