Building a Core Wardrobe with Anniversary Sale Deals
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YOU GUYS! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale opens up to the public at 12PM PST on July 21st and I’m not kidding, your messages and excitement about it are making it SO FUN! This is my last post about the sale until next year, but I’ve gotten such a great reaction to last week’s sale guide that I wanted to share a few more amazing pieces I’ve ordered and how I’m building my core wardrobe using items from the sale. I’ve heard from several inside sources that they’ve held back stock to release TODAY, so if what you wanted was sold out be sure to try again right now. And if you *think* you might want it, snag it, because Nordstrom’s amazing return policy makes it a cinch to take back if you don’t love it.
*edited at 9AM to add: guys, I’m really surprised by the lack of restocks for the public sale! My suggestion is if you want something to keep the browser window open and keep refreshing it. The sale runs through August so there’s plenty of time for returns to start rolling in, but I really expected most things to be fully restocked today. BUMMER!
my stuff had so much fuzz on it after I attempted this flatlay photo on my rug… #hotmessexpress
Despite selfies being my Achilles’ heel, I received many messages saying how helpful they were so I bit the bullet and did a few more (with post-pool day hair in a ponytail because that’s how I roll.) Today I’m sharing a few more try-on outfit pics for you to see what things look like on me as opposed to the models on the website (because let’s be honest, models make it a little hard to judge what items look like in real life), and other pieces I didn’t share in my first post (it was after 1AM when I finally finished it, my eyes were getting fuzzy and I couldn’t add one more thing!)
Here’s my core wardrobe philosophy: spend more of your budget on your timeless investment pieces (boots, handbags, cardigans, jackets, flats and jeans) and fill in the holes with less-expensive trendy items (tops, fun shoes, leggings, etc.) I think these picks reflect that well. After the outfits sections, I’ve broken the list of core wardrobe items down by category; adding in a piece from each will make getting dressed each day both easy and fun for every occasion and season.
Okay, who’s ready for some #AwkwardSelfies?!?!?!
Daily Mom Outfit for Winter:
Lush side-slit tee (it’s only $15.90!!!)// Topshop cardigan // Paige jeans // Hunter mid-rise boots
North Carolina weather is on crack and I love it. This is one of those rainy day outfits for changing temps with a cardigan layered over a short sleeve perfect for running errands no matter what the weather throws my way!
Casual Date Night outfit:
Lush cold shoulder top ($29.90 now, $45 after the sale) // Paige jeans // Vince Camuto booties
This is for one of those last-minute “WE GOT A SITTER!!!!” date nights. The cold shoulder top and peep toe shoes add a little touch of sexy but the jeans are keeping things under control. 😉
Daytime Casual:
Halogen cashmere cardigan // Lush Cold-Shoulder top // Paige Jeans // Vince Camuto Booties
Presto, chango! Here’s the same outfit with the addition of a luscious cashmere cardigan. I think this is understated enough for meeting and daily errands, but take off that cardi and woah mama!
Work From Home Must-Have Cardigan:
This is not an outfit idea (I literally threw this on to snap a quick pic before walking out the door), but I got the most questions about the Barefoot Dreams cardigan. Everyone wants to know if it’s as amazing as it looks, and the answer is YES. I’m kicking myself for not getting it in the darker gray color, and am setting my alarm for 12PM PST so I can *hopefully* get it if it’s restocked! I will live in this cardigan, it’s going to be my “I know I shouldn’t wear my bathrobe all morning so I’m going to throw THIS on instead” piece for when I’m working at home.
Comfy Chic Top:
Here’s a top I didn’t bring home with me, but many of you will love it. I had to finagle the tie part a bit, but once I found the ‘sweet spot’ I really liked it! However, I firmly believe in *loving* what you buy, so when compared to the rest of my haul I left this for another person to scoop up for themselves.
Stripe-y Neutral:
Striped tee (it’s only $17.90!!!)// Madewell Cargo Jacket
Another top I didn’t get was this navy striped number, and it’s only because I have a similar one. It would pair beautifully with this cargo jacket (another item I didn’t buy because I have a duplicate at home.)
Summer Casual:
Here’s the navy tank paired with the Halogen flats for a work-at-home or lunch meeting outfit.
Treasure & Bond Ruffle Trim top // Halogen flats
BUT… my wheels were turning, and I think that top would be amah-zing with these faux leather leggings! Navy and black is no longer a faux pas and I could see this being a very fun outfit to try (don’t be scared by the leggings, they have rave reviews):
Now, let’s build a core wardrobe!
Take a quick inventory of what you already have and use this guide to help fill in the holes. Let me know in the comments if a printable core wardrobe inventory list would be helpful and I’ll make it happen!
Shoes & Boots
Fun, Neutral Flats
I prefer flats to have a bit of pattern or shine to them, creating a neutral that goes with everything but is also really fun to wear. These Owen Lace-Up flats are stunners and are under $60!
Tall Boots
You can’t go wrong with classic tall boots. Have a go-to pair in tan and/or dark brown, and gray and/or black if you can. My picks from the sale are these Sam Edelman boots (I’m hoping to get a pair when they restock today, they are $75 off the retail price):
and if you can splurge you’ll love these tall Tory Burch leather boots, which are $200 OFF the original price:
Booties
I resisted booties for awhile, but they’ve gotten really cute. In addition to the peep-toe ones I’m wearing in the outfit pics above, here are two other pairs from the sale that I love:
Winter Boots
Even in the south we still get winter. I love these Sperry duck boots and got myself a pair last year; they’re similar to the timeless LL Bean boots so they’ll never go out of style.
Sandals
These are not a sale item but I’ve been living in my leopard Sam Edelman sandals this summer (and I have the flats in the same pattern, I’m obsessed!) But they go with everything so I wear them non-stop. You don’t need 483 pairs of sandals when one rules them all!
Rain Boots
Since these aren’t an item you’ll wear every day (unless you live in, say, the Pacific northwest) it’s good to get a classic pair that will stay in style forever. Mid-rise Hunter Boots fit the bill; they aren’t as unwieldy as the tall version and matte black is just so chic.
Slippers
Oh my, these Ugg Slippers are heavenly on your feet! Spending a bit more on a pair you’ll wear every night IS worth it. Trust me on this! I wore out my Sorel slippers and these Uggs are going in my stocking this year (gift idea alert if you’re looking for a coveted gift for your teen, sis, or BFF!)
Sporty Athletic shoes like these pink Adidas— chic kicks for traveling or running errands around town:
Sneakers— I usually buy Brooks running shoes but these Nike Free Focus Flyknits are $30 and come in pink as well as a few other color combos:
Heels
I wish I had a recommendation but truly the only heels I wear are from Aerosoles, haha! I have a go-to pair in black and need one in nude as well, but when I wear heels I need comfort so there you go. 😉 #honestyforthewin
Tops
Personally, I invest in a few nice pairs of jeans but tops are where the magic happens. I lean towards lots of fun tanks, a few trendy cold-shoulders, and in the winter some sweaters (though truly I prefer lighter tops layered under cardigans.)
While this top is beautiful, let’s just say my (ahem) girls didn’t fit well in it. Without divulging my chest size, I’ll confess I’m generously proportioned on top so the yoke wasn’t as flattering on me as it would be on most other women.
I have so many tops in both last week’s guide to the sale and in the outfit pics above that I don’t want to relist them here, but depending on the seasonality of where you live here’s what I’d suggest:
- tanks
- a date night top (or two)
- short and long sleeved tees for layering
- short and long sleeved blouses (off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder are hot right now)
- sweaters
- camisoles to go under sheer tops
Bottoms
You’ve already seen my favorite pair of jeans from the sale (all the heart eyes for those Paige dark skinnies) but in addition here’s a few favorites for your core wardrobe:
AG Skinny Jeans (get a pair of colored skinnies in burgundy, olive and black and rock them!)
SPANX Faux Leather pants (check out those 5 star reviews!)
Yummie Leggings (I wish I could quit leggings, but I can’t, so these fit like a dream– I have two pairs)
Cardigans & Outerwear
Cardis and outerwear are the icing on the cake. Here’s a review of my favorites:
Packable Winter Jacket— this just arrived, and it’s $150 less than the North Face version I wanted to buy so I am excited!
Madewell Catskills Jacket— everyone needs a cargo jacket in their closet, doesn’t it look great with the striped tee?
In addition, a solid core wardrobe would have the following outerwear:
- rain jacket
- vest
- Cashmere poncho
Handbags and Accessories
I’ve found it’s good to have a daily handbag, a large work tote, and a clutch. Scarf-wise, it’s easy to go overboard but a blanket scarf and a light scarf can pep up just about any outfit and pair perfectly with the cardigans and outerwear above. Here’s my picks to fill those needs from the NSale:
Reghan Crossbody Handbag– comes in leather that will actually hold up to daily use
Skirts & Dresses
If you work outside the home or go to church each week you may need a bit more variety in this department, but here’s what I try to have one of in my closet:
- Sundress (or two…)
- Maxi Dress
- Cover-up
- Little Black Dress
- A-line skirt
- Full skirt (pleats are so pretty!)
Favorite Home Items
This isn’t core wardrobe related, but I would be remiss not to mention one of the best steals of the sale, this gold bar cart for $149! CAN. YOU. EVEN.
Most of the home items didn’t blow me away this year BUT a few did, in fact I ordered this cozy tassel blanket for our guest room because we have some very special guests in the near future. It comes in the prettiest pink, too!
I also feel this beverage dispenser would make a fantastic wedding or housewarming gift, it’s classy and timeless, it’s beautiful enough to keep out on the counter or on the bar cart:
The Anniversary sale runs through August, but I’m serious, if you see something you love snag it or you will regret it! Keep checking back if something goes out of stock too, because returns start rolling in and sometimes things will get restocked in bits and pieces. While I won’t be doing any more posts about it here on the blog this year, I could whip up a core wardrobe checklist if you think that would help you declutter and build your closet! I’ll be updated on Instagram too as purchases arrive and sharing in my IG stories. Let me know what you got, I love the excitement around it and seeing you you style it all! If you enjoyed this post it would mean the world to me if you shared it with someone who you know would love it too. Happy shopping and wardrobe building!
