Free People Electric City Pullover Sweater (Size small) / Hudson Jeans (Size 25)

Today’s the day! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally open to the public. Mitch and I spent a lot of time this week shooting and reviewing “our” (haha) favorites from the sale to share with you… and we hope this “guide” is helpful! If anything, it should give you a good laugh. Mitch has included his commentary below each product review, and it’s pretty funny.

ALSO: We’re giving away a $200 Nordstrom gift card! To enter, all you need to do is comment in the comment section at the end of this blog post. And here’s the fun part: you can say anything. Doesn’t even have to be about the sale! Sure: you could tell us what your favorite product is. Or you could tell us a joke, ask a question, share a fun fact, tell us where you’re from, create some poetry, post a pretty photo… just do you! ;) Honestly, we’re simply hoping for some interesting, funny and/or random stuff, haha. Let’s have fun with this!

Rules: You may enter by commenting on every eligible blog post that goes live now through Friday, July 28th. (Probably six chances in total.) We’ll be very clear about which posts are eligible; don’t worry! The winner will be selected at random and announced on the 28th. She (or he!) will receive a $200 e-gift card that day. GOOD LUCK!

Anyway, on to our favorite products from The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which everyone can shop today. Remember: this sale is unlike most others, as it features merchandise from the upcoming season. When the sale ends on August 6th, prices will go back up. And take note that stuff sells out quickly. Inventory is limited, so if you love something, act fast. Shipping and returns are free, so there’s really no risk involved! (Unless you’re one of those people who just can’t bring themselves to send off a return. In which case, I get you. I’m that person, too.)

For reference, I’m about 5’5 and somewhere between 105 and 110 pounds. I have a longer torso and shorter legs, which makes finding jeans a little difficult.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Kelly’s Review

I really can’t believe this guy is included in the sale. I’d had my eye on it for the longest time, as I often borrow my mom’s when I’m down the Shore in the colder months. It’s unbelievably light and soft, yet super warm. I also love it in the blue color!

Sizing

Patagonia runs small. While I usually wear a size XS in jackets, I’m wearing a size small here and it’s just right! My best recommendation is to go one size up.

Mitch’s Review

I like how Patagonia markets this coat as a mountain climbing jacket. The only mountain Kelly climbs is over a pile of empty chardonnay bottles to get to one that isn’t empty yet. YET.

^ omg. Mitch. Hahaha. Kind of true, though…

Halogen Bow Neck Top

Kelly’s Review

I assumed that this top would be stiff and wrinkly, but it’s soft, stretchy and… not wrinkly. ;) SUCH the statement, and such the buy. Tucked into skirts or simply worn with pants, it totally makes an outfit.

Sizing

Halogen typically runs large, but I’m wearing a size small here, and it’s perfect. I’d say you’d be fine ordering your usual size or one size up.

Mitch’s Review

I can barely tie my shoes. It took me nearly three years to successfully tie a tie. On the morning of our wedding, I had to approach a dozen strangers to get my bow tie tied. Now we have to tie our shirts?! This is a step backwards for humanity.

Other outfit details:

Bow Neck Top (On sale! Similar here, also on sale.) / Hooded Cardigan (On sale! Similar here, also on sale.) / AG Legging Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans (On major sale, and still available! I also recently purchased this pair from Hudson, and they’re just as amazing… just a different look. Read my full review on the AG Legging Jeans here.) / Tory Burch Pumps (On sale! They run TTS. Also, a newer version of my Tory Burch boots and my Tory Burch flats are included in the sale!) / Kendra Scott Bracelet c/o (Similar Kendra Scott bracelet on sale here.) / Lisi Lerch Earrings c/o (Similar earrings on sale here.)

Halogen Side Tie Cashmere Sweater

Kelly’s Review

Can’t say more about this sweater! I bought it when I was out in Denver, and I fell head over heels in love with it. The price is incredible for cashmere, and I adore the little bows at the sides. It comes in so many great colors, too.

Sizing

I’ve mentioned this before, but I almost always go up a size in sweaters because I love the look of slightly oversized tops and sweaters with tight skinny jeans. I’m wearing a size small here, and it works so well! If you like your clothing a bit more form-fitting, though, order your usual size.

Mitch’s Review

Why cut a slit in the side of your shirt if you just have to tie it back closed again? Kelly, they sell sweaters that don’t have cuts in the sides. You can borrow one of mine.

Other outfit details:

AG Legging Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans (On major sale, and still available! I also recently purchased this pair from Hudson, and they’re just as amazing… just a different look.) / Side-Tie Cashmere Sweater (On sale! Also love this similar one.) / Tory Burch Pumps (On sale! They run TTS. Also, a newer version of my Tory Burch boots and my Tory Burch flats are included in the sale!) / Madewell Tote (On sale! This is the one without the stripe, and here’s a more affordable version.) / Kendra Scott Bracelet c/o (Similar Kendra Scott bracelet on sale here.) / Lisi Lerch Earrings c/o (Similar earrings on sale here.)

Caslon Hooded Cardigan

Kelly’s Review

Definitely my favorite sweater purchase. I need to stop buying cardigans, but this one was just so soft! And I love the cinching at the waist, which gives it more definition… and the hood and pockets! Come on. Couldn’t say no. ;)

Sizing

Caslon cardigans are pretty generous, so I’m wearing a size XS here, which is what I’d normally order in a longer cardigan.

Mitch’s Review

What we have here is the most versatile cardigan ever. This thing daringly forgoes the standard button arrangement in favor of a drawstring, provides ample pocket space for candy or whatever, and tops it off with a big floppy hood in case you need to hide something.

Hudson Krista Released Hem Ankle Super Skinny Jeans

Kelly’s Review

Okay, so these jeans aren’t technically part of the Anniversary Sale, BUT they’re majorly discounted, so I had to included. I LOVE THEM. I’ve been looking for a pair of lighter jeans for a long time, and I adore how soft these are. I also love the released hem detailing, which balances out my otherwise very preppy looks. They also don’t give me a muffin top. (PS — I’m wearing the Free People Electric City Pullover Sweater on top in a size small.)

Sizing

I’m wearing a size 25 here, which is my normal size.

Mitch’s Review

The words “released” and “super skinny” do not belong in the same jeans description. If I put these on, the button would get “released” across the room at the speed of light.

Pleione Pleat Inset French Terry Top

Kelly’s Review

Love, love, love. Pleated tops were definitely my thing this year, and I was really excited when this one came out. Too cute! And definitely cozy.

Sizing

I’m wearing a size XS here, but I also tried on the small and couldn’t really tell a difference. My best recommendation would be to order your usual size… but if you can’t get that, one size up or down will probably do the trick.

Mitch’s Review

I have a secret to tell you about this top. I mean, it really blows my mind. Here I was thinking that Kelly pulled off this quirky outfit with a sweater on top of a mini skirt. But want to know the secret?! The secret is that this thing is all sewn together. It’s only one thing! It’s like a two-for-one deal.

Okay, Kelly just informed me that the folded part is not supposed to look like a skirt, but instead, another shirt. I’ll never get style.

Topshop Raw Ruffle Crop Jacket

Kelly’s Review

SO CUTE. Lightweight jackets for the end of summer and the beginning of fall are a little difficult to find, but this one is perfect. It looks great over a cami… or over a dress. And while I haven’t tried it yet, I feel like over a button-down, too?! Love those ruffles and the cropped cut.

Sizing

I’m wearing an XS. I’d order your normal size!

Mitch’s Review

This jacket looks like something a bizarre alien race would have worn in the old-school 1960s version of Star Trek. Kelly looks great in it, though. Very cool how the frilly wrist thing matches up with the hip frill thing. Top form!

Madewell Transport Tote

Kelly’s Review

I’m clearly not carrying the striped version, but isn’t it so original?! I’ve had my Transport Tote for years, and it’s such a staple for me–especially during the fall, as it seems to go with every outfit. Fun fact: You can bring it into Madewell stores whenever they’re offering free monogramming for personalization!

Sizing

It holds a 13- AND 15-inch Macbook, in case you’re wondering.

Mitch’s Review

This bag is just perfect. Brown leather (matches everything), no frills (stay humble), monogram (so she doesn’t forget her name), and Mary Poppins size (I’m needy). Kelly even used to put Noodle in there when she was ittybitty.

Halogen Scalloped Shift Dress

Kelly’s Review

Totally looks like a $300 dress, in my opinion. Beautiful scalloped dresses are hard to find, but this one’s a winner!

Sizing

It runs BIG. I’m wearing an XS here, but it’s still pretty large. If you’re a smaller human, this might not work for you. I’d go one (or two!) sizes down just to be safe.

Mitch’s Review

This looks like a dress that was finished off with one of those arts-and-crafts scissors. Ziz-zags? Scallops? Waves? What’s your fancy?

Tory Burch Boots

Kelly’s Review

I’m wearing an older pair from a past Anniversary Sale. But I LOVE this year’s version! My Tory boots are such the staple during the fall and early winter!

Sizing

Yes, the boots are a little too big on my calves, but I kind of love that look. Very equestrian, don’t you think?! I should note that I have freakishly small calves due to never working out, so if you’re more athletic than I am, you probably won’t have this problem. ;)

Mitch’s Review

What we have here is an example of why I built Kelly an extra shoe closet in our basement. These boots are good to have on hand just in case you need to go on a 10-furlong horse ride early in the morning. Just in case.

(I’ll admit that she does wear them all the time, though. Even though she’s terrified of horses because they “look like monsters.” Mmmhmm.)

Thread Wubby Fleece Pullover

Kelly’s Review

HOLY HEAVEN. This thing looks like something straight out of a pin from Pinterest that’s been re-pinned a solid million times. It’s SO cozy and soft, and it’s going to be my best friend until like May of next year because Chicago is the coldest place in the United States and I need things like this in my life. ;)

Sizing

I’m wearing a small here because it’s all I could find, but it’s great. So either order your usual size or one up?

Mitch’s Review

An example of a lunatic taking pictures of a fall fleece on the hottest day of the summer. Ninety-five degrees and 95 percent humidity. But I like that it makes her look like Fozzie the Bear. Also, WUBBY!

Tory Burch Claire Ballerina Flat

Kelly’s Review

I’m wearing an older version of this flat, but I tried the Claires on in-store, and they’re very, very similar. A classic flat that’ll never go out of style, you really can’t go wrong!

Sizing

Completely true to size. I wear a size 7.5 in flats (and in all Tory Burch flats), and took a 7.5 in these.

Mitch’s Review

I tried to pull off golden ballet flats, but I just couldn’t. They made my butt look fat.

Tory Burch Janey Pump

Kelly’s Review

I kind of flipped out when I found out that these were included in the sale. They’re perfect. I love the chunky (comfy!) heel and the oh-so-classic emblem on the toe, and the colors–brown, navy or black–are equally classic. If you’re looking for new work pumps… or pumps that’ll dress up your fall and winter looks, look no further.

Sizing

Again, they’re completely true to size, and I experienced no slippage. I wear a size 7.5 in Tory Burch flats and heels, and I took a 7.5 in these, too.

Mitch’s Review

These shoes are great and all, but let’s not neglect the fact that those jeans are in fact CUTOFFS! I’ve been waiting for cutoffs to make it back “into style.” I’ll be right back. I have to go find some scissors.

Halogen Tie Hem Sweater

Kelly’s Review

LOVE. Not itchy and makes quite the statement while remaining casual and cozy. Ugh. I have such a sweater problem. But it’s okay because I basically live in Siberia.

Sizing

I’m wearing a size small for a slightly oversized look. Either order your usual size or one size up, depending on how you like your sweaters.

Mitch’s Review

This sweater looks like the person making it went on strike before finishing.

“Screw it! Just tie the thing off in a knot at the bottom and ship!”

Halogen Soft Ruffle Jacket

Kelly’s Review

Without a doubt, my favorite jacket that’s included in the sale. A-dor-a-ble. The ruffle! The bow! It’s awesome, and I can’t wait to wear it this fall. (How awesome is it that it’ll work for spring, too?!)

Sizing

When I tried it on in Denver, I could only find it in a size medium or large (can’t remember which), and it still worked. (Just had to cinch it pretty tight.) I’m wearing a size XS here, though, and it’s great, too. So I’d say that there’s quite a bit of flexibility in terms of sizing. If you can, order your normal size, but if you can’t find it, go up a size or two. Worth it!

Mitch’s Review

OK. This one is too cute to make fun of.

Free People Electric City Pullover Sweater

Kelly’s Review

I’ve had this sweater for a while, and I was really excited to see it included in the sale. It’s a go-to during the colder months, as it slouches just the right way, and is super comfy while I’m rolling around with Emma.

Sizing

I’d recommend going up a size. I’m wearing a size small here, but I wish I’d been able to find a size medium.

Mitch’s Review

Scranton, PA is “The Electric City,” and I feel like “Free People” or whatever really hit on that Scranton essence when they knit this sweater.

Also, if my sweater was half-tucked like that, my students would laugh at me all day. But Kelly really pulls it off here, wouldn’t you say?

J.Crew Plaid Blazer

Kelly’s Review

I’m wearing an older version of the blazer, but so fun that there’s a newer one and that it’s majorly discounted! I’ve worn mine for years and years during the fall and winter. I throw it on over a tighter sweater for extra warmth, and it’s basically like wearing a jacket indoors… without raising any eyebrows. Again, Chicago is essentially like the Tundra, so any (cute) added warmth gets a thumbs up from me.

Sizing

J.Crew blazers run small. I take ’em in a size 2, and I almost always wear a 00 or 0 in the brand.

Mitch’s Review

I snapped this picture of Kelly on her way to the quad on a foggy, 1950’s-era, New England morning. She may be in the throws of an academic life and battling a vicious pipe-smoking habit, but I love her nevertheless.

Tahari Marla Double Face Wool Blend Wrap Coat

Kelly’s Review

I can’t believe it’s back! Not purchasing this coat was a major regret for me last year, as it sold out quickly. But any extra color during fall and winter brings quite a bit of happiness to me… and I adore the light blue color of this coat. And that neckline? Again, such the statement. Oh! And it has pockets! Can’t buy a coat without pockets if you live in Chicago. Puh-lease.

Note: This is not a puffer. It’s pretty warm, but once temps dip into the 20s and 10s, I’ll be back in a puffer. Ugh.

Sizing

Runs large, but you can totally get away with going up a size since it’s a wrap coat. I’m wearing a size small here, but I tried on a large in-store, and it worked.

Mitch’s Review

This is the kind of coat you could wear to a presidential inauguration if that’s your kind of thing.

Longchamp Tote

Kelly’s Review

I’m carrying the classic version, but so great that others are included in the sale! The zippered version is great for travel, and the leather version is to die for.

Sizing

Holds a 13- or 15-inch Macbook, and a ton of other stuff. It also folds up for transport.

Mitch’s Review

Out of all the bags Kelly has in her closet (and good lord does she have a pile of bags in that closet), I think this one is her favorite. Also, I have no idea what I’m talking about, so that probably isn’t true.

Halogen Scalloped Edge Sweater

Kelly’s Review

Perfect for layering under blazers. Love that scalloped detailing!

Sizing

I’d say it runs a little small. I’m wearing a small here, and I wish I’d gone with a medium.

Mitch’s Review

Did you know scallops can swim? Seriously, YouTube it. Absolutely insane. Put a comment in the comment section below if you agree you never thought scallops could swim. #swimmingscallops

AG The Legging Raw Ankle Skinny Jeans

Kelly’s Review

I can’t with these jeans. They’re INCREDIBLE. Read my full review here… but trust me. You need them. Just the right amount of stretchiness without stretching OUT, and very soft. Again, no muffin top. AG jeans almost never go on sale, so jump on this deal!

Sizing

They run TTS. I’m wearing a size 25, which is my normal size, and they fit perfectly.

Mitch’s Review

“Raw Ankle” is usually what happens to me when I’m breaking in a new pair of boat shoes. “Raw Ankle” is the kind of thing my brother orders when we go out for Chinese food. “Raw Ankle” sounds like an insult my students would sling at me all year but I’d be too embarrassed to ask what it means. “Raw Ankle” is also the perfect name for a pair of skinny jeans which shows off your ankle, rawly.

~

Remember:

We’re giving away a $200 Nordstrom gift card! To enter, all you need to do is comment in the comment section at the end of this blog post. And here’s the fun part: you can say anything. Doesn’t even have to be about the sale! Sure: you could tell us what your favorite product is. Or you could tell us a joke, ask a question, share a fun fact, tell us where you’re from, create some poetry, post a pretty photo… just do you! ;) Honestly, we’re simply hoping for some interesting, funny and/or random stuff, haha. Let’s have fun with this!

Rules: You may enter by commenting on every eligible blog post that goes live now through Friday, July 28th. (Probably six chances in total.) We’ll be very clear about which posts are eligible; don’t worry! The winner will be selected at random and announced on the 28th. She (or he!) will receive a $200 e-gift card that day. GOOD LUCK!