I already posted my picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  But I thought for the first day of public access, I would post reviews of the pieces that made the grade and the ones that went back.  And I invited a friend to help me.

My good friend TW and I shop in the same way.  We’re decisive, but also incredibly discerning.  Materials should feel good.  Seams should be stitched correctly.  Colors, fit, and style should all look as good as the picture.  And while we love a bargain, we’re not afraid to splurge a bit for the right reasons.

It’s why we’re both obsessed with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  So here it goes…

TW’s Must Haves and Must Gos

CeCe Scallop Dress ($118) // Eliza J Bow Dress ($98) // Louise et Cie Leopard Flats ($89) // Vince Camuto Feina Bootie ($99) // Trouve Side Slit Sweater ($46)

The following is a transcript of my post-sale conversation with TW had via text.

CeCe Dress: Pretty cute.  Keeping this one.  Great with tights for work.

Bow Dress: I am actually offended by the quality of this dress.  Offended, I say.  Hideous.  Terrible fabric, and no shape.

Leopard Flats: These are pretty good.  Cute for jeans.

Feina Boots: Surprisingly cute.  Much better than they looked online.

Trouve Sweater: Totally easy sweaters I can throw on with jeans or leggings, a scarf and boots.  Yeah, easy.

Belle’s Must Haves and Must Gos

Cinq a Sept Harlyn Dress ($264) // Vince Stripe Boatneck Sweater ($196) // Topshop Foil Sweatshirt ($40) // Halogen Long Side Slit Cardigan ($49) // Vince Shadow Stripe Tee ($89) // Ralph Lauren Collarless Jacket ($119)

Harlyn Dress: This dress was cut for a lithe, tall French girl with collarbones that could cut glass.  If that’s not you, move on.

Boatneck Sweater: Love this.  Soft.  Light, but cozy.  Runs a touch big.

Foil Sweatshirt: Darker color in person.  Way, way, way big.  The Nordie’s guide recommended a six, could have fit my boyfriend in there with me.  In the right size, could be cute for the weekend.

Side Slit Cardi: Need this.  Ultimate chilly office/airplane trip sweater.

Shadow Stripe Top: A little thin, but still chic.  I’m going to wear this a ton.  Might also buy the dress in this print.

Collarless Jacket: Darker in person.  (I guess dusty rose just doesn’t photograph well.)  I love a long jacket for work, but this is not that, this is a coat.  Kind of shapeless, a little odd fitting.

Belle’s Great Pieces That Just Didn’t Work

Milly Mixed Stitch Dress ($263) // Ted Baker Two Tone Coat ($366) // Halogen Zip Detail Jacket ($79) // Eliza J Jersey Sheath Dress ($79)

I really liked all of these pieces, but something about them made them the wrong choice for me.

Milly Dress: Good mid-weight, good style.  But for a long torso-ed person like myself, the waist is in the wrong place.  Cute transition piece.

Ted Baker Coat: Wanted to love this.  Not heavy enough for Western winters.  Style and fit are good.  But rose gold metal is not for me.  Floral lining is kind of off-putting, like bad wallpaper.

Halogen Jacket: Great color.  Excellent drape, and feels well made.  I just don’t have a place for it in my closet right now.

Eliza J Sheath: So slimming. The perfect, “I’m running late, which dress?” dress.  But I own three navy dresses, so not needed.