Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks 2021

I've often referred to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale as Christmas in July; for years, it's been an ingenious way to stock up on fall clothes & shoes early, at a rare pre-season discount. In the last few years, influencers and bloggers have really hyped up the event, and yes, I am totally guilty of that, but in my case at least, it's coming from a genuine place. So while I'm being honest, last year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kind of sucked. Due to the pandemic, it happened a month later than normal; due to conservative planning on Nordstrom's part, they sold out of a lot of the best items on the first day, before most of its customers were able to shop. For my part, I bought one pair of slippers—I had to do curbside pickup because my local Nordstrom was still closed to customers—that I ended up returning because the sole was so flimsy. Major fail. But I am feeling much more optimistic about this year's sale. The highest tier of Nordy Club members began shopping on Monday and, as of the time I'm writing this post, all of the items I wanted to feature are still in stock, which is a good sign. No, there aren't as many designer pieces as in years past (this seems to be a year-over-year trend). But there are some great finds, plus Nordstrom has pumped up its home offerings so much that I had to create a new category this year—I guess I'm not the only one investing in my home lately! So without further ado, here are my Anniversary Sale clothing, shoes & accessories, beauty, and home picks for this year. 




1. These are joggers, but they're twill, so they're kind of the perfect transition from soft pants to hard pants, e.g. perfect-for-right-now pants.
Paige Mayslie joggers $139.90 (reg. $209)

2. I also feel confident that hoodies are here to stay in my wardrobe. Love that this one, being cashmere, feels just a little more elevated. 
ATM colorblock cashmere hoodie $259.90 (reg. $395)

3.There aren't a lot of interesting skirts in the NSale this year, except for this sexy-looking faux leather wrap skirt. 

4. Count me among the irritated customers who missed out on this Allsaints sweater last year; thankfully Nordstrom brought it back this year in even more colors. 

5. I couldn't quite make the shacket trend work for me last year, but thankfully there are some more refined takes on it this year, like this lightly colored plaid.

6. I have this sweater in pink and love it; I'm strongly considering this colorblocked version, which I have a feeling I'll live in for three quarters of the year. 

7. Do I need another dress? No. Do I need another leopard-print dress? No. Do I still want this one? Yes. 

8. This coat is all kinds of wrong—it's like a long shacket meets a hunting jacket meets millennial pink—but somehow it just feels right. 
Bernie oversized quilted coat $129.90 (reg. $250)




1. Paperclip chain necklaces are the trend that won't go away, which is fine with me, because I really like them, especially this two-tone version. 
Baublebar Hera necklace $29.90 (reg. $44)

2. Aerosoles has been putting out some really good shoes lately, including this boot-sneaker hybrid that I'm really, strangely feeling. 
Aerosoles Zia sneaker $69.90 (reg. $110)

3. This reminds me of a necklace I admired on a restaurant server recently, and god knows I'm a sucker for anything with my initials on it. 
Bracha initial pendant $29.90 (reg. $50)

4. I'm a big fan of Quay sunglasses (my friend Kim is the creative director) and the #OldCeline vibe of these.

5. Bombas are my favorite socks—they're the only kind that's completely undetectable and that stays in place—and they rarely go on sale. 

6. I am totally into the late '90s vibe of these suede boots, including a not-high slab heel and flattering pointy toe. 
Staud Wally boots $339.90 (reg. $495)

7. Yes, this is another paperclip chain necklace, but the Y shape reminds me of the one Jenna Lyons wore on her HBO show. 

8. I feel like Nordstrom has a leather Le Pliage bag every year, but I don't remember ever seeing one in a fun bright color like this. 
Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir bag $349.90 (reg. $590)




1. I am a huge fan of this brand, especially their bronzer and luminzer, both of which I own, and which are included here, as well as (likely amazing) lip gloss.

2. This set includes the ubiquitous fave Santal 33, but also Thé Noir 29, which is a very sexy, highly underrated scent. I find these sizes to be perfect for traveling too. 

3. I have loved every R+Co product I've tried, which gives me high hopes for this set featuring their best-selling Television shampoo and conditioner. 
R+CO Television Set $69 ($106 value)

4. I am kind of obsessed with Sisley Black Rose cream, which is prohibitively expensive, yet this set contains a full size of it (normally $210!), plus deluxe samples of the equally excellent mask and oil. 

5. Speaking of rose things, I also love anything from Fresh's rose line, and I love the idea of a daytime/nighttime lip balm duo. 

6. I featured a similar Hourglass set here last year, and that's because they make the best primer and translucent powder out there, so to me, this one is pretty much irresistible.

7. I am trying to use more refillable packaging because it's better for the environment, plus this is my favorite goes-with-everything Kiehl's scent. 

8. I hate to recommend this mascara because it's so ridiculously expensive, but it's kind of the best, and believe it or not, this is actually a good deal. 




1. I am late to the Nest party, but I've recently discovered their candles and I've yet to find a scent I don't like (the grapefruit included here is definitely top three). 
Nest New York candle set $59 ($88 value)

2. Call me crazy, but I'm still disinfecting things on the regular, especially my phone. This handy UV sanitizer is even better than a microfiber cloth and alcohol.

3. This mug seems like the solution to my perpetually lukewarm cup of coffee.
Ohom UI mug & warmer $49.90 (reg. $75)

4. My latest decorating kick has been adding texture via pillows and throws; love that this one has a handmade look and feel. 
Mixed stitch knit pillow $38.90 (reg. $59)

5. I will never have enough little baskets and trays, so this set would at least add another trio to my repertoire. 

6. Like mother, like daughter, my dog loves wearing clothes. I could totally see her rocking this cozy yet chic animal-print sweater. 

7. Sorry OurPlace, but the GreenPan is the OG nontoxic, nonstick ceramic pan, and let me tell you, cleaning this thing is a pure delight. 
Greenpan nonstick fry pan $39.90 (reg. $79.99)

8. See my above comment about texture through pillows and throws; this seems like it might not be the softest, but at least it will look chic. 
Chunky mixed yarn blanket $44.90 (reg. $69)

4 comments

Lovely said...

Love so many of these pieces!
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Great picks, Cheryl! I really like the cashmere hoodie and the leather wrap skirt!

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Mica said...

That bright yellow bag is the cutest, I love bright bags! And I really like that colour block cardi too! Hope you are able to pick up everything you want in the sale :)

Hope you are having a nice weekend :) I had a fun girly day out shopping yesterday, it was so much fun!

Away From The Blue

Laura B said...

I just love the Allsaints sweater and that fun yellow bag! Great picks!