Belle’s Picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016

Jul 14, 2016

The launch is approaching, and I’m tired.  But the thought of shopping the Anniversary Sale right at midnight is helping a bit.  Still, I have no idea how I stayed up until 4:00AM to do this when I lived on the East Coast.

Here are my first set of picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early releases.  It’s not the prettiest post, but since these items sell out so quickly, I figured looks were less important than speed.  But before we begin, some notes on the sale.

  • They have a “work” section.  So if you’re hunting for new office attire, start here.
  • The skirt selection is sparse.  And the Halogen pencil that has been the hero of so many Anniversary Sales past only came in black and camel this year.  Boo.
  • They are not letting you sort the items to 100 per page or stack them from lowest to highest price.  This makes it more difficult to search for the best deals.
  • Prices seemed more reasonable this year.  Fewer big ticket items, more things in the $80-$175 range.
  • Lastly, this is a stronger sale overall than I’ve seen in a few years.  Some sections (shoes, bags, skirts) are weaker.  But the majority (dresses, tops, sweaters, coats) are stronger.

Dresses

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Milly Mixed Media Fit and Flare Dress ($262) // Topshop Colorblock Shift ($76) // Eliza J Bow Neck Dress ($99)

There are some amazing dresses this season.  These dresses were my favorites.  The runner-up picks were this Halogen Mock Neck Sheath, this pink Ted Baker Tarala Dress, and this CeCe scallop dress that looks just like a Kate Spade frock from a few years back.

If you like the Milly dress, this Topshop dress is similar for less.  Need sleeves?  Don’t miss this Tahari Seamed Sheath and this Eliza J knot-front sheath.

Plus-size?  This oxblood Sejour dress is fabulous.  I also like this Ellen Tracy color block sheath.

Coats and Jackets

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Halogen Zip Detail Jacket ($78) // Ted Baker London Jacket ($366) // Ralph Lauren Crepe Topper ($119) // Lafayette 148 Quilted Jacket ($329)

This Halogen crepe jacket would look amazing with an ivory blouse and grey trousers.  The blush jacket is perfect for wearing over sheath dresses.  For a truly classic piece, try this Rebecca Taylor texture knit jacket.  It’s a bit of a splurge, but if you work in a conservative office, it’ll be your go-to.

I’m in desperate need of a new coat.  I’ve been wearing the same grey coat for four years, and it was damaged by the cleaners last winter.  I’m hoping this black and navy Ted Baker is the winner.  For something more casual, try this quilted jacket.

On the more affordable end of the spectrum, this heather-grey Kenneth Cole coat has a relaxed vibe to it.  For something with a casual, but chic look, this Guess Mod jacket is perfect.  If it’s a modern edge you’re after, try this Topshop Meg coat in pine green.

Shirts and Blouses

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Vince Camuto Shadow Stripe Tee ($90) // Topshop Foil Brushed Sweatshirt ($40) // Frame Le Bowtie Blouse ($176)

I bought everything you see here.  The bow on the Frame blouse is removable, so it’s also a button up.  I’ll wear the hell out of the Vince top.  And I just though the rose gold sweatshirt was so fun.  It’ll look great with a pleated skirt.

Items that fell in the runner-up category include this NYDJ v-neck printed blouse, this Pleione bell cuff top, and this Bobeau sleeveless ruffle blouse.

Plus-size readers should check out this Melissa McCarthy printed peplum top and this Vince Camuto contrast trim blouse.  Petite?  This Halogen lace detail sweater is cute.  This dot printed top from Classiques Entier is super chic.

Bags, Shoes, and Accessories

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Phase 3 Crossbody ($34) // Hunter Refined Rainboot ($129) // 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Quill ($426) // Corso Como Over the Knee Boot ($149) // Kate Spade Spence Wristlet ($112)

The bag and shoe selection was a bit lackluster this year.  These are the five pieces that grabbed my attention.  It’s possible that I missed some things (it is 1:00AM, after all), but this was what was good enough to draw my sleepy eyes.

I love the details on these Hunter rain boots; they give you a little something extra.  Also, I bought this crossbody, and I’m hoping it becomes a wardrobe staple.

The accessories were a bit lacking this year as well.  The one exception was the wide and affordable selection of watches.  This rose gold and navy Michael Kors is a stunner.

Style

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  1. Lacey says:

    Thank you for this! Just finished grabbing my top picks bright & early on the East Coast…happy shopping!

  2. DS says:

    I’m just finishing my first trimester – have picked out a few jackets and a pair of booties, but any moms have suggestions for what else I should try to nab on sale? Afraid the impending bump will preclude me from most of the gorgeous dresses you picked above… Thanks!

    • I’m in my third trimester and if I were you, I’d stick to accessories. Tops and bottoms soon won’t fit and if you’re lucky like me, your feet will swell too. Personally, I decided not to buy anything other than maternity things while pregnant because I have no idea what my body will look like post-baby and I don’t want gorgeous new clothes sitting in my closet that I may not be able to wear.

    • LK says:

      Yes, I second Goodwill’s advice! I was pregnant this time last year (my son is 11 months old now), and if I were you, I’d definitely stick to accessories for the sale. A good maternity consignment store in my city was my salvation, but I did buy a few things new when Loft put its maternity clothes on sale.

    • LK says:

      Also, for post-baby, breastfeeding + wearing most dresses is tricky at best. I’m sure there are dresses out there that are doable, though; I just haven’t experimented. I pump at work and breastfeed at home, and I stick to skirts (or pants) and simple tops, but I do know another breastfeeding mom in my office who wears dresses. I need to ask her how she makes it work!

    • Denise says:

      I have to agree with the above reply. While many of my before-baby clothing fit (after my first child…I’m still working on the after-second weight loss), it didn’t really fit the same. Slacks hang a little differently, pencil skirts were tight at my waist, button up shirts didn’t close properly and all my blazers were tight in the arms and shoulders. Things just…shift. hard to explain. Shoes and handbags always fit!

    • Rachel says:

      it never hurts to stock up on the zella leggings. I wore mine all throughout maternity leave!

  3. Maddy says:

    Hi Belle,

    Thanks for staying up late to do this–I’m sure you’re tired. Just wanted to let you know that a few of the links are off, like both plus size dresses and the Vince Camuto contrast trim blouse.

  4. Kelly says:

    Thanks for giving us such a helpful starting point! You found some real gems.

  5. Sarah says:

    I’ve always bought the other colors in the Halogen skirt though, instead of the camel. So this year I’m actually pumped to buy the camel!

  6. Rachel says:

    Belle, you can sort by price on the nordstrom app.

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