What I Tried On Today

One quick note on sizing: Things felt a little inconsistent this year, especially in the denim. I’ve lost a bit of weight recently, so my current true size is a 29, but I found that several styles ran large enough for me to wear a 28. I’ll include sizing notes for each item whenever I think they’ll be helpful.

Vince Camuto Mayenni Bootie (8.5)

This sleek pointed-toe bootie has a 2½-inch stiletto heel and comes in black leather or chocolate brown suede. The cushioned insole makes it surprisingly comfortable, and I think it would be a great dress bootie to wear with jeans or trousers for date nights, dinners out, and holiday events this fall and winter.

Marc Fisher Sasha Pointed Toe Bootie (8.5)

These are so similar to the Vince Camuto pair that I actually put one of each on and took photos from different angles to compare them. While the Vince Camuto has a bit more cushioning underfoot, both are comfortable and run true to size.

The Marc Fisher has a higher, slimmer shaft and a slightly more substantial heel that’s still very walkable, giving it a subtly edgier look. It also comes in black leather or brown suede (along with a few other colorways).

Vince Camuto Mayenni (left) // Marc Fisher Sasha (right)

Verdict: The deeper, richer brown suede on the Marc Fisher Sasha ultimately won me over, so I bought that pair in brown suede and the Vince Camuto in black leather. I like having both options in my fall and winter wardrobe, so this way I get one of each look.

Steve Madden Define Block Heel Bootie – Black Leather (8)

These immediately reminded me of the brown suede Steve Madden booties I bought during last year’s sale that I liked so much. The low block heel and snipped toe give them a more casual feel with just a bit of edge, making them an easy everyday option to wear with jeans all fall and winter.

Verdict: Since I have a similar brown suede pair, I bought the black leather. They will be great with relaxed jeans on more casual days.

Fit tip: These run a bit big. I sized down to an 8.

PAIGE Stevie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans – Dark Abyss (28)

I love the subtle fading on the black wash of these straight-leg jeans. They have a classic fit—not too slim, but not overly relaxed either—but the sizing was a little strange. I actually ended up sizing down to a 28. The 29 fit in the waist but was too roomy everywhere else.

With a 31″ inseam, they looked a bit dumpy on me with flats, but I liked them much better paired with the Vince Camuto booties, which gave them just the right amount of lift. I can see wearing these with more dressed-up looks this fall and winter.

AllSaints Stevie Cotton T-Shirt – White

LEFT: size medium // PAIGE Stevie (28) // Steve Madden Define (8) // RIGHT: size large // Madewell jeans (29) // Nordstrom Maddox Mesh Flat (8)

I was happy to see this tee back again this year, but the fit has definitely changed. Last year I preferred the large, but this year’s version seems a bit longer and runs much more true to size.

The medium is more fitted and would be great for layering under jackets and cardigans, while the large has the relaxed fit. I ended up purchasing the medium.

AllSaints Stevie Long Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt – Black (L)

This is the long-sleeve version of the AllSaints Stevie tee, and I really like it. It’ll be perfect for layering under jackets this fall and winter when you want a little more warmth than the short-sleeve version provides. It has the same slim fit, easy 22-inch length, and I appreciate that the crewneck isn’t super high or tight.

Again, the large gave me a relaxed fit, but I ultimately went with the medium for a more streamlined look under layers.

PAIGE Anessa High Waist Wide Leg Jeans in Vintage Champagne Stone (28)

This was one of the pairs I was most excited to try, and they’re even prettier in person. The warm champagne-brown shade is light enough to pair with darker browns, black, other neutrals, and earthy tones, making them a really versatile alternative to blue jeans.

The fit was a little odd, though. Even though they’re labeled with a 31-inch inseam, they seemed closer to a 30-inch inseam on me and worked just fine with flats. I was also able to size down to a 28, although the store didn’t have a 29 for me to compare. I brought home the 28, but I may still order the 29 before taking the tags off, just to be sure.

Either way, I think these are a great option if you’re looking to branch out from blue denim but aren’t quite ready for a bolder color.

Also, I love the Nordstrom Maddox Mesh Flats that I’m wearing here. They’re really fun, right on trend, and affordable too!

MOTHER Bookie Sneak High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Leap of Faith (30)

I had high hopes for these jeans. I love the wash and the relaxed bootcut silhouette, but despite the name, they definitely didn’t fit me like a high-rise jean. The waistband hit about an inch below my belly button and felt quite snug in my usual size 30.

If you prefer a lower rise, I think these are definitely worth trying, but I’d recommend sizing up one. Unfortunately, they just weren’t comfortable for me, so I left them at the store.

Madewell Airy Denim Drawstring Ultimate Wide Leg Jeans – Mobridge Wash (29)

I love these as a lightweight, summery alternative to traditional denim. The drawstring waist is a fun detail, and they’re incredibly comfortable while still looking polished.

I already own them in a darker wash, so I didn’t buy this pair, but I absolutely would have if I didn’t already have something so similar.

Fit tip: They run true to size. The 29 was a perfect fit on me.

MOTHER Hustler Roller Sneak High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Dial L For Love

I was really excited about these jeans this year, but they ended up being a bit of a disappointment. For one thing, they run very large, and the sizing seemed inconsistent. The 29 was definitely too big, but the length worked well with a low heel. The 28 fit much better through the waist and hips, but it was noticeably longer—long enough that I would have needed to have them hemmed.

I would have been willing to do that, but then I tried on the PAIGE Anessa…

PAIGE Anessa High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Willat (29)

These are the jeans everyone is talking about, and I’m here to tell you—they’re worth the hype. Once I tried these on, I didn’t really want to wear any of the other jeans in my dressing room.

They run true to size (what a novelty this year!). The 29 fit me perfectly. The length is just right with either flats or a low heel. Ironically, I also tried the 28 since I was able to wear that size in the brown pair, and somehow it was longer. I honestly don’t understand it, especially since I ran into the same issue in the MOTHER Roller.

In the end, I preferred the 29 anyway. It was more comfortable, still looked great, and the length was perfect, so that’s the pair I bought. I also love the wash on these, too.—it’s not too dark, just enough of a deeper blue to feel fresh for fall, and it pairs beautifully with shades of brown footwear.

Nordstrom Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater – Brown Mole (S)

Short-sleeve sweater tees are everywhere right now, but they’re also one of those pieces that never really go out of style. This one has a relaxed fit with slightly longer sleeves and a subtle drop shoulder, and it comes in several beautiful neutral colors.

I’m generally not a fan of drop shoulders, but this one doesn’t bother me In fact, I picked it up in a few colors because I wanted options. I probably won’t keep all of them, but I think it will be a really nice layering piece for fall.

AllSaints Cruz Ribbed Cardigan – Forest Green (M)

This was one of the sweaters I was most excited to try, and I was thrilled that I liked it as much as I hoped I would. It’s a little different from a basic cardigan but still simple enough to throw on with jeans or pants for an easy everyday outfit.

It also comes in a camel color, but I found that shade a little murky. This soft olive green is much prettier in person and felt more flattering on me.

AllSaints Sofi Leather Bomber Jacket – Oxblood (US 6)

This jacket wasn’t on my radar, but I couldn’t resist trying it on when I spotted it. AllSaints always seems to include at least one really cool leather jacket in the Anniversary Sale, and last year I picked up a cropped funnel-neck style in this same oxblood color that I’ve worn quite a bit.

This one has a very oversized fit, and I didn’t realize until later that you can cinch the waist in the back for a more defined shape. Personally, I preferred it worn loose, but it’s nice to have the option.

In the end, I left it behind. I thought it was really fun, but I just didn’t love it enough to bring it home.

AllSaints Ryder Suede Jacket – Bitter Brown (6)

This is the same style as the jacket I bought during last year’s sale, and I absolutely love this rich brown suede. The leather is buttery soft, the jacket has a substantial feel without being heavy, and the quality is exactly what I’d expect from AllSaints.

My only real hesitation was the hardware. The bright gold felt a little too bold for my taste. I also already own this exact jacket in oxblood leather, and since it’s a bit of a statement piece, I couldn’t quite justify bringing home the same silhouette in another color.

Fit tip: The US 6 fit me well with room for light layering, so if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down.

KUT from the Kloth Barb Shirt Jacket – Chocolate (S)

I spotted this while wandering through the store, and it immediately caught my eye as a fun layering piece for fall. Yesterday, I shared that I didn’t get nearly as much wear out of my lightweight spring jackets as I expected, thanks to travel and our especially wet spring here in Pennsylvania. Fall is a different story, though—I tend to reach for these kinds of layers all the time.

I really like the oversized fit of this one. It’s a nice change from all of the cropped jackets we’ve been seeing, and it feels like this more relaxed silhouette is starting to make a comeback. The rich brown color is also perfect for fall.

KUT from the Kloth Matilda Trucker Jacket – Chocolate (S)

This one has a shorter, boxier silhouette than the Barb Shirt Jacket, and the faux suede gives it a slightly dressier feel while still looking great with jeans and boots.

I wish I’d had a few more interesting tops in the fitting room to style with these jackets—I pretty much lived in the same white short-sleeve tee and black long-sleeve tee all day! It’s hard to think in terms of complete outfits when you’re trying on so many pieces.

I’ve often felt that faux suede can look a little cheap, but this one is surprisingly nice. It has a soft hand and a more substantial feel than I expected, making it a great option if you’re looking for the look of suede at a more affordable price.

Madewell Button Front Cotton Crewneck Cardigan – Light Umber And Ivory (S)

This 100% cotton striped cardigan is a nice alternative to all of the solids in this post. I love the soft neutral color palette, the mix of stripe patterns, and the split crewneck detail, which gives it a little extra interest. It also comes in a navy/white stripe.

It does run on the shorter side, so you could size up if you want a more relaxed fit or a bit of extra length. I was happy with the small.

PAIGE Birch Puff Sleeve Organic Cotton Blend Polo Sweater – Mixed Herb (M)

I grabbed this one on a whim, even though I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the puff sleeves, and I was right—they’re just a little more volume than I like. Combined with the structured polo collar and button placket, the proportions just felt a bit off on me. That said, it’s a really pretty knit, and I love the soft olive color.

I’m also wearing the MOTHER The Rascal Hover here in a size 29 here. While it’s a beautiful gray wash, the super-slim straight-leg silhouette just isn’t my favorite anymore. Funny how your eye changes over time! A few years ago, this would have been right at the top of my list.

Nordstrom Sculpted Suede Minidress – Brown Drum (M)

I’m cheating a little here because I actually tried this one on at home, but I wanted to include it because it’s so cute. It does run small, though. The medium just barely fit, and my arm movement felt a little restricted.

That said, if you like this style, I think it’s worth trying. The silhouette is really flattering, and the faux suede has a surprisingly luxe look and feel.

I’m also wearing the Sam Edelman Brandy Mesh Pointed Toe Mules, which were one of the items I was most excited about from the sale. They definitely lived up to my expectations. I think they’ll look great with jeans and black linen pants now, then transition beautifully into early fall.

Rails Jett Check Crop Trench Coat – Olive (M) (NOT in sale!)

Of course, the one jacket I truly fell in love with wasn’t even part of the sale!

I spotted this on a rack near the other Rails jackets. The Anniversary Sale version is very cool—the fabric is lightweight and feels really nice—but I wasn’t crazy about the Ochre color. This olive, on the other hand, is such the perfect shade.

I love everything about the fit, from the subtle bubble hem to the classic cropped trench silhouette. I think it’ll be the perfect lightweight jacket for my trip to Paris this fall, and I’ll get plenty of wear out of it back home afterward, too. So even though it wasn’t on sale, I went ahead and brought it home.

Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on my first round of #NSale try-ons! A few other things I loved when I saw them in person were this woven hobo, this red leather shoulder bag, and this resin bracelet set. They all came home with me. I’m also excited to get this necklace and this beaded bracelet set.

Overall, I thought this year’s sale was better in person than it looked in the preview. There weren’t as many “wow” pieces as we’ve seen in some years, but I found some really solid wardrobe staples, especially in the denim, shoes, and jackets. I also picked up a few of the Nordstrom cashmere crewneck sweaters and the cashmere hoodie, as well.

I still have several online orders arriving later this week, so stay tuned for more try-ons, outfit ideas, and fit reviews as they come in. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what caught your eye! If you have questions about sizing, fit, or anything I tried on, leave them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help.