With the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing for card holders, I’m sure you’ve had time to search the sale and perhaps make a few purchases of your own. I know the sale can be overwhelming for some of us, but I wanted to share a few staples that I actually purchased, loved and kept. I’m also sharing a few that didn’t go over too well for me.

These key items are actually pretty basic, but honestly that’s typically what I wear most. I also wanted to find closet staples for the Fall + Winter. So while some of these may not seem wearable for July, come Fall, these will be perfect.

I’m also giving away $1000 in Nordstrom gift cards to 10 lucky readers. Each reader will receive $100 to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. See all details on how to enter in the raffllecopter widget below. The $1000 Giveaway is now closed! Thank you to all who entered! xx Ashley 

Thank you and GOOD LUCK! xx Ashley

10 Staples I Purchased from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

    .01 HALOGEN SEAMED LEGGINGS – $29.90

These leggings are perfect for the Fall and Winter. I love this style because of the flattering fit. The thick waistband helps keep everything in (if you know what I mean) and the thick material makes them feel and look expensive. For under $30, it’s a no brainer. Fit:  I found these to run TTS, however if you are in-between sizes I would go down. I am normally a small in leggings and the small fit great.

.02 MADEWELL RYDER CARDIGAN – $64.90

I’m truly a sucker for an oversized, cozy cardigan. This brown version by Madewell immediately caught my eye. In fact, it might be my favorite purchase (besides all of the beauty goodies of course). This cardigan is ideal with a v-neck tee, striped turtleneck, silk shell cami, pretty much anything your heart desires. Fit: I did find this to run big, I ended up ordering an XS.

.03 LOUISE ET CIE JIANNA STACKED HEEL PUMP – $79.90

Ever since I saw these cute pumps in the catalog, they were at the top of my list. And they are even better in person! Louise et Cie is a solid brand and I’ve been impressed with the quality of their products. Their shoes do not compromise on comfort or quality and hold up very well. I plan to pair these with a black dress or a midi skirt on date nights, work events, or special occasions.  Fit: I found these to run true to size.  I’m normally an 8/8.5 and the 8 fit great.

.04 LA VIE REBCCA TAYLOR COTTON SHIRTDRESS – $196

I really wanted to love this dress. I am only including photos because so many of you asked about sizing, but for me this is a no-go and sadly will get returned. I love Rebecca Taylor but the fit was off on this for me. Fit: I found it to run a little short and very boxy. I am 5’6 (pushing 5’7) and wearing a small. I would have liked to have tried the XS but worry the sleeves would have been too short.

.05 AG THE LEGGING RAW HEM ANKLE SKINNY JEAN– $149

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I am a fan of AG Denim. I found these raw hem skinny jeans and knew they would be a great addition to my collection. I find AG to fit well and not stretch out throughout the day. Fit: I found these to run TTS.

.06 BP. BOATNECK RIPPED PULLOVER SWEATER– $24.90

I was on the fence with this boatneck sweater when I ordered it because I was worried it would be cheaply made and too thin. I was actually pretty surprised with the quality for the price. It’s slouchy in the right spots and can be worn with jeans or leggings. I have the brown one in my cart now! Fit: TTS, I am in a small.

.07 KRISTIN CAVALLARI ‘CAPRI’ MULE– $79.90

I love these shoes, you guys! They are comfortable and on trend for the season. Fit: I found these to run TTS. I am normally an 8/8.5 and the 8.5 fit great.

.08 FREE PEOPLE ELECTRIC CITY PULLOVER SWEATER IN ROSE – $64.90

This loose knit sweater is a perfect option for those who are looking to build their fall + winter wardrobe. It’s not as soft as I would have liked, but it wasn’t itchy. I decided to keep it because I like the slouch fit. I did size up for a more “oversized” look. Fit: TTS (unlike most Free People products).

09. HALOGEN LONG OPEN FRONT CARDIGAN– $49.90

I had a very similar style cardigan a couple years ago (you can see how I styled it here) and I wore it so much that it eventually got  hole in it. I was excited to replace one of my most worn items with this long cardigan. I know it’s almost sold out, but Nordstrom typically will restock if you keep an eye on it. I found a similar style here + here. Fit: This runs TTS and is very soft. I am wearing a small.

10. STUART WEITZMAN ELEVATED OVER THE KNEE BOOT– $499.90

Stewart Weitzman Over the Knee Boots have been a long fall and winter staple for my wardrobe. If you don’t own a pair, they are an excellent investment, especially during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They appear to be sold out now, but like I mentioned before, Nordstrom has been known to restock throughout the sale. I’ve worn mine through several NYFW winters and they’ve held up great. At nearly $300 off retail, this is one of the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks.  These are the ‘Elevated’ edition which seem like a nice middle ground to their existing styles. Fit: These are actually very comfortable. I would also advise sizing a half size down, as they tend to run big. I’m normally an 8/8.5 and the 7.5 fit perfect.

NOT SO IMPRESSED: 

I was excited to try these Steve Madden Thigh High Boots. Online, they looked really nice and similar to a designer pair I have had my eye on. However, when they arrived, they were flimsy and felt cheaply made. I usually have really good luck with Steve Madden but sadly these were a no for me. I’m going to keep my eye out for another budget friendly pair.

I took a risk on these Topshop Jeans, but they just weren’t for me. The quality seemed nice and they looked really cute on the model, but not so much on me. They run really small too!

All in all, there were some pretty good finds at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. The Beauty Exclusives really impressed me and I plan to share my picks next week for Beauty Talk (and another fun giveaway) Stay tuned!

GIVEAWAY

As a thank you for being loyal readers, I want to offer 10 READERS a chance to win a $100 GIFT CARD TO NORDSTROM just in time to shop the sale when it goes open to the public on Friday, July 21st.  Please follow all of the steps below in order to be entered to win. Winners will be announced on theteacherdiva.com Friday morning at 8:00 AM CST. If you are selected, you will have 24hrs to contact me (theteacherdiva@gmail.com) to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you in 24hrs, I will have Rafflecopter randomly select another winner and contact them directly. Thank you!

The winners have been announced and contacted. Thank you to all who entered! We will be hosting another giveaway on here soon! Stay tuned. xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway