inside the dressing room: nordstrom anniversary sale

It’s here, it’s here! My favorite sale of the year is here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially starts today and I couldn’t be more excited to share my picks with you. I had a chance to preview the sale at Nordstrom Beachwood and thought I’d try something a little different today and show you my dressing room haul. I snapped a ton of pictures on my phone and I’ll be informally walking you through my first impressions like we’re just hanging in the fitting room! Don’t worry – I’ll also have some outfit posts going live in the next couple weeks with everything I bought so you can see how I style certain sale pieces!

There’s a TON of awesome stuff on sale and what I love about this year is that it’s more “buy now, wear now” vs. previous years which have been more geared towards fall. Don’t get me wrong, there are tons of cozy sweaters, jackets and booties on sale but you’ll also find tanks, versatile dresses and staple pieces you can wear all year round.

I’ve actually never shopped the sale in the store before. While I’m usually an online shopper, I found that I really enjoyed shopping in-store for this sale. It honestly makes it less overwhelming and I was able to try everything on in order to choose items that I truly, truly love. Before we get started on the dressing room haul, here are a couple of my tips for in-store Anniversary Sale shopping:

• Use a stylist! Did you know this is a FREE service offered by Nordstrom?! You can call your local Nordstrom to set up an appointment and a stylist will walk you through the sale, helping you to pick out pieces perfect for you. They will set you up in a fitting room, can get you different sizes/colors and will give you an honest opinion about what you try on. It doesn’t get better than that!
• Bring a friend. It’s easy to want everything when it’s on sale and a friend can be your voice of reason.
• Bring multiple undergarments. Chances are you’ll be trying on all different kinds of clothes. I brought a sports bra, regular bra, strapless bra, bralette, regular undies and a thong.
• Try on full outfits. It’s the best way to see how pieces are truly going to look when incorporated into your existing wardrobe!
• Get a Nordstrom credit card so you can shop the sale early. Credit card holders can shop now through July 20th and have first dibs on all of the best pieces before the sale opens up to the public!

Alright, on to the fitting room sneak peek!

I am so into activewear this year! This Nike crop is one of my favorites. I usually like my workout gear bigger and this fit is perfect. I wore my usual size in tops (XS). This would look awesome paired with jeans, leggings or sweatpants as pictured!

nike dry versa training crop top ($48.90 during sale, $65 after sale) // nike sweatpants ($37.90 during sale, $50 after sale)

A big trend right now in activewear is ballet-inspired pieces. A lot of blush and gray tones, intricate sports bras and crop tops. This Zella sports bra was a little big (I tried on a S but could go down to an XS).

nike sweatpants ($37.90 during sale, $50 after sale) // zella illusion sports bra ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale)

Zella is a newer brand to me. I’ve heard the name but have never tried any of their pieces. Obsessed! It’s like Lululemon quality for a fraction of the cost! I usually wear a S in bottoms/leggings and their leggings fit true to size.

zella mesh inset training tee ($31.90 during sale, $49 after sale) // zella leggings ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale)

zella leggings ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale)

Definitely bought the entire outfit below. I went with a 4 in the jacket for an oversized look. The Caslon tee is a perfect basic. It comes in multiple, neutral colors and has a relaxed fit. It runs big so I’d definitely size down.

topshop ripped denim jacket ($63.90 during sale, $95 after sale) // caslon rounded v-neck tee ($17.90 during sale, $25 after sale) // zella illusion sports bra ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale) // zella live in high waist leggings ($35.90 during sale, $54 after sale) // adidas superstar slip-on sneakers ($55.90 during sale, $64.95 after sale)

I noticed these shoes right away and knew I had to have them! Adidas is one of my favorite brands right now and these are soooo comfortable and versatile. These run large. I’m usually a 6.5 and I had to size all the way down to a 5.

adidas superstar slip-on sneakers ($55.90 during sale, $64.95 after sale) // zella live in high waist leggings ($35.90 during sale, $54 after sale)

This Leith bell sleeve sweater is everything! I’m seeing a ton of bell sleeves this year – it’s definitely going to be a big trend this fall! It’s pictured in the tan color and in my opinion, that one is the prettiest that it comes in! I paired it with a Madewell necklace that would literally go with anything.

leith bell sleeve sweater ($38.90 during sale, $59 after sale) // ag denim ($149.90 during sale, $225 after sale) // madewell angelflip pendant necklace ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale)

The Anniversary Sale is the best time of the year to stock up on designer denim that you don’t want to buy full price. I’ve heard amazing things about AG jeans so I tried a couple pairs out and loved them! I didn’t find my perfect fit this time around (I find the waist to run a little big) but I can’t wait to go back and try on more fits and washes. Seriously, when else can you get designer denim at these prices?!

leith bell sleeve sweater ($38.90 during sale, $59 after sale) // ag denim ($149.90 during sale, $225 after sale) // madewell angelflip pendant necklace ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale)

This fur vest is one of the best pieces I tried on. I can’t even tell you how soft it is! I could also think of about 20 different outfits I could wear it with, my favorite being jeans, a basic white tee and booties!

love token long fur vest ($219.90 during sale, $330 after sale) // caslon rounded v-neck tee ($17.90 during sale, $25 after sale)

Not only is it a great time to stock up on designer denim, I also love, love, love the more affordable options too, like this pair of distressed, vintage wash BP denim for $40!

love token long fur vest ($219.90 during sale, $330 after sale) // bp lace trim cami ($22.90 during sale, $35 after sale) // articles of society sarah skinny denim ($41.90 during sale, $64 after sale) // kendra scott rae long filigree pendant necklace ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale)

The photo below does not do this blush color justice…it’s so gorgeous! This Leith cardigan is so soft and would look good over anything! It comes in multiple (beautiful) colors and I have a feeling it’s going to be a popular sale item this year. Get it before it sells out!

leith easy circle cardigan ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale) // articles of society sarah skinny denim ($41.90 during sale, $64 after sale) // bp lace trim cami ($22.90 during sale, $35 after sale) // kendra scott rae long filigree pendant necklace ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale)

When I looked back at the photos I took, I was surprised to see that I actually like how this turtleneck sweater photographed. It didn’t fit me quite right but it has a really pretty lace-up back and the color is perfect for fall!

leith lace-up back knit tank top ($38.90 during sale, $59 after sale) // articles of society sarah skinny denim ($41.90 during sale, $64 after sale)

I was surprised to see some Kendra Scott jewelry on sale…that never happens! This long necklace is a jewelry staple and comes in 3 different metal finishes!

caslon rounded v-neck tee ($17.90 during sale, $25 after sale) // articles of society sarah skinny denim ($41.90 during sale, $64 after sale) // kendra scott rae long filigree pendant necklace ($49.90 during sale, $75 after sale)

lush t-shirt ($15.90 during sale, $24 after sale) // nike sweatpants ($37.90 during sale, $50 after sale) // zella illusion sports bra ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale)

topshop lattice back sweater ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale) // topshop hayden denim ($59.90 during sale, $90 after sale) // madewell angelflip pendant necklace ($35.90 during sale, $55 after sale)

Another trend I’m seeing is lace-up back sweaters. This cream one almost made it into my bag but it runs a little big so I had to pass. I would definitely size down. There are those bell sleeves again!

topshop lattice back sweater ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale) // topshop hayden denim ($59.90 during sale, $90 after sale) // madewell necklace // cole haan lyla waterproof booties ($159.90 during sale, $250 after sale)

Something else I love about the Anniversary Sale…bags! Designer bags never seem to go on sale so now is the time to stock up! I fell in love with the ALLSAINTS crossbody. Seriously, how perfect?!

tory burch frida leather satchel ($329.90, $498 after sale) // allsaints ray nubuck crossbody bag ($185.90 during sale, $278 after sale)

I went back and forth on this. It’s different than anything I’ve ever worn before. On, it looks like a midi skirt but it’s actually a wide leg jumpsuit with slits on both sides. It’s an awesome price point for such a unique piece that is sure to turn heads!

bp stripe wide leg jumpsuit ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale)

bp stripe wide leg jumpsuit ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale)

These booties have my heart. I absolutely love a chunky wooden heel! The color is so unique and honestly, Sam Edelman can do no wrong. I sized a half size down (I usually wear a 6.5 and went down to a 6).

bp stripe wide leg jumpsuit ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale) // sam edelman merton booties ($99 during sale, $149.95 after sale)

bp stripe wide leg jumpsuit ($42.90 during sale, $65 after sale) // sam edelman merton booties ($99 during sale, $149.95 after sale)

There you have it! Stay tuned for outfit posts and sale updates throughout the next couple of weeks. Happy shopping!