Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - First Glance Picks

Oh hey there, in case you somehow haven't heard the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today for cardholders (apply here if you want to shop the sale early - otherwise full access starts on July 20th). There's always a ton of hype around the sale, but I wasn't too excited for it from looking at the catalogue. However, now that I'm able to see everything that's available, I'm getting really pumped for all of the basics, as well as seeing a lot of my favorites from the sale last year come back.

Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns with an unlimited return policy (I seriously saw a woman return a pair of boots she had bought five years ago on a card that was now expired, and they gave her a full refund!) so my recommendation is, if you see something you think you'd want, just buy it now since you can easily return it later. Last year I tried to budget and only ended up keeping a few things from the sale, and ended up going back and buying a lot of the basics from the sale later at full price.

So, onto the good stuff!! Let's start with bottoms. These leggings are my absolute favorite and I buy a new pair every year (come in plus sizes too) because they're so comfortable, have a long enough inseam for me, and don't fall down. I also grabbed these faux leather leggings last year and love them (worn here) - they're also available in a moto style. I also bought these jeans last year and love them, they're perfect if you carry a little more weight around your middle.

faux leather leggings / patterned leggings / black leggings / jeans / sweatpants

Okay, now it's on to sweaters! I'm clearly dying to add a pink cardigan to my closet - I already ordered this one ;) But really, the thing I would snag now would be a poncho sweater - I have a feeling this plaid one is going to sell out ASAP!! 

Pink Circle Cardigan / Colorblock Poncho / Gray Wrap Sweater / Pink Car Coat / Cream Cardigan / Gray Cardigan / Gray Car Coat / Pink Short Sleeve Wrap / Plaid Poncho / Pink Cardigan

There weren't a ton of coats and jackets that caught my eye, but if you've been loving the burgundy coat that I share all the time (including in our Paris photos!), there's a super similar one on sale now! This jacket is also really similar to the faux suede jacket I snagged last year (worn here). I'm also really strongly considering this zip-up casual jacket - Jeff has one like it and I was jealous of it all of last year!

Fleece Pullover / Cream Wrap Coat / Burgundy Leather Trim Coat / Faux Suede Jacket / Zip-up Jacket / Gray Wrap Coat

OMG, shoes. Lol, did I wake up a little too early this morning? What I'm most exited about are sneakers in this sale, which may be a sign I'm getting old - how cute are these pink ones?! I'm also loving the idea of a waterproof boot for winter so I don't have to wear my snowboots every day like I did last year - either these heeled boots or the over the knee version.

Black Sandals / OTK Boots / Pink Sneakers / Black Studded Mules / Black Heeled Mules / Riding Boots / Blush Slip On Sneakers

As far as tops go, I'm mostly looking to stock up on tees like this one during the sale, but there are a few fun blouses out there too! I already have this tee in red (worn here), so I'm excited to see it in black and white stripes!

Black Tee / Patterned Blouse / Striped Long Sleeve Tee / Burgundy Long Sleeve Tee / Striped Bell Sleeve Tee

In case you aren't quite ready to shop for fall yet, there are a bunch of cute dresses included in the sale too - you know I'm loving this blue striped dress!

Blue Striped Dress / Sweatshirt Dress / Black Striped Dress

There weren't a ton of bags that caught my eye, but I have been wanting a new tote and the color of this one is gorgeous!!

Mauve Tote / Burgundy Crossbody / Tan Tote

Aaaaaand, we're done!! Here's hoping this post was helpful as you shop the sale - let me know what's your favorite!

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The Five Shoes You Need for Fall

Ugh, I know, I know, it's only August. I don't really want to be thinking about fall either. BUT, if you wait for the weather to change (as I have in years past) you're going to have some very unhappy feet when the rain and cool weather roll in. Today I'm sharing 5 pairs of shoes you need to get you through fall.

While I have many, many pairs of shoes in my closet, I tend to rely on a few basics to get me through the cooler months. Here are some of my favorites:

Everyday Booties

These booties are currently my holy grail shoe. They are so comfortable, can easily be dressed up or down, and basically go with everything. They've made it through two years in my closet now, and I don't anticipate them going anywhere soon! When you're looking for a pair of booties to wear everyday, make sure you get a pair with a comfortable heel height for you. The heel on this pair is just low enough that they're comfortable for everyday wear, but I usually go for an even lower heel. I also look for regular leather as opposed to suede, which will work better for all weather conditions. This pair also comes in a pretty medium brown.

Riding Boots

As much as I love a good pair of booties, sometimes it's just too cold for those exposed ankles. That's where riding boots come in. A good pair of riding boots is classic, and while they don't quite go with everything, they go with just about anything I want to wear on a daily basis. Sorry ballgowns. Look for a pair made out of real leather because it will wear beautifully, with a small heel for comfort, that has classic detailing that you'll be able to wear forever. I also love zip-up styles as opposed to pull-on, because they have a more flattering fit and are easier to put on with jeans.

Fun Flats

I love having a fun pair of flats in my closet to switch things up every now and then. I'm still loving loafers, but lace-ups and mules are really fun right now too! I have this pair of mules that I wore basically all spring, and now I would love a pair in a more fall-appropriate color. They're so comfortable, and they're really easy to slip on and go!

Over-the-Knee Boots

I really apologize for posting a photo with snow in it - I know, it makes my heart hurt too. But you need these boots. They're incredibly stretchy and fit closely to your calves, they're insanely comfortable, and they stay up. Which, really, is the most important part. This pair is basically amazing and full of magical rainbows to do all of those things for that price. OTK boots are a super cute way to wear your dresses into fall, but also work really well over leggings or jeans. Plus, they're insanely warm in cold weather - it's like wearing a pair of pants over your pants! Oh, and I know I already said it, but this pair is the best. Don't even look anywhere else. I'm not even going to link up any other options. Just know they run about a half size large - size down!

Rain Boots

Okay, am I basically saying all that you need for fall is boots? But really, rain boots are different. I used to be a rain boot non-believer and marched everywhere in college in my trusty, rusty flats. And then I tried rain boots, and oh my gosh you guys, they made all the difference. Especially in the fall, when it can be wet and rainy and cold. Or just especially muddy in a pumpkin patch. But believe me, you definitely need some rain boots in your life!

So tell me, what are your essential shoes for fall??

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Fall Boot Wishlist

Every year, I get most excited at this time of year about boots.  They are basically the only footwear I utilize between October and April, if not longer (silly Chicago).  For the past couple of years, I've limited myself to one nice new pair a year since they can be so expensive.  This year, I'm not sure what to do.  I splurged early during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale on some gorgeous Sam Edelman booties, but now I'm wondering if they should really count as my one pair.  There was a little asterisk on the deal I made for myself, and that asterisk says that only tall boots count towards this rule.  And, since I'm following a monthly clothing budget this year, as long as another pair of boots fits into my budget, then really, what does it matter?

Either way, whether I allow myself another pair this year or not, here are some of the boots and booties on my wishlist:

Booties: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Boots: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Do you set weird clothing rules for yourself?  Which pair is your favorite?

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