Shopping Haul: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017

Hello friends, today I'm updating you on what I got from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so far and what else is on my wishlist. The sale is still going on until 8/6. Some of the items are sold out, so I've listed the Item number in case you want to track them down in stores.

To be honest, I'm more of a Nordstrom Rack girl than a Nordstrom girl. I love finding deals that are at least 60% - 70% off. Like when I scored these Jimmy Choo Carrie Sandals for 67% off at Nordstrom Rack, which are still full price ($695) at Nordstrom. BTW: The next Clear the Rack (25% off clearance) starts this Thursday, 7/27 - 7/30! So I try to only buy things at Nordstrom that are not available or I can't easily get at Nordstrom Rack.

Let's start with one of the most popular item and my most expensive purchase from the sale. It was initially the most exciting, but turned out to be the most frustrating purchase for me. I'm talking about:

STUART WEITZMAN Elevated Over the Knee Boot ($499.90, After Sale: $798):
Sold out, Item #5347618

The Stuart Weitzman (SW) Highland and Lowland Over-the-Knee (OTK) boots have been popular for many years and I've had my eyes on them for a while. I was really excited to see this elevated one in the Anniversary Sale catalog, which gives you some height, but still comfortable enough to walk in all day. When I saw them at the Nordstrom in CT (there for work) two weeks ago, I tried on the black suede in size 6 (my regular size). My legs are not skinny and I was wearing socks and leggings, they fitted my legs surprisingly well, but a little loose in the foot area. They didn't have a 5.5 for me to try on, so I bought the size 6. But the more I walked in them at the hotel, the more I felt they are definitely big on me. I read the 2 reviews online and both recommended to size down half a size. At that time, black suede was all sold out online, so I ordered the brown suede in 5.5 just to try.

When I came back to California and picked up my online orders at my local Nordstrom, I thought I'd just ask if they possibly have a 5.5 in black suede. And they did! I was over-the-moon excited. They fitted me well in the foot area, but I was wearing jeans that day, so I bought them to try at home. They were tight even on my bare legs and the right one really pinched in (below right). When I received the brown one in the mail and compared them, the brown (below left) fitted me perfectly, even though they are the same size!

Once I stood them up side by side, it became obvious that the black is in fact shorter and the seam that pinched me in was lower -- totally explains why!

I prefer the black over brown, even though the brown is also beautiful. Again, these boots are so popular and have been sold out ever since... I'm so surprised and frustrated to find such a big variation for SW, considering the price. In the meantime, I'm just patiently waiting for Nordstrom to restock so that I can exchange mine...


NORDSTROM LINGERIE Two-Way Seamless Tank ($20.90, After Sale: $29, BUY & SAVE: 2 for $36):

Finally invested in these layering tanks in nude and black. The quality feels amazing and they are very stretchy. The website suggests to size up and I sized up to a medium. One of the neckline is higher and the other is lower so that you can wear it two ways.

AG The Legging Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans ($149.90, After Sale: $225):

Another popular item. I mostly got this to see what the hype about AG jeans is all about. Haven't worn them yet (It's been so hot!), so I'll keep you posted.

ZELLA All In Ankle Leggings ($49.90, After Sale: $75):
You might remember from my Insta Story that I got the ZELLA Live In High Waist Leggings (Sale: $35.90, After Sale: $54) in burgundy. They are a little too thick to work out in. Many reviews say they just wear these as regular leggings, but they look more like activewear to me than everyday leggings. So I'll be returning those. But I did order the ZELLA Live In Slim Fit Leggings ($33.90, After Sale: $52) in Blue Clematis, which is a gorgeous blue, maybe the Slim Fit will be different? Haven't received it yet, so I'll update you on those.

I came across this one in store and loved the fabric! It's much softer and more stretchy (It has more spandex!) compared to the Live In's. I also love the side panel detail, which is fun, but not too revealing. They have the right amount of compression and hold you in the right places ;). I got a size small. The stitching of the open panels is also reflective, which helps if you are doing a walk/run when it's dark outside. My price range for workout leggings is $20 - $30 from Nordstrom Rack, so the price tag of this was a little hard for me to swallow. I've been on the hunt for a pair of black leggings with some interesting details for over a year, but didn't love any until this. I just hope it'll end up being a good investment.


BEAUTYBLENDER air.port.pro Makeup Sponge Applicator & Small Cosmetics Bag Set ($35):
Sold out, Item #5379820

This set was a great value! I also love that now I can put my beautyblender in this case when I'm traveling. Definitely get this set, if you can still find it in stores!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Filmstar Bronze & Blush Glow Set ($75):

I'm a big Charlotte Tilbury (CT) fan (see my other CT purchases this year here). Her products are pricey, so I try to get sets whenever possible. As mentioned in my Insta Story, I wasn't sure about this set, because it has the same bronzer as Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($68), which I already own. But as soon as I applied the blush, I was sold! It looks so natural and glowy. I'm wearing this palette here (#nofilter), along with the Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Between the Sheets" from the lipstick set below. The brush also feels really nice. I use my Filmstar Bronze & Glow so much that I've made quite a dent in the bronzer, so I could use a backup once I hit pan.

You may remember that I also got the GUERLAIN Terracotta After Summer Chic Tropic Bronzing Powder ($78) from the sale. The packaging is beautiful, but I didn't like the gold glitter overlay it came with. And while it smells great, the fragrance is really strong and lingers on your face, which I didn't enjoy. For similar prices, I would recommend getting either this CT set or the HOURGLASS Ambient Diffused Light Palette ($62). I have the full-size blush and bronzer shades and love them, so this set is an amazing value!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Hot Lips Lipstick Set ($60):
I ended up with the Perfect Pink set, which includes:

• Lip Cheat Lip Liner in "Pink Venus"
• Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Between the Sheets"
• K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in "Kiss Chase"

RMS BEAUTY Glowing Set ($80):
Sold out, Item #5366505

All full-sized products. I haven't got to play with these much, so I'll keep you posted!

S'WELL Milky Way Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($22.90, After Sale: $35)
S'WELL Palm Beach Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($22.90, After Sale: $35)

Sold out, Item #5224485

Definitely splurged on S'well bottles during this sale. I ended up keeping both of them, because they are so beautiful, well-made and totally different! I could use both the palm print and holographic glitter in my life ;). Just a note on the palm beach print: Certain parts of the print look smeared, which I initially thought was a printing issue. But when I zoomed in on the online pictures, they are the same. So I guess that's just part of the design.

Funny story: I asked a friend for some water for my metro ride home, but they were out. So I added some ice to the tiny bit of water left in my S'well bottle. The ice never melted an hour or so later when I got home. Moral of the story: It will keep your drink cold!

I definitely recommend getting them during the Anniversary Sale and they would also make great birthday/Christmas gifts! I want to take good care of my S'well bottles, so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to the S'WELL Bottle Brush, which costs $20!

1. ZELLA Keep it Cool Crop Leggings ($32.16, 33% off):
The same soft and stretchy fabric as the black All-In Ankle leggings above and I love the teal color!

2. HALOGEN Cardigan Stitch Cashmere Wrap ($98.90, After Sale: $149):
Either in gray or burgundy. I love how big it is; you can wear it as a wrap or a thick scarf. Last year, I scored a beige HALOGEN Waffle Knit Cashmere Wrap ($125.90, After Sale: $189) from Nordstrom Rack for $60! So the price tag of this is still a little high for me, even though it's cashmere and nice quality.

3. HALOGEN Cashmere Off the Shoulder Sweater ($99.90, After Sale: $169):
Sold out, Item #5309020
Another beautiful cashmere piece from Halogen, still a little pricey for me and always out of stock...

I might do another update post, once I received my online orders or if I ended up getting anything else. In the meantime, I'm more excited about Clear the Rack, which starts on Thursday! :P

Thank you for stopping by and have a nice day! :)