It’s that time of the year again! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has opened to all cardholders, and opens to the public to shop next Monday July 15th! I popped in stores to try on a bunch of pieces and wanted to share a few that stood out. I’ll be adding video reviews here so be sure to follow there for new try-ons this week!
**If the links are directing you to an App, just hit “cancel” or refresh page and it should update!**
1. Designer Denim Pick: AG Saige Jeans
Such a flattering cut with a petite-friendly length (works on me with flats), soft denim fabric with stretch, and a beautiful lighter blue wash. These definitely run big at the waist – I was trying on 24 and would size down to 23. The cut is similar to the Madewell jeans I adore, except the AG fabric just has a luxuriously soft feel with a looser fit. Here’s the same style AG Saige jean in other non-sale colors if you want to read customer reviews, but the denim feel on these are different than the other colors.
Another pick from the NSale denim selection this year is the Madewell patch pocket wide jeans (see on me). Very cute front pockets, slimming and elongating fit. Just note this is a full length style petites will need a small heel, unless you get them hemmed with Nordstrom’s free alterations service for cardholders. It looks cropped on the model but it’s a little past full length on me. I typically size down for Madewell and a 23 fit me well.
2. Dyson Deals
20% off their Airwrap and hair dryer. I use the dryer the most (it has significantly cut down my thick hair drying time without harsh temps), and it has also made a great luxe gift!
3. Gentle Souls Booties (4 colors)
My most worn shoes last winter. It feels wrong to think about cold weather fashion now, but I was excited to see these since black and brown were all sold out last year!
- Very walking friendly – I clocked miles in these around Boston last winter!
- Cushioned pad inside the footbed for comfort and support
- Low block heel gives a small boost
- Slim stretch shaft fits perfectly inside the leg openings of my jeans and pants
- Flexible, nonslip soles
- Sizing runs TTS to slightly narrow for me. I’m usually 5 to 5.5, and got 5.5 in these.
While these are not the most fashion-forward bootie (I’d like the rounded toe to be a little sharper), they’re classic and the comfort can’t be beat. I rarely go this hard on one item, but ended up hunting them down last year in 3 colors! See the light taupe /mushroom color on me here. The booties have a new name this year but appear to be nearly identical to mine from prior year. There’s a small handful of last year’s exact bootie left in stock.
4. baby gear Deals
Each year I say the BEST Anniversary sale deals are in the kids gear department, especially if you were already planning on buying something at full price (like we unfortunately did for several of these items). I’ll go into more detail on the gear we own, but the main items to check out are listed here:
- Stroller picks – including the exact Cybex one-to-two kids stroller we use daily (read my review), our light & compact Yoyo travel stroller, and the popular Doona and UPPAbaby
- Other name brand baby gear picks: Nuna carseats, Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair, Babybjorn bouncer just to name a few
5. Zella atheisure dress
Atheisure dresses = genius. These are made of athleisure fabrics but look totally chic and normal for everyday wear and travel. There’s a built in shelf bra with light removable padding, and pockets!
I don’t know when Zella stopped making size xxs, but it’s a big bummer : / While the XS fit me okay, an xxs would’ve been ideal and more fitted at the bodice. The length is maxi on me so if you’d like a midi, this would be another good use of Nordstrom’s free alteration services for cardholders!
I didn’t get to try on the Sweaty Betty option, but that’s a popular one in the same concept.
6. Allsaints dalby jacket
One of the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items each year in terms of the high quality and fit for petites! Soft like butter, very petite-friendly slim fit, timeless style. I’ve had mine for a few years and don’t think it’ll ever go out of style. Allsaints jackets run small and I originally got 00 which is very snug on me now, so in hindsight I should’ve gone with 0. I did try on this years’ jacket to make sure it’s the same, and the 0 fit me best.
7. Longchamp Bags
The mini Le Pliage bag is seriously cute with a detachable crossbody strap. The classic large size Le Pliage tote is also part of NSale this year for the first time – usually it’s just the expandable travel bag. The Le Pliage collection is extra lightweight and folds down very small for portability.
8. Madewell essentials tote (2 colors)
If you’re looking for an everyday work tote that fits a laptop without being overwhelming in size for petites, this seems like a great option in 2 beautiful l rich colors.
This is that roomy capacity but not too large size, with a magnetic inner closer and two handle straps for either wearing over your shoulder or carrying by hand. Convenient outer pocket to slip in your phone, and there’s smaller inner pocket too.
This is the Allsaints ruana wrap that I can never resist trying on each year, but always find it to be too big and long. One-size-fits-all wraps are challenging for petites, which is why we made the Edited Pieces reversible poncho in two petite-friendly lengths!
9. Cropped Allsaints dalby
The even more petite-friendly sister of the Allsaints leather jacket listed above, back in an olive color for Nsale 2024. This is a shorter length which is really nice for showing off the waistline on petites, especially when worn with dresses, skirts, or high rise jeans. In the photo from last year I’m trying on a 2, and feel that a 0 would’ve been perfect.
10. Nordstrom mary jane flats (4 colors)
A close look-for-less option for my beloved Dolce Vita flats. The shape is extremely similar with a modern rounded square toe and feminine thin strap. The DV is cut just a little lower at the toes.
Size-wise, the fit of both pairs feels TTS and similar (I’m usually 5 or 5.5, and take 5.5). Quality wise, the DV leather is a little more padded so I do think it’s worth the higher price if budget allows.
Other Try-Ons
- Sam Edelman trench. Detachable hood and belted. This one fits me (5 ft. tall) decently throughout, just note that the sleeve length will likely increase as size goes up. The material feels like medium weight cotton with structure and a slight coating.
- Nordstrom zip cardigan. Was looking for good quality knit pieces and this cardigan was giving me Vince vibes. I’m trying on xs which was a loose casual fit on me with the sleeves cuffed up, but this is available online in xxs. Cardigan is a medium weight wool / alpaca blend, and the style is very easy to throw on over a tank and jeans.
Hi Jean, Love your style help! I have clicked and purchased many of the items you post.. A few of the items I would like to own but can’t seem to find them when I click on the link. The old rails dress in black and white is so feminine but it directs me to other patterns which aren’t quite as attractive as the one you are modeling. Still great to have the style inspirations tho
I love your picks, Jean! Everything looked so good on you! xx
While I love your posts , most of them link to an APP. To enjoy your posts you would have to have all these APPS. Not interested and really inhibits from looking at things. I can’t enjoy your blog this way.
Hi Ann, that’s so frustrating! I didn’t even realize that because I check my blog on desktop and I just noticed this is only happening on mobile.
After investigating, I learned that it’s unfortunately something Nordstrom (and some other brands like Abercrombie) are doing for all links going to their store for people who are on a mobile phone. However, if you wait a few seconds or hit the “refresh” page button, it will updated and go directly to their website. Thanks for bearing with this issue in the time being!
hi, your article about Zara size xxs, I believe you meant to write, it’s a big bummer. you wrote it’s as big bummer.
Hi Lin, thanks for pointing that out! Just fixed : )