Hello Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! For anyone who isn’t familiar, this is their big annual sale on new merchandise from popular brands (not old clearance items) and prices go back up for Fall. Since the best items tend to sell out, Nordstrom cardholders (I use their “retail” card only) get early access starting tomorrow, Friday at 12:30PM EST, and this year they are offering extra early access today for Icon & Ambassador level cardholders!
There were a lot of repeat items this year (although some of them are staples worth bringing back) and to be honest a lot of what I tried on this week was not great. For today’s post, I wanted to highlight some good quality, early access pieces that I own and would soundly recommend!
1. BABYZEN Yoyo Stroller bundle – save $166. I’ve never seen the Yoyo included in promos so did a double take at this one! For the same price as the stroller by itself normally, as part of this bundle you ALSO get: 1) their new footrest attachment (pictured above; small but makes a difference for comfy naps) which typically costs $39, 2) a hands free parasol umbrella, and 3) a travel backpack with a convenient sleeve for sliding over luggage handles (typically costs $75). My detailed review of this stroller unfortunately won’t be up for a few days, and I don’t know if this bundle will sell out. In short, we absolutely love this compact stroller – it’s stylish and high quality while being a very manageable size & weight for me. Feel free to comment with any questions on the Yoyo if you need quick info prior to my review post!
2. Hunter Tour Packable Rain Boot in Tall or Short – save $50. Also in glossy black. This is the first year I’ve noticed the lighter weight Hunter “Tour” Boots in the Anniversary Sale and they will likely sell out Friday. Usually it’s Hunter “Original” boots, but the Tour are so much better and by far my favorite style from the brand (see my detailed review from 2014). The sale color is a versatile slate grey with a darker grey trim. Below, I wanted to compare how the short vs the tall look on my 5 feet tall frame! For a more stylish waterproof boot, the Blondo ankle booties are a solid option every Nsale and fits TTS – I’m a 5.5 in them to allow room for socks.
3. Zella Live-in 3/4 leggings (petite friendly! also on sale in maternity) – save $25. Zella live-in leggings are a longtime favorite of mine and last well through repeat washes. In prior years only the regular length or cropped live-in leggings were included. Their 7/8 is the ideal length on me, and the updated version has a side pocket and wider waistband which I found very flattering. I picked these up in xxs in both black and the dot print!
4. Ted Baker Slim Fit Track Jacket – Nick is going to do a separate post with fit reviews for mens finds, but I wanted to point out these two since as of yesterday, they were already sold out at all our local stores in small sizes. There are a handful of good men’s jackets, but after trying them on, the Ted Baker Track Jacket is his top pick for its soft, knit fabric and thicker lined torso area. It runs a little smaller, and he debated between sz 3 / Medium and his usual 2 / Small before settling on the 2. I got him a similar Ted Baker piece a few years back and it’s held up well despite tons of wear. A more spendy option is the Vince Knit Bomber Jacket, but it looked super sharp on and feels worth the price if it’s in your budget.
5. Madewell Mules – Pictured above, and wearing these as I type! Flattering, lightweight, minimalist almond toe slip ons that are very versatile (will share some looks with them soon) and did not require any breaking in on me. These felt the most sleek and flattering on my feet out of the mules in the Anniversary Sale. The reviews are all over the place on sizing and width, but in my opinion, I found them to be true to size and not wide on me. I am usually between 5 and 5.5, and have these in size 5.
6. Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair, cushion & tray bundle (save $85) – Only the walnut color. While in the high chair search, I can’t tell you how many messages I got raving about the durability and longevity of this chair (see how it converts). Nordstrom does sell a bundle for all the other colors (not part of the Anniversary Sale) at a small discount from the total cost if purchased separately. Read more about this chair in my blog post on baby feeding. In hindsight I wish I had bought the set with a cushion, since I was told by fellow moms that’s key for comfort with younger babies.
And here are 2 popular repeats from prior year Anniversary Sales that usually sold out after the first day of Early Access! I’ve purchased both as gifts for family and friends over the years who were thrilled.
7. Longchamp convertible tote – save $65
When not expanded, the capacity is good for everyday school or work use. When expanded, it should work as an overnight or weekender bag. I have a few Longchamp totes and they are very lightweight, durable and easy to clean just by washing in warm water with a little soap, then hanging dry.
8. Barefoot Dreams cardigan – $76.90, originally $116
An NSale classic that you guys absolutely loved in previous years. It’s insanely plush and soft, just note the cocoon length is a little long on shorter ladies and I have the sleeves cuffed up. Mine’s held up well through wash and wear. I’ve gifted these to my mom and aunts and lived in it as a new mom.
Be sure to check back tomorrow at 12:30PM EST for a big giveaway, detailed reviews and fit photos! I will be covering petite-friendly apparel + lots of boots that I tried on including waterproof and slim calf options.
Hi Jean! I bought the Yo-yo during the NSale! Thanks for the heads up. I am looking forward
to your review comparison. I was wondering what car seat are you planning to use with the Yo-yo once Nori grows out is the Nuna Pipa? My son is 7 months old, about 17 lbs and 27 inches. I am looking for an option of a car seat I could use in the long term. Also, is there a warrantee with the Yo-yo? Like tune ups? Thanks again for all the effort you put into your blog posts!
Hi Jean,
Thank you so much for these detailed blog posts–I am also a petite Bostonian resident and am 24 weeks pregnant with our first baby. After going through your posts and reading reviews online, we are going to go wit the yoyo and the uppababy vista stroller. My question is, why did you choose the cruz vs the vista stroller? Would you recommend the cruz over the vista?
Hi,
Every 2 years, I renew my entire closet. The sales can be overwhelming. Can you suggest outfit ideas for working in a corporate environment?
Thank you!
Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!
Great picks! I am eyeing the Longchamp bag as I have a few as well and know it’s worth the $$! I also agree that the Blondo boots are a fashionista’s staple. I own a pair and so happy that I bit the bullet on them two years ago. I need to check out the Hunter Tour boots though. I hope it’s not sold out by the time the sale goes public – noncardmemberprobs!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Love those riding boots !! Been looking for brown boots for a few years now. Def going to try and buy some
I love this post Jean! I’m a mom too and always looking for comfortable clothing but fashionable. I want to buy everything you recommend! The Nordstrom closest to me is closing in Sept. so now I really have an incentive to shop these items! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jen, I have been looking for the perfect leopard scarf. I like the one you are wearing. What brand is it? Thanks again
Hi Sofia, it’s the one by Sole Society linked above! It looks like it just sold out though : /
Thanks for your NSale picks! I’ve already have the Hunters in tall for years because of your previous review, but I’ll try to snatch it in the short length. I’ll see if I can also get the Longchamp tote – since reading your reviews on it, I’ve spotted it a few times in public, thinking how nice it looks.
I did get to see the Barefoot Dreams cardi in store; it felt a bit thick, so is this better for the colder seasons? I’m actually looking for a good quality lightweight cotton robe to lounge in for the summer that fits our petite frames, so if you come across anything like this anywhere, I’d be interested to know.
Thanks for this post & I look forward to the next one!
Hi Amanda! Yes i would say the Barefoot Dreams is not a lightweight warm weather cardigan. It’s very cozy and I don’t usually bring it out until Fall – Spring. Noted about the lightweight cotton robe. will keep my eyes peeled!
Hi Jean! Thank you for this post. I’m actually deciding between the babyzen yo-yo and bugaboo ant for our first trip with our 10.5 month old. My daughter Sophia is a few days younger than Nori! Have you by any chance flown JetBlue with the yo-yo? That’s what we’re flying/ usually fly and I noticed it’s 3 inches wider than their requirements for overhead.
Hi Samantha! Yes we travel often with JetBlue and our yoyo. It does fit in the overhead bin, however I usually just gate check it since with a baby and a carry on and giant diaper bag I don’t want to get on the tight space of the plane with one more item. You get it back right at the gate after landing so the only risk really is just the gate check attendant being rough with it (thankfully no incidents yet!).
Can’t wait to shop the sale <3 🙂 In love with all of your picks!
XO, Elizabeth T.
Also noticed the sandals Caslon Cameron Espadrille Wedge Sandal you did reviews on are on sale too (though not the same colour)! Am considering buying these to see how the colour is afterwards. Would you recommend these as well? https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/caslon-cameron-espadrille-wedge-sandal-women/5365218?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=soft%20gold%20leather
Hi Janice! Yes that is an excellent deal. Honestly I am not sure how that color looks in person and how much it will coordinate with. If you do order, keep me posted on your thoughts!
Hi Jean! Thank you for your honesty. You have never steered me wrong and at 5 ft. too, your picks (and pics) are have been so helpful. I am hoping to pick up the Hunter Tour boot but it appears that the one from the Anniversary sale has a completely different calf circumference and shaft height listed than those from your 2014 post . When you tried them on at the store did they feel at all taller? I’m hoping it is an error but a 1 1/2 inch difference is huge for me. Thanks and can’t wait to see all your picks!
Hi Kirina, great question. I just tried on my 2014 ones again and can attest the height is the same as the new ones because they hit at the same place on my legs. The measurements online are usually taken off of a bigger size 8 so it will vary depending on what foot size you are (the measurements in my older post are off a size 5).
However, I can’t say for 100% certain about the calf circumference! I didn’t even think to measure those while I was at the store because it’s a style I already had at home. I didn’t feel a notable difference when trying them on but they did have customer complaints about the Tour being too narrow, so I wonder if they quietly made any small updates over the years to the circumference.
Update, I just scanned the reviews on the current Tour and some ladies are still saying the calf circumference is too narrow for them so I’m guessing they haven’t changed it! Just keep in mind the height and width will vary based on shoe size.
Thank you so much! Can’t wait to get them 🙂
Yay – can’t wait to read! I’m expecting (22 weeks) and am looking forward to all the baby gear!
Love that Longchamp expandable tote Jean. I hadn’t seen that before but it’s pretty genius!
I’m interested in the Yoyo stroller for travel. How do you travel with it? Do you gate check it or bring it onto the plane? Thanks!
I always look forward to all you blog posts but especially about the ones about sales!! For this sale I’m really look for some cute nude color booties. Maybe the Vince Camuto Gigetta Bootie? I placed an order but can’t wait to get to shop in store!
Thanks!!
Hi Tiffany, I brought it on the plane the first few times but then realized there is no added benefit (other than avoiding potential damage by rough handling by the gate check attendant) and I wanted any free hands to be tending to the baby and our carry on luggage. So we just collapse it before boarding and gate check it now.
Hi Jean! I have the Nuna Pipa car seat. Which adapter would I need to get for the BabyZen Yoyo stroller?
Hi Christine! I have this one. The car seat clicks right on and the adapters don’t imapact the folding. I haven’t had any stability issues with it (like one review mentioned) despite several months of regular use.
Are there adapters to fit the uppababy mesa infant car seat for the yo-yo?
Unfortunately no : /
Aw thank you for replying. I always enjoy your reviews and suggestions for my first born. He’s three months now and it has been a journey. #nicubaby
Do the bars in the bottom of the Yo-yo bother you? Does it prevent using the bottom basket to its max? Sorry if this posted previously. Using phone and can’t see my previous post.
Do you find that the yoyo has a smooth ride? How does it hold up going over Boston’s often bumpy/uneven sidewalks?
one more question about the yoyo! would you recommend it as an everyday stroller?
Hi Sheila, if you live in Boston and like to take walks in the winter in the slush, or if the sidewalks around your neighborhood are cobblestone and brick, then no you’d need something with more robust wheels for your everyday stroller. Also, if you do most of your grocery shopping on foot then the Yoyo won’t hold enough (I really load up our Uppababy Cruz to the brim when we go grocery shopping!). The yoyo works fine on uneven surfaces however it was not good in winter slush compared to our Cruz because the wheels are smaller. For someone living where winter conditions and big underbasket storage isn’t a concern though, the Yoyo could be an everyday stroller.
Hi Jean, thanks for the post! Do you know if the Nordstrom half-year anniversary sale in the winter usually covers baby items? Interested in getting a Nuna Rava and some other big-ticket items for my baby, but she won’t need them until early next year. I’m debating whether to buy it now or wait for the Thanksgiving / year-end / winter anniversary sale. Thanks!
Hi Mae! I haven’t seen the Nuna Rave as part of the half yearly sale, but I do know older products like prior year colors or designs of baby items do go on sale (i.e. an older model of the Pipa Lite carseat was on sale). The main difference is the items going on sale during Anniversary are the newest models.
Love the lace cami!
You always pick the cutest pieces, Jean! Love them all! ❤️✨
Thanks so much for this years N Sale recommendations, Jean! Your honesty & detail reviews help me save time & buyers remorse. I now have their Retail Card (same as you!), I’m going to get BP Lace Trim Cami & Barefoot Dreams’ Cardigan before they sell out. I got Long Champ expandable in Olive color last year per your rec. (also have Pliabe Tote in black also per your rec!) & love it so much 💛
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for your kind comment and I hope you love the cami + cardigan (works nicely together too).
True!, the cami + cardigan will go great together, I can’t wait to try them. If only the Barefoot Dreams offer Petite sizing … (Miu @ meetinghalfway)
Thanks so much for the “Restock” alert on your IG story – The ivory cami sold out within 30 min of the Early Access, so I just now got it (got the black one also).
Have you tried the refined slim fit hunter boot? They are the perfect size for me! I’m 5’1 and it’s the only pair with perfect measurements. the shaft is shorter and narrower. sole is also narrower.
Hi Constance! Yes I did last year. I had really high hopes for it based on the description, but the rubber was painful around my ankles and back of knees when I walked. Do you have the tall or short refined boots? I’m glad they worked for you. I might need to give them another try to compare!
Ohhh that’s too bad! Were they too small? I have the tall!
I know your an uppababy fan. Any insight as to why you picked the Yoyo instead of the Minu (the uppababy lightweight travel stroller)
Love your posts and have been eagerly anticipating your posts on the NSale! For the Barefoot Dreams cardigan, how do you recommend washing it and is there a way to keep it from shedding? Thanks!
Hi Joyce! I have the cream one and I’ve machine washed it several times and wear it with my black leggings and haven’t had shedding issues! I have only machine dried it once though and usually dry on my mesh rack, not sure if that makes any difference.
Is it me or the tall hunter boots look better on shorter girls? I’m 5’0 as well 🙂 and I always thought shorter boots would make my legs look longer therefore making me look taller.
That’s so weird because mine sheds like crazy! I only air dry it. Maybe the dryer is the key!
I know you were going to do a comparison on the yoyo vs colugo, do you still prefer yoyo to that? I know they are major price difference but interested to hear your quick thought because the yoyo isn’t cheap.
Hi Kara,
Yes I do. The Colugo has some great features which I’ll highlight, but the materials quality and construction is not comparable to the Yoyo in my opinion, which makes sense because they are at two very different price points! And even though the measurements seem very similar, the yoyo is also more compact and easier for me to carry as someone very petite.If budget is not a concern I would definitely recommend the Yoyo. For a lower budget option I’d recommend looking at the Mountian Buggy Nano (<$200) as well.
Hi Jean. Any recommendations on a tote bag that can act as a diaper bag? Also, do you prefer the Yo-yo over the Cruz? I rarely see you using the Cruz. Is that because the Cruz is more bulky?
Did you consider the Uppa Minu?
Hi! Would love to know if you considered the Minu as well and if so, what led you to go for the YoYo instead? Thanks!
Hi Ria and Amy! The Minu is a lot bigger than the Yoyo. It’s like an in-between a regular stroller and a compact stroller, but on the plus side it may be more stable as your kid gets older because it’s bigger. I also like the look of the Yoyo a lot more, functionality aside.
I do think the Minu would be a good choice for someone who can only have ONE stroller in a city with rough sidewalks and also want to be able to travel often with that stroller. For example I have both the Cruz and the Yoyo but the Minu sits somewhere between those two on the spectrum.
Hi Elizabeth, I use my goyard as my diaper bag with a lightweight insert inside. However when on the go, I use a diaper backpack because it’s a pain sometimes to have a large tote on one shoulder while carrying the baby.
Regarding the Cruz, it’s our everyday “walks” stroller here in Boston on the rough sidewalks (cobblestone, brick…) and is always our go-to if we’re doing any grocery shopping because we load up the bottom basket to the brim! We use the yoyo on all trips (the Cruz is much lighter than the vista but it’s still heavy and big for travel) and also if we’re going to restaurants. THe handlebar folds down on the yoyo while the baby is still seated in the stroller which is great for tight spaces and dining tables.
thanks so much! I am considering getting a tote with an insert for a diaper bag, but that makes sense to have another option too! I am considering the minu as an everyday stroller since it would be good for travel too. I was unsure if I liked the feeling of the yoyo. I appreciate your input!
Thanks for the reply on the Minu! Do the bars in the bottom of the stroller bother you? Does it affect how much you can store beneath the stroller?
Hi Ria, the bars in the bottom are my one big complaint about the Yoyo. They do block access from one side so you can’t put much in there. I have a stroller hook from amazon that I attach to the Yoyo handle to help carry my purse or backpack.