Tales from the Sales Floor: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017

photos courtesy of Nordstrom

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access is in full swing, and anyone with a Nordstrom card can "pre shop" to purchase items before the sale opens to the public on July 21st. While there are those that refuse to think fall in the middle of July, I have never had anything but love for this sale. Every year I have a list that I check off, then store my purchases away until the weather cools and go back to wearing summer dresses and sandals. What is not to love about finding pieces that you are coveting and saving a little money while you are at it? Yes, please.

I also love autumn; it has been my favorite time of year since I was a girl. When I was growing up in Montana my grandmother sewed my sister and I new dresses for the school year often, which makes us sound like we were some kind of farm girls, but really it was just the 60s and people didn't have as much stuff.  We also "got to" shop at JC Penney and pick out three new dresses for school, which I thought was the coolest. Since I am a lifelong shoe addict, picking out a new pair of shoes from Vaughn Ragsdale, a local department store, was my favorite day. And I still remember my black velvet flats with colored tear drops near the laces on the top. Shades of things to come....

This year I approached the Nordstrom sale with a smaller but specific list. I have been cleaning out my closet all spring and summer in anticipation of a closet refresh. My style always changes a bit each year and each season and I definitely have my favorite things that I love to wear...that would be a gray sweater and a pair of denim...but I also love reinventing myself each new season.

I like to think I attended the sale this year with more mindfulness in my shopping. I do have a lot of clothes already, but each season things often have a new twist. Mostly I wanted to look for new silhouettes, for well made pieces that are interesting and unique, and to buy what I actually need, not just want because they are on sale. This time of year I always feel like I have enough summer things, so I only buy pieces that will transition me into fall or fall/winter pieces that are going to make me super happy come September.

Here is what I chose from this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There may be a lot of black, no judging please, and happy shopping!

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Parka with Fox Fur Trim

The Statement Coat

I love having one piece that stands out and this coat more than does the trick. I have been on a bit of a army jacket bender the last six months, but I couldn't resist this Derek Lam 10 Crosby Parka with its pink fox fur collar. Look for this baby on a future blog post. You can remove the collar if you like, but what would be the point of that? Pink is the surprise guest of this fall's party, so embrace it!

rag & bone Josephine Leather Front Skinny Pants

Leather Leggings

I have been wearing faux leather leggings for years but have always wanted to invest in a really great pair of actual leather leggings that were both flattering and beautifully made. The rag & bone Josephine Leather Front Skinny Pants were perfect for what I was looking for. They have a grosgrain ribbon trimmed high waist and are a split of buttery soft leather at the front and a stretchy cotton blend on the back. I consider leather leggings to be a stylish closet essential, and a great pair is always worth investing in because you can wear them season after season. Check out this pair if you are in the market....so gorgeous!

Via Spiga Gallo Platform Loafer

Lug Sole Loafers

Platforms really give the loafer a fresh perspective.  A loafer is dressier than a sneaker but not as fussy as a pointed heel. I was totally into the beautiful burgundy color of the Paul Green Natasha Loafer, so I am hoping they get that back in stock. However, my first choice was the Via Spiga Gallo Platform Loafer, which is such a cool take on a menswear shoe and the patent leather and wide strap give it some serious chic style. And I know I will wear black a lot, especially with trousers or denim, but also with tights and a skirt or dress. Bring it, lousy weather....I am ready for you...in style.

Tibi Oversized Glen Plaid Blazer
Image courtesy of Tibi

Oversized Blazer

I am a big fan of Tibi, which have a very modern feel to their pieces. The Tibi Oversized Glen Plaid Blazer hints at the 90s in a modern way. I'll be wearing it with skinny trousers or over a midi dress, or maybe with a graphic tee and denim. Since the silhouette is oversized, keep the rest of the outfit slimmer, both to show off the jacket and be certain you don't look like David Byrne from The Talking Heads. I haven't seen this kind of piece for fall in awhile so it is fun to see the 2017 update and how to incorporate it into a modern wardrobe.

PAIGE Transcent Hoxton High Waist Undone Hem Skinny Jeans

New Denim Perspectives 

I am giving big love to the Frame Le Nouveau Split Hem Jeans this year. The style is fresh and cool and I can wear these now with summer slides or in the fall with booties. And I had to have the Paige Transcend Hoxton High Waist Undone Hem Skinny Jeans, which are super hot. They are incredibly soft but hold their skinny shape, and the frayed slanted hem is a new version of the step fray edge. They are going to look so good with my new boots....

Stuart Weitzman Notazzie Bootie

Block Heel Booties

Block heels are where it's at, baby. They are not only cool, they are comfortable, which means you can do your daily marathon routine with major style. The luxurious suede covers even the heel on these Stuart Weitzman Notazzie Booties, and they come in black as well, and.....there is a good chance I may have purchased the noir color. ;)

rag & bone/JEAN Dana Cold Shoulder Sweater

Sweater Weather

I love sweaters and live in them, but found that it was time for a refresh on my selection. I do get my money's worth after all. There were a lot of bell sleeve sweaters at the sale but I ended up going a different direction. The Helmut Lang Distressed Merino Wool Pullover is the perfect combo of sexy distressed and super soft. Gorgeous. And the rag & bone/JEAN Dana Cole Shoulder Sweater is just a little hipper than your average cold shoulder piece. The cut of the shoulder is further down onto the arm, giving the illusion of a sweater and matching long gloves or arm warmers. I know you may find this description odd, but trust me, this sweater is very cool. Well done, you.

For me this sale was about finding pieces from my list that I know I will wear again and again in different ways. And I love Marianne, the salesperson who is a rockstar at Nordstrom Flagship. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, like many throughout the year, do not dictate my style, but enhance it. It is a bit of a treasure hunt, really, and I hold the map.

Happy Shopping! xx