I feel like I should singing that Christmas jingle, ‘It’s the most, wonderful tiiiiime, of the yearrrrr‘! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access is currently in full swing (public access opens on Friday!) and for the first year, Canadians got to take part and I made my appointment with a Stylist well in advance to take advantage of the sale!
While I will say it was great to go in and see all the stuff, try things on and see how they fit, if you’re in Ottawa, there were definitely so many pieces on my Wish List that weren’t in the store. So, worth it to take a look–if you don’t mind battling the crowds–but personally I will still be ordering some items online like these boots in grey & this jacket.
That said, I still tried on so many items and have a crazy photo over load for you, and wanted to show you various angles and how things fit, etc. I will be sharing outfit posts of all the items I purchased over the next two weeks so you can see it styled as well, plus a round up of how things fit. If you have any questions, send me a message on Instagram–happy to help you shop with sizing, etc.
Without further adieu, let’s jump into the fitting room try-on!
BLUSH TIE SLEEVE SWEATER | DISTRESSED BOYFRIEND JEANS (SECOND PIC — MY OWN JEANS)
I’m in love with this lace-up sleeve sweater! It was on my wish list and it didn’t disappoint. It’s slouchy and while it’s not cropped by any means–still works with a lower rise pant–it’s not overly long in the body. I sized up with a large because I wanted the sleeves to be extra long and have the versatility of wearing it off the shoulder.
The distressed boyfriends jeans fit really well, I sized down one size and they fit, yet were roomy, as a boyfriend jean should be. I find this style isn’t the most flattering on my body, but these looked great. They were also a super soft denim that feels uber comfortable. Oddly enough, they were on sale in my store, but aren’t on sale online.
TWO-TONE GREY WOOL COAT | LACE CAMI | GREY DENIM | BLACK BOOTIES | SUNGLASSES
This coat is absolutely gorgeous and well made. Two-tone with a wrap belt, with a good weight but easy to move around in. I especially loved this coat undone and open, it looks so chic! This would be a great transitional piece for Fall, but likely wouldn’t be warm enough for cold winters.
These grey Paige skinny jeans are so good, and I have worn my same style white skinnies to death. I love the raw hem on these, and that they are not distressed so they would work for casual Friday at the office and still be cool on the weekends. I bought my usual size, but noticed after wearing for the day that they are loosening up already, so might be smart to size down.
I’ve been on an inexpensive sunglasses kick lately, but fell in love with these ones from Quay! They are totally budget-friendly for the sale and I love how these over-sized cat eye frames sit on my face. They are light weight and super comfortable–would be such a great gift for a friend too.
STRIPED BELL SLEEVE TOP | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
Obsessed with this top, and it comes in a pretty white (below) as well–was so hard to decide which I liked more! This top is well made and the sleeves are a great length. I ended up sizing up to a large, just because I found the shoulders fit me a little better (I’m kind of broad) and gave me more length in the body. Definitely a great statement top with a pencil skirt, dress pants or denim.
These jeans! Heart eyes! I passed up the AG skinnies last year in favour of Rag & Bone, which I don’t regret for a minute, but have always been eyeing these ever since. I find AG runs big, so I sized down one size and the girl also said they will stretch out. These fit like a glove, have a nice stretch but also good thickness to them. I can see myself grabbing these over and over again moving forward.
Finally, these booties were on my Wish List in grey, which they didn’t have in store, so I tried the black. They are so comfy! I basically wore these with almost every outfit because I loved the look so much. I have something pretty similar that I purchased last year, but am contemplating if I also need these since mine got kind of ruined. Will be ordering the grey–fits true to size.
BELL SLEEVE TOP | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | PRINTED VELVET BOOTIES | BACKPACK
These printed booties are a statement maker! Paired with a dress or pants, they definitely elevate the look. I haven’t seen anything else like these for the sale, and they are a great price point and look way more expensive than they are. They fit true to size and the block heel makes them very comfortable.
COLD SHOULDER SWEATER | FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS | BLACK BOOTIES | VELVET CROSS BODY BAG | SUNGLASSES
I loved this over-sized, cold-shoulder sweater, and it paired so well with leggings. I had to size up to a large because they had almost no inventory of this piece, but a medium probably would have been a better fit (true to size).
The leggings are really cute, but took some serious effort to get into! They felt comfortable and thick when wearing them, easy to move in but also hug you well. Looking at the medium, I wasn’t sure if I could get them on, but sure enough, they were the right size. Getting them off was much easier as the inside was almost slippery, which was a bit of a relief!
FLORAL DRESS / TUNIC | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | BLACK BOOTIES | VELVET CROSS BODY BAG
I loved this dress, but it was far too short on me, which is often the case as I’m pretty tall at 5’11. I know the photos don’t read it being too short, but it’s the angle and it was on the uncomfortable side. That said, I loved the cut of it so much, I paired it with these awesome black skinnies (such a steal for Frame denim!) as a top instead–super pretty.
This sweatshirt is super cute and has a great tie at the front. Love it with denim or paired down even more casual with leggings to go to and from the gym, or simply when you want to sport an athleisure look.
I’m wearing a size small and found it fit, if you’re looking for a slim fit. If you want something a little slouchier, go with your regular size.
TIE FRONT SWEATSHIRT | MOTO LEGGINGS WITH SHEER PANELS | OPEN-SHOULDER SWEATSHIRT | SUNGLASSES
I’ll be honest, these leggings were not my favourite. They looked okay from afar, and from the side, but not fantastic at the front. As someone who doesn’t carry her weight in my legs, I always feel weird when pants draw my attention to them in a negative way. Additionally, there is a seam that runs across the back of the legs and hits mid-hamstring. It’s oddly unflattering and almost caused a bulge in the back of my legs where one wouldn’t normally be. Verdict? Pass.
Same goes for this open-shoulder sweatshirt–meh. I’m wearing my usual size, medium, and it was so oversized, I felt the need to tie it in a knot in the front to give it some shape. The fabric is like a sweatshirt material without the fuzzy inside; it’s quite soft but just not my cup of tea.
LACE CAMI | LIGHT WASH BOYFRIEND JEANS | ZARA SLIDES (MY OWN) — SOLD OUT
These distressed boyfriend jeans were super comfy and I loved the raw hem & that there was distressing on the back of the ankles (can’t really see that here). I sized down one size and that was a good fit–loose, but still fitting where they should. Overall, very comfortable.
You’ve seen this cami a few times now and I initially brought it into the change room to have as a base to try with various outfits and ending up leaving with it. I love it! Fits true to size, is a silky-satin fabric with the lace trim on the front and back–love that.
LEATHER JACKET | RUFFLE SLIP DRESS | BLACK BOOTIES
I cannot with this gold-hardweared leather jacket! SWOON! Honestly, this was just a fun piece to try on, but there wasn’t a chance it was coming home with me–dreaming!! Fits true to size/a little big, I went with a size 8 which fit right, but there was still room for a sweater underneath (I teeter between an 8 and 10 for jackets, it seems).
The slip dress was really pretty, is lined and has a nice weight. There is no side zip, so you just slip it over your head, and the medium was a good fit for me. That said, yet again, it was quite short and more of a fun piece to try on than anything.
WHITE HIGH NECK TOP | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | CUT OUT BOOTIES
This white, high neck tank with embroidery was really pretty, fit true to size and also comes in a nice blush colour. There are buttons up the back to make it easier to get in and out of, and the embroidery at the front is lined so you can’t see through it.
These booties! I’ve never worn anything like these and when I shared them on Instastories while I was trying them on, so many of you loved them (thanks!). They were definitely super comfortable, fit true to size and show off the ankles.
SWEATSHIRTS | SWEATPANTS | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM
This sweatshirt is adorable–the entire brand is super cute, TBH–so I had to give it a go. I am wearing a sm/med which is a nice, fitted look. The sweatpants weren’t my fave, very snug in the legs (ie. skinny sweatpants) and I wasn’t a huge fan of the heart symbol.
BRALETTE (ALSO IN AQUA)
Loved this pretty little number, fits true to size, I went with a medium and it felt great. There is no clasp at the back, which is great for wearing with an open back top, but the straps are adjustable. Love the Chantilly lace along the inside for a sexy peek-a-boo effect.
POLKA DOT BELL SLEEVE BLOUSE | SKORT | PENCIL SKIRT | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
When I grabbed this adorable bell sleeve, ruffled blouse, I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not, but after putting it on and styling it with numerous looks, I was sold. I sized up one size and that gave me a little more length in the body, which is good for a lower rise denim. It comes in a bunch of solid colours as well, great for the office too!
The skort was super cute, I actually thought it was a ruffly skirt until I got into the fitting room. I’m wearing a size medium and it was super cute, but very short. I find jumpsuits often ride up on me, since I’m taller, and this skort felt a similar way. I really wanted to love it, and would love it on someone else, it just didn’t quite fit me right.
GREY V-NECK TEE | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | TASSEL CROSS BODY BAG | BLACK BOOTIES
I had never tried on Madewell t-shirts before but the instant I put it on–SOLD! Such a great fit. I’m wearing a size large, which felt oversized at first, but then felt just right. I love how it drapes and looked cute tied up too (without exposing me). This one is a steal at under $20!
The black Frame denim are so good! I love the step hem and their cool take on the curved hem on one side–slightly different than everything else we are seeing, yet still so on trend. Frame denim looks super small when you hold it up, but I ended up taking my usual size. They have a lot of stretch, but are thick enough that they hold you in. Love love love these and you will be seeing these a ton on the blog.
This cross body bag is adorable, and the tassel gets me right in the tassel-loving feels! I had been eyeing the olive green, but my Sales Associate brought me the grey as well, and it was so pretty. I do find the strap a little loud for my neutral-loving palette, but do think it’s a great bag. Would also be a super camera bag if you had a smaller DSLR.
STRAPPY TEE | SCOOP NECK TEE | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | CROSS BODY TASSEL BAG | SUNGLASSES | BLACK FLAT BOOTIES
This scoop tee is really cute and comes in so many different colours for the sale. It reminds me of my James Perse tee I have, at a fraction of the cost! Runs true to size and is a really nice, heathered cotton.
LACE CAMI | RUFFLE SHORTS (SIMILAR) | BLUSH AVIATOR SUNGLASSES
Don’t get me started on these shorts! They aren’t part of the sale, but they are on sale currently and so adorable. I went with a size large and they offer a considerable amount of coverage, considering they are a short short. These would also pair so well with a bell sleeved blouse and a chunkier heeled sandal or wedge.
TIE FRONT SWEATER | LACE CAMI | GREY DENIM | BLACK BOOTIES
This sweater is super cute and comes in a few colours for the sale. The knit is super soft and it’s pretty lightweight. A size down seemed to fit a bit better; I’m wearing a small in the first photo, and a medium in the second photo.
The tie sits a little weird on the front and could possibly add extra weight to the area, so if you’re conscious of that part of your body, you may want to pass.
GREY SUEDE MOTO JACKET | WHITE COWL NECK KNIT DRESS | BLACK BOOTIES
My Sales Associate convinced me to try this dress on, but it’s so not me! Ha. You girls know, tight is not usually my thang, but I figured I would give it a shot anyway. It’s a beautiful dress, super soft and felt so good–but still not for me. If you like snug, cozy fitting sweater dresses + want to splurge, this is the dress for you!
GREY SUEDE MOTO JACKET | LACE CAMI | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
They brought back the suede Moto jacket! This was a huge seller last year and I snagged it in the tan and plum colours, and this year they’ve re-designed it a little and brought it out in a few new colours. Love! The dark stone grey is right up my alley. Fits true to size.
BLACK SHORT PARKA | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
Eep! This jacket, you guys! I had my eye on this and as soon as I saw it, I snatched it up from the rack to try on.
I love my current Mackage parka, and this one is a shorter, lighter weight style that would be perfect for Fall, transitional weather.
This fits true to size and is so incredibly comfortable. That said, the tag said it’s only good for up to -5C/23F, so wouldn’t be ideal if you are looking for a winter coat.
LONGLINE VEST | LACE CAMI | GREY DENIM | GREY BOOTIES
I liked this longline vest but wasn’t crazy about it. It comes in two colours, fits true to size is made really well. I think it would pair nicely over long sleeved tops as well, but it is quite draped and there isn’t much structure to it.
LEATHER JACKET | WHITE T-SHIRT | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
Last year, Mackage had a gorgeous leather jacket in the sale that I swooned over–it was a stiff, pebbled Moto style with a high collar. This year, they’re doing a soft, supple leather that is buttery and malleable, with even more Moto details, like the belt and front wrist zips.
Love this jacket, it’s so comfortable and such a stunning piece. I sized down to a small, as it runs like a boyfriend fit, so if you’re looking for something more snug, go down a size.
BELL SLEEVE SWEATER | PENCIL SKIRT | CROSS BODY VELVET BAG
This pleated, bell sleeve sweater was adorable, and I love how comfortable it was. I sized way down, two sizes, to an extra small because I was looking for a snug fit, to pair with skirts. I am never, ever, an extra small, so this is definitely a roomier piece and if you’re looking for something more fitted, size down.
GREEN JACKET WITH FAUX FUR | GREY V-NECK TEE | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | GREY DENIM | GREY BOOTIES
I’m in love with this jacket! I had initially been searching for this almost identical, splurge version, and then came across this one and figured I’d try it since the other one wasn’t in the store. Talk about a great staple!
This would be great for casual outings, running errands, etc. Paired with leggings, denim or even your gym clothes, you’d look so chic running to and from. It’s oversized, so I went down to a small and it’s still very roomy, but I like the look.
BELL SLEEVE SWEATER | SUEDE MINI SKIRT | PRINTED VELVET BOOTIES
This skirt is by the same brand that makes the grey suede Moto jacket and this is the exact colour of my jacket from last year. I truly wanted to love this skirt, but didn’t. It runs big and short, plus with the slit, for me, it just made it unflattering. I think this would be super cute on petite girls though, just size down one or two sizes as it will sit a littler high on the hips.
TUNIC STYLE OPEN-SHOULDER BLOUSE | MEDIUM DENIM SKINNIES WTH RAW HEM | POINTED-TOE FLAT BOOTIES
Love this top and the open-shoulder. The bows on the elbows are adorable and there are buttons down the back for ease of getting dressed. I love that it s a little longer, with a split hem so you can tuck it or not, and possibly cover the booty a little.
These pointed-toe flat booties are so badass! I loved the little piece of metal at the toe, so western, but then the rest of the boot is really edgy looking. Pointed-toe flat boots are going to be huge this year, and these are super comfortable and run true to size.
LONG CARDIGAN | WHITE TEE | BLACK DENIM WITH STEP HEM | BLACK BOOTIES
And finally, I’m in love with this cozy cardigan–it feels like I’ve been looking for months for the perfect, light-coloured, neutral longer cardi and I’ve finally found it! This is soft and cozy, runs large (I sized down to an xs, but a small was good as well) and looks so chic! Love.
Hope you girls enjoyed this post and you find it helpful to shop the sale. I’d love to know what you’re eyeing and what you’re hoping to snag–or have already snagged–this Friday when the sale is open to the public.
As always, thanks for reading! xo
