DRESSING ROOM DIARIES: NSALE ANNIVERSARY EDITION - Dresses

I'm breaking up this MAJOR try on session into categories to make it easier to navigate.  I'll link to the other Dressing Room Diary posts from the #nsale at the bottom.  Apologies for the pictures...the lightning wasn't very good.

This ASTR dress is super cute.  EXTREMELY versatile.  You can wear it as a dress or when the weather gets cold pair with leggings and a cardigan.  Reminds me of all of our favorite Lush Hailey dress but even better with the contrast color pockets and trim.  Runs a little big so consider sizing down.  If you aren't sure which color, I'd recommend the black/blue combo.  Love this one!!!

Love a drop waist dress and this Halogen one doesn't disappoint.  Short sleeves so again versatile...wear it now or pair with tights and a cardigan for cooler temps.   True to size.  There are a gazillion pattern/solid color options for you.  And did I mention its under $50!  Super cute!!

Love this print from Eliza J. is a faux wrap style.  The bust area was a little large but other than that, true to size.  Wasn't sure of the mix match print until I put it on.  Really great dress.

 HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of this Eliza J dress.  Love the ruffle sleeve and skirt.  The fit is amazing.  I'm wearing a petite for reference.  Wasn't a huge fan of the color but they do have it in a pine green just not petite.  I think I might try it to see how it fits because it would be the PERFECT holiday dress!

Another Eliza J. winner with this stripe (almost faux seersucker) wrap dress.  Love that it has pockets!!  Wasn't sure I'd like the hi low hem but it really worked.  I find that shirt dresses are the most flattering.

I could do a post and not throw in a jumpsuit....because you know I love a good one.  I went out of my comfort zone and went with a print which I've never done and I LOVE it.  It's from BP and it's only $50!!  Love the subtleness of the print.  It's longer on me than it's supposed to be but it still works.  SOOO sooo cute.  True to size.  

This Halogen removable tie dress caught my eye in this year's catalog.  I love the print and the black tie but I have to be honest, it was VERY difficult to figure out.  I had a hard time getting the neck closed and never really could figure out how to get the bow tied.  It's a shame because I feel like this dress has such potential...and I really LOVE the print.  Good thing the print is available in the short sleeve drop waist dress...liked that one better.

This Socialite dress is SUPER flattering.  Love the soft cotton material.  Tie waist is super flattering.  My only issue was the way it's cut depending on how I moved I was showing major thigh.  I think I just need to figure out how the dress works with the cut and it would be fine.  You can definitely dress it up or down.  True to size and comes in gray too.


And to shop my other dressing room diaries -
Online Purchases
Tops
Outerwear
Lounge wear, Active wear and other unmentionables
Shoes
Mini

DRESSING ROOM DIARIES: NSALE ANNIVERSARY EDITION - Lounge wear, Active wear and Other Unmentionables

I'm breaking up this MAJOR try on session into categories to make it easier to navigate.  I'll link to the other Dressing Room Diary posts from the #nsale at the bottom.  Apologies for the pictures...the lightning wasn't very good.

LOUNGE WEAR/PAJAMAS 

I got a super cute pair of PJ Salvage short sleeve, long pants pajamas at last years and this years selection doesn't disappoint.  I'm loving these rose ones.  SO cute.  I size up so I can get a looser fit.  I'm wearing a small.  Lots of other patterns to pick from if rose isn't your thing. 

I am OBSESSED with these short sleeve/shorts pajamas from Rails.  I didn't know this brand made pjs.  These are SOOO cute.  Drawstring waistband but still sized up for a looser fit.  These are on the pricer side but worth the splurge...everyone deserve a little luxury at bedtime.  

I've actually had these PJ Salvage long sleeve/shorts ones for a while.  They are soooo soft and they keep coming back in stock in different patterns and lucky for you there's a version of these in the sale this year.  Again, I size up for a looser fit.  These are some of my FAVORITE.  Highly recommend!!  

Big fan of Make + Model brand because their lounge wear is AMAZINGLY soft and this sweatshirt/sweatpants combo is great.  Definitely size up (maybe two sizes in the pants) because it runs VERY small (in my opinion).  Also come in black.  The sweatshirt is crop length so you'd need to layer if you aren't comfortable with your belly showing.

This Barefoot Dreams cardigan is a completely different fabric from the other two I own.  It actually reminds me of my blanket from Nordstrom Rack.  SOOOO comfy cozy and soft.  I don't know that I'd wear this one out of the house...it's more of a blanket on me...but I sure would snuggle in it.  I love the color.  Definitely recommend sizing down.  I'm wearing the S/M which I believe is the smallest size.

This Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan is from last year BUT lucky for you its available again at this year's sale.  I wear it all the time...not just lounging around.  Super versatile...extremely soft...totally worth the price.  True to size.  This one will sell out.

ACTIVE WEAR 
I use this sale to always pick up some leggings and other workout gear.  Great pricing and you can never have too many.

Another staple in my wardrobe that you guys lucked out and is available as part of the sale.  These Zella "live in" leggings are a MUST.  So soft and comfortable.  True to size.

Two sale items here.  These Meditate leggings by Zella are a new favorite of mine.  They remind of last year's option - Hatha.  They are high waisted with sheer panels in the lower back leg.  Very comfortable.  I like my leggings tight so true to size works for me but I know a lot of folks that like to size up.  These came home with me.  :)

The other item is the Zella Wrap Top...I really wanted it to work but I think I'm too short for it.  Very soft and super cute for athleisure.  Also comes in black.  True to size.

Another great pair of leggings and I LOVE this red color.  These have smaller sheer panels...they go a little higher up the thigh but not too revealing.  I love that the bottom isn't straight across and it's also mesh.  True to size.  More on the gray tank top below...but I will say it did come home with me.  :)

Love this Zella Try Out tank because I can wear it to workout but it will also work for athleisure wear.  Very flattering and comfortable.  I prefer the looser fit which this gives but it's not too boxy and I still feel like I have a shape.  It came home with me in gray but I really, really did like the red.

Also brought home a new sports bra to try.  I usually buy them at Target but wanted to try one from  Zella to see if it really makes a difference.  There are lots of options here...I went home with this one.

UNMENTIONABLES
Now on to the intimates...I always use this sale to stock up on my unmentionables....particularly Hanky Pankys and usually one or two Natori bras.  This year's sale I'm got some of these and trying out this new Natori bra.  Apparently I've been buying the wrong size for the past few years...oops!

And socks aren't unmentionables but it's a random thing and something I get every sale - Nike no show socks and Zella running socks are my go-tos.

And to shop my other dressing room diaries -
Online Purchases
Tops
Outerwear
Dresses
Shoes
Mini

And a HUGE tanks to my girl Trina for helping me find everything, suggest some new pieces and telling me I've been wearing the wrong bra size!!  Ladies in the DC area if you need to work with a stylist, definitely recommend Trina from Montgomery Mall.  She's the best!!!

My FAVORITE Time of Year - NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

TWO. DAYS. AWAY from my FAVORITE time of year - the NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE!!!  In my opinion, it's the BEST sale of the year so of course I will be covering it all for you on the blog, Facebook and Instagram.  Before it all starts, here's my guide and helpful tips on how to shop the sale. 

SO WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?
If you've never shopped the Anniversary Sale before then you are probably wondering, what's the big deal?  Nordstrom has sales all year long.  Well, what makes this one different is it's BRAND-NEW, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN merchandise that's been marked down 40% off!  I use this sale to stock up on fall/winter and essentials.  More about that below. 

IMPORTANT DATES 

• Early access for Nordstrom cardholders is this Thursday, July 12 at 12:01AM PST (I won't be staying up because I'm on EST but I will be setting my alarm early to get all the posts ready for when you wake up.  

• Access for everyone is Friday, July 20 at 12:01 AM PST. 

• Last day of the sale is Sunday, August 5 at 11:59 PM PST.  

HOW DO I GET EARLY ACCESS?  

In order to get "Early Access" you need to have a Nordstrom card (if you don't already have one).  If you don't have one, no worries you can sign up here and still use it for the sale because you can access the sale online (plus you get $40 in Nordstrom rewards after your first purchase).  

I know you might be hesitant to get a credit card but I have to share why this one is my favorite.  First there is NO FEE to have it but you do get to reap some benefits.  You get 2x points per dollar you spend (in stores and online) which result in Nordstrom rewards you can use for future purchases.  I stock pile my reward certificates every year to use at this sale to minimize the actual dollars spent. 

Also, helpful tip if you do have the card - make the day you shop a triple points day to really maximize your rewards.  

WHY IS EARLY ACCESS IMPORTANT?

As much as Nordstrom tries to keep items in stock, some of the very popular items sell out quickly and don't return...not even at full price.  Last year I was on a major hunt for the Madewell jacket and Leith cardigan in blush.  It took me a few days with my stylist hunting as well.  I was lucky and got them but other items like the short Hunter boots (size I ordered was too big) never came back.  :(

IS THERE A PREVIEW? 

YES and you can browse the catalog here but I'll be honest, I never think the preview catalog does the sale justice.  Items I definitely want to try based on what is in the catalog are leopard mules, Halogen puff sleeve sweater, Sperry boots, Lucky wedge booties, Vince Camuto booties, Vince flats and Ugg bow slippers.  

HOW SHOULD I SHOP?

I personally use the sale to update my basics - shoes (specifically Vince Camuto booties), jeans (Kut from the Kloth), workout gear (Zella), under garments (Natori and Hanky Panky) and a few splurges - designer items like handbags (Tory Burch), designer jeans (AG) and cashmere.  I also stock up of easy gift items like wine glasses and candles.  And I can't forget about the kiddos - always get big Mini's coat and they each usually get Ugg boots and sneakers.  

Take the time the next couple of days to go through your closet and see what you need to replace and what's missing from your fall/winter wardrobe.  This will help narrow down what you are looking for....and you can even narrow it further by shopping the brands you love.  Remember, some items go quickly so if you find something you love, just buy it and then keep shopping.  Everything at Nordstrom ships free and is fully returnable (also free)!!!  

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM ME?

I'm getting in early (tomorrow) to try on the stuff my local store has and then first thing Thursday morning I'll be placing my online order for the items I couldn't get in person.  I'll be posting on all platforms starting on Thursday so make sure you follow along -

• FACEBOOK - I'll be posting all day everyday during the sale including my try on sessions and other favorite picks starting at 7AM on Thursday and throughout the day.  Make sure you "like" the page here and have my page as a "see first" in your newsfeed settings.  I will also post restock alerts as items will come in and out of stock throughout the whole sale.  
• INSTAGRAM - I'll be posting pics from my try on session but also some Instastories walking you through my in-store purchases and of course reviewing the online stuff once it arrives so make sure you are following me here.  
• BLOG - I'll recap everything so you have a one-stop posts with all my reviews, favorites and must have items.  

If you have any questions now or while you are shopping feel free to reach out to me.  I'm here to be your guide.  Happy Shopping!  

June #OOTD Favorites

This Free People dress was such a fun find at TJ Maxx. I don't know why I don't go in there more often. I tried and tried to find this exact one to share with you all but no luck. And haven't had much luck finding an alternative but you can shop the rest of the pieces in this outfit - necklace, earrings and shoes.  

Love a good summer sweater and this one from LOFT is a new favorite.  It will also transition nicely to fall.  This was such a comfy weekend look - sweater, shorts and shoes.  

Love black and white combo in the spring/summer.  I couldn't decided between these two looks because I LOVE them both.  Very similar outfits on the bottom but changed it up with tops and jewels.  Shop them both - 

#1 - Peplum Top - Top, Necklace, Jeans (similar), Bracelet, Bracelet and Shoes

#2 - Eyelet Top - Top, Cami, Jeans, Bracelet, Bracelet and Shoes 

Perfect neutral combo.  Love the skirt it's sooo comfortable.  Shop the rest of the outfit - top, bracelet, shoes.  

This is one of my FAVORITE dresses.  I decided to wear it for birthday.  Get this fabulous look - dress, earrings, bracelet, bracelet and shoes.  

Hunt for New White Shorts

I've been on the hunt for a new pair of white shorts.  The ones I have are probably 10 years old and starting to get ratty.  So I picked three different pairs and ended up keeping two.  Here's the results -

These LOFT shorts were probably the closest to my old pair of shorts.  They are cute but a little too long on my short frame.  True to size.  

Love these BP high waisted ones.  It took a minute to get used to because they are super high but I like them.  The fray detail is super cute making them just a little more casual.  I recommend staying true to size.  I tried sizing up for a looser fit but they were way too loose.  These were a keeper and they look super cute with my vineyard vines x Shark Week shirt. 

LOVE these cuffed shorts from LOFT.  They were a keeper...I love the fit and the look.  A little more dressed up then the BP ones but still comfy and casual.  They have some stretch to them which is nice.  Definitely recommend.  True to size.  And they are currently on sale for $39.50. 

Favorite Recent Amazon Purchases

Here's a round up of some of my favorite recent Amazon purchases.  It runs the gamut from beauty products and kids stuff to pajamas and organization.  Enjoy!!! 

I love this toner.  Rose is one of my favorite essential oils in skin care.  This toner is perfect to use after cleansing your skin.  Smells great and is not harsh.  I use it in the evenings after washing my face by putting a few sprays on a cotton pad. They have two sizes available.  I'm going to upgrade to the bigger one for my next order because I love it so much!

You probably remember this from my Saturday Sorting post a couple months ago but I'm loving this acrylic organizer.  The drawers are a variety of sizes and the top has sections for make up brushes, and my everyday products.  Each of the drawers comes with a cushion mat.  It can hold all my makeup, brushes and perfume in one organized space.  There are all different types of these and sizes to fit your space.  And check out the full Saturday Sorting post on how I've organized under my bathroom sink.  Things have changed a bit since I've added the Dyson blow dryer.  I might be adding this to the mix.

I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with this dry shampoo from Ricky Alessandro!  I've tried so many dry shampoos and I never really loved any till this one.  The ones I've used in the past always left a weird residue in my hair but not this one.  I put some in my hair before bed, throw it up in a bun and then sleep on it.  Wake up and my hair is refreshed and not greasy.  I can go 2-3, sometimes 4 days without actually washing it.  Definitely recommend.

This portable potty has come in VERY handy for the girls.  Whether its road trips, the park or now at the beach.  We always have a potty.  Definitely recommend if you have young kids.  Totally worth it!

I bought this shoe organizer never with the intent of actually using it for shoes but rather organizing all my bathing suits.  Works AMAZINGLY well and is tucked away like hanging clothes.  Highly recommend this organizing hack.  And why I love this one is there are larger pouches on the back for tankinis and one pieces.  Check out the full blog post I did on it. 

Here's another item that is at the beach with me this week - Corkcicle Stemless Wine Glass.  I didn't actually purchase this...it was a gift from my sis-in-law but it is available on Amazon and I highly recommend it.  It's currently keeping my beverage nice and cold.  I also have the big Corkcicle to keep the larger stash of my beverage ice cold.

Love, love these sheet masks.  Super hydrating and really gives me skin a glow!  These are packed for this week because when I travel my skin really needs something like this.  These types of sheet masks are so easy with no mess.  I've tried a bunch and so far these are my favorite. 

I LOVE pajamas.  Some might say I'm obsessed.  This obsession only started a few years ago as previously I would only wear lounge pants and old t-shirts.  These Mae pajamas are the perfect ones for summer.  Light weight and comfortable. 

I use this towel after every time I shower.  Absorbs the water so blow drying time is cut in half.  Works like a charm.  I think I might get a three pack so I have some for big mini because these days she's got more hair than me. 

I'm shocked at some of the luck I've been having on Amazon with t-shirts.  I love these Daily Ritual v-neck ones and they come in a pack of 2 for $20!  You can't beat that.  I love these because they aren't too fitted but still give me a shape and the length of the v-neck is perfect!