Due to my cardholder status level, I had a chance to preview the sale on the 11th and this shopping guide–involving key picks in beauty, accessories, style and even a couple things for my husband–features exactly what I purchased and recommend!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of my purchase in action as well as the Bottom Line…
// BEAUTY // Although there are a myriad of viable options in this category, I narrowed my search to four exclusive offerings by four of my favorite brands…
Tom Ford Iris Bronze Eye and Lip Set: Costing less than a single eyeshadow quad, this stunning set includes an exclusive eyeshadow quad in some of the most neutral and wearable shades I’ve encountered in ages as well as two mini lipsticks in the brilliantly nude beige Spiced Honey and my-lips-but-better Casablanca. **Palette is worn in the images at the end of the post
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette: The three shades in this palette–Surreal Glow, Luminous Flush and Mood Exposure–adeptly sculpt and flush the complexion while looking entirely natural. The diffused and lit-from-within effect is simply beautiful. **Worn in the images at the end of the post
Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Pink Lipstick Set: This trio was love at first sight; I run through the iconic Pillow Talk lip liner regularly so it’s inclusion in a set with two exclusive-to-the-sale lipstick colors (the glorious peachy pink Blushing Dream and medium neutral pink Rose Kiss) made this a must for me. Both lip colors are welcome additions to my collection and I have a feeling Blushing Dream (worn in the images at the end of the post) will have a permanent place in my purse.
Dior Addict Pink Glow Lip Set: Begin with a glossy pink Dior emblazoned pouch, add the cult classic Lip Glow, toss in an ultra pigmented, hydrating peachy pink lipstick (Lacquer Stick in Palm Beach) and include a mini lip plumping gloss and you have a near perfect lip offering. I bought one for myself and one as a gift…this does not disappoint!
Additionally, if you don’t already have the following products in your collection (I do in some capacity or another), I recommend taking a peek at the:
// ACCESSORIES // Every year, I pick up a pair of sunglasses at the sale and am always grateful for the refresh. This time, the Burberry Heritage 54mm Square Sunglasses were calling my name. The chic tortoise color scheme is offset by square-meet-cateye shaping that is all at once modern and classic. They’re well-crafted yet surprisingly light and offer magnificent coverage of the face reminiscent of a classic film star attempting to remain incognito in public. Keep reading to see them in action!
// MEN’S // 90% of my husband’s wardrobe exists because I’ve purchased it for him while I’m out shopping (who can relate?). That being said, I know what he likes and he is consistently pleased with golf shirts from Travis Matthews and dress shoes from Nordstrom Men’s Shoes Department. When I handed him his specially curated pair of products, he was just as pleased as always…what would he do without me ; )
Travis Matthew JJ’s Legacy Trim Fit Polka Dot Polo: The cool gray material is embellished with tiny dots that would make even the most pattern phobic person feel at ease. Also, my husband tells me that polos and golf shirts from this brand run true to size.
Monte Rosso Federico Cap Toe Oxford: My husband is on his second pair of these after the first pair lasted 2+ years of near daily wear. Excellent for work, he tells me that they are just the right balance of comfortable on the inside and formal on the outside.
Before sharing my style selections, I need to quickly alert you to my latest foundation discovery which seems to currently only be available at Nordstroms. The YSL All Hours Foundation Stick is designed to be a multi-tasking complexion perfector that yields buildable coverage that works as foundation, concealer and canvas enhancer, depending on one’s needs.
The pigmented formula is silky smooth and glides on with ease, feeling perfectly balanced (neither too dewy nor too dry) even after 8+ hours of wear. I have tested it in humid weather and it’s worn flawlessly (without oxidizing, pooling or fading!) and later this week I’ll give it a formidable trial at Disneyland…update forthcoming! In the meanwhile, I have swatches of every shade of YSL All Hours HEREand have found that BD 50 is my best current match. For reference, I am wearing this foundation in the images that follow.
// STYLE // With work right around the corner (I head back to my college campus to lecture in late August) I chose pieces that I could wear now, but would also be at home in my classroom environment.
Vince Silk Split Hem Camisole in Zest: I was instantly smitten with this vibrant yellow cami which screams summertime. When temperatures drop, it will be just as viable with a cardigan (see below) or blazer atop. **Runs true to size…I’m wearing a Small.
Madewell Cali Demi Boot Jean in Fenton: These jeans are denim brilliant; soft and stretchy while maintaining their shape, the mid-rise waist and slightly cropped raw hem are a fresh take on a classic and they look especially good with heels. **Runs a touch on the small size…I’m wearing a size 26 (and I am generally a 25).
Lewit Marta Slingback Pump in Ivory: I am having an white shoe moment and these pointed leather slingback are just the right touch of ivory (not too bright), ensuring that they’ll comfortably go with nearly everything in my wardrobe. **Runs true to size…I’m wearing a size 7.
With fall on the brain, I also added a sweater into the mix; the Treasure & Bond Easy Throw On Cardigan in Olive Breen is slouchy and relaxed with cozy side pockets that will have me reaching for it constantly as the temperature drop. The olive hue (more khaki than green) is delightfully neutral! **Runs true to size…I’m wearing a Small.
I adore a truly lightweight button down…consequently, the Madewell Oversized Ex-Boyfriend shirt in Jade Green was a must have for me. Deep indigo-tinged black is accented by a lush green that is colorful without being too bright and the slightly oversized cut allows it to be tied or tucked with ease.
For dresses, I was initially intrigued by the effortless appeal of the ASTR the Label V-Neck Crepe Shift Dress and the pockets sent me over the edge (dress + pockets = coming home with me). The roomy cut (I am wearing a Small) is relaxed yet professional and it may be the first navy garment I’ve owned in years.
I coupled said dress with the sophisticated Eileen Fisher Ives Bootie in Wheat Nubuck. This low-cut bootie (read: endlessly comfortable for a long day on one’s feet) come in a quintessential neutral hue the that visually extends the length of one’s legs. I’ll be wearing these gems year round!
A simple cut in a flattering shade of green, the Hinge Lace Detail Minidress is understated elegance. True to size (I am wearing a Small), this dress has immaculate detailing on the bodice and cuffs, causing one to reel at the fact that it’s under $53!
I purchased only one coat in the sale…this super soft tan midi style by Leith. The material is lightweight yet warm and fluid enough to be dressed up or down. I love the warm butterscotch hue as it is versatile enough to go with everything!
I first spotted this charming ASTR the Label dress in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog and knew I would want track it down in person. The green and ivory floral motif is positively mood-lifting and the flowy skirt is equal parts fresh and feminine. Since it’s cut on the bias and I prefer a bit of extra room in my dresses, I am wearing a size Medium and it fits perfectly…this dress is so good, my friends!
The swingy skirt of this ASTR the Label dressis feminine without being too precious.
Active wear for moments when I’m active and not so active.
In terms of athletic wear, I found two different outfits to complement my relatively infrequent (but important nonetheless) physical endeavors.
The first combines the fascinating Zella Sun Salutation High Waist Leggings (I’m wearing a size Small) with an Adidas Active Icons Cropped Hoodie in Trace Scarlet (wearing a Small). The mesh cutouts on the leggings add fresh appeal to a classic legging and the cropped sweatshirt reminds me of something I wore in high school, only cooler and in the most delicious persimmon shade.
For activities requiring shorts, I’m enchanted with the Nike Tempo Running Shorts in Smoky Mauve (worn in a Small…they may actually compel me to run more regularly) paired with the Nike Sportswear Rally Sweatshirt (worn in a Small), which has a a clever mock neck collar that refreshes the traditional sweatshirt neckline.
Bottom Line: I hope you found this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018Shopping Guide helpful and enlightening and would love to know what may have caught your eye…do tell!
As aforementioned, Nordstrom cardholders get early access to the sale today through July 19th and the sale is open to everyone from July 20th through August 5th. I suggest shopping early and often for the best selection and I will make sure to update you on any additional purchases from the sale that I make in the coming days (it seems to happen every. single. year.).
Good things ahead, including a host of new product procurements and a special Beauty Professor life update…more soon!
Thanks for your consistent support, loyalty and sense of community…I am always grateful for what we’ve built here over the past six and a half (!!) years.
Don’t you just love this sale? I used to buy my daughter’s school clothes at the sale. We had so much fun shopping at work he downtown Seattle store. I’d pick up a few items for myself, too. I’m on my way up there now and hope to get into the store and get some goodies. Looks like you got some great finds ❤️
Great post! I want good gift with purchases, and I can't decide if I should buy some beauty items now during this sale, or wait till the holidays. Are there better GWPs during holidays?
Comments (3)
Don’t you just love this sale? I used to buy my daughter’s school clothes at the sale. We had so much fun shopping at work he downtown Seattle store. I’d pick up a few items for myself, too. I’m on my way up there now and hope to get into the store and get some goodies. Looks like you got some great finds ❤️
Great post! I want good gift with purchases, and I can't decide if I should buy some beauty items now during this sale, or wait till the holidays. Are there better GWPs during holidays?
Iris Bronze seems a little similar to Cocoa Mirage, maybe just less matte, thoughts?