Ok, I really got burned last year with my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks—after hours of poring over everything on the website, making collages, and writing careful assessments, nearly everything I featured sold out on the first day, before I was even allowed to shop. (I guess that means I have good taste?) I was so irritated that I vowed never to cover the sale again...until the catalogue arrived and I thought, Ok, I'm giving this one last shot, but doing things a little differently this time. Instead of diving deep into every category, I picked my top 8 items that I am actually hoping to buy. And since the NSale is usually a good time to stock up on tried-and-true wardrobe classics and beauty essentials, I'm sharing my top 10 items that I actually own and highly recommend. Icons, Ambassadors, and Influencers (e.g. Nordstrom cardholders) get to shop now through the 16th of July, and the sale opens up to the public on July 17th. Let's hope everything stays in stock until then!
What I'm buying this year
1. I am still bitter about the Farm Rio dress that got away last year; this one is not quite as cute, but the fit looks a little more forgiving for a woman of my age, and their prints just make me so happy.
Farm Rio Sunset Tapistry dress $149.99 (reg. $225)
2. I am slowly becoming an unapologetic sneakerhead—I wear them more than anything else in my wardrobe, footwear-wise—and while there are several silver pairs in the sale (I also like these Sam Edelman kicks), I'm into the Golden Goose vibes of this pair.
AllSaints Shana sneaker $119.99 (reg $179)
3. I probably have two years' worth of skincare sitting in my closet (being a blogger has its perks!) and yet I've always been curious about Tina Chen's U Beauty line. This set featuring several of the top products is quite tempting.
U Beauty gift set $156 ($224 value)
4. These are my three favorite scents in Byredo's rather pricey line; this is not the best value, but it's a great way to sample the scents before you commit to the full $200 shebang.
Byredo Eau de Parfum set $95 ($104 value)
5. I also missed out on the Isabel Marant sunglasses last year, so I'm doubly invested in scoring a pair of these square-shaped frames, which are almost guaranteed to suit my (very wide) face shape.
Isabel Marant 52mm sunglasses $159.99 (reg. $240)
6. Confession: most of my underwear is from Target and is currently in a state of decomposition, complete with lax elasticity and sagging. It feels like high time to invest in some quality undies, and these look equally pretty and practical.
Spanx Undie-tectable lace hi-hipster panties $15.99 (reg. $24)
7. I've always wanted to try a pair of Mother's Jeans, which are as seemingly loved as they are obscenely expensive. This sale puts them at least a little more within reach.
Mother The Rider jeans $169.99 (reg. $258)
8. This is not the most exciting thing on this list, but I do need to refresh a few long-sleeved tees and I'm always a fan of Free People's.
Free People Arden top $34.99 (reg. $58)
What I've bought in the past
These are the leggings that just won’t die, and that’s not a bad thing. At this point, they’re a classic—one that rarely goes on sale. (And if you’re looking for a good pair of workout leggings, I’m a big fan of the Booty Boost, which I own in multiple colors.)
Spanx faux leather leggings $64.99 (reg. $98)
Speaking of owning things in multiple colors, I have this sweater in black and ivory, and seeing as how there are several more included in the sale, I might get one more. This is the perfect thing to wear on cold, rainy days, ideally with a pair of leggings, like the Spanx above.
Free People ottoman sweater $88.99 (reg. $168)
I fondly think of these as my pandemic jeans, as I bought them early in the shutdown, and three years later, they’re still one of my most-worn pairs. They are comfy AF and have gotten even softer over the years. The fit may be an acquired taste for your S.O., but I think even Sean has come around to it.
Re/Done 70s stovepipe jeans $183.99 (reg. $275)
I get really excited when Nordstrom is able to land a coveted newer brand like Larroude for the NSale, and while they don’t have this exact pair, I do like the 70s vibes of the brown suede version, as well as the more fall-friendly closed-toe iteration.
Larroude Dolly platform sandals $199.99 (reg. $350)
The Airwrap gets all the attention, but if you’re a blowout purist, the Dyson Supersonic is your workhorse. What’s great about this one is that it comes with all of the fancy attachments, including the smoothing one, which I swear by. While not technically on sale, this is still a good score because of all the extras are included.
Dyson Supersonic hair dryer $429.99 ($490 value)
My honest review of the Chebula serum remains one of my most-read posts, and I will say, if you are plagued by redness like I am, this serum is a miracle-worker and this set (which is slightly different than last year but still includes the serum and cream) is one of the best beauty deals of the sale.
True Botanicals Fresh Dewy Skin Set $99 ($211 value)
This brow conditioner is so effective, it inspired me to write an entire honest review about it. Not the sexiest product featured here, but definitely one that does the trick, and if you love it, this is an amazing deal—you basically get two serums for the price of one.
RevitaBrow Advanced eyebrow conditioner duo $111 ($222 value)
I have been trying every mascara under the sun but keep going back to this one because I’ve yet to find something that volumizes as well as it does without clumping. You’re basically getting an eyeliner for free here, and while I haven’t tried this one, if it’s anywhere near as good as the mascara, I’ll be happy.
Lancôme Idole mascara & eyeliner set $30 ($53 value)
These are two of my favorite Westman Atelier products of all time; these are mini versions, but based on how long the full sizes last (close to 2 years with daily use), I’d say this is a wise allocation of funds.
Westman Atelier Petite Lit Up Duo $40 ($50 value)
