As promised, it’s here! I’m excited to hit “publish” on my first Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 try on.
Yesterday morning, I drove over to Jacksonville, Florida for my first time shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale outside of Dallas. Even though this sale comes with a lot of eye-rolling, I personally always have so much fun walking through those doors and getting my first taste of autumn. It almost feels like back-to-school shopping for adults!
I don’t want to complain, but if I’m being honest, the in-store selection in Jacksonville was, well, not quite what I’m used to. Granted, we are in the middle of Florida (who needs cashmere and coats after all?) and the store itself is quite a bit smaller than the Nordstrom I grew up shopping at, but all things considered, I was hoping for a bit more selection!
While I did manage to find a few great basics, the “fun” pieces I was looking forward to (cashmere scarves, fun jackets and layers, even fall hats) were nowhere to be seen. Crickets.
Obviously, this is nothing to complain about, so I hope it doesn’t come across that way! Rather, I wanted to give some context as to why this try on is much smaller and more limited than usual. And while this “mini” roundup may be a bit underwhelming, I’m excited to get a few online orders in in the coming days to share with you!
All that being said, let’s dive in to my first mini Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 try on!
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TOP halogen tie neck shirt (wearing XS, fits true to size) | JEANS ag the prima mid rise ankle jeans (wearing 24, sized down one) | BOOTS vince camuto derika leather boots (wearing 7, fits true to size) | NECKLACE cubic zirconia pendant necklace
Y’all know I love a classic button down, and the tie neck detailing on this one is giving me major heart eyes! I love that you can style it multiple ways… whether tied in a bow or left hanging down. Marked down to $39 from $79, I think this blouse is such a great deal!
I’m also loving these heeled boots. Originally, I was a bit unsure of the “rouching” detail, but let me tell you, they look great on. For the past several years, I’ve purchased a pair of high-quality suede boots during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and have ended up wearing them all season long. Looking for lower heel or a less-pointy toe? Check out this pair!
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TOP caslon lace detailing blouse (wearing S since XS was not available) | JEANS ag the prima mid rise ankle jeans (wearing 24, sized down one) | BOOTS vince camuto derika leather boots (wearing 7, fits true to size) | NECKLACE cubic zirconia pendant necklace
This lace-detailed blouse style is big this season, so I was excited about this budget-friendly option. Unfortunately, it left me underwhelmed if not a bit disappointed. You can’t tell from online, but the back of the blouse is made from a soft, stretchy material that just feels… cheap. I think you’ll be able to find this style everywhere this season, so I wouldn’t recommend pulling the trigger on this exact one!
You know what I am a huge fan of? These AG jeans! I had spotted them online, and was hoping they’d be in-store to try on. I’m obsessed with everything from the dark-colored wash to the ankle-length crop. And in a rare turn of events from my usual, the waist isn’t a true high waist! It’s more of a mid-rise which is a nice differentiator. I was able to go down a size for a perfect, comfortable fit. Love!
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TOP all in favor v-neck t-shirt (wearing size S since XS was not available, fits true to size) | CARDIGAN barefoot dreams cozychic lite long cardigan (wearing size XS, fits true to size but I suggest sizing up if you want a roomy, cozy look) | JEANS ag the prima mid rise ankle jeans (wearing 24, sized down one) | SUNGLASSES ray-ban hexagonal sunglasses | SHOES ugg chayze platform sneaker (wearing size 7, fits true to size) | NECKLACE cubic zirconia pendant necklace
The Barefoot Dreams brand gets a lot of buzz, and rightly so. Their pieces are unbelievably soft and cozy… perfect for chilly temps! I purchased the draped sweater style last year, and it quickly became one of my must-haves for plane rides and road trips alike. I love how streamlined and not-bulky this cardigan looks!
I was also so happy to see these shoes available in-store! I think they’re a great combination of chic and fun, and love how the black stripe adds something fresh to this silhouette.
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TOP madewell stripe hilltop shirt (wearing size S, I sized up one for a longer look) | JEANS kut donna high waist skinny jeans (wearing size 0 which fits a tad bit loose, I might recommend going down one size) | SHOES marc fisher oshay pointed toe bootie (wearing size 7, fits true to size) | BAG tory burch carson convertible leather crossbody bag | NECKLACE cubic zirconia pendant necklace
This blouse was an impulse buy, and one I purchased because I can start wearing right away! The cropped silhouette is fun, flowy. and unique… definitely a fun way to spruce up a pair of jeans or denim shorts.
Fun fact: I actually purchased this pair of booties last year in the rich caramel color. It’s such a great, classic, and elongating style! When I tried on this lighter, more neutral shade (color = cloud suede) today I couldn’t help myself. It’s the perfect versatile fall hue. Heads up, Nordstrom restocked this style all season long last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did the same this year!
If a pair of high-waisted jeans is on your wish list this year, I really love these! They have a great stretch and a nice cropped length, which means I don’t have to hem them.
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BLAZER bb dakota plaid boyfriend blazer (wearing XS, fits true to size) | SWEATER halogen crewneck sweater (wearing XS, fits true to size) | JEANS kut donna high waist skinny jeans (wearing size 0 which fits a tad bit loose, I might recommend going down one size) | BAG tory burch carson convertible leather crossbody bag | BOOTIES tory burch leigh lug sole bootie (wearing size 7, fits true to size) | NECKLACE cubic zirconia pendant necklace
While there were next to no coats in-store this morning, I was so happy to see the plaid blazer I had spotted on the online preview! This one is beautifully made, and the colors are absolutely perfect for autumn. The only change I’m going to have to make is take up the sleeves!
I wanted to take a quick second to brag on these Tory Burch booties. I hadn’t anticipated even trying these on… but they are so gorgeous in person! And on? Even better, if that’s even possible. With a beautiful heel, gorgeous suede and a subtle logo, I think they’ll be my go-to this fall and winter!
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If you’re surprised I went for this dress, you’re not the only one! Form-fitted midi-length styles never really seem to work on me, but when I felt the insanely soft fabric of this dress I just had to try it on. It’s one of those pieces that I don’t want to take off! And I can’t wait to layer it up with scarves, sweaters and hats later on this fall.
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TOP bp cozy top (sized up to a S, fits true to size) | SHORTS bp cozy shorts (sized up to a M even though a S fit perfectly… wanted a roomier fit!)
As if I needed another loungewear set… oops! This was another sale item I didn’t look twice at online, but once I saw it and felt it in person, it was instantly in my cart. I am so surprised at just how lux and soft the fabric feels for such an inexpensive set! If you’re looking for a fun little treat-yo-self, this is it! It comes in a few other cute coolors as well.
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Y’all, I love this animal print workout bra and leggings! The print is fun and unique, but subtle and neutral enough for multiple uses, in my opinion. Plus, it’s Zella brand which I always find to be a great value! Heads up, I would size up one from your usual legging size in these. I got an XS and while they work… they’re a teeny bit tight! (But that also could be the quarantine snacking, ha!)
These white shoes are also a fun buy I’m excited about. Sadly, it looks like they’re only available in black online, but I’ll let you know if I see that change!
So there you have it! I know most of us aren’t able to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale quite yet, but I hope this post is something you can refer back to when and if you do! It surprised me how quickly some pieces have already sold out (like the coat I’ve been dying for), so I’m crossing my fingers Nordstrom has some stock reserved for each tier. We’ll see!
Finally, if you shopped in-store, I’d love to hear what your experience was like! Trying to gauge whether the selection was limited across the board, or if my experience was more isolated.
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
A few months back I read that Nordstrom was closing some stores. I’ve always loved Nordstrom for shoes, accessories, scarves, cosmetics (the ground floor, basically) so it’s a shame if they scale back on that dept. This could be their swansong, who knows. If I were reorganizing Nordstrom I would keep the entire first floor, and lingerie and sleepwear, activewear, and seasonal coats and swimwear depending on location. I just don’t shop there for a wardrobe anymore because I don’t like their styles.
The selection at my store in MA was also much more limited than in previous years! No coats either, and the clothing in general was super limited. My sales associate said a lot of merchandise they were supposed to get never came or hadn’t come in yet due to manufacturing delays from the pandemic. I was bummed too. But on the plus side they let me shop in-store yesterday even though I can’t shop online until Monday! They said they were just happy people were making the effort to come back into the store so they weren’t turning any card-holders away.
And I would keep the piano player and the soup & sandwich cafe! It’s true that there is no substitute for in-store shopping, even though it’s so easy to shop online. I hope they can survive these times and maybe scale back, but keep their trademark shopping experience.
“And I would keep the piano player and the soup & sandwich cafe! “<- oh my gosh YES this! I was thinking the same thing as well. Was sad to see that go.
I grew up near Chicago with multiple amazing Nordstrom’s within driving distance. When I moved to Jacksonville 9 years ago, we didn’t even have one….. I was SUPER pumped when it came and then once it opened I was underwhelmed with the selection. The Nordstrom in Jacksonville is small and only carries the mid-low end brands of most things and almost NEVER gets winter items. These are my issues with the store BUT it’s better than nothing!
I know Brighton Butler wasn’t as pleased with the Denver Nordstrom as she usually was in Dallas- sad! I know the in-store shopping experience is a dream. The closest Nordstrom to me is 4 hours away, so I always shop online!
Do you have a bow-tying tutorial, like what you did for top 1? I cannot get over how perfect it was!!!! Have a lot of dresses with a fabric belt and I can never get it quite right.
Thanks for the roundup!
Glad to read this article!! I’ve generally cherished Nordstrom for shoes, frill, scarves, beautifying agents (the ground floor, fundamentally) so it’s a disgrace on the off chance that they downsize on that dept.
I love the third look! That cardigan looks so soft and comfortable.
https://alexagmarsh.blogspot.com/
Looks cool and comfortable stuff