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There’s a reason there’s so much hype around the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – it’s one of the best sales all year. It’s like Black Friday in July because the deals are just too good to pass up. As much as I love the sale though, I have to be honest, my Instagram feed feels likes Anniversary Sale overload on Day 1. A lot of bloggers feature the same pieces and those usually sell out within hours of the sale starting. Luckily there are still a lot of great items that in stock and don’t forget that once the Public Access sale opens up next Friday, 7/20 – there will be a lot of items restocked. I went to my local Nordstrom store yesterday and everything was already so picked over. In my opinion, I’d avoid the store altogether and shop online. The selection is likely better online, but if you can’t find something in your size, you can always search your local store’s inventory via their website as well.

My goal is to share only the pieces that I think you can get a lot of wear out of – which for me means neutral-colored pieces that are well made. I avoid prints, bold silhouettes and anything that feels cheap. I refuse to buy anything that I can’t see myself wearing multiple ways or lasting through the season. Here are my favorite in-stock pieces and keep scrolling to see what I liked and didn’t like from my in-store experience.

My Favorite Pieces That Are Still In Stock

What I Ordered Online (and Have Yet To Try On)

This teddy coat is a fall must-have – I’m praying it fits because I love it so much!

That lace trim cami is so good, but it sold out super fast in the neutral colors. This chiffon one is also super pretty and I like that is doesn’t appear to have the crinkled look that the lace one has. It is polyester just like the other one, but at under $40 you can’t expect much more.

This suede moto jacket is so pretty. I love the olive color so I’m hoping it works!

These suede booties look so similar to these Isabel Marant ones, but are a fraction of the price. I’m hoping they look just as good with jeans.

What I Tried On In Store and Loved

This under $30 pullover – you can’t beat the price and the quality is good (not great), but for the price it is something I think I’ll get wear out of.

I didn’t initially add this fleece pullover to my cart online yesterday, but after seeing it in store – I just ordered it (they were sold out in my size in store). It’s so cozy and I will totally wear it around the house this fall/winter.

I bought these ear crawlers in silver and gold at the sale last year and I was excited to see them back in the sale again this year since I just lost one of mine.

ALO is one of my favorite activewear brands. These leggings are so good.

These adidas sneakers are probably my favorite running shoe in the sale right now. They were much nicer than I expected in person. Phil got the men’s version too.

I actually bought this faux jacket last year during the sale (see it here). This year’s version has a removable hood which I like, but since it’s so similar to the one last year, I decided to pass on it. If you don’t have it yet though, I do recommend it. It’s hard to find leather jackets with gold hardware.

I ordered these booties online so I didn’t buy them in-store, but I did really like the quality of them. They remind of these Acne Studios ones, but are much more affordable. I’m excited to try them on with my wardrobe to make sure they work.

What I Tried On In Store and Didn’t Like

I loved this tee in black and white, but after trying both I found the white to be too thin and see-through. The black version is a safer bet because although it’s thin, it isn’t see-through. It’s only $11.90 so you really can’t beat it, but if you want a quality tee that will last, I’d go with this one instead.

If I’m totally honest, I didn’t like most of the thermal tops that are on sale. I know a lot of people are featuring them, but the quality is just not there. Instead, I’d buy a cardigan sweater for casual layering. I did not like the worn look of this thermal cardigan, but this under $100 cashmere one is totally worth it.

I’m going against the grain here again, but I cannot wrap my head around some of the affordable cardigans in the sale. Anything made of mostly rayon or nylon, I’d avoid. I wasn’t a fan of this popular cardigan in store. Instead I’d go for this cotton cardigan which is super affordable at just over $30.

I did buy this acrylic cardigan which is normally a fabric I’d avoid, but the chunky cable knit texture actually makes it appear more luxe than it is. I’m hoping it fits because they were out of my size in store. While we’re on the topic of acrylic fabric, I have to say I really didn’t love the texture of this cardigan either.

xo, Maria