This year I shopped the sale early and think I have the best stand out apparel items, with a few shoes and accessories thrown in. This year I was able to register online to have a private shopping experience as an ambassador. This was a fun time to scour the sale before everything sold out. It was the time that I purchased pajamas, socks, the basic tees and Rails tops I recommend below, as well as try on the shoes in person.

At this point in the sale, items tend to go in and out of stock, so keep checking back for your must have items, such as a pair of Mother jeans that you will wear over and over throughout the year. I had one pair that I got from a past Nordstrom Trunk and it is the only pair I tend to grab for, so I bought a few different styles during the sale. I am especially excited about the black denim options in slightly flared and straight leg silhouettes, which will make for endless outfit options.

My closet is covered with black capsule pieces, so I did have my eye on a few cozy camel pieces to sprinkle in for the autumn/winter season. My focus was high quality fabrics such as cashmere, wool and cotton. Most people would steer you towards the Reiss classic camel coat, but from experience I can tell you that you will get a better discount during Reiss sales than on Reiss coats during Nordstrom sales. Every year I lust after a Vince cardigan, so this year I went for a coatigan, that offers the warmth of a coat, with the effortless look of a cardigan, (though it is technically called a wool jacket.) In person, it looks less structured than a typical winter jacket. This ruana from Nordstrom’s own brand is also a favorite, and would make the perfect addition to a chilly day in the office or an easy airplane outfit in the winter months. I only have one go-to sweater dress in my closet, which I purchased during the Nordstrom sale last year in grey, so I also picked up this year’s version in light beige. I find it a work-appropriate dress for those freezing days, and style it with leather ankle boots.

Now for the standout pieces that were at the top of my list. Bring on the Veronica Beard….and the other work hard, play hard outerwear and dresses. I would consider these investment pieces, but they work from the office to date night, which I think makes them worth the splurge. All of these items would work with other basics in your wardrobe, such as a classic handbag and great pair of black heels or boots. The Nordstrom stripe cardigan sold out surprisingly fast and is amazing quality. It’s a beautiful pop to add to a black pair of denim and a simple black tank. The houndstooth Veronica Beard pieces are beyond beautiful in an evergreen tweed with black hardware. They look amazing as an outfit, and will be equally great paired with other items in my wardrobe. The L’agence houndstooth jacket was a hot seller that I only got because I placed an online order at midnight on the 11th. The caramel and black houndstooth combination is eye-catching, though I questioned myself for spending this much on a piece made of polyester. If I could only pick 5 items from the entire sale, it would be the Veronica Beard tweed dress and tweed blazer, the L’agence houndstooth blazer, a pair of Celine sunglasses, and the Valentino lipstick clutch set (featured below).

Tops are not the category that I focus on during the Anniversary Sale, but I did find a few affordable options that will be workhorses in my wardrobe. I featured 3 different color options for the Halogen Raw Edge tank because it is a piece I wear so often and even travel with and it easily can be made to look professional or more casual. It also washes well and on sale, you can grab it for $30 or less, depending on the color combination. The Rails blouses are more elevated and more pricey, but I wore the pink and white check Ellis shirt instantly, with pink heels and white denim its major Barbie vibes in a low-key style. I think it also works well for a more casual office environment. Another standout is the Paige white ruffle sleeveless sweater; it’s a classy piece that will go beautifully with almost anything in your closet. I only purchased a few dresses during the sale, one being this jacquard evergreen dress. It is fully lined, in a more conservative, figure flattering silhouette with leather trim. This is a favorite because you can easily pair it with a blazer and booties for work, or a biker jacket and stilettos for a night out.

As far as accessories go, the Kurt Geiger belt bag is one that might get overlooked, but looks amazing styled. I purchased it in the black version, which is quite edgy with the monochrome black hardware and chain. The matching belt would make for a killer combination, and the quilted leather is beautiful. These tassel earrings are something I buy each year in a different color; this year I purchased them in white and they give any outfit extra pizazz. Style Tip: Pair the ivory tassel earrings with the pink and white Rails Ellis shirt. Finally, for the sunglasses. I do love Celine sunglasses. I have the classic flat top pair from last year Anniversary sale, so picked up the square sunglasses and flat top ombre pairs this year. If I could only pick one, I would go for the 55mm square version. They are unbelievably classic in the expected Celine quality. Celine sunglasses have this undeniable edge to them that amps up even the most basic outfits. 9 times out of 10, I reach for my Celine sunglasses over all other brands.

For shoes, I kept it simple. I did purchase each of these shoes, because I needed some new easy black shoes. The first two are comfort shoes, in styles that I think are really quite cute and will get me through an 8 hour work day. I like that the Soft bootie has a low heel but still has the look of a trendy fall bootie. The Ilse Jacobsen sneakers are unbelievably comfortable. They have a foamy buttery feel, with a cushioned sole, great for the gals who are on their feet all day. My other two recommendations are both waterproof Blondo boots, one in a chic ankle length, and the other knee length to style with jeans and mini dresses.

Sofft Peep Toe Bootie

Ilse Jacobsen Slip on Sneaker

Blondo Waterproof Bootie

Blondo Waterproof Pointed Toe Boot

Top Beauty Pick…literally the one recommendation that I think is the best value, of probably the entire sale. A Valentino lipstick set that comes with one full lipstick, 4 refills, all housed in a stunning leather studded clutch. Unlike makeup bags that usually come with sets, this looks and feels like a true Valentino clutch. It honestly is nicer and heavier than some designer clutches I have. Inside is a mirror and an organizer holding the lipsticks. You can pop out the organizer when you want to use the clutch. The full sized lipstick in a bold red has the embossed Valentino studded design in the lipstick. I like that most of the refills come in beautiful neutral shades. To make this value even better, you get a gift with purchase, a Valentino cosmetics case that also has a mirror. This is an amazing gift for yourself or the ultimate Christmas gift for the beauty lover in your life. The cosmetic bag that comes free with this purchase is currently out of stock, though Nordstrom is now offering a mini Valentino lipstick as the gift with purchase.