OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS.  TODAY IS THE DAY!

If you are not a Nordstrom cardholder, I’m imagining it felt like a SWEET FOREVER waiting for this sale to go live.  Well, NOW IS THE TIME LADIES!  The sale is finally live for everybody! Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Public Access is here!  Try to regulate your breathing and remain as calm as possible.  And let’s cross all our fingers and toes that some of the popular items were restocked!

I’m going to try to make shopping the sale as easy as possible for you today, because it can definitely be overwhelming.  I will start off by highlighting some great items/outfits for everybody to check out that I haven’t featured yet!  I will also show highlights from my previous posts of items that are still in stock.  And please know, I’m not showing things just because they are still in stock. I’ve been sent a lot of merchandise that I haven’t featured.  I only feature things that I personally love…not just items with good stock.

If you want to review my previous posts, you can do so here:

Click HERE for Part 1 of FAVORITE FINDS.  (favorite undies, best jeans, best shoes)

Click HERE for Part 2 of FAVORITE FINDS.  (favorite tops, jackets, and cardis)

Click HERE for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Questions ANSWERED!

Today’s post is supposed to serve as a reference guide.  If you don’t like a picture or already have something, just skip over it and head to the next item!

Also, don’t forget the instagram SCORE REPORT contest I have going on.  Post a pic of something you got from the sale on instagram, tag me at @sheaffertoldmeto and hashtag #sheaffertoldmeto.  The winner will get a $250 Nordstrom gift card, and you will get it in time to shop the sale!  There aren’t many entries yet, so your chances would be good!

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$500 WARDROBE BASICS from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Let’s start off with a question from Monday’s post.  Do you remember Sarah’s question?

I’m not a cardholder, but I’ve got $500 to spend  once everybody can shop!  I’m loving all your posts, but I’m having the hardest time deciding what to get.  I’m a stay at home mom with two little ones under 3, so it’s a lot of time on the floor and running around town with them.   I really just want to get a ton of basics that can kind of be a capsule wardrobe for fall and winter.  What do you recommend?

Thanks for the great question Sarah!  This was a really fun challenge for me!  Now, full disclosure, my math skills need work.  Apparently the below collage totals $526.90.  OOPS.  I picked my collage items carefully and thought my total was $503, well apparently I had left the scarf off when trying to get to my total.  I didn’t notice until the collage was already made.  So, the basics below are $500+ a scarf.  Me getting the math wrong is SO me. Sorry, y’all!

Every single thing in this collage is a wonderful basic that can be mixed and matched.  Even though some of the items are higher priced (like the denim jacket and the blardigan), I fully believe you will wear them so stinkin’ much they will be MORE THAN WORTH IT. I picked booties that I didn’t personally buy, only because they were $20 cheaper.  However, I think they are very cute!  I love the studs!

I’m telling you, everything in this collage will be a work horse in your wardrobe.

1. fleece tunic / 2. ankle jeans (I got the petite!) / 3. basic white tee / 4. relaxed black tee / 5. must have denim jacket / 6. black sneakers / 7. hooded blardigan / 8.  studded booties / 9. blush tee / 10. long sleeve striped tee / 11. joggers (plus size joggers HERE) / 12. scarf

 

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Now let’s move on to some NEW items/outfits!

Outfit #1

First up, this short sleeved turtleneck sweater in a fiery red!

Now, you’ve seen these jeans in lots of other outfits I’ve already shown…and you saw this sweater in grey when I was trying on things in the Nordstrom dressing room, but I decided to order the red for myself!

I loved the vibrant red with the dark wash of the jeans and the leopard clutch!  I’ve had this clutch for about a year or so now, I get so many compliments on it, and it’s ONLY $45!

Sizing Tips:  I’m wearing my regular small in the sweater and it’s still quite roomy, so size down if you don’t want it quite so relaxed.  I’m wearing a 4P in the jeans because I wanted them to hit me mid ankle.  The booties are true to size.

short sleeve turtleneck sweater /leopard clutch/  earrings /wit and wisdom ankle jeans / cognac heeled booties

This short sleeved sweater is super soft, it comes in 5 total colors, and I love the slouchy turtleneck.

If you’ve been following the blog for awhile, you know I’ve been a loyal fan of Wit and Wisdom for several years now and their Ab-solution technology.  They have lots of jeans in the sale this year, but these dark wash ankle jeans are one of my favorites.  I went with the 4P (I’m 5’4″) because I wanted them to be perfect for booties, and I like when a tiny bit of skin peeks out from in between the top of the boot and the bottom hem of your jeans.

These are ONLY $44.90!

Outfit #2

Next, these camo skinny cargo pants.  When I photographed these pants on Tuesday, they seemed to be pretty fully stocked. When I was linking everything last night, most sizes were sold out.  I’M HOPING LIKE CRAZY FOR A RESTOCK FOR Y’ALL.  But if they don’t come back in camo, they do come in a plain olive green.

Sizing Reference:  I sized up to a medium in the tee (for a relaxed fit), I sized up to a medium in the jacket, and I’m wearing a 27P in the pants (and I’m almost 5’4″).  The booties are true to size.

white tee / short necklace / long leather tassel necklace / must have denim jacket / camo pants / cognac booties / frye bags in sale this year

I will talk about this denim jacket until my dying breath.  I named it a must have almost 5 years ago, and I still reach for it ALL. THE. TIME. #youmusthaveit  It’s not part of the sale, but you must have it.  It’s stretchy, comfy, and can be worn during all seasons.

white tee / short necklace / long leather tassel necklace / must have denim jacket / camo pants

The booties are a perfect cognac color, and I love the buckle and tassel detailing.  They are a great height, comfy, and true to size.

I loved the whole outfit.

And then I switched it up a bit here.  I took off the white tee and jacket and subbed in the grey fleece (which is one of my Top 10 items from the sale).  I have on my regular small, and it’s still roomy, so size down if between sizes.

grey fleece/ long leather tassel necklace / must have denim jacket / camo pants / cognac booties / frye bags in sale this year

And a close up of the pants.  The reviews are mixed in these, but I really like them!  They are a bit higher waisted than I would like them to be, but that’s the only complaint I have.  I had to go with the petite, because at 5’4″ the regulars were realllllly long on me.

Outfit #3

One more new outfit that I’ll photograph for my post next Friday, but you get to see the outfit plan today!

I have a regular 4 in the jeans, but I would size down if between sizes.  I sized up to a medium in the shirt, but I pretty much always size up in button up shirts.  The shirt is quite thin, but I liked how it was super light weight.

Madewell plaid shirt / boot cut jeans / leopard clutch / cognac booties / necklace / earrings / blingy bracelets

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NOW IT’S TIME FOR A REVIEW OF OTHER FAVORITE ITEMS THAT ARE STILL IN STOCK!

Starting with…

MY TOP 3 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorite Find #1: Natori Briefs

THESE UNDIES.  Get them.  NOW.  #itsforyourowngood

Fyi:  They are called “girl briefs”, but they are for women!

OOOOOOHHHHHHHHEMMMMMMMMMMMMGEEEEEEEEE.  The ONLY UNDERWEAR I WEAR now are these in the sale and these Soma no line undies.  Even if you wear thongs during the day, you should totally wear one of these choices at night.  Seriously, y’all. THESE ARE GOOD.  A big ol’ high five to the readers that suggested I try them a couple of years ago.  Here’s how it’s going to go: you are going to first order between 1-3 pairs….and then slowly but surely you will replace your entire underwear drawer.

And just for fun, let’s just pretend that that’s me in the graphic below.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorite Find #2: Natori Bra

Another essential is this bra.

If you don’t have one, GET IT NOW.  You’ll thank me, and your girls will thank me.  It’s the best bra I’ve ever owned.   I named it a MUST HAVE a couple of years ago, and I know soooo many of you are believers now too!  If you doubt me, just check out the online reviews!  The cups are perfectly rounded, it has just the right amount of lining, and the material is oh so comfy.  And look how pretty the straps are!  I know the price might be shocking to some of you, BUT TRUST ME.  Just try it, and I promise that you will feel badly for mistreating your boobies all these years.

Click HERE for the bra!  If you are a smaller chested gal, THIS IS THE ONE to get.  Smaller chested ladies swear by it and the reviews are fantastic.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorite Find #3: The Blardigan

If you aren’t a cardholder, I know you’ve been holding your breath that a blardigan would still be available during Public Access!  It’s quite simply the most cozy item you will EVER put on your body.

The baby blardigan is pretty much sold out…but the hooded blardigan is still available!  The cut, the fit, the hood, and the pockets are all great!  And I know a lot of you have commented in the past that the arms are snug on the other blardigans, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem with this one!

I hear that a lot of ladies like the hooded blardigan the most.  It’s the longest (totally long enough to be worn with leggings), it’s hem is straight across, it has a hood (duh), and it has pockets too.  I wear this one when I want to be cozy at home, and I wear it around town.

Sizing Tips:  I’m wearing the x-small/small.

hooded blardigan / white tee / earrings /star necklace/ wit and wisdom jeans / adidas sneakers/ no show socks

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorite Find #4: Zella Leggings

Last thing under Everyday Essentials.  HIGH WAISTED LEGGINGS fom Zella.  Once you wear them, you will be sooooo annoyed when you have to put on the regular waisted ones.  In fact, you’ll find yourself doing laundry just so you don’t have to wear those stupid non-high waisted leggings.  Seriously.

Click HERE for all of the high waisted leggings in the sale (different lengths, colors, and designs).

But if you get only one pair, get the basic black.

I already have 2 pairs of the basic black, so this year I got the grey cropped!

I ADORE THESE HIGH WAISTED CROP LEGGINGS.  They come up above my belly button, and they suck me in like crazy, while somehow still allowing me to breathe and be 100% comfortable.  THEY ARE MAGIC.  Once I tried the high waisted option, I have never purchased the regular rise again.

SIZING TIPS:  I’m wearing a small in both the sweatshirt and the leggings. I normally size up in Zella tops, but I didn’t have to this time.

sweatshirt / high waisted crop leggings/ no show socks / adidas sneakers

And here’s the side by side so you can see the huge waistband. #itgetsthejobdone

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MY BEST OF THE BEST SALE ITEMS THAT ARE STILL IN STOCK

Several of my favorites this year have already sold out (I’m looking at you Caslon wedge sneakers and Adidas sneakers), but I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see other favorites of mine seem to be holding stock!  I want to review these IN STOCK items for you now so you aren’t wasting time with items that only have 1 size and/or color available.

ZELLA JOGGERS

I cannot believe these joggers are still in stock (although I saw two sizes disappear between yesterday morning and late last night). Also, I didn’t realize this before, but they come in plus size too.

Look how cute they are with a white tee and my must have denim jacket!  (Click HERE for a jacket that is similar and in the sale.)  I think the joggers are so flattering on.  I got my regular small, but others are suggesting to size up for a more relaxed fit.

white tee/ denim jacket / joggers / adidas sneakers

And here’s the picture for those of you that prefer the side by side.

white tee/ denim jacket / joggers / adidas sneakers

 

SOFT CASHMERE PONCHO

This poncho is luxurious.  It’s just plain yummy.

It comes in this beige or a grey color blocking, and it’s just so dang chic!  It’s regularly $149, but the SALE PRICE is just under $100!  It is completely open on the sides, and I will put it up on stories today so you can see exactly what I mean.

Sizing Tips:  The poncho is one size fits all, I sized up to a 28 in the jeans, and the wedge sneakers are true to size.

cashmere poncho/ white tee / earrings / star necklace / AG jeans / wedge sneakers

SNAP WRAP/ WATERFALL CARDI

This wrap thing was a departure for me, but I’m so glad I tried it.  I know lots of you are going to absolutely freaking love it.

The site is calling it a “jacket”, but I think of it as more as a wrap/cardi combo.  You can wear it snapped close (the snap is up by the neck), or you can wear it open like a waterfall cardi.  It drapes beautifully worn both ways, the fabric is soft and dreamy, AND IT HAS POCKETS. Look for it to be shown on instagram stories today!  It also comes in black and a merlot.

I’m definitely going to try to style this with tall boots and the Spanx faux leather leggings I ordered from the sale (lots of people are talking about the camo ones too)!

Sizing Tips:  I’m wearing a small in the wrap and there is plenty of room.  I’m wearing a 4P in the jeans and the booties are true to size.

wrap cardi combo / basic white tee/ earrings /short necklace/wit and wisdom ankle jeans / cognac heeled booties

COZY FLEECE TUNIC

The nice people over at Gibson sent me this as a sneak peek before the sale went live, and I knew it would be a crowd favorite for sure.  Gibson does COZY FLEECE sooooo well.

The grey is a great basic, but I’m totally crushing on the gorgeous magenta color (and I included it in the $500 challenge collage)!  It comes in 6 total colors, so there’s something for everybody.  I love both the high low hem and the exposed center seams.

Sizing Tips:  I’m wearing a small, and there’s plenty of room.  If you want it more fitted, I suggest sizing down.  I’m wearing my regular 4s in the jeans (size down if between sizes) and the booties are true to size.

And good news!  This top comes in plus size top!

cozy fleece tunic courtesy of Gibson/earrings / kut from the kloth jeans / cognac heeled booties

Ladies.  Pay attention here.

Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Boot Cut Jeans

These have been a favorite of mine going on three years now.  Here’s what I love most about these jeans:  I truly feel like they make me look 2 inches taller and 10 pounds thinner.  Um, YES PLEASE.  I pulled an old pic, and if you are on the fence, you are going to need to TRUST ME on these.  They are so good.

I’m wearing a 4 Regular in these boot cut jeans. I’m almost 5’4″, wearing a heeled bootie, and they are the perfect length for me.  I think the picture on the site makes these jeans look terrible.  It seems that the very tall model is wearing a petite, and man is it all wrong.

These jeans are truly awesome.  And get ready, girls!  Based upon a conversation I had with a follower over last weekend on instagram, my entire post next Friday is going to be outfits with just different Wit and Wisdom jeans!

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE SHOE REVIEW

I bought 4 pair of shoes in the sale this year when I went shopping on opening day.  Two of them are pretty much sold out (the Adidas sneakers and the Caslon wedge sneakers)…but two are still available!  And I love both of them!

HEELED BOOTIES

The color of these booties were what initially drew me to them (but they come in 2 other colors as well).  Last year my heeled booties were taupe, and they were a bit dressier, so I was super pumped to find these.  I love the height the heel gives, but they are comfy and super easy to walk in.

These were true to size for me.

Click HERE for the heeled booties.

FLAT ANKLE BOOTIES

I always get a pair of  relatively flat ankle booties.  I tried on several pairs this year, but these were head and shoulders above the rest!  They also come in black.  They are VERY comfy and will be great for both Fall and Spring.  I love this neutral color, the deep cut out (so flattering), and the dimension that the design gives.

I recommend sizing down a 1/2 size in these.

Click HERE for the flat ankle booties.  Mine are the “foxy” color.

HEELED BOOTIES

I didn’t get these for myself because I still love my Vince Camuto heeled booties from the sale last year….BUT THESE ARE GOOD Y’ALL.  If you need a dressy bootie, look no further.  The heel is definitely thinner than last year’s version, but they are still comfy. Size down a 1/2 size in these.

TALL BOOTS

I’ve had people ask me about tall boots, and there aren’t many to choose from in the sale this year.

I saw these in person, tried them on, and loved them…I just didn’t need them because I still love my tall boots from last year.

Click HERE for these boots.

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MY FAVORITE SALE FIND HAS RETURNED!

I don’t know how I missed this, but one of my absolute favorites from last year is IN THE SALE!

This baby is lined with a fleece like material that is crazy soft (and warm), it has a small cowl neck that drapes beautifully, and the back has these pretty little feminine pleats that give the top a lot of style.

It comes in 2 other colors, and I’m wearing a small. It’s definitely over sized, but let’s be frank, that’s what I was pretty much looking for.  The sizing does seem a little more roomy this year, so you might consider sizing down.

I truly cannot say enough about how soft and comfy this top is. And you really need to see what the back looks like(with the tiny little pleats!).

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LET’S TALK BEAUTY SALE PICKS!

A NEULASH VALUE PACK IS IN THE SALE and STILL IN STOCK!

The pic on the left is of my sister’s lashes. She’s the one who told me I HAD to start using Neulash. The picture on the right is me. I received several DMs wanting to see MY lashes after showing my sister’s so often, so here you go! Even though I haven’t showered and I’m wearing a nightgown and a men’s fleece, I threw on some eye makeup to show y’all! 

I’m not as diligent as I should be about using the Neulash, but I’ve still had great results!

My Bobbi Brown pallette and my GloPro Microneedling tool (2 of the VERY BEST VALUES IN THE SALE!) arrived last night, and I can’t wait to start using them today!

That’s it for the items today ladies!  Let’s all have a glass of wine and take a nap!!!! SHOPPING IS HARD!   I actually had hoped to have some additional new items to show you today, but my delivery was delayed (ugh!), so I’ll show you some more new stuff next week!  (Monday I’m working with a jewelry brand, so we’ll be taking a bit of an NSale break!  Whew!)

So, what are you waiting for ladies?  SHOP!  SHOP!  SHOP!  And then Instagram your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Public Access pics!

I would love for y’all to leave your comments about favorite items.  If you are a cardholder, leave a comment about what your most loved item is!  If you are shopping today for the first time, tell us what you are most excited about!

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SPECIAL MAMA GIVEAWAY!

Today is the day to nominate for the Special Mama Giveaway!  If you’ve been reading for awhile, you know that every year I take a very special mom (a mom of a child with special needs) on a $1,000 shopping spree to Nordstrom during the Anniversary Sale!!!!!  Well, after many requests to do so, I’m now going to open it up to special mom’s everywhere! In year’s past you had to be local so I could take you shopping, but this year, I’m just going to send a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card to the winner!

So…enter your friend, your sister, your neighbor, yourself……..JUST ENTER!  All you have to do is leave a comment with the mama’s name you would like to nominate.  You can just say her name, or you can leave a tribute of sorts telling her why you think she’s so special!

Let’s celebrate these VERY SPECIAL MAMAS!  The winner will be announced next Friday, and I will immediately send an electronic gift card!

These are the first previous 4 winners.  I’m so excited to add a 5th face to this very special winner’s circle!!!

{Here’s a little background:  While working in the schools as a speech therapist, I really developed a heart for the moms of the kids I served. These mamas were completely selfless, and their dedication to their children was a beautiful and inspiring thing to witness.  They rarely treated themselves to anything because their sole focus was always on their kiddos.  I had the privilege of observing these moms for years, and because one of my student’s mom recommended doing something like this years ago (love you, Candace!), I now treat a very special mom a couple of times a year.  Goodness knows these moms deserve a little something special!}

GOOD LUCK, EVERYBODY!!!!