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#NSale 2020 Try-On Haul: PART I

Happy Friday, friends! If you’re an Ambasssador level Nordy Club member, it’s your turn to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I hope my posts over the past week or two will be helpful if you’re shopping today.

As a reminder, I’ve linked all my 2020 #NSale coverage at the top of the blog so it’s easy to access. When you use my Nordstrom links to shop, it helps support this blog, and it is SO very much appreciated!

I placed an expedited order on Tuesday, and then I went into the store on Wednesday to shop the sale in-person, so I’ve got quite a haul to share with you today!

The in-store shopping experience was different this year, but I actually kind of liked it. For one thing, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as in previous years. I also worked with a Nordstrom personal stylist, and she made shopping the sale a breeze.

If you’re ever in the Nordstrom at King of Prussia, be sure to schedule an appointment with Barb Heffernan. She’s awesome to work with, accommodating and knowledgable, and just fun to hang out with for the afternoon.

I do want to warn you, the prices definitely skew high in this first round of try-ons, but I have more coming in. I tend to gravitate to the investment purchases first, because that’s where the biggest cost savings is, and then I go back through the other departments as time allows.

I’m actually picking up a few more things this morning, and I have a few other small orders coming in, so stay tuned!

Also, you will notice I’m wearing a mask in the dressing room try-ons. I am not trying to be cute or make a political statement; I’m simply following the rules of our state and the store in which I was shopping, so please don’t complain or start a mask debate, thankyouverymuch! 

So with THAT out of the way, let’s get this party started!!!

#NSale Try-Ons: Part I

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and 135 pounds, with an hourglass shape; and I wear a 6/28 in pants/jeans, a small in tops, a 6 in dresses/jumpsuits, and size 8 shoe. I’ll try to remember to give sizing notes, but if I forget or you need clarification, feel free to ask in the comments.

Madewell Jane Waffle Stitch Sweater // Sale:$49.90 After Sale: $75.00

The second I threw this on, I knew it was a keeper. Even one of my daughters said, “Mom, that’s so you!”

The waffle knit and color blocked raglan sleeves gives it an uber casual, almost sporty look, and it’s such a nice combination of light neutrals. I would say it has cool or neutral undertones.

They were generous with the arm length, and it’s soft and stretchy. There is some wool in it, but it didn’t feel itchy.

It’s cut generously, but I like the fit. I’m wearing my usual size small.

Mother Looker Ripped High Waist Fray Ankle Skinny Jeans // Sale:$158.90, After Sale: $238.00

I had a very similar pair to these last winter, and I wore them a ton. They are sublimely comfortable, and I love the light wash. When I lost weight, I had to part with them, so I was excited to find these in-store on Wednesday. For some reason, they escaped my notice on the website.

I didn’t bring them home with me, even though I loved the fit and feel, but I’ve been having second thoughts so I sent an SOS to Barb, and I’m going to pick them up this morning.

They’re a little longer than I prefer, with a 28 1/2″ inseam, but they have the perfect 10 1/2″ rise, and I may chop off an inch to shorten them a bit. Or I can cuff with ankle boots and wear them long with flats. I’ll have to see how they look with sneakers, and then decide.

These run true to size, or size down if in between. I’m wearing the 28, and they feel very comfortable with plenty of room to breathe.

PAIGE VERDUGO RIPPED RAW HEM SKINNY JEANS SALE:$149.90; AFTER SALE: $229.00

I’ve long been a huge fan of the Paige Verdugo style — they are so flattering, and I love the single ripped knee and raw, distressed hems.

I used to wear this style a ton, but I’ve gotten used to a higher rise lately, and these are just a little too low for my liking (9 1/4″ front rise). They also fit verrrry snug; I think I need to size up to the 29.

For those who like to keep track, these have a 28″ inseam, 10″ leg opening, 9 1/4″ front rise; and they’re 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex.

The Mother Looker pair has a 28 1/2″ inseam, 10″ leg opening, 10 1/2″ front rise; and they’re 95% cotton, 4% polyester, 1% elastane.

8/9/20 UPDATE: I picked up the Mother jeans and brought them home and compared them to the Paige Verdugo. The two are very similar, so I can only keep one.

Both jeans have a 10″ leg opening and a 28″ inseam, but the Mother pair has a higher rise (10 1/2″ front rise) which I prefer to the 9 1/4″ front rise on the Verdugo.

Paige vs. Mother (side view)

They both have a light wash with distressing, but the wash on the Mother pair is a little brighter, and the distressing on the thighs a little more prominent.

They both have a raw hem, but the Paige pair also has some distressing at the hemline with adds interest and makes me less likely to be willing to cut them off. The raw hem on the Mother pair is perfectly frayed, but I know if I cut them, I will get that same effect after I put them through the wash.

Paige vs. Mother (front view)

The rear pockets are similar in shape and size, but the Paige pair seems to give me a little better shape, and they are maybe placed slightly closer together. I also like how they don’t have as much fading, which can also add visual weight.

Paige vs. Mother (rear view)

Honestly, these two pairs of jeans are so similar. I prefer the rear view and the single ripped knee on the page, and probably the wash too, honestly.

But I like the rise on the Mother pair soooo much better; I may be willing to sacrifice my rear view for comfort in this case. I dunno… what would you do??? Is there anything else I’m not seeing that would swing the pendulum one way or the other?

Vince Wool & Cashmere Sweater // Sale:$199.90; After Sale: $345.00

This is another delicious Vince sweater. I love the heathered pink and the classic cut.

It’s soft and cozy and lightweight, although not a loose weave. It’s a very good quality knit — 70% wool, 30% cashmere, but it feels a lot softer than that. It’s not itchy at all. I would have thought it was 100% cashmere if I hadn’t looked at the label.

While it’s a fairly plain sweater, I love the extra long sleeves and the flattering seaming detail on the shoulder. It also comes in beige and black. Oh, and it’s TTS; I have the small.

Sofft Somers III Sneaker Mule // Sale:$69.90; After Sale: $109.95

These sneakers were a pleasant surprise. I didn’t really have them on my radar until I saw them in-store, and they were the only sneakers I came home with.

The camo is a fun way to add pattern to an outfit, but they come in 3 other colors/patterns if you aren’t a camo fan. (They aren’t as bright as they appear here. They definitely read as a neutral.)

What I really love about them is the incredible comfort. They are like walking on clouds. They have a lot of padding, and some light arch support; and they’re leather lined, so they feel wonderful against the foot.

They’re TTS; I have the 8.

Vince Stripe Wool & Cashmere Sweater // Sale:$199.90; After Sale: $345.00

I had my eye on this sweater after seeing it online, but for some reason, I was underwhelmed when I tried it in person. Now I’m having second thoughts…

I think I was thrown off by the mask and my nasty 3-day hair, and nothing I tried on in the dressing room excited me much. Now that I’m home and can look back at pictures and envision how this would work into my wardrobe this fall, I’m wondering if I should go back and get it.

We all know I have plenty of solid sweaters in my life! The stripes would be nice for a change, and I really like the subtle details — the seaming on the shoulders, etc.

It’s a wool/cashmere blend, but it’s deceivingly soft. I wouldn’t have guessed there was wool in it. In fact, I can see now that it’s the same sweater as the pink one above.

They didn’t have the small in my size, so I’m wearing the medium here, but I think I actually like this fit. All that to say, it runs true to size, or size up for a slouchier fit.

rag & bone Cate Skinny Jeans // Sale:$129.90; After Sale: $195.00

This is another pair of jeans that slipped my notice online, but they’re really good. My only complaint is the length — they have a 30″ inseam. But that means they’re great for all the tall girls out there.

They’re super soft and comfortable, and they have a comfortable 10″ mid-rise. I like the wash a lot; that plus the single ripped knee give them that great lived-in look.

I didn’t bring them home with me, mainly because of the length, but I guess I could hack it off…

These might be a better purchase than either of the Mother or Paige jeans above, now that I think about it. The wash is way more versatile, and the rear pockets are perfect. I wish I had better pictures, sorry! I do better when I’m at home.

They run TTS; I’m in the 28.

Vince Henderson Weatherproof Chelsea Boot // Sale:$249.90; After Sale: $395.00

These are my shoe splurge of the 2020 #NSale. I had a feeling I was going to love these boots, and I do. As soon as I slid my foot into them, I felt like I’d come home. They feel like they were made for me, and the quality is amazing.

The 3″ heel with a 3/4″ platform gives me the perfect height without feeling like I’m wearing heels. Plus, they’re weatherproof, so I think they will be super practical come fall and winter.

I wanted the black leather, but they didn’t have the leather version in store, so I got the suede. I may order the leather to compare. Typically I prefer suede, but in this case, the leather really looks sleek to me. They’re TTS; I have the 8.

Vince V-Neck Nep Wool Blend Sweater // Sale:$199.90l After Sale: $345.00

This was one of the items I was most excited for, and it did not disappoint… much. I love the texture and pattern in the knit, the gorgeous shade of grey, the seaming on the shoulder and the narrow v-neck.

Here’s how it looks with a front-tuck.

I do wish I could size up for a more relaxed fit, as shown on the website, but the medium was way too low-cut for me, so I ended up with the small.

The quality is definitely there — it’s a nice, thick knit, and even though it has some wool content, I didn’t find it to be itchy at all. SUCH a beautiful piece, definitely a keeper.

Mother ‘The Looker’ Crop Skinny Jeans // Sale:$149.90; After Sale: $225.00

I also had high hopes for these jeans, and I do love the fit and the wash, but I’m not sure I like this cropped length (26 1/2″ inseam) as much as I thought I would.

I first tried them with these Vince Camuto booties, but I think the shaft is too low. I don’t like that much leg showing between the hem of the jeans and the top of the bootie.

Next, I tried them with these Marc Fisher booties, and I like this combo much better.

And here they are with mules. This works too, but admittedly, you won’t be able to wear this combo too far into the winter if you live in a cold climate, as I do.

On the other hand, it’s perfect for areas with milder weather.

I need to try them a few other ways before I decide if I keep or not, but I really do like the faded powder-blue wash, the 10″ front rise, and the stretchy denim (95%Cotton, 4% polyester, 1% elastane.) They feel really good on.

Also, these jeans are made in the USA, so that’s a nice plus!

Marc Fisher LTD. Oshay Pointed Toe Bootie // Sale:$99.90; After Sale: $189.95

These boots are everywhere, and for good reason. They are are gorgeous, they’re priced under $100, and they come in great color options (these are the cognac suede, but I’m thinking of changing for the cloud suede — both are great colors, but this is warmer, I tend to wear cooler tones.)

No, Nordstrom is not asking all the bloggers to feature these booties. (I see people speculating about that when we all feature the same things.) We all have gravitated to them because they are just that good.

They have a 3 1/4″ heel with a 4 1/2″ shaft, a lightly padded footbed, and they run true to size. I’m in the 8.

8/9/20 UPDATE: I switched these for the Cloud Suede.

I love the Cloud, but I’m regretting giving up the Cognac… They are both such good colors, I am inclined to keep both, but I try not to have duplicates in my wardrobe. There are so many good booties out there.

Point being, you cannot go wrong with either, but definitely get a pair if they work for your life and style. They are great boots!!!

Vince Camuto Gradina Block Heel Bootie // Sale:$99.90; After Sale: $149.95

These boots are very similar to a pair from last year’s #NSale, and I really loved those. These are good too — the elastic goring on the side allows you to wear a low-profile sock if you want, and I love the subtle western vibe.

I don’t find them quite as comfortable as the Marc Fisher (above) because of the material on the inside, but they’re still very walkable.

They have a 3 1/2″ heel and a fairly low shaft, which makes them easy to wear with ankle-length jeans, and I found them to run small. I’m exchanging mine for the 8 1/2.

I’m wearing the tortilla suede, but I have last year’s bootie in this same color, so when I exchange sizes, I’m getting the tuscan taupe instead.

(And no, most people wouldn’t need both in their closet, but I know I’ll want to wear these a lot, and I want to be able to link the current style. #bloggerproblems)

Forever Chain Pointed Toe Mule // Sale:$49.90; After Sale: $89.95

These are a great bargain buy. Steve Madden does a great job, I think, marrying style and price point.

They come in some other colors and patterns, and I have a good mind to grab the bone croco and black leather. The leopard is fun too, but I have his leopard loafers, so I passed on those.

These mules run true to size; I have the 8.

Chelsea28 Cowl Neck Sweater // Sale:$49.90; After Sale: $79.00

This sweater was part of last year’s #NSale, and it was so popular, they brought it back in new colors. I think this orange jam heather is so fun for fall.

This sweater is soft and stretchy, it has the perfect slouch, and the price is right. I like the extra long sleeves with the ribbed cuffs, and the generous cowl neck. So good. Definitely my #1 anni sale pick for a sweater in this price range.

It runs true to size, or you could size down for a closer fit. I have the small.

And I’m sorry, but I am on my way out the door, so this is all I have time for today! I’ll be back with more tomorrow, and you can check out my Insta Story where I did a bunch of live try-ons yesterday. I will save everything to the #NSale highlight.

If you have any questions I didn’t cover in this post, please let me know, and I’ll do my best to help!

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38 Responses

  1. When I saw your earlier post with some of these items, I was kind of “meh” about the sale.  But I have to tell you, seeing them ON you made a world of difference.  First, even masked and ponied, you look great…so yay you.  But, the clothes really came to life for me seeing them as they’d be worn.  So THANKS!  It’s a good thing I’m still building my sale wish list (which was a genius feature, btw).

    Congrats on the salon visit!! Ugh…still DIYing, haha.

  2. I’ve really been looking forward to your try-ons! I did see the ones you put on FB and Instagram. Unfortunately, I love a lot of what you tried on. 😀 I’ve been trying to weed my wish lists down, not add to them, but I think I’ve got to add that Madewell sweater. I also really like the Vince Chelsea bootie, but I have a similar Blondo in my cart, and I know Blondo works for me, so I think I’m keeping those. Also really love the grey Vince sweater and may try that. 🙂

    Thank you!

  3. I came here to respond to the part of your post about privilege. I love your blog and I love your style. I’ve been following your blog for years and have posted once or twice but today really just kinda got me. Why do we feel we have to apologize for getting our hair done? In normal times I go to my stylist about every 5 weeks because my hair grows fast and the gray looks horrid. It isn’t a luxury to me but a need at this point in my life and even more so now that it seems like the world has literally gone mad in 2020. I’m not chastising you for your post but just came here to say that I think it is time to stop apologizing for things that may seem like a privilege to some really aren’t. I know everyone is also uber sensitive and being PC is almost demanded these days but being made to feel like we need to apologize for something so basic as getting your hair done (especially if it’s been 5 months!!) seems too much to me. 

    1. I agree!  I turn off the news because I’m tired of all the PC jargon regarding “privilege” and even the mask debates so PLEASE use this blog for fashion only.  People forget the PRIVILEGE is living in a free country!!

      1. So here’s the deal. I am not the one being political. I follow the rules, and wear a mask, and I get comments telling me not to wear a mask doing try-ons, and I look like a sheeple. I have had multiple of those already on instagram. So I simply explained before sharing these pix why I’m wearing it and asked to leave the mask debate off the blog. So I’m not sure why it’s even being addressed.

        Guys, I get it. I am tired of the PC jargon too. I’m tired of being told what to say and what to wear, and when and how to say and wear it. 😂 Let’s all take a deep breath and try to give each other some grace.

        1. For another perspective. I thought nothing of you saying priviledge. We can’t weigh every word we say. That’s exhausting.

    2. I totally get it, but you have to understand how many sound bites I have in my head from all directions. No matter what I say, I get chastised for saying it.

      I just made an off-hand remark, yes partially to ward off any potential comments about the haircut (which would have undoubtedly come) but also in part to make light of how excited I am to get my hair cut. It gets so tiring to have to weigh every off-hand remark I make against who I’m going to offend most. It was meant to be in fun. And let’s face it, I am privileged in the most textbook, non political sense of the definition, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that…. especially when sharing a slew of $200-300 sweaters and boots. 🙂

      1. Empathizing this morning with how tough your job can be sometimes. Stopping by to say please keep being you. It is what sets you apart from the thousands of other bloggers we could choose. MAKE IT a great day! 

      2. I so appreciate your response and to be honest, I kinda knew before I posted that you might say something along these lines. I also weigh everything I say online these days for similar reasons – I have a very small business and never want to offend. I just felt so bad that you feel you have to be so cautious. (I probably should have done a better job of writing my response!!) And yes, I do understand what you are saying. I hope you flip that hair and feel amazing!! I do appreciate your sensitivity to the world in which we live! (I also know I’m considered privileged, too which may be exactly why it prickled me.) Have a fabulous weekend!

  4. Loved your post this morning and you always look great! I was able to shop early and already purchased the mother jeans and I can say they are AMAZING! I am 5 ft so they were perfect for me and the size 25 was a perfect fit.. I purchased the AG jeans in a 25 and they are way too stretchy and are going back, but the material was so soft. Would love to see you do a post on cotton sweaters. I cannot wear wool/cashmere and of course all the beautiful sweaters contain that material. Love the Vince Chelsea boots, might give them a try. Looking forward to seeing more.

    1. I’m so glad you liked the Mother jeans! I do keep an eye out for cotton sweaters, I know a lot of you need them. They’re hard to find for fall, especially, but I will let y’all know if I see any.

  5. Oh my goodness, I love *everything* you tried on! ❤ I don’t shop the Nordstrom sale…we don’t even have one nearby. But I love love love everything shown here…especially that cowl neck sweater! Great taste, great post!

  6. Thank you so much for all the work you put into blogging the NS sale.  Love all the sweaters on you, especially the orange one.  Your daughter is right, the waffles knit sweater is you! I hadn’t paid any attention to the sofft mules but they are really cute. By the way, your hair looks great!

  7. Love your style!! Thank you so much for all the photos and information! It was super helpful. I get really overwhelmed by all of the choices  available at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and your blog is so helpful to me!! You look great! Thank you again! 🙂

  8. Hi Jo-Lynne! Thanks for putting so much work into this post. I can’t shop the sale until the 13th, but I plan to be over at my Cherry Hill NJ store that day! Love the Chelsea28 cowl neck sweater and the boots. Most things on my Wish List are Beauty products (pampering products for a Pandemic!!). I can’t wait to see some styling from your daughters, fun!!!! Keep up the good work (and I love your off-hand comments, I know where you’re coming from and sometimes you’re just trying to keep things light, not trying to offend).

    1. I hope you get the things you really want! It seems like things aren’t selling out as quickly this year, but now that it’s opening up to more people, we may see inventory start to go faster. I do think there will be a lot of returns and restocks, even more than usual since so many are shopping online, so that may help.

  9. I wasn’t planning on shopping the sale this year only because I’ve noticed in past years some things get even more discounted later in the fall. And where I live, we don’t need warm clothes until November or so. BUT, the cowl neck and raglan sleeve sweaters spoke to me! So did the Coach purse but I’m going to have to ignore her!! Haha. Anyway, can you explain how the Wish List works in conjunction with your affiliate links? I am not able to shop until the last group (boohooing) and if I put them in my Wish List and purchase from there when the time comes, will you still get the credit? You do such great and hard work, don’t want you to miss out! Have a great day! 

    1. Thanks, Bonnie, I appreciate you thinking of that! It depends on how far in advance you add the item to your Wish List – the links “expire” after a certain amount of time. Or if you click over from someone else’s blog, it cancels out my links. The best way to ensure I get credit is to click over to Nordstrom from my blog before checking out. I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that, but if you want to be sure I get credit, that’s the best way.

  10. Fun try on!  I especially love the Vince green stripe sweater and the orange cowl.  They really feel like Fall!

  11. Even though I can’t shop much right now, (self imposed denial here, I feel I am still observing Lent), I loved this post. The green striped sweater is gorgeous and loved the orange sweater too. I can’t wear a cowl neckline but the color is delicious. I know you have addressed this question before, buuutttttttt if you had only the money to buy one pair of designer jeans, what brand would you go for? Please indulge me for one little comment, I have worked very hard my whole life so what privilege I have, I feel I earned it. And, I know you have worked hard too. Have a fabulous weekend.

    1. A year ago, I would have said AG. But now I’m gravitating more to rag & bone, Paige, and Mother. I still love my AG, but they didn’t really bring anything to the #NSale this year that I’m super excited about. I wear Paige and rag & bone more than anything else right now. Do you know what style you want? Skinny, straight, etc?

  12. Thanks for your hard work. Now my mission is to find similar looks in my price point which is usually Penneys or Kohls or Marshalls. Also, I live in Florida and it is not looking like I will be going anywhere this fall or winter where I could wear one of those lovely sweaters. I just found out today I will be working from home until at least the end of the year. Enjoy your weekend. No apologies needed for your haircut/no offense taken. 🙂

  13. You look so pretty in the orange jam heather sweater!  That is a great color on you.  You tried on some nice things.  I hope that we will get to see some things that Caroline and Becca brought home.

  14. I’m so behind reading your post, I’m just now almost caught up.  I love the NSALE finds you shared. When I looked at the online catalog, I wasn’t impressed and nothing really excited me. I like seeing the styles on you.  I really need a few good jeans, but no way I can order them online. I need to shop in store for the right fit.  I love FALL and all the clothes that go with it but when you feel like you aren’t going to be going anywhere to wear them, I think my motivation for shopping is gone. I need to just buck up and change my mind set. 🙂 LOL  Thanks for all the hard work you do to get us ready to shop and find the best deals etc. etc.  Much appreciated for sure. 

  15. The whole outfit you have on with the green striped sweater is cute.  I have to wait until Insiders can shop and two of the items on my wish list are already sold out!  

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