I said this last year when I posted Tips For Navigating The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but it’s worth repeating. We all need to take a deep breathe and calm the F down – it’s just a sale. Don’t buy “all the things” simply because they are on sale. I’d advise revisiting the post linked above before proceeding if you find the whole thing to be as overwhelming as the majority of us do. 

Also, I should add that I don’t normally do an in-store try-on session during the #NSale because it’s SO MUCH WORK so I usually leave it to all the other bloggers who have their shit together like The Mom Edit . They do the best job of representing different points of view in one amazing blog. This year I have the help of my adorable intern though so I thought I would attempt it. Let me tell you, it’s still SO MUCH WORK. I was coming off the heels of a girl’s trip so I was sweating out booze in a hotbox dressing room modeling winter coats on the most humid day of the summer. Early access for the sale started on the 12th and by the 15th the Mall of America store was pretty picked over so it was difficult to find things in my size and pull together complete looks. 3 hours later I was a sweaty beast and hangry so I unapologetically called it a day and am choosing to feel good that I got anything accomplished. Comparison isn’t going to steal my joy, ya’ll.

Anyway, now that I’ve managed to underwhelm you with my prelude, here are my unedited photos so you can see the true colors of the pieces (a pet peeve of mine in this filtered world we live in, but that’s a topic for another day…) along with some tips on sizing. When you shop using the links below I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, so thank you for shopping with me. It allows me to live out my passion for inspiring women to authentically dress for themselves. Don’t forget to DO YOU, Ladies! 

Put a well-fitting blazer at the top of your wishlist – every woman should own one or five! 

Chelsea 28 Blazer | Matching Plaid Pants | Good American Skinnies (run TTS, wearing a 27)| JCrew Tee ‘It’s in the Stars’ | Pikolinos Combat Boots (SO comfortable I had to have them)

Halogen Plaid Blazer | Def Leppard Tee | Good American Straight Jeans (This style has a fair amount of stretch so I would size down. I can see how the waistband cuts in for all the curvy girls out there struggling with the waist gap. They are definitely worth a try!)| Louise et Cie Red Booties (I love a good red bootie and these are no exception!)

J.Crew Yellow Blazer (wearing a 4 for reference)| Steve Madden Snakeskin Booties (I love the brown tone of these for something a little different than all the other snakeskin print booties I own.) 

J.Crew Navy Blazer (same as above) | J.Crew Cameron High-Rise Trousers (my all-time favorite dress pant!) | Halogen Yellow Loafers (these came home with me!)

Halogen Striped Sweater (comes in other colors, thin enough for layering) | Chelsea 28 Blazer and Matching Pants (I may be back for this coordinating set…it’s a very ME outfit, don’t you think?)| Paige Snakeskin Sock Booties (surprisingly easy to slip on and off despite the lack of zipper and my sweaty state)

Champion Crop Tee | Spanx Faux Leather Leggings | Chelsea 28 Plaid Duster (it’s thin enough you could keep it on all day at the office or running errands. It’s a chic alternative to a cardigan, which I love. I’m wearing a small in the photo but I ordered an XS to ship as I think it runs big.) | Red Retro Vans (I bought them and then I sold them to my client hours later when helping her pack for a trip because I’m a kind human. Also, I can reorder.)

Free People Sweater | Spanx Faux Leather Leggings | Pikolinos Combat Boots

Winter is always just around the corner in Minnesota so stock up on jackets!

Sam Edelman Coat of MY DREAMS! (wearing a 6 in this photo but I need a 4 and all the 4’s are sold out. If anyone finds a 4 for me in a store near you I will give you a free virtual styling session. No joke. I must have this jacket!)

Avec Lightweight Star Jacket (I adore the stars! Its more fall than winter in terms of weight. Wearing a small for reference. )

Halogen Olive Lightweight Jacket (wearing a medium)

North Face ‘Miss Metro’ Parka(Available in other colors. Minnesotans – we all know a down filled parka is a need so here’s your chance to save on a good one while you can!)

Sam Edelman Faux Fur Coat (it’s as extra as I am! wearing a small.)

BlankNYC Cozy Teddy Trucker Jacket (It’s casual enough for the every day not-so-casual chic like me. Wearing a medium.) 

TopShop Vintage Belted Dress (it’s tight in the hips so I sized up to a 6.) | Marc Fisher ‘Unique Bootie’ (The color is called Light Natural Leather. It looks more pink on the screen than it does in person. I liked both the nude and black booties with it so I wore one of each in the photo to give you options. We like options.) |  Paige Black Snakeskin Bootie 

Chelsea 28 Silk Chiffon Skirt | Suburban Riot Graphic Tee ‘Don’t Quit Your Daydream’ (WORD!) | Marc Fisher Booties

Some of these items have already sold out before I even got around to posting because people go bananas over this sale. I legit overheard a woman at the mall say she hasn’t slept for 3 nights in anticipation. What is happening to us?? Nordstrom does restock some items, add new things, and people make lots of returns once they’ve gotten some sleep and sobered up so add things you love to your wishlist and you’ll get notified when they are back in stock. #ProTip

Stay calm, Friends!

Amy