My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul and Reviews!

I have done some serious shopping damage at the Anniversary Sale and I wanted to share a haul post as well as a few notes about my favorite finds.

These are my 3 favorite finds this year. The Halogen Relaxed U-Neck Tee is super comfortable and is great weekend wear. The Pleione split neck blouse and Lush Perfect Tunic Henley are great for being slightly dressier and I can wear them to work on casual days. The Lush top is quite long as it is a tunic, so it would go great over leggings.

Halogen Relaxed U-Neck Tee

Pleione Split Neck Blouse

Lush Perfect Tunic Henley

I also loved these next few tops. The Bobeau boxy top had a nice loose shape to it. The material was also a nice weight and had some texture. The Chloe K ran extremely small, but I thought it was cute once I figured out what size I would need. I typically wear an XS in tops but I had to size up to a Medium since it was so narrow in the shoulders and arms. The teal color was especially beautiful. The Pleione Mixed Media Tunic was similar to the Lush tunic but I liked that there was the extra button and placket for a slightly different look.

Bobeau Boxy Top

Chloe K Lace Inset Top

Pleione Mixed Media Tunic

I bought this Caslon Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer last year and love it to death so I bought another one in a different color to mix it up.  The Zella Live In Leggings are one of my favorite items from Nordstrom so of course I had to pick up another one.  They are perfect for wearing around the house to lounge and to wear out to the gym.  These Honeydew hipsters are so cute and very comfortable too.  I also like that they are cotton. 

Caslon Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer

Live In Leggings

Honeydew Lace Hipster Panties

That is all for me. What did you get? Did I overlook anything fabulous?

Stocking up on Basics at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Anniversary sale is a great time to stock up on basics.  Here are a few of my favorite items that you will wear all year long!  Don't forget, the sale runs until August 4th. At that time, prices will go back to to "normal" price.

Camis and Shapers

Yummie by Heather Thomson - Stephanie two way shaping tank

I picked up my first Yummie shaper (then called Yummie Tummie) at the last Anniversary sale and it has been a great buy.  I wear it under slightly sheer tops to provide some modest coverage so that the tops are work appropriate and they help keep everything tucked in place.  As a bonus, in the winter they help keep me warm!

Shimera Two-Way Seamless Tank

The Shimera brand is Nordstrom's house brand and they make some great basics such as camisoles, tanks and undies.  I have the skinny strap version of this tank and it has served me well.  The fabric doesn't pill and it is long enough to keep my entire tummy covered.  It also doesn't ride up which I have had trouble with as well.

Leggings

Hue 'Ultra' Wide Waistband Leggings

These Hue Ultra Wide Waistband leggings have over 600+ 5-star reviews. Wow!  I just ordered a pair so I'll be trying these out for the first time.  The leggings are reportedly of a thicker weight fabric, suitable for wearing "as pants".  The material is a cotton, rayon and Lycra spandex blend

Workout Gear 

I've mentioned Zella numerous times on the blog, but I can't get enough of their stuff.  The leggings, capris, workout tops and sweats all earn rave reviews from me because it is all well made and at a great price point!

Zella - Barely Flare Booty Pants

The Barely Flare Booty pant is a steal at $39.90.  This is a great pair of yoga pants that I have been wearing since last year and washed numerous times with no apparent wear to the fabric.  It seriously still looks new.  I would say the only thing that seems to be showing its age is some of the thread on the sides has picked up a bit of lint :-)

Zella - All Shirred Up Pullover

I tried this top in store and I thought it was really cute, but I was just far too short to pull it off.  The top was really long on me, to the point where the back was hanging below my butt and almost at my knees!  That being said, the front was very cute and I loved the giant cowl neck.  I thought about buying it anyway and trying to alter it but I decided against it.  I do think it would work *great* on someone tall--perhaps 5'7+?  I think it would be a great after workout top to throw on so you don't get cold.

Nike - Free TR Connect 2 Training Shoe

How fun are these leopard Nike shoes?  I love that athletic shoes are getting more interesting looking!  I'm not a huge fan of animal print in large swaths, but I think on the shoes, they look great!

What basics am I missing?  Anything else you'd recommend?

Nordstrom Anniversary... Ooh... Shiny.

One thing I haven't highlighted on the blog is all the pretty, shiny goodies that are on sale at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  There are some beautiful accessories that don't typically go on sale available at special sale price.

MICHELE Uptown Diamond Dial Chronograph Watch

MICHELE Uptown Diamond Dial Chronograph Watch

I think this watch is SO pretty and feminine.  I love the little diamond accents at the hour markings.  Also, unlike other MICHELE watches, this one comes with both the watch face and the bracelet together.  This is a high quality watch with a sapphire crystal face that won't scratch and swiss movement. 

Burberry Check Stamped Bracelet Watch

Burberry Check Stamped Bracelet Watch

I remember when Burberry watches didn't have sapphire crystal faces and I was so bummed because I knew that I would scratch it up super fast.  Well this year, it looks like they've wised up and improved the quality to include a sapphire crystal!  Super happy about that because this watch is really cute.

Ippolita Wonderland Rose Frontal Necklace

Ippolita Wonderland Rose Frontal Necklace

This necklace is so pretty in rose gold.  I think it sets off the stones perfectly.  I think the blue center stone is a lot prettier than the black shell.

KALAN by Suzanne Kalan ring

Ring by KALAN by Suzanne Kalan

This ring is so, so pretty.  I love that there are different colored stones.  The blue and seaglass colors are my favorite!

What to skip

In my opinion, skip the Kwiat diamond studs.  You can do better on Bluenile.com.  I compared pricing for the 0.75 tcw studs and 1.5 tcw studs and Bluenile is cheaper by about $1000 on each one.

Nordstrom Anniversary Starts Today!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to the public!  I am a card holder so I already did my shopping on the first day of Early Access but I did notice that there were some new things added to the sale and a few things that got re-stocked!

AGL Toe Cap Ballet Flats

Namely, the Attilio Giusti Leombruni toe cap ballet flats aka "the most comfortable pair of flats you will ever wear".  The flats normally retail for $298 but are currently on sale for $199.90, which is the same price as the Anniversary sale edition of the shoe.  What differs between them is the sole.  The Anniversary sale shoe has a rubber sole and the standard version has a leather sole. 

Chloe Medium Marcie Leather Hobo

The Chloe Marcie hobos flew off the shelves the first day of early access, but they are now BACK in a limited set of colors (nut and black are available).  If you want one, you'll need to get it in the next few hours or so.

Barefoot Dreams Bamboo Chic Cardigan

I missed out on the Barefoot Dreams Bamboo Chic Cardigan.  I have heard rave reviews about it and I'm hoping they will restock before the sale ends!  My strategy is to just keep stalking the page everyday :)

Will you be shopping the sale today or did you already shop?  Did you get everything you wanted or are you still stalking some items? :)

Anniversary Sale Opens To The Public Tomorrow!

If you aren't a Nordstrom card holder, you haven't been able to shop the Anniversary Sale yet, but fear not, you'll be able to start shopping TOMORROW!  Woohoo!

The sale officially starts on Friday at midnight.  In past years, the website has shut down late on Thursday (usually around 9pm PST) and then returned around 12:01am Friday. 

If you are a card holder, you'll earn double points on ALL your purchases (not just Anniversary items).  You also have a second opportunity to grab whatever it was that sold out the first day, since stock is set aside for the first day of the public sale as well.  If it was that Rag & Bone jacket or the Chloe Marcie Hobo, you'll have 1 more chance to try to snag it!

I hope that you all have had as much fun as I have shopping the sale this year.  As usual, I didn't spot a ton of items that I got really excited about in the catalog but once the online gates opened, I found a TON of great items that I will be wearing in the Fall. Even though I already shopped early access, I am going to go through some of the other departments I didn't get a chance to hit the first time around to pick up a few gifts for my family.

Happy shopping! :)

Baby and Children's Items at the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I wanted to highlight some of the great baby and children's items that are part of the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Ergobaby Original Carrier in Starburst

Ergobaby Original - Starburst

The Ergobaby was so essential to my sanity during my little one's first year. We quite literally carried her around the world with this thing.  She napped in Europe and Asia and all over North America with the help of the Ergobaby.  My little one is on the petite side, so even as an 18 month old toddler we were still using it.  I highly recommend buying one from a reputable dealer.  I've heard that there are many fakes out there and this is one item you don't want to be buying fake.  The workmanship and materials may not be up to snuff and you don't want an untested product to fail with your little one tumbling out.

The Honest Company Baby Arrival Gift Set

Honest Company Baby Arrival Gift Set

I recently tried Honest diapers, wipes and the shampoo/bodywash and I love it all.  The diapers have such cute designs and I love that they are free of a lot of icky things that I don't want near my little one's bottom.  This looks like a fantastic gift set for new parents to be.  In fact, I know 2 new mamas to be and I'm buying each one a set.

Little Giraffe Luxe Blanket

Little Giraffe Luxe Blanket

Can I just say for a moment how sorry I am to my little girl that I didn't buy her a Little Giraffe blanket when she was born?  I sorely regret it and I'm getting her one this year even though she'll be almost 2.  I figure she would still like to snuggle with a super soft blanket.  I initially thought the price point was too high for the blanket, but I have searched high and low and there is no blanket softer than the Little Giraffe. 

Trumpette Socks

Trumpette Ballet Slipper Polka Dot Socks (6 pack)

Trumpette Tennis Shoe Socks (6 pack)

I honestly think shoes are a waste of money and a pain in the butt before little ones can walk.  I was always chasing after an errant shoe and I eventually gave up on shoes altogether.  I think socks are much more practical to keep little toes warm and stylish.  I love Trumpette socks and my little one got so many compliments about how cute her socks were when she wore them.

Baby Age Blocks

Baby Age Blocks

I think these are an adorable gift idea.  We did weekly and monthly photos in our little one's first year and I used stickers to show how old she was.  I think these are great to also use as a photo prop!  The Anniversary Sale price makes it at a great price point too.  I've seen Etsy sellers sell for much more.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack Diaper Bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom is incredibly popular and makes beautiful, luxury diaper bags.  These Boxy backpacks have a built in change station/pad right in the front of the bag.  The bag is made of a coated cotton canvas that can be easily wiped down.  There are 2 prints included in the Anniversary Sale.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy
Backpack Diaper Bag - Light

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy
Backpack Diaper Bag - Dark

Westin Heavenly Bed sale prices for the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

One of the best things to order during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the Westin Heavenly Bed.  This is a super luxurious bed that doesn't go on sale often.  I've been watching prices on this item for awhile now and it typically goes on sale twice a year.

I can attest to the comfort of this bed.  We stayed at a Westin recently and my husband and I both remarked how amazingly comfortable our sleep was.  We don't typically sleep that great in an unfamiliar environment but this bed was simply heavenly. 

Prices have gone up slightly as compared to last year, probably due to inflation.  Here are the prices for the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Everything is 25% off the regular price.

Price List Twin: Mattress and Foundation Set: $1,395. Sale: $1,046.25	Queen: Mattress and Foundation Set: $1,995. Sale: $1,496.25 Mattress and Split Foundation Set: $1,995. Sale: $1,496.25
Twin XL: Mattress and Foundation Set: $1,495. Sale: $1,121.25	King: Mattress and Foundation Set: $2,395. Sale: $1,796.25
Full: Mattress and Foundation Set: $1,795. Sale: $1,346.25	California King: Mattress and Foundation Set: $2,395. Sale: $1,796.25

2014 Beauty Exclusives at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

There are some really awesome Beauty Exclusives that are part of the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  If you're new to the sale, the Anniversary Sale is when Nordstrom does a ton of gifts with purchase, exclusive sets and value sizes from a ton of beauty brands that they carry.

I wanted to highlight a few of the items that I thought were exceptional. 

There are a number of gifts with purchase this year from Clarins, Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, Aveda, bareminerals, Chantecaille and more.  There are also a ton of great value sets that are exclusive to the Anniversary Sale.

Click here for the Gift with Purchase items and here for the value sets.  By no means are these exhaustive... just a taste of the popular ones!

Gift with Purchase Items

Clarins

Choose from five deluxe skincare duos with your $75 Clarins purchase. Valued up to $108. Promo code required.

Lancôme

Choose from three deluxe sample sets featuring favorite skincare and beauty items with your $39.50 Lancôme purchase. Promo code required.

Shiseido

Receive samples of Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Emulsion, Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Balancing Softener, Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam and Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum with your $100 Shiseido purchase. Online only.

Aveda

Receive travel sizes of pure abundance style-prep (1 oz.), and invati shampoo, conditioner and scalp revitalizer (0.34 oz. each) with your $50 Aveda purchase. A $24 value. Online and in selected stores.

bareminerals

Receive samples of READY Powder Blush in The Natural High (0.07 oz.), Tinted Mineral Veil (0.03 oz.), Pretty Amazing Lipcolor in Courage (0.13 oz.), Multi-Wrinkle Repair (0.17 oz.) and a cosmetics bag with your $65 bareMinerals purchase. Online only.

Chantecaille

Receive deluxe samples of Stress Repair Concentrate (0.1 oz.), Luminous Lip Gloss in Framboise (0.05 oz.), Rose de Mai Cream (0.17 oz.) and a cosmetics bag with your $200 Chantecaille purchase. A $66 value.

Anniversary Sale Exclusive Sets

Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Color Set

This looks like a great set just like the Urban Decay Naked palettes.

Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Color Set is an exclusive collection packed full of 12 mix-and-match shades that take you from day to night with the tools you need to create a barely there nude or intense smoky eye.

Eyeshadow Shades:
- Ivory
- Chiffon Sparkle
- Golden Pink Metallic
- Graphite Sparkle
- Gold Sparkle
- Naked
- Bare Metallic
- Birch
- Smokey Topaz Metallic
- Truffle
- Golden Bronze
- Espresso
- Full-size Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner in Black
- Full-size Smokey Eye Mascara in Black
 

 

 

Laura Mercier 'Flawless Expressions' Set ($130 Value)

 

Laura Mercier brings her artistic eye to an exclusive color collection that’s filled with makeup must-haves for eyes, cheeks and lips.

Collection includes:
Six Eyeshadow Shades (0.02 oz. each):
- Buff Pearl, a limited-edition hue with a luster finish
- Fresco, a matte finish
- Cherrywood, a limited-edition hue with a luster finish
- Guava, a sateen finish
- Stone Sable, a limited-edition hue with a sateen finish
- Deep Night, a matte finish

Two Second Skin Cheek Colors (0.07 oz.):
- Lush Nectarine
- Rose Petal
- Deluxe-size Caviar Stick in Rosegold (0.03 oz.)
- Full-size Full Blown Volume Suprême Mascara in Black (0.2 oz.)
- Full-size Lip Glacé in limited-edition Gilded Rose (0.15 oz.)

 

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

 

 purity made simple one-step facial cleanser is an award-winning philosophy formula that cleanses and tones your skin while dissolving makeup for face and eyes. It’s enriched with ingredients that even help hydrate, too, so your skin is left perfectly clean, comfortable and balanced.

Duo includes:
- Super-size purity made simple one-step facial cleanser (32 oz.)
- Full-size purity made simple one-step facial cleanser (8 oz.)

 

Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Set includes: Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Device
- Two Sensitive Brush Heads
- Protective Travel Case
- pLink Charger
- Full-size Refreshing Gel Cleanser (6 oz.)
- Travel Bag



 NARS Cheek Palette

NARS limited-edition Cheek Palette is filled with colors so rich and indulgent that fascination turns into fixation.
Shades includes:
- Orgasm (0.15 oz.): a peachy pink with gold shimmer.
- Laguna (0.15 oz.): a diffused brown with gold shimmer.
- Mistinguette (0.08 oz.): a bright pink.
- Goulue (0.08 oz.): a neutral pink.



Yves Saint Laurent Essential Collection

Yves Saint Laurent Essential collection is filled with iconic products to help you achieve pure radiance.

Collection includes:
- Touche Éclat Radiant Touch in N2 Luminous Ivory (0.1 oz.): a take-anywhere pen-brush that banishes shadows and signs of fatigue while adding a touch of light to your skin.
- Glossy Stain in N107 Naughty Mauve (0.2 oz.): a gloss, stain and lipstick in one unique formula that melts onto your lips, delivering long-lasting, glossy color.
- Top Secrets Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover (1 oz.): a powerful makeup remover that banishes traces of even the toughest makeup without leaving behind oily residue or a misty veil on your eyes.
- Mini Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll Mascara in N001 Fetish Black (0.06 oz.): a seductive mascara that separates each lash, capturing light and giving you a wide-eyed glow.
- Mini Waterproof Eye Pencil in Velvet Black (0.02 oz.): a long-lasting waterproof eye pencil that stays put for up to 16 hours.
- Signature black Yves Saint Laurent makeup bag.

 

Early Access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has started!

Early Access for the Anniversary Sale has opened and I've taken a quick look around and here are some of the standout items!  Don't forget, you must be a Nordstrom card holder to shop Early Access.  You will earn double points on all Anniversary merchandise between now and July 17th.  The public sale starts July 18th and everyone will be able to shop starting then!  Happy Shopping! :-)

Chloe Medium Marcie Leather Hobo

Chloe Medium Marcie Hobo

How much do I love this bag?!  I absolutely adore Chloe and I've been thinking really hard if I want to order this bag or if I want the satchel.  Both are beautiful and for anniversary, this one is 30% off.  That is a huge savings on a beautiful designer Chloe bag.  Decisions, decisions... :-) 

Vince Drape Neck Leather Jacket

Vince Drape Neck Leather Jacket

This looks like a super cute leather jacket. Vince is one of the most popular contemporary brands these days.  It seems like everyone is talking about them!  Leather jackets seem to be the big thing for this sale and I think this one is really beautiful.  I would bet this will go fast!

kate spade new York Manhattan Map Wool Scarf

kate spade new york manhattan scarf

How cute is this scarf?  I adore kate spade stuff, even after it went mainstream.  I think this just has the right amount of whimsy!  Love it.

Burberry London Double Breasted Trench Coat

Burberry London Double Breasted Trench Coat

The Anniversary sale has featured the slightly cheaper Burberry Brit trench coats in the past.  I don't recall that in recent years a Burberry London trench has been part of the sale, so this is a great opportunity to snag a timeless Burberry trench at a sale price! 

Chanel Dentelle Precieuse Illuminating Face Powder

Chanel Face Powder

I've heard that this is a Nordstrom exclusive item that is SURE to sell out.  It's not part of the sale, but it was brought in especially during this time.  Looks too beautiful to use!

2014 Anniversary Sale Handbags!

My favorite department to shop by far is HANDBAGS!

Here's what I've found out is going to be on sale at the 2014 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Remember -- the sale starts on July 18th so you won't be able to purchase these bags until then!  If you're a cardholder, you get early access on July 10th.

Chloe - Medium Marcie Hobo
Sale Price: $1322.90
Available in Black, Cashmere Grey, Nut and Red (Acerola)

Burberry Big Crush Leather Tote
Sale Price: $1001.90

Burberry - Little Crush Leather Cross Body

Sale Price: $636.90

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Colorblock Mini
Sale Price: $484.90

Click to see the rest of the bags!