The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is overly promoted, making it overwhelming to prioritize. It’s especially hard to decipher what’s actually “the best” when everything is labeled the best. I listed my top 2-3 items per category, including a review so you can pick which one is actually best for your budget and style.
Categories are: Jackets, Open Cardigans, Jeans, Athleisure/Fitness, Booties, Mules, and Basic Tee’s
Jackets
The contenders: Draped Suede, Suede Moto
The Lightweight Cozy:Draped Suede! I like this one way more than I thought I would! Its soft and stretchy, feel even cozier than the simple open cardigans from BP and it has more style. It’s like a blazer and cardigan all in one! (1) (3)
The Night Out Jacket: I love this style wearing this out to dinner, to concerts, or anytime I want to look cute and not have to wear an outwear jacket in the winter. The olive brown is out of stock is some sizes, but the rust is still available in all sizes! (2)
Open Cardigans
The contenders: BP, Leith, Barefoot Dreams
Best Bargain: B.P. Cardigan, and comes in many color options. It’s not as soft as the other two, but for the price it’s perfectly
casual and easy to throw on! Runs large, size down! (1)
Softest: Obviously, the barefoot dreams cardi everyone talks about. I felt it, but I haven’t bought it yet. It’s a little more loungewear around the house for me, and you cant dress it up like you can with the B.P and Leith options. (3)
All Around Winner: The Leith Cardigan! It’s a little more than the BP cardigan, but higher quality! Its worth the extra $15 to me. The ribbed detail and tighter fit makes it dressier. Can definitely pair with dresses or a nice blouse for the office! Also, I like the light pink/blush color better in this than the BP Cardigan (a darker pink hue) if you are looking for that color range. (2)
Raw Hem Jeans
The Contenders: Good American, Paige, Joe’s Jeans
All Around Winner: Paige Hoxton – these were the first pair I tried on, and nothing else compared! They had stretch, but not too much. They look completely different in-person and online – in-person was 100x better! The online image is not the correct color – they are more of a light wash jean. I actually liked the color better than the Good American. They are a little looser fit throughout the leg though. They fit TTS, but size down if you want to wash them less because they will stretch within the first wear. (1)
The Stretchy Pair:Good American. The stretch level is so high they almost feel like leggings. The comfortable high waistband makes it impossible to have love handles. Overall, amount of stretch made me nervous These are SO stretchy and comfortable that they feel like leggings. I actually thought the stretch was overdone, and was nervous of them staying the same size so I opted out. They ran really big, need to size down. (3)
Joe’s:The frayed style is a little more prominent and less raw hem, but I love the look! I’m still waiting for these in the mail for a full fit review. (2)
Athleisure/Fitness
Sweatpants Contenders: Sweaty Betty, Zella
The Splurge: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings! They are an amazing high-tech fabric – designed to keep you cool in any high intensity activity. The moisture wicking and compression fabric feels so light on your skin in those hot classes. The floral print doesn’t stretch either when its on, and impossible to be see through. Seriously, they are functionally flawless and in a fun floral print. (1)
The Save: Zella Live In Leggings – these are thicker, more loungewear leggings. Personally, I would never take a spin class in these – they are better for walks or low intensity classes like barre. They are such a good deal though, and a good staple to add to the closet with a flattering high waist and multiple color options.
Leggings Contenders: Sweaty Betty, Zella
The Coziest: Sweaty Betty! Seriously, THE softest and most comfortable sweatpants I’ve EVER tried. HAD to buy them. I justified it because I work from home. I love the Lululemon Ready to Rulu pant, and never thought they could be topped. Oh, they were. These are thinner yet warm enough, softer, and similar to the outdoor voices joggers. (2)
Street Style:These are so soft and cozy! I tried these on before the Sweaty Betty, and was like these are GOLD. TBH then I tried
the Sweaty Betty’s, and they were even cozier! Either pick, you’ll be happy. These are under $50 and the more budget friendly! Plus, the ankle cuff, thick waist band, and exposed black zippers have more street style than the loungewear Sweaty Betty’s. (2)
Booties
So many options. My #1 pick are these Jeffrey Campbell’s. For a detailed analysis of different bootie styles and which one is right for you, check out this blog post here. Also it’s a good time to purchase a pair of OTK boots if you don’t own a pair!
Most Versatile: Jeffrey Campbell (1)
Tall Ankle Booties for Jeans: Sam Edelman (2)
Detailed Low Cut: Vince Camuto (3)
Trend to Try: Mules
The Contenders: Slip-on, Heels
Slip-Ons: Slip on mule loafers have been trending for a while, but the loafer was never my style. I love these pointed toe studded mules instead! The edgier design pairs well with dressier outfits. (1)
Heels:My favorite style of the heeled mule trend! Breaking up the chunk of fabric across the top really stands out to me. The slit is hard to find! Unfortunately, the BP mules keep selling out (2), so I’ve linked a similar pair that aren’t a thick strap if they don’t have your size. (3)
Basic Tee’s
The Contenders: There’s only one, B.P. Raw Hem Tee!
The Steal: A soft tee that’s perfect for all these cardigans and jackets! They come in a variety of colors and only $11 on sale – so you can stock up!
Happy Shopping! And remember to keep checking back for restocks! Either restocks in large quantities or returns!
