Greetings, friends! It’s time for my first round of try-ons from this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I didn’t buy as much as I have in the past few years, but I did find some nice pieces that I’m excited to wear this fall and winter, and I’ve got more coming in later this week.

I feel like this year’s selection lends itself to being more piece driven, rather than outfit driven. I found myself honing in on a careful selection of investment items, rather than a bunch of trendy styles. Less is more. Quality over quantity. You get the idea…

Early favorites are this rib top (size down), this funnel neck dress (size up), this cowl neck blouse, these jeans, and these, and these. But I think the shoes are the best part of the sale this year! I love these booties, and these, and these boots. Also, these suede flats, these pumps, and these sneakers!

I was also pleasantly surprised to find a few fall dresses, like this and this. Also, don’t miss my roundup of Beauty Exclusives! I ordered quite a few of those already.

Okay, so I’m just going to dive right in here with the try-ons, and show you what I tried on in store on Tuesday in no particular order.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On Haul

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans, and a size 8 shoe.

Lately, I’ve been needing to size up in certain items, so my sizing advice may be a bit skewed if you’re used to using that as a guide. I’ll just tell you when you might want to size up or down; otherwise, assume everything is true to size.

Eliza J dress (8) // Sam Edelman boots (8)

This dress was a fun surprise; I didn’t notice it during the online preview, but when I saw it on the rack, I had a feeling it would be a winner, and it is! It’s more of a jacquard texture than a plaid print, and the navy is such a nice shade for transition season. It’s pretty much true to size. I usually wear an 8 in Eliza J, and this just fits… although I will wear it with my favorite Spanx shaping shorts (size M).

These boots are a really nice quality suede with a 3″ stacked wood heel, and the side zipper and goring allows them to fit nicely to the leg. They have a 15 1/2″ shaft and 14 1/2″ calf circumference; and they’re comfortable to walk in. They run true to size; I have the 8.

Eliza J sweater dress (M) // Sam Edelman boots (8)

This dress was another good score. The mirror is making it look weird, but it’s a black knit fabric with raised pintucks at the waist that give it some structure and sophistication. It has a bit of a 60s mod vibe that I love. It runs true to size, or a bit small. I’m wearing the medium, and I couldn’t take it any smaller.

Tahari dress (10) // Marc Fisher pumps (8)

I thought this dress would be a slam dunk, but it unfortunately, doesn’t fit me very well. I probably should have tried the 8, but I was tired, and I didn’t go back for it because it seems overall too long throughout. I have a feeling that it would still be too long in the torso, even if I sized down.

Plus, I just think I’ll reach for the other two dresses a lot more. But I do think this dress would be nice on the right person for a fall wedding.

These shoes fit great and are super flattering and highly versatile. I have a similar pair by the same brand that I’ve worn a ton, but I was ready for an update, and i really like this silhouette. I ended up buying these in both the black and light natural suede.

Vince sweater (S) // MOTHER Hustler (29) // Aquatalia bootie (8)

I’m a sucker for a short sleeve sweater during transition season, and this one is the most lovely shade of merlot. I like how the sleeves are a little longer than chest length, so they help accentuate the waist, rather than the boobs.

It’s a really nice quality, as you would expect from Vince, and it runs true to size.

MOTHER Hustler (29) // Aquatalia bootie (8)

The jeans are a high rise ankle flare in a stretchy cotton/poly/elastane blend, and they’re a really cool faded black wash, with almost a hint of midnight blue. The wash is called Night In Paris, and that seems quite fitting!

They run true to size; I’m wearing the 29 here, although I ended up bring home the size 30. This turned out to be a trend throughout the day, and I can’t say I’m happy about it, but it is what it is! #thisis51

I’ve had my eye on these boots since I saw them for the first time on the Nordstrom website during the online preview, and they did not disappoint!

I love the cool shade of beige, and they’re waterproof too. Plus, they’re extremely comfortable and also very flattering. I also feel like they’d be easy to dress up or down, whereas the ones I got last year were quite casual.

Vince sweater (S) // AG Farrah (29) // Marc Fisher pumps (8)

These jeans are more of a crop flare, and I love the grey wash with subtle fading on the thighs. They’re extremely lightweight and comfortable, with a fair amount of stretch.

I was surprised to find them as comfortable as they were because lately AG Jeans haven’t been working well for me. (They’re usually too tight in the waist, but these were very comfortable. So if you have a straighter body type, you might really like them.)

That said, I’m not sure I’m loving the crop bootcut style anymore. I think I would rather have a full length style, so I did not purchase these.

Madewell sweater (S) //  Good American jeans (8)b// Vince flats (8)

This sweater is one that I had my eye on from the preview catalog, and I snagged it as soon as I saw it in store. I love this color, and the short sleeve style is great for transition season.

The jeans, however, are a little strange. I don’t care for this style of chewed hems, and the back pockets are outlined in a weird darker wash. These don’t seem very fresh or new to me.

However, I’m proclaiming these Vince flats were one of the hidden gems from this year’s #NSale. I didn’t notice them in the catalog or the online preview, but when I saw them in store, I knew they were coming home with me!

They’re such a nice, classic, easy flat, but not quite as precious a a typical ballet flat due to the squared-off toe and minimalistic styling. These shoes run true to size.

Madewell sweater (S) //  MOTHER The Hustler Roller Heel High Waist Wide Leg Jeans (29) // Paul Green boots (8)

These jeans are similar to the light wash MOTHER Roller that I have and love, and I thought I’d like the dark wash for fall, but these fell short for me. I can’t put a finger on it, but I don’t love them. I feel like they swallow me up, and the wash is too uniform. I prefer more fading and some subtle distressing for a more lived in look.

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Crewneck Pullover (S) // MOTHER Frayed High Waist Flare Jeans (30) // Paul Green Selma Lug Sole Bootie (8)

This sweater is a repeat from last year, but in the color of the season, a rich merlot. It’s 100% cashmere, very plush and soft, and it runs true to size.

The jeans are my favorite bootcut style, the MOTHER Weekender, and this wash is very similar to the pair I have. They didn’t have my usual 29 in store, so I tried the 30, and they were actually quite comfortable. Still, I’d say they’re true to size.

Paul Green Selma Lug Sole Bootie (8) // MOTHER Frayed High Waist Flare Jeans (30) // Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Peplum Sweater (S)

And these boots were a happy surprise! I didn’t notice them during the online preview, but when I saw them in store, I had to try! Paul Green boots are known for their exceptional comfort, with a fashion formula that is equal parts elegance and sportiness.

These have the perfect chunky lug sole – sturdy but not too clunky, and the 3″ block heel is very walkable. They’re just so comfortable inside, and they will work great with all the bootcut and wide leg jeans this year.

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Peplum Sweater (S) // Paul Green Selma Lug Sole Bootie (8) // MOTHER Frayed High Waist Flare Jeans (30)

This sweater, however… It’s a big NO for me, Dawg. Moving on!

Vince blouse (S) // Vince High Waist Crop Cigarette pants (10) // Marc Fisher Varla (8)

Both this blouse and these pants caught my eye during the online preview, and I brought both home with me. The blouse is a silk/rayon blend, and it is so gorgeous! I love that relaxed cowl neck combined with the elegant silk fabric, and it’s the perfect 25″ length for tucking or leaving out.

It comes in 4 colors, and I like it so much, I had a hard time only choosing two. I got the Merlot and the Oat, but I will probably return the Oat. I don’t feel like that color is as flattering on me as the Merlot, and it’s too pricey to keep both.

The pants are similar to my favorite black crop leggings, but they come in grey and beige. I wanted the beige, but they only had the grey in store, and it turns out that I think these will be more versatile in my closet. I needed to size up to the 10 in these, but they are so elegant and chic, I’m trying not to think about the number on the tag.

AllSaints Hadley Cowl Neck Satin Top (6) // Vince High Waist Crop Cigarette pants (10) // Marc Fisher Varla (8)

I wanted to love this top; I love that silky cowl neck blouses are trending, and the colors on this are gorgeous, as is the quality. It’s fully lined, and even though it’s polyester, it feels really nice to the touch and soft against the body.

Unfortunately, it was too low-cut and kind of awkward, the way it draped. I decided I wouldn’t wear it enough to get a decent cost per wear, so I didn’t buy it. I definitely recommend trying it, though, if you like it. I also think I need the 8, rather than the 6. Oh, the straps are adjustable, too.

Vince sweater (S) // PAIGE Cindy (29) // Vince heels (8)

This Vince sweater is a gorgeous color, and I love the flattering v-neck and raglan sleeves, but it’s not as soft as I expected due to the wool in the fabric composition. There is some cashmere too, so it will be very warm, but if you’re sensitive, you might find it itchy.

The jeans are a familiar style for me, the PAIGE Cindy, and i like this dark grey wash a lot. They’re pretty much the perfect straight ankle jean, and they run true to size.

They have a 28″ inseam, 14″ leg opening, 11″ front rise; and they’re 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex.

I can’t believe these open toe slingback sandals are coming back already, but it might be true! I didn’t see many, but this Vince pair was not the only one I noticed. They’re a really nice leather, and very comfortable, but they were a little big on my low profile feet, and I just can’t get excited about this style again just yet. I didn’t buy them.

Eileen Fisher sweater (XS) // Good American Good Legs Flare (8) // Aquatalia boots (8)

When I was shopping in-store on Tuesday, I happened across this Eileen Fisher organic cotton blend rib top. I actually walked past it a couple of times before I picked it up and took it into the dressing room with me.

I assumed it would be long and shapeless, but something about it intrigued me, so I decided to just try on the ding dang sweater, and whaddayaknow… It was perfection!!! It has such a nice drape, it’s lightweight and extremely soft, and I love the charcoal grey for transitioning to fall.

The Good American jeans I’m wearing there are pretty good too, and they’re a great price point. I like that hemline, especially. My biggest complaint is how heavy the are. I ended up keeping the PAIGE Laurel Canyon instead, but I don’t have a picture of those yet.

Nordstrom Signature long sleeve tee (S) // Paige Harper High Waist Wide Leg Jeans (28) // Paul Green Selma (8)

So, yeah. These jeans… Ugh. These are definitely an of the moment silhouette, and I like them in theory, but they just don’t do much for me. They’re a nice versatile mid indigo wash with a polished wide hem, but I don’t love how they look on me.

They have a 30″ inseam, 25 1/2″ leg opening, 12″ front rise; and they’re 98% cotton, 2% elastane.

The top is such a nice, soft, thick fabric that it seems like more of a sweater than a tee. The fabric is 85% Tencel® lyocell, 9% cashmere, 6% elastane.

It’s really long, though (29″), which makes it a little bulky to tuck, which I think is the point. It’s very fitted, so you have to want that. If that’s what you need, this is a gorgeous piece, but I don’t think I have a need for it.

SOIA & KYO Belted Wool Blend Wrap Coat (M)

I have one random coat to show you. I just couldn’t get excited about trying on coats in July, but this one caught my eye and I had to give it a try. This coat is lovely, such good quality, and has a nice fit, but I couldn’t figure out what to do with those big floppy lapels.

Now that I see the photo online, I realize they were pressed to fold at the wrong spot, which is why I was struggling. Wrap coats are a big trend at the moment, and this is a great color, so I’m tempted to go back and try it again. If you do consider ordering it, I recommend sizing up. I was told it runs small, and I definitely needed the medium.

Okay, let’s end on a high note!

Madewell cardigan (S) // MOTHER Dazzler (30) // Vince flats (8)

This cardigan is kind of basic, but it’s a great price, and it’s really soft with a nice drape. I like it so much, I also got the black.

And the jeans are one of my favorite MOTHER styles, The Dazzler, which is a slim ankle straight leg jean with lots of stretch. I love the super light wash and the one busted out knee. They’re great for summer, but will also carry me over into fall.

They’re true to size, or size up if in between. I ended up with the 30, although after wearing them for a few hours today, I think I should have stuck with the 29. They have a lot of stretch, so I recommend going with your true size.

I also purchased this tote and this shoulder bag, and this blouse just came in today, and it’s gorgeous. I just don’t know if I’ll wear it enough to warrant keeping it. I didn’t buy many jackets, but I did order this one (it hasn’t come in yet) and this one and this one are both back this year, and I love them both. Also, this came in the Tan Doeskin, and it’s more pink than beige, so I don’t think I’m keeping it.

Okay, that’s it for tonight! I have more, but I will have to take pictures here at home. I’ll get those up sometime tomorrow.

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