What I Bought: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Yes, it’s absolutely too warm to be wearing this outfit now, but I did want to show you how some of these pieces look IRL.
I’ve been conservative this year with my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchases, mostly because there isn’t a lot I need at the moment, but also because I’d picked up a few wardrobe “refreshers” at the sales in France. Some of you have mentioned that you are disappointed with the offerings this time. Though there weren’t as many items that “wowed” me as in prior years, I did find a few basic pieces I’m very pleased with.
Shown Above:
Halogen Merino Blend Vest. Though I was disappointed to find that it didn’t seem to be offered in Petites despite the description, the Regular size is fine for me length-wise. (I’m wearing the X-Small.) I tried a few of the long vests offered as part of the sale, but this was the one I liked best. It’s a lightweight, ribbed knit which gives it a bit of texture, and the fabric has a nice hand and a bit of swing and movement. It will be a good transitional season “Third Piece” when it’s still too warm for a cardigan or jacket. Great value at the sale price! (Also available in grey.)
Eileen Fisher Ponte Knit Leggings. I think the word “leggings” may be misleading for some; these are heavier than regular EF leggings but lighter than the EF ponte knit pants. The fit is also somewhere in between: not as snug as leggings, but more form-fitting than the pants. They’d be great for travel in shoulder seasons worn underneath a lightweight sweater or longer top, and IMO would be slim enough to wear with knee boots. They’re a bit longer than I prefer, so for the photo above I folded the hem up inside, and will be getting them shortened. I’m wearing the Petite Small.
Paul Green Block Heel Boots. The heel on these is a little lower than the PG “Cayanne” sandals I’ve been wearing frequently this summer. They’re quite comfortable, though I did go up half a size from my usual in Paul Green shoes, as they felt narrower. What’s nice is that the elastic on the sides means the front of the shoe has some “give” so they don’t put pressure the front of my leg when I walk, as so many boots this shape seem to do. As I mentioned in Friday’s post, I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of boots this color for some time.
Shown at top, but not from the sale: tee (similar) | bag | ring
My other purchases:
Halogen Merino V-Neck Cardigan. I was SO impressed with the fabric quality on this piece, and think it’s a very good value! It’s 100% merino wool, which is ideal for travel and adjusts to a wide range of temperatures. Merino is also known for not picking up odors, and is hand-washable. So yes, I bought it in black but there are lots of other colors and patterns offered.
And I picked up another bottle of the Delicates Wash, which I use on all of my lingerie and washable silk pieces. A little goes a long way and this bottle will last me for months. My secret for “hand washing” in the machine on the Gentle cycle? A lingerie bag. I use one of these for washing lingerie, sweaters, and anything delicate or that might snag.
Also thought I’d mention, though not part of the Anniversary Sale, the Caslon linen tee in the “lead pipe grey” color is currently marked down to $23.40. Still a few weeks of warm weather ahead…
You can see all of my picks from the sale on my SHOP page. There are just a few days left to shop these items at reduced prices.
Have you found any fun things for fall, either at this sale or elsewhere?
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Oh that vest is lovely! Even though it’s not a petite, I think it looks very nice on you. I have to confess, I had a similar response to others to the Nordstrom sale- ‘meh’ for about 90% of the clothing offerings. I stocked up on underwear.
The Paul Green boots are really pretty, and I like that whiskey color. It looks so rich against the black pants.
I picked up the Rebecca Mibkoff saddle bag for my daughter’s birthday gift. I also gifted myself with the camel Longchamp LePliage Cuir and s cute metallic clutch that looks very Stella McCartney-ish.
I do like your use of accessories– the beautiful boots and the bold white ring punctuate everything.
I don’t get much for each season, but can’t wait to wear these new things in fall– a cream, gold embroidered cardigan, a plum wide collared jacket and an oatmeal zippered jacket.
I had better luck on boots and shoes this year than clothing. A little leather jacket and that merino sweater in gray with black dots did make it home, though. Still deciding on which boots/shoes will stay and which will be returned.
I did try those EF ponte leggings, but found them baggier than I’d like, so I returned them. Perhaps I had the wrong size…
I am still content with my soldes palazzo pants from Mango. Having put them through the washer, they came out unwrinkled. I love them.
I just purchased the merino gray black dot cardigan…yes, people will see me for miles, but it looks like such fun. Cant wait to get it.
I considered this vest…it looks awesome on you! I ended up with a EF top in red, and some beautiful leopard flats by Shoes of Prey. I will show them later this week! My husband picked up leather Sperry Top Siders. We are happy! Love your look and the boots!
Just ordered the vest. I have a long black cardigan sweater from Banana Republic that I wore constantly last winter. This will be a great transition piece for fall which lasts until Thanksgiving in Delaware. Thanks for sharing, Susan.
I am generally a lurker but felt the need to say I LOVE THE VEST! Also, I am enjoying your refreshed style, seems to have been influenced by your recent trip. The lipstick shades are bright and gorgeous. Bravo!
Please excuse a brief detour – I am shopping for luggage – how did your new bag perform? Compare w your husband’s? Other? Thanks!
Hi Dorothy, I was very happy with it overall! It did get a bit scuffed from baggage handling, but from what I’ve read that’s to be expected with hard-sided luggage with a smooth finish. The bag handled beautifully and there was plenty of room. It’s a bit lighter than my husband’s bag, and was less expensive. I also don’t care for the way the lid curves on his Torq bag, which doesn’t impact total capacity but does have to be accommodated for when packing.
Agree that there didn’t seem to be as much that made me swoon this time…Picked up the gray patent Paul Green loafers, which were gone in a nano second, sadly…wanted more colors! I also purchased a Halogen leather jacket. Both will be great travel items! Love the vest…
I picked up some Cole Haan shoes (pointy-toe flats) in pewter metallic leather that I love; they were a good deal in the sale. The sale also included my everyday bras from Wacoal so I loaded up on them. Then they had a gift set with the cologne my daughter likes so I have that put away for Christmas (as long as I don’t forget where I put it, LOL).
Susan, thank you for your original post on Nordstrom AS radar. right before the Sale began, hubby and I left for a major cross-country flight (National GOP Convention in Cleveland) and return home road trip. Didn’t look at computer much on the trip but saw your post when we returned. Your “radar” pieces were a good baseline for starters and I ordered the PG boots – I too have been looking for a boot that would work well with navy/burgundy/camel. So many, many other pieces were gone by the time I went online but like others, much of the Sale was “meh”.
Thank you for your NAS suggestions. I am interested in the Halogen Merino V-Neck Cardigan. Would there be much difference in the regular vs. petite dimensions besides a half-inch in length?
Thank you,
Charlene H
Hi Charlene, I haven’t tried on the Regular size, but in my experience Petites are also shorter in the arms, and (sometimes) cut a bit narrower in the shoulders.
Thank you for your time! Love your blog! Leaving for France in September and love your traveling tips!
Thank you, and have a wonderful time!!
Susan, you’re looking fabulous as always! Thanks to some of your suggestions re. the Nordstrom Sale, I ended up getting that military jacket you mentioned a few weeks ago (Love it!), as well as some bras and panties. My most recent purchase was a cashmere hoodie by Vince which I love and can’t wait til the weather cools down so I can wear it 🙂 I also got some cosmetics and that lingerie liquid detergent you wrote about here too.
I got those ponte leggings, too. They will be so key to the fall travel plans. Also, a bateau neck capsleeve EF viscose/lycra dress in a great red. Thank you for your EF and other reviews; i’ve definitely used them. Is there a way to benefit you ( I don’t really get links etc, not a blogger)?