Happy Friday, friends! It’s a *wet* one in Chicago today, which honestly bodes well for all of the work I need to get done today. Ever since we moved into our new apartment three weeks ago, it’s been a major challenge trying to balance everything going on… work, getting settled, making our house feel like a home, planning my boyfriend’s 40th, hosting countless friends at our new place, one of my besties’ bachelorette parties… Summer is always a little crazy, but man, oh man, adding on a major move and life milestone to the mix has been about all I can handle at one time.
Truth be told, today is the first day I’ve had the chance to sit down and look through the offerings in Nordstrom’s annual Anniversary Sale. Totally missed the last week or two of the pre-sale and I definitely didn’t have time to go do a full try-on like I typically do. But the sale is now open to everyone ย starting today, so let’s get to it!
There are always a few things I buy every year in the sale… The jumbo size of my favorite body wash (it’s only sold in this large size during the sale!), Hanky Panky underwear, and usually some shoes and denim.
BEAUTY
In the last few years, BEAUTY has actually been my favorite part of the #NSale. They’ve *really* stepped it up in that category and it’s a great time to scoop up a set of your favorite products or try something you’ve had your eye on.
Some of my favorite products I use and love…
T3 Brush Set ย | ย I use the Volume 2.5 Round Brush every time I blow out my hair, it’s the best. It’s normally $35 on it’s own, so getting the entire set for $67 is a steal. The Detangling Brush is a must when you get out of the shower and the Shower Comb is great for applying wet products or masks. I’ve yet to try the Smooth Paddle Brush, but I’m sure it’s wonderful coming from T3. I used to use the T3 Hair Dryer that’s included in the sale, but have since upgraded to the Dyson. The T3 was my go-to for six years though, and it’s marked down to $134 in the sale. (And they now have a graphite version that I kind of wish I had with my new bathroom — my biggest complaint about the Dyson is they only make their black dryers for “salon use only.” Boo!) I use a cheaper curling iron from Amazon that my hair stylist recommended, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about the T3 Curling Iron. Only $114!
Nรฉcessaire Body Wash & Lotion Set ย | ย I keep this in our guest bathroom because it’s so luxurious, not overly scented (great for guests and different preferences!), and clean, too.
Kiehl’s Powerful Line-Reducing Concentrate ย | ย I *love* this Vitamin C product! I think it makes such a noticeable impact on dullness and skin vibrancy, skin texture, and minimizing fine lines, too. It has Hyaluronic Acid mixed in, so it’s truly the only daytime serum you need if you’re looking to keep it simple. Apply after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils ย | ย If I’m wearing lip color in a post-pandemic world, it’s almost always a NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. So easy to apply, such a great formula that glides on without being sticky, and very long-lasting. I have all three of these shades and the set comes with a pencil sharpener, too.
St. Tropez Jumbo Bronzing Mousse ย | ย If you’re already a St. Tropez self-tanning gal, don’t miss this opportunity to scoop up the jumbo size.
Laura Mercier Setting Powders ย | ย I’ve used both of these for years and always come back to them after trying other similar products on the market. Comes with a velour pad, but you can just as easily use brushes for both your face and especially the under-eye area!
A few other deals worth sharing in the slider below… ย
FASHION
When it comes to fashion, it’s a good thing it’s chilly and rainy here in Chicago today. I’m no where near thinking about fall clothing, but I’m currently channeling all of the cozy vibes in my little office. Fuzzy socks included! But overall, a bit underwhelmed with the clothing category. It very well could be that most things are already sold out, but sharing my favorites at first glance, just in case you’re in the mood to shop.
back to work
cozy + athleisure
SHOES
Shoes are a different story though! I *always* find the best shoes that I wear for season to come in the Anniversary Sale!
Marc Fisher Pumps ย | ย These pumps are under $100 and the quality is fantastic! Great for returning to the office this fall.
Slip-On Slides ย | ย This style is under $80 and looks so timeless. So cute with cropped jeans or kick flares. A great alternative to sneakers!
Western Booties ย | ย You’re definitely going to want a pair of Western-inspired booties this fall/winter! All of the boho vibes with skirt and dresses… Ulla Johnson vibes!
All-Weather Booties ย | ย I’ve included some great styles from Sperry and Hunter, but you don’t want to miss these weather resistant Chelsea boots or these waterproof heeled booties! Definite must haves for the Midwest and East Coast.
Sock Booties ย | ย The perfect bootie silhouette to wear with cropped straight jeans! It’s all about emphasizing the ankle.
Heeled Slides ย | This silhouette is all the rage right now!
If ankle straps are more your thing (sooo much easier to walk in!), I love these!
Platform Heels ย | ย Helloooooo Y2K. I literally cannot believe these are making such a comeback, but here we are. I’m not totally sure if I still know how to walk in these, but I’ll have to give it a go because it’s one of the hottest shoe trends this season. Come fall, I think it’s totally okay to wear these with tights with your shirts and dresses. Or maybe even a sheer sock under jeans!