HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO AGAIN...
[Scroll to the bottom if you want to see my picks and already know this drill...]
NORDSTROM
NORDSTROM
Today marks the first day of Early Access - that means you have to be a card holder to shop the sale. But don't worry, the sale opens up to everybody on the 19th. So if you don't have a card start making notes about what catches your eye and if you do have one... what are you waiting for! The prices go back up on August 5th. [Note: if you go into stores before July 19th you won't be able to shop the items unless you have a card as well]
This sale is always primarily Fall clothing. It feels weird to be buying boots and sweaters in the dead of summer... but when you know you need a new pair of boots for cooler weather because your old ones have seen better days? Why not get them when they're on sale! It just makes it easier when you're in denial that summer is over and all of a sudden it's cold and you're in need of an upgrade [can you tell I'm speaking from experience?]
WHAT I'M BUYING:
This blog post is different from a lot of other bloggers [legit zero hate or shade here y'all!!] because I have a strict budget. I shared a lot of this on IG stories last night but I don't have the freedom to spend thousands of dollars to pull looks together for you lovely ladies. I absolutely adore seeing outfits others create but I always view this sale as a time to invest in pieces I truly need and will get a lot of wear out of or to replace something in my closet that needs to be updated. If you're in the market for a designer handbag or a pricier piece of clothing slash pair of shoes this is also the time to do it.
I save gift cards from Christmas and my birthday for this sale every year knowing there's always something that I'm going to want/need come the Fall season [my budget varies based on what I was given and saved - this summer I have $350]. This year I really need to invest in a new pair of tennis shoes (my current ones are ripping in the back), update my every day booties, and invest in a nice cardigan that I can wear to events/church/fancy dinner (some of my go to's are a little too slouchy). I also like to grab at least one basic sweater... why? Because I can't stand the cold so having something new that I'm excited to wear really helps ease me into the colder season. Haha I know that's sooo strange. Last year I wore the same chenille sweater a million and a half ways so I was excited to find a sweater that has similar potential :)
If you want to shop something below just click on the item!
In the past I have really invested in boots that I knew I would wear constantly and for years - that's why I own Tory Burch boots in black and brown. I purchased my black pair 5 years ago and wore them so often that I saved and invested in a pair of brown riding boots. I wear both of them all the time and keep them in their boxes horizontal so their shape keeps!
I've purchased 3 pairs of over-the-knee boots from this sale (including a new pair last year - my fave so far because of the pointy toe). OTK boots are my go to for a night out and work as well. I love how slimming they are and they legitimately go with everything. Be prepared for another year of me wearing the same shoes non-stop. I'm just addicted to them!
I also wear my suede camel boots a lot (seen here from 2 years ago). They're a great classy look for pants or a dress while still being really comfortable to walk in. I bought these on a whim one year (prior to having a plan) and was really shocked at how much use I actually got out of them. Mine are still thriving so it's not time to invest in a new pair yet! I chose the Sam Edelman ones from this year because that's the brand I have and they're comfortable and durable!
A favorite purchase (and investment) was my cashmere scarf - it's big enough that it doubles as a shawl or wrap too. Cashmere is a luxury but the sale prices make it a lot more accessible. I knew that I would get a lot of wear out of this scarf so I justified the purchase by estimating how often I would wear it. I thought about the scarf I wore to work commuting every day... this cashmere one replaced it. I also love that it's nice enough to wear on holidays to a fancy dinner or to church on Christmas. If you're going to invest in something like that you have to think long term! Really think about what color will go best with your wardrobe. Black goes with everything but I didn't feel I could dress down a black scarf. The first one I invested in was camel and my second was grey. I figured if I wore all black those two colors would still look sleek and sophisticated against black. (The one linked below is by the brand Halogen - that's the brand of both of my scarves.)
A must have every year from this sale? A great pair of booties (this years pair shown above in the collage)! I feel like every girl, myself included, goes through one pair a year. I'm not rough on my shoes but the weather certainly is! I never wear new shoes out drinking so if I have a pair that's older they become my "going out" shoes and the new pair takes the place of date night/work outfit/with parents shoes ;) Also make sure to treat ALL your suede or leather shoes!!!! I've linked the Vince Camuto ones because I like the toe shape - I don't own booties by Vince Camuto (my old ones are BP brand) but I'm purchasing these VC ones and have always liked their boots. [cardigan and booties from two years ago during #NSale]
I also love to get a new cardigan - I keep these in my purse when I travel and one is always at my desk in case I get cold during the work day. I would recommend to check your closet and see if you actually need a new one before purchasing though. At one point I had 5 grey sweaters and really needed a new white one haha. You can style the same cardigan multiple ways so don't feel like you have to own a ton! But that being said, if your current cardigans are worn on the wrist cuffs or the elbows are stretched out - these prices make for a great time to donate the old and snag a new!
I've loved my faux-leather look leggings with a big sweater or tee and cardigan! I've tried out cheaper versions of leather look leggings and they just don't hold up. If you're interested in this look you really need to shell out a bit more money... this Spanx brand sucks you in and they stay up well. Plus it has a nice texture which helps with the leather look.
As I mentioned in the section above about what I'm purchasing this year, I love to get a basic sweater. Last year I got a mock neck white sweater with slightly larger sleeves and it is easily my most asked about sweater (it sold out in white during early access last year so womp...) the styles of two sweaters below [bottom left] are super similar to that sweater!! [you can see a photo of it below - top left image]
And last but not least... Diptyque candles. This is a guilty pleasure and I ask for a full sized Baies scent every year but have never gotten one haha. They're still pricey at $55 but it's a fun little indulgence and the lowered price tag helps. I've only purchased this twice in my entire life :) it was a fun treat that I've made last for easily 3 years because I light them sparingly and on special occasions. I love to save the glass jars and re-purpose them! These would also make luxe gifts for friends, mothers, etc!
If you want to shop something below just click on the item!
Sharing the similar items I've worn in the past below... some of these photos date back to 2015 - that's why I feel comfortable recommending y'all purchase a cashmere scarf, for example. I truly believe investing in quality pieces over quantity will help your closet be stable with basics for years! This also gives y'all a glimpse into why I've chosen the pieces that I have. Side note: not every outfit makes it to the 'gram so a lot of these pieces were only seen on Southern Anchors!
I will be putting together another post around July 19 with lots of my favorite items from this sale when it opens up to the public. That way, everything I pick as "items I would like to purchase" will be available! This will be a similar fashion to what I've done in the past with items from all departments (shoes, purses, jewelry, clothes) fitting into 3 categories: lounge wear, weekend wear, & work wear. I really enjoy finding unique pieces that people haven't already put up on Instagram - and it seems like y'all did too based on IG feedback last night!
**As a reminder, I may make a small commission when you use my links and then shop through them! Lots of bloggers push this sale on their readers with lots of items because it's a "click war" to get their cookies on your computer during the sale. Basically, if you click my link riiiight before making a purchase I benefit from that click - roughly 7-10% goes to me! (I have no clue who purchases and what's being purchased though) This allows me to keep Southern Anchors running so that I can bring you new style ideas and dedicate time to putting posts like this together - it means the world that y'all support me... seriously!**
Love Always,
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