Let's Connect:

THE BEST RESOURCE IN THE
MOST FUN WAY POSSIBLE 

daily looks

NSALE 2021: What I Actually Bought

July 11, 2021

By:

Erin Schrader

Well, I just did some damage [understatement of the century]. The verdict is in and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is not healthy for my bank account. Holy crap. Just when I think I am done shopping, I stumble upon something else that I NEED and all of a sudden I’m adding 12 more things to my cart, and well, 115 items later I’m hitting checkout. The point is, I have found a LOT to try. And so try I will. While you will look at this list below and think “Erin, why did you ACTUALLY buy ALL of this?” [don’t worry, that is a normal and healthy reaction and if you didn’t think those thoughts I might be concerned] and while the answer is because I need all of it [kidding, I don’t], I like to think of it as “being your official anniversary sale guinea pig”. It is my job to share with all of you what is worth putting your dollars to and what isn’t, so consider me a tester of sorts. I buy a lot because it’s product research [and because getting dressed is fun although full disclosure: I’m already sweating thinking about the outfit changes that are about to ensue]. Additionally, because without all of these items my annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Hits & Misses blog post wouldn’t be possible [here’s last years for a taste of what is to come]!

In case you aren’t able to shop just quite yet, no worries, this year you can click around on the items below and add them to your wish list! Once your date arrives at where you can check out, you simply move your wish list items to cart and go to town! Here is a complete list of the shopping dates in case you need that!

Now, let’s get this 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale party started!

Don’t forget to join us in our Exclusive Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Facebook Group for the best updates + nightly giveaways you don’t want to miss!

First up, accessories and bags!

Single Sac Bretelle Suede Shoulder Bag • Clare Vivier // Vibrant Pisa Set of 5 Beaded Stretch Bracelets • BaubleBar // Story Set of 3 Layered Necklaces • Madewell // Floppy Wool Felt Panama Hat • Nordstrom // Carson Striped Crossbody Bag • Tory Burch // CALPAK Terrazzo 22-Inch Hard Shell Spinner Carry-On Suitcase • CalPak // Layered Y-Necklace • BaubleBar // Covered Oval Buckle Snakeskin Print Belt • Nordstrom // Felt Rancher Hat • Treasure & Bond

If I Were Only Buying One: I’m always looking for a great bag for fall and this one caught my eye in a big way this year. I’m excited to see if she lives up to the hype!

Tried & True Favorite: I purchased my first Tory Burch crossbody a couple of years ago in an anniversary sale and I still carry it every single day. If you don’t own this classic, it’s too good to pass up!

Now on to activewear

Blank Noir Camo Reversible Bomber Jacket • Blanc Noir // Easy Peazy Tank Top • Sweaty Betty // Live In Jogger Pants • Zella // Swift Run X Sneaker • adidas // Run In Reflective Shorts • Zella // React Escape Run Running Shoe • Nike // Edge Lux 4 Running Shoe • adidas

If I Were Only Buying One: This reversible bomber jacket is definitely the most exciting piece of activewear on my list this year I think. I can already envision myself on plenty of fall walks with the pups in this!

Tried & True Favorite: If you’ve never owned a pair of ON sneakers, now is the time to try! Both Shawn and I love this brand for working out or all-day wear. So comfortable and loved by so many in the LIY community!

What I’m buying in beauty

Full Size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo & Dry Texturizing Spray Set • Oribe // Pure Silk White Queen Pillowcase Duo • Slip // Sunset Hair Tie Set • Slip // Jumbo Rum Body Wash • Malin+Goetz // Bond Maintenance Hair Care Set • OLAPLEX // Full Size Hair Sweet Hair Vegan Gummies Length & Strength Dietary Supplement Duo • Hum Nutrition // Lash Enhancing Serum Duo • neuLash

If I Were Only Buying One: If you’ve followed for any length of time, you know that Olaplex is my favorite. This is a great set for either restocking or trying it for the first time!

Tried & True Favorite: Aside from Olaplex which I’ll be stocking up on, another tried & true favorite is this silk pillowcase that I am obsessed with. I’ve had one for over a year but it’s been in the wrong shade to match my sheets so I’m pumped to finally get it [on sale] in white!

Let’s talk about those booties

Welland Bootie • Vince Camuto // Aysira Bootie • Jessica Simpson // Pola Imitation Pearl Chelsea Bootie • Karl Lagerfeld Paris // Marja Cap Toe Bootie • Vagabond Shoemakers // Cedar Bootie • Steve Madden // Savvy Lug Bootie • Donald J Pliner // Gadri Pointed Toe Bootie • Marc Fisher // Camben Bootie • Naturalizer // Verity Waterproof Bootie • Blondo

If I Were Only Buying One: I’m so excited to see what these beauties are all about. I love the shaft height [that will never not be awkward to say] and the slouchy vibes!

Tried & True Favorite: Last year my most worn bootie from the sale was a pair of Steve Maddens that was such a classic look with nearly any outfit! You can’t go wrong with these!

And of course, the boots.

Olly Knee High Boot • Sam Edelman // Donita Combat Boot • AllSaints // Skylar Slouch Boot • Botkier // Vicar Combat Boot • PIKOLINOS

If I Were Only Buying One: These are a little out of my comfort zone but I am loving the look of them through the computer screen. I can’t wait to try them on in person and see what I think!

Tried & True Favorite: You can’t go wrong with a pair of Sam Edelman boots. This pair is super versatile and is a great option for all of your fall outfits [wine tasting, anybody?!]

One of my favorite categories, coats.

Faux Leather Puffer Jacket • Sam Edelman // Leah Wool Blend Wrap Coat • Reiss // Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat • Sam Edelman // Abigail Hooded Water Repellent Puffer Jacket • Save The Duck // Puffer Jacket with Removable Bib & Hood • Bernardo

If I Were Only Buying One: Definitely a splurge but if I like it as much as I think I will, I see a LOT of wears out of this coat over the next several years..

Tried & True Favorite: If you live somewhere cold and don’t own a North Face parka yet, the anniversary sale is a great time to buy one on sale! Super warm and will last forever!

Time to dress things up with dresses..

Long Sleeve Tiered Dress • Sam Edelman // BB Dakota x Steve Madden Cypress Smock Waist Jogger Jumpsuit • BB Dakota by Steve Madden // BB Dakota x Steve Madden Raleigh Hot Spot Long Sleeve Minidress • BB Dakota by Steve Madden // BB Dakota x Steve Madden Bixby Ottoman Knit Long Sleeve Minidress • BB Dakota by Steve Madden // BB Dakota x Steve Madden Ruston Textured Long Sleeve Shift Minidress • BB Dakota by Steve Madden // Boatneck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress • Julia Jordan

If I Were Only Buying One: I’m super into sweater dresses and I think this one is adorable with booties! Add in a slight puff shoulder and I’m sold!

Tried & True Favorite: Eliza J is one of the best quality of dresses I’ve ever bought and there are several in the sale this year! If you have an event you need to get dressed up for, you may want to try one of these!

Something I always stock up on, jackets & blazers..

Balfern Leather Biker Jacket • AllSaints // Trench Revolution Waterfall Lapel Knit Coat • BB Dakota // Clean & Minimal Jacket • Free People // Mixed Plaid Blazer Jacket • Treasure & Bond // Viva Strass Stars Wool Blazer • Zadig & Voltaire

If I Were Only Buying One: It’s a splurge but I can’t wait to try this jacket 😍 The color alone is making me drool…

Tried & True Favorite: I bought this jacket a few years ago and still wear it to this day. It’s a good one friends if you don’t have it yet!

Now for denim under $100..

Catherine Ab Fab Ripped High Waist Boyfriend Jeans • KUT from the Kloth // Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans • Wit & Wisdom // Good Waist Distressed Ankle Skinny Jeans • Good American // Good Waist Button Fly Ankle Skinny Jeans • Good American // Donna Fab Ab Exposed Button Ripped Ankle Skinny Jeans • KUT from the Kloth // Donna Fab Ab Exposed Button Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans • KUT from the Kloth // Ab-Solution Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans • Wit & Wisdom

If I Were Only Buying One: I’ve been looking for a new boyfriend 😉

Tried & True Favorite: You truly can’t beat any pair of Kut from the Kloth jeans during the sale! I’ve bought so many pairs over the years and they never disappoint!

Time for a cozy category, loungewear and intimates..

Moonlight Short Pajamas • Nordstrom // Namaste Two-Piece Lounge Set • Barefoot Dreams // CozyChic(TM) Ribbed Robe • Barefoot Dreams // Moonlight Pajamas • Nordstrom // CozyChic Lite(R) Circle Cardigan • Barefoot Dreams // Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra • Wacoal // Genuine Shearling Slipper • UGG // Snuggle Plush Faux Fur Slipper • Nordstrom

If I Were Only Buying One: I was so pumped to buy this pajama set last year in the anniversary sale and it sold out before I could get it so you better believe I’ll be trying to hit checkout asap on this cozy little number!

Tried & True Favorite: Literally, nearly everything above is a tried & true favorite – these pajamas are a must, this cardigan is the best, these slippers can’t be beaten, and this strapless bra is the only one I wear. So yeah, you could say there are a few tried & true favorites in this category 😉

Always a popular section, the shoes.

Emlen Chain Loafer • Louise et Cie // GrandPro Topspin Sneaker • Cole Haan // Welt Sandal • Tory Burch // Candialia Sandal • Vince Camuto // Finn Chain Pointed Toe Mule • Steve Madden // All In Cozy Faux Shearling Sneaker • Dr. Scholl’s // Poali Pointed Toe Pump • Jessica Simpson

If I Were Only Buying One: I think these will be my most worn shoe this fall from the mix above so I have to go with them!

Tried & True Favorite: If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it’s that once you buy Tory Burch sandals, you will never stop wearing Tory Burch sandals. I wear mine literally every day and I’m excited to see this style in the sale!

A personal favorite place to shop, the sweater section.

Puff Shoulder Cardigan • Treasure & Bond // Recycled Cashmere Blend Ruana • Nordstrom // V-Neck Sweater • Treasure & Bond // Bobble Cardigan Sweater • Madewell // Kent Colorblock Cardigan • Madewell // Cowl Neck Hatchi Tunic • Caslon // Rib Knit Ruana • AllSaints // Swim Too Deep Turtleneck Sweater • Free People

If I Were Only Buying One: This is hard because I’m so excited to try so many of the sweaters on their way to me, but if I was only buying one I think I’d go with this cutie as it’s something different for my closet!

Tried & True Favorite: If you don’t own this sweater, do yourself a favor and buy one [or three] while it’s on sale!

I’m always here for the basics with some tanks and tees

Pintuck V-Neck Camisole • 1 STATE // Raw Edge Tank • Halogen // The Feel Good Bodysuit • Good American // Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt • Caslon // Studded Cotton Blend T-Shirt • Vince Camuto // Long Sleeve Modal Blend Tee • Halogen

If I Were Only Buying One: I’m really excited to try this bodysuit as it looks like a layering dream now that I’ll have some new jackets and cardis to wear. The color is great for fall and I’m a big fan of the Good American brand!

Tried & True Favorite: I find myself reaching for this tee over and over again. A great basic to wear alone or layer under your new cardigans for fall!

And now for these cute little tops..

Off the Shoulder Ruffle Cuff Blouse • CeCe // Clip Dot Ruffle Mock Neck Crepe Top • CeCe // Cutout Mock Neck Knit Top • Halogen // Plaid Boyfriend Shirt • Treasure & Bond // Cozy Pullover Hoodie • Caslon // Tie Neck Blouse • Halogen

If I Were Only Buying One: Now that we’re back in the swing of things going out from time to time, I’ve been looking for tops that are date night friendly so I’m excited to try this sassy thing.

Tried & True Favorite: If you’re looking for a great date night option, this top is a must! I own it in leopard and pink already, I can’t wait to add this green into the mix!

Splurging a little with premium denim..

Le Garcon Ankle Slim Boyfriend Jeans • Frame // rag & bone/JEAN Dre Slim Boyfriend Jeans • Rag & Bone // The Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans • AG Jeans // Hoxton Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans • Paige // Verdugo Ripped Raw Hem Crop Skinny Jeans • Paige

If I Were Only Buying One: I’ve gotta go with these Paige cropped ripped skinny jeans. They look like the perfect jean for fall and for all of my bootie wearin’ outfits.

Tried & True Favorite: If you’ve never bought a pair of AG jeans, they are worth the try. Super soft denim and will last for years and years.

You can’t forget about stocking up for your home..

Bliss Oversize Throw Blanket // Barefoot Dreams(R) CozyChic ‘In the Wild’ Throw Blanket // Studio Set of 3 Scented Candle Gift Set // Stagg EKG Electric Kettle // Joie Large Ceramic Jar Candle // Travel Size Scented Candle Set • Diptyque

If I Were Only Buying One: I am absolutely so excited to get this kettle for all of my early morning and late-night tea-drinking sessions.

Tried & True Favorite: If you don’t own this throw yet, it’s a must [especially for the price]! We’ve had several for years and they are so soft and stay in great condition after washing. It also makes for a great gift to give!

And last but not least, here’s what Shawn hit checkout on in the Men’s department..

Kezar Waterproof Chukka Boot • Sorel // Pyrite Lite Pullover Hoodie • Zella // Men’s Saltwater Quarter Zip Performance Pullover • Vineyard Vines // Long Sleeve T-Shirt • Vineyard Vines // Sportswear Alumni Athletic Shorts • Nike // Air Max SC Sneaker • Nike // Stripe Sankaty Short Sleeve Performance Polo • Vineyard Vines // Hangin’ Out Dante Stripe Pocket Polo • johnnie-O

PHEW. That’s a lot of outfit pictures [and sweating] on the horizon. Let the games begin…stay tuned for my hits & misses post where I’ll be sharing the scoop on which ones are worth buying and which ones you should pass on!

share this with your best girlfriends:

Read More

All of my favorite at-home hair care and styling products!

Read More

Sweatshirt [true to size] // Shorts [size up, wearing in medium] // Sneakers [true to size] The results are in, and these Amazon shorts are a WIN! We tried ’em from size XS to Large [in all the colors of the rainbow], and over and over we’re giving ’em nothing but raving reviews! Take a […]

Read More

My favorite beauty must-haves, all in one spot!

Read More

From tasty snacks to easy, ready-to-make meals, we’re sharing our favorite Delicious and Healthy Foods from Trader Joe’s.

Oldies but Goodies

Check Out These

The newsletter you actually want to read.

signed, sealed, delivered.

© Living in Yellow. Site Credits.