This. Took. Forever. 😂 (It might be 3 a.m. as I’m hitting publish, haha. Say a little prayer for me this morning.)
But no matter, because today’s the day! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to all cardholders at 11:30 a.m. EST/10:30 a.m. CST… and my guide to shopping the entirety of the women’s selection is LIVE! I’m really excited about it. I hope it helps you navigate the sale and enjoy it. :)
As mentioned, I’m breaking things up and focusing on the women’s section today since it’s so big. Tomorrow, though, I’ll be featuring my favorites from everything else: Men, Kids and Home. So stay tuned for that! And later today, I’ll be posting commentary/sizing info on my favorites from each section as well as a try-on session with mirror photos taken on my big camera because I recently drove away with my iPhone on the roof of my car… and haven’t had it fixed or replaced yet. So YEAH. Those pics will be good for a laugh, at least. 😜 But circle back in a few hours for all of that! (I’ll be going into way more detail about products then.)
Finally, let’s get to today’s giveaway! As a thank you for supporting our blog (and us!), we’re giving away $300 to shop the sale. To enter, all you have to do is:
- Comment in the comment section and tell us what product(s) from *this guide* you’d purchase if you won the $300!
- Include your e-mail address with your comment so we can get in touch with you if you win. Type it in the following non-spammy format: kelly [at] gmail [dot] com.
Edit: Congrats to Katie M. for winning! Btw: Yesterday’s winner was Maggie M. Congrats, Maggie!
But let’s move on to the guide, shall we?!
The Preppy Guide to Shopping The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
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Tory Burch riding boot:
The boot that went viral on Pinterest is back! ;) This is such a classic, and one that you’ll have in your closet forever. I might like Cole Haan’s versioneven better, simply because Cole Haan always has an insane amount of padding in the brand’s shoes, but you really can’t go wrong! I wear my riding boots mostly for extra warmth, but they look adorable paired with dresses or jeans/leggings in the fall! (I always go up a half size with pretty much all boots, btw, so I can wear them with thicker socks comfortably.)
Cole Haan bootie:
IN MY CART. Again, I’m obsessed with Cole Haan shoes because they’re so well-made and they’re extremely padded/comfortable without looking it. ;) My old brown booties are destroyed so these are a must!
Blondo boots:
All Blondo shoes are waterproof but you’d never know it. Ah-mah-zing.
Hunter wellies:
A timeless boot that goes with everything!
Shop all women’s boots here.
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Tory Burch flat:
So. Cute. I’ve had my Tory Burch flats, which look VERY similar, for years… and wear them all the time (usually with jeans and a sweater or button-down). They run TTS and are very comfy!
Brown embossed loafers:
I somehow missed these in-store but LOVE them. Certainly timeless.
Super soft loafers:
I tried these and was blown away by how insanely flexible and comfy they were. Like, WOW.
Shop all women’s loafers, slides and flats.
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Stacked heel sandal:
I bought these the other day in the store because I knew I’d be able to wear them with so many of my outfits through the end of the season and even into the beginning of fall. They’re not a tight fit, so there’s no risk of blisters… yet they don’t fall off my feet. I went with my normal size and they’re perfect.
Shop all women’s sandals here.
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Tory Burch pump:
Here’s the heeled version, which is great for work or going out! Love that it’s a closed toe which provides for added warmth. :) Again, TTS.
(#4) Mark Fisher Yovani Pump:
I love the “toe line” on this pump, as well as the low stacked heel. It’s a GORGEOUS shoe, and if you’re looking for a new pair of black heels, this would be my recommendation! Stacked heels for the win. Comfort always wins. ;)
(#5 and #8) Sam Edelman Pumps:
That said, I do own a couple of pairs of these non-stacked heel pumps, and I get a lot of wear out of them.
Shop all women’s pumps here.
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Over the last couple of years, I’ve gone from disliking sneakers as everyday footwear to LOVING them. (#momlife) My favorites are:
These Adidas sneaks: Normally I wouldn’t go for something so sporty, but this pair is STUNNING. Like, I think I need?! I saw them in the store and they’re even more gorgeous in-person.
This Sperry pair: For a long time, this was the only non-running shoe I owned! It’s definitely the preppiest sneaker out there. I find that Sperry sneakers run completely true to size.
Shop all women’s sneakers here.
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Longchamp expandable tote:
This sells out SO quickly every year so if you’re interested, I would purchase asap. I’m very impressed with how many colors are available this time around! The tote itself is amazing, too. When zippered, it looks just the original Le Pliage, but unzip and you have a MUCH bigger bag. This is fabulous for the girl who can never get her stuff back into her suitcase at the end of a trip. ;) Seriously: Why does this always happen to me?! I need expandable luggage, too.
Btw: This Longchamp is part of the regular sale and is a GREAT deal.
Tory Burch leather tote:
This bag wins the show. It’ll never go out of style, and the quality is fantastic. Lots of interior pockets, too! Great for a commuting bag but also as an everyday tote or even a smaller baby bag. (When I’m REALLY good about packing the girls’ stuff, I can totally get by with something of this size.)
$39 Faux leather crossbody:
Such a steal! I feel like this looks just like a Chloe bag, but obviously for about a zillionth of the price. ;)
$45 Faux leather tote:
More of a totes girl? Me too. This one is perfect and still has that awesome price point.
$60 Faux leather weekender:
Every preppy girl needs a leather suitcase… or a faux one. ;)
Shop all women’s bags here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
AG The Legging Jean:
THEY’RE BACK! They’re going to sell out quickly so grab them in your size if you’re interested in owning the best pair of designer jeans ever. SO GOOD. I wear my normal size in designer jeans in these, so I’d say that they run TTS. But order two sizes if you’re on the fence and simply return one! (I took my normal size in jeans. If you’re new to the brand, though, I typically wear a size 25 in J.Crew jeans and I also take these in a size 25!)
AG Prima Ankle Skinny Jean:
Took these home with me a couple of days ago! They’re so cute, they feature just the right amount of stretch, and they’re perfect for weekends and/or “mommying.” I also love that they’re skinny but not skin-tight. They run TTS.
AG The Farrah High-Waisted Skinny Jean:
Clearly I’m AG all the way. ;) I’m not the biggest high-waisted fan, but these were actually comfy on me. I went up one size. I love the amount of stretch that AG puts into their jeans. It’s just enough to make ’em super soft and comfy but not too much that they’ll lose their shape throughout the day. Bottom line: you can’t go wrong with any of the AG pairs that are included this year!
AG Prima Skinny Jean:
This is AG’s darkest pair included in the sale. AG recommends going down a size in these since they can stretch a little with wear, but I take my regular size.
Rag & Bone Cate Skinny Jean:
Moving on from AG, haha, Rag & Bone always has amazingly soft and stretchy jeans, and the “Cate” pair is no exception. They were a bit longer on me than they are on the model which was nice, but still technically ankle cut. Probably the most versatile denim pick from the entirety of the sale! TTS.
Paige Verdugo Skinny Jean:
The runner up to the Cate. This is Paige’s most popular cut, in my opinion, and the dark wash is great! Wear-to-work but also wear-out. :)
Hudson Nico Skinny Jean:
If you’re okay with distressed jeans, I HIGHLY recommend the Nico. The jeans are thicker but still amazingly soft and stretchy but maintain their stretch. This is the only cut I can wear after I have a baby. It’s very forgiving if you have a pooch that you’re working with. ;) TTS but again, very forgiving.
Shop all women’s jeans here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
Ted Baker Peplum Sweater:
This is one I missed but it’s so adorable and shouldn’t be overlooked. That peplum! And it comes in both white and navy.
Side button sweater:
My favorite from the try-on session! The buttons down the arm are just too cute. It also comes in cashmere.
Free People oversized sweater:
This was the runner up! Just beware: it runs VERY large. I went for the XS and was still swimming it. (In a cute way, haha.) But yeah: definitely size down.
Soft pink/grey/white/camel sweater:
I missed this at the store but think it’s BEAUTIFUL. *In cart.*
Shop all women’s sweaters here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
Barefoot Dreams Long Cardigan:
GET THIS. It’s the best cardigan I own. It feels like you’re wrapping yourself in a cloud. It’s THAT soft. Worth every penny. And it’s on sale! :)
Caslon Hooded Cardigan:
Another favorite that I’ve owned for a few years. It’s super soft as well, and I love that it cinches around the waist. Size down; it runs large.
Madewell Ryder Cardigan:
If you follow me on Instagram, this is the sweater I left in the bush the other day! Haha. (Mom brain.) It’s seriously the best, though, and the cardigan I bring everywhere just in case of over-air conditioned spaces. It comes in a bunch of colors. Size down; runs big. The navy/gray colorblocked one is really cute, too!
Treasure & Bond Cardigan:
I haven’t tried this one, but I love it specifically in beige. Definitely worth a try.
$45 Topshop Cardigan:
It looks perfectly soft and stretchy. The best color is clearly the camel!
Halogen Wool & Cashmere Cardigan:
Check this one out in “Heather Tan Cobblestone.” I might just like it because the model’s outfit is cute, though. 😂
Shop all women’s cardigans here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings:
Get these! I feel like Tuckernuck made the faux leather legging look “preppy,” and I’m here for it. Both the Spanx and Commando pair are awesome–insanely comfortable!–and you really can’t go wrong with either. The Spanx are a longer fit and the Commando are ankle. (With Spanx, I did go up a size. I tried up to a large and honestly they all looked good–and about the same! So don’t stress too much about the size. They’re magic pants, haha.)
Commando Faux Leather Leggings:
The alternative. Same price and look but ankle cut. I wear them when I’m wearing pumps. I went with a size small so my underwear lines didn’t show.
$19 Everyday Black Leggings:
SUCH a steal. I actually have last year’s version of this legging. I went one size up.
The Ponte Leggings You NEED:
Leggings that are thick enough so you can wear ’em to work. I love mine! TTS.
Gray Joggers:
Don’t these look amazing?! So soft and cozy for the fall and winter. They run large so definitely size down.
J.Crew Cameron Pants:
Actual work pants. I hate hook and eye closures because I find them uncomfortable, but my friends swear by these. If they don’t annoy you and you’re looking for true work pants, apparently these are great. My PERSONAL favorite “work pants,” though, are the pull-on Jamie pants, carried at J.Crew Factory.
Shop all women’s leggings and pants here.
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^ Widgets added so you can see how they fit!
Barbour Violet Coat:
I tried on all the Barbour coats, and this one, by far, is my favorite! It features a similar cut to the classic Beadnell, but it has a beautiful floral lining that provides extra warmth and coziness, which is something the original does not have! I LOVE it. My biggest complaint with the classic Beadnell is that it isn’t the warmest. But so excited that I’ll be able to wear this one throughout the entirety of the fall! If you’re planning on buying this coat, note that it runs a little small. I’m wearing a U.S. 4 here (which is my normal Barbour size), but I think if there had been a U.S. 6 available, I would have gone with that. (See all Anniversary Sale Barbour products here.)
Barbour Oakland Quilted Jacket:
I love this jacket in “Ice White” or “Navy.” It’s a classic. I would go with your regular Barbour size; I normally wear a U.S. 4 in Barbour and that’s what I went with in the Oakland.
Patagonia Quilted Coat:
Love it in “Birch White” or Navy, and have it in the white. ;) It’s awesome! Note that Patagnonia runs small. I *always* go up at least one size, and went up one in this coat, too. I wear this often when I’m running around with Emma on chilly mornings in the fall. Looks great with normal clothes but with “athleisure,” too!
Patagonia Los Gatos Jacket:
IT’S SO SOFT. You feel like you’re being hugged by a teddy bear. Go up one size. (Really.)
BB Dakota Plaid Blazer:
Out of all the blazers, I loved this one the most, which was surprising! It was just very flattering, I suppose because it doesn’t have shoulder pads and it’s longer in length. LOVE. IT. Took my normal size. I know it’ll be a staple this fall!
Classic Trench:
Every prep needs one! TTS but roomy.
Shop all women’s coats and jackets here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
The Preppiest Dress from the Sale:
I squealed when I saw this. Hoping it fits because it’s SO cute and right up my alley.
The Super-Flattering Polka Dot Dress:
This one came home with me! I can’t lie: Dresses don’t look great on me postpartum, but BOY is it (finally) hot here in Chicago. This one, though, really looked nice when I went up a size. You’ll be seeing on the blog soon!
Navy Lace Midi:
This dress is ridiculously popular and so versatile! I’ve seen people wear it to weddings with pumps and I’ve seen others wear it to backyard BBQs with sandals. It runs small. Much like it suggests in the description, I went up two sizes. (Pre-baby!)
Pleated Dress:
Another dress that was exceptionally flattering despite the leftover baby bump. It’s a very flowy dress yet the dark color (and especially the leopard print) disguises lumps and bumps. TTS.
Shop all women’s dresses and jumpsuits.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
Corduroy Skirt:
Paired with riding or over-the-knee boots an a striped long-sleeved tee or simple sweater, this is such a cute look for fall.
#60daysofplaid Skirt:
IT’S PERFECT, RIGHT? Guys, I’m going ALL OUT this year for #60daysofplaid. ;)
Leather Midi:
I know. Kind of crazy for me, but I love it paired with a button-down. (There’s that preppy angle for ya!)
Shop all women’s skirts here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
J.Crew Oversized Striped Tee:
Tried this on and wore it in most of my dressing room photos. It runs BIG. I wore an XXS and I usually like my tops/sweaters in small/medium sizes!
The Bow Back Top:
Like, whaaaaat? It’s unbelievably cute.
Floral Sleeveless Top:
I brought this one home with me from the store! Perfectly flowy and flattering; took my normal size.
Free People Thermal Top:
I probably wouldn’t have gone for this if I’d only seen it online, but I adored it in person. It falls in all the right ways! Size down.
Chambray Shirt:
It’s a soft one! I can’t stand chambray tops that are stiff. ;) Size down.
Cozy Fleece Twist Top:
Get this! I’ve had mine for years and it’s one of the softest articles of clothing in my closet. :) A great lounge/weekend top. It runs large. Size down.
Shop all women’s tops here.
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^ Widget added so you can see how they fit!
Wubby Fleece:
It’s back and better than ever! It’s large, so size down. But it feels like you’re being hugged by clouds, and if you live in Chicago, you need it.
Patagonia Pullover:
I love wearing mine with leggings, riding boots and a puffer vest in the fall and winter. Runs small; size up.
Cozy Navy Pajamas:
They get phenomenal reviews. Just make sure to size down.
Shop all women’s activewear and lounge/sleepwear.
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#1 and #3 are awesome statement earrings!
Can be worn as everyday earrings but also as special occasion ones. Can’t decide which I like better though love that both are affordable.
Ray-Ban Sunglasses:
These are my favorite sunnies, only in black! (Here they are in tortoise.) I’m such a fan. The other pairs, though, have a very similar look. You can’t go wrong!
Shop all women’s accessories here.
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T3 Curling Wand:
The best curling iron to have ever existed. You’ll get those incredible curl-waves and they WON’T FALL OUT.
Clinique Moisture Surge:
This works wonders on my skin. I use it when my face starts looking drab and dull, which is usually went my skin is dry. Revives it in no time!
Mario Badescu:
It is VERY effective at drying acne out overnight. The pink stuff can clear my skin up in literally one night. I also swear by Differin, which is now available over the counter for like $10 at pharmacies.
Clinique Chubby Stick Kit:
I love these! It’s like a combination of chapstick and lipstick. Great colors.
LeLabo Perfume Kit:
I wear LeLabo Rose 31 and I’m obsessed with it. But a little goes a LONG way. This kit is well worth it b/c it’ll last the whole year yet it’s so much less expensive than even one regular container of Rose 31. :) You should test it out in-store before buying… but you can trust me. ;) It smells phenomenal! Even Mitch noticed when I first started wearing it and said it was incredible!
Shop all women’s beauty here.
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Barefoot Dreams Throw:
YES. I am so, so excited about this. Barefoot Dreams clothing is to die for (SO soft), and I’m finally buying the blanket for our living room since it’s on sale. (See all Barefoot Dreams sale blankets here. There are a bunch!)
Anthropologie Pitcher:
Also in my cart. I actually plan on using it as a vase since I “KonMari-ed” our old one, haha. I love the blue and white and know it’ll go perfectly in our home!
Hydrocotton Bath Mat:
This thing gets SUCH good reviews, and we’re currently without bath mats for every bathroom in our house. It’s apparently super thick, soft and absorbent. Just what we need! Getting the blue color since the Larkin Family cannot handle anything white. 😂
Chunky Knit Throw:
I thought I’d highlight this since we own it and LOVE it. It’s the stuff that Pinterest dreams are made of. Also, it’s the blanket featured in the first graphic of this post! Cute, right?!
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Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover:
I love the women’s version, so the girls’ pullover immediately jumped out at me! I’m definitely tempted to have Emma pair it with leggings and riding boots to get that perfect college student look, haha! Anyway, it’s amazingly soft, and your daughter will ALWAYS want to wear it. Go up a size or two and cuff the sleeves so she gets several years of wear out of it. Not worth it otherwise!
Bear Hoodie:
Emma and Lucy have a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale collaboration coming up (the cutest), and I think I’m going to get them these! (There’s a baby version, too.)
Reversible Jacket:
A reversible jacket means two looks in one, which is very helpful when your kids grow like weeds and you’re down to zero coats for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. ;) That faux fur is amazingly soft and cozy, too.
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So impressed with how much Vineyard Vines was included in the boys’ sale. (And in the men’s!) I’m no expert in this department–#girllife haha–but these products stood out to me. :)
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Sparkle Mary Janes:
Emma’s preschool told us that she needs velcro or pull-on shoes for the upcoming school year, and these look adorable for days when she wears dresses! (Which will likely be every day, since she is refusing to wear pants and shorts right now, haha.) Love that little boots.
Pull-On Navy Rain Boots:
These also look great for pre-k. Boots are so hard for kids to get on and off, but the handles will surely make that easier.
Leopard Booties:
Leopard is a neutral, even for little girls.
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Samesies.
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Maxi-Cosi Infant Car Seat/Carrier:
This is what we have for Lucy and we LOVE it. She falls asleep almost immediately when we put her in it. She’s the biggest fan, haha! It’s easy to install, and it’s compatible with Max-Cosi strollers, which is awesome because the baby never wakes up when you transport from stroller to car. It’s just snaps in and out! (Btw: this is the stroller we have which is on sale, and this is the more affordable version I love. Both are great and you really can’t go wrong.)
Smocked Dress:
This is in my cart for Lucy. SO excited about it. I saw that the designer behind Brooke & Lou recently had her favorite baby dress (of her daughter’s) framed, and it came out beautifully. Want to do that in Lucy’s room with this dress!
High Chair:
This is the high chair that’s compatible with Lucy’s bouncer… and I’m so tempted to get it!
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Barbour Jacket:
This is the obvious winner of the men’s sale section. Barbour rarely goes on sale, and this is a jacket he’ll own for his entire life! It also comes in navy.
Vineyard Vines Plaid Performance Shirt:
Mitch is obsessed with Vineyard Vines’ Performance shirts because they’re wrinkle-resistant (no ironing!) and they keep him cool. (Great for the guy who overheats!) This pattern is great; your guy can wear it to work but also on the weekends. Love men’s stuff that can be dressed both up and down.
Vineyard Vines Checked Performance Shirt:
Another great Performance option!
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Classic Sperrys:
This is a GREAT price for the Gold Cup Sperrys, which are like the original shoes but have hand-burnished leathers and 18K gold-plate details. (Here’s the women’s version, btw.) Mitch wears his literally every day, and paired with khakis and a nice button-down, they can be dressed “up,” too!
Cole Haan Penny Loafers:
We’re huge fans of Cole Haan shoes for their comfort and classic design. This penny loafer is timeless and super versatile!
Cute Slip-On White Sneakers:
Mitch would destroy these in negative five minutes, but maybe your boyfriend/fiance/husband could handle these. Love them.
Derby Shoes:
I LOVE these! I feel like there just aren’t a ton of preppy shoe options for guys, but these would look great (and different!) for work and dressier looks.
The brands I’m shopping:
AG
Barbour
Barefoot Dreams
Blondo
BP.
Caslon
Chelsea28
Cole Haan
Commando
Eliza J.
Free People
Halogen
Hudson Jeans
J.Crew
Kate Spade
Longchamp
Madewell
Paige
Rag & Bone
Rebecca Taylor
Sam Edelman
Spanx
Sperry
Steve Madden
Tory Burch
Zella