/ Bella Picks

It’s really hard to even think about Fall, especially Fall shopping but the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale helps you look forward to it. Early Access for one of the best sales of the year is going on now – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. If you have a Nordstrom Debit or Credit Card you can shop the sale today. The sale will open up for all shoppers on Friday, July 22. This is no ordinary sale. You get to shop new, Fall items that are temporarily marked down. Shopping early ensures you get the item you want. Quantities are limited and a lot sell out fast.

I took advantage last year and bought The Boy some Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. I was hoping I could get him to switch to these leather Sperry’s but he chose the Onitsuka Tiger sneakers again. I also added a few more pair of Tommy John trunks to Husband’s collection. He also likes the Traditional Fit shirts from Nordstrom.

For me, shoes and boots are the first things I look at. I received the Early Access catalog so I was able to dog-ear some pages on items I wanted before the actual sale. I’m really digging the Navy Suede boots by Ugg. Over-the-knee boots are still on-trend and it looks like, maybe, the Vince Camuto Melaya would accommodate my large calves. If not, the Frye Melissa Button boot will work, though it’s not over-the-knee.


Something to note is that not all colors or style of an item are included. For example, the Melissa Button Boot I have linked to is a wide-calf option, in Cognac or Slate. These same colors are on sale in the regular boot option. But, the colors of Black, Cognac and Dark Brown Leather in the same boot are not included in the sale. And if that’s not confusing, the Cognac color that’s on sale is a little more distressed, in the pictures, than the non-sale. As long as you are using the Early Access link and then the Anniversary Sale link (launching on Friday) you will have no issues with getting the sale item. From there, you can then filter down to what you are looking for.

Of course, I bought my favorite bra, introduced to me by a reader of the blog during last year’s sale. I’m also looking for a new cross-body bag, in a Fall color. Though the shearling vest would be cozy, I like the faux leather drape jacket more. The Kate Spade sleepshirts are really cute, especially the bows. This Alice & Olivia dress isn’t the one I really want but is cute none-the-less.


The sale will open to everyone on July 22 and run until August 8. I like the convenience of the debit card as the money comes out of my checking account and I still get to earn points, have a Triple Point Day and other perks that a credit card holder might have. I also like it because I set aside a specific amount for this sale. I can’t go over that amount like I could with a credit card.

Happy Shopping! I hope you get what you’re looking for before it sells out.

/ Reviews

On my birthday a few weeks ago, the Tag Sale items got “even better” with an additional 30% off sale items. Sadly, that promo ended yesterday. I did spend the morning of my birthday in-store, shopping for sale items from my wishlist. Unfortunately, I only ended up getting one sale item, the Herringbone Napkins. A lot of what I wanted was not available in my store.

Most of my purchases that day were full-price items, but I did have my birthday discount to use. We are in the process of painting again, this time in the hallway and kitchen. I want to use teal and aqua colors wherever possible in the kitchen and dining and the colors of both the Sibylla Spoon Rest and Puglia Tablecloth are what I’m looking for. Though the spoon rest is on back-order until August I was able to find it in-store, as well as the Puglia Napkins. And I preferred those over the tablecloth since I found a similar one at TJ Maxx that day.

I like the colors of the cheese board and it goes with my Molly Hatch items, like this measuring cup. I also tried on a few dresses, one of which was my birthday dress, and I’ll share some fitting room pics with you tomorrow.

/ Bella Picks

J.Crew is having a pop-up sale with 50% off all sale items using code 48HOURS, good through Tuesday, July 12. I’ve been pretty happy with most of my purchases from J.Crew in recent months but I think it’s also because I’m a bit more thoughtful in what I’m purchasing.

The Gazebo Pants have been a favorite of mine. I have the Navy, White and Market Stripe. I returned the Vintage Green in favor of the linen shorts. I did purchase the Collection Patio Pants in Suede and cannot wait to wear them in Winter. At $100 now, with the promo, they are a really good deal. The suede is gorgeous and I think the Camel will be really versatile to wear. The tweed pants look like a nice option for Fall.

Update on the Patio Pants: I feel these run about the same size as the previous versions in cotton and wool. I took my normal size 8 and though they are not quite at the floor but not cropped I may spend the money to have them hemmed. I really want the cropped look for these pants.

SuedePatioPants

I finally decided on a pair of gingham sandals, choosing the Mixed Gingham Sandals with Ankle Wraps. I do like that the Elsie D’Orsay Heels are gingham printed on leather. I originally thought it was silk or some type of fabric. The Elsie Leopard Pumps are still in my cart and I may finally order them. This seems like the best deal on them so far and my size is still available.


Though it’s not quite the middle of Summer, there are quite a few Summer tops available. I originally passed on the Vintage Plaid Popover, but at $30, it seems like a good deal. That goes for the Bow-Shoulder Top as well. And I like the contrast of the pinks of the top with the olive linen shorts, which I own.

Are you shopping this 48HOURS sale?

/ Bella Picks

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays of the year, probably because it’s so close to my birthday. I can celebrate all week long. I also like finding the cutest Patriotic clothes to celebrate in. J Crew Factory has the right idea with 50% off everything both in-stores and online, prices as marked. The promo ends Thursday, June 30.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been to a fancy 4th of July party but this outfit certainly would make you sparkle. I think I really need to try the jacquard skirt.

The V-Neck Shell is linen and comes in white, warm red and this pretty reef blue.

Below are some more of my Patriotic picks from J. Crew Factory.


Are you shopping this quick promo from J. Crew Factory? Do you have your outfit planned for the 4th of July yet?

/ Bella Picks

J Crew is having 5 surprise sales this week. Today’s offer is 30% off your purchase, 40% off sale & 50% off Final Sale, exclusions apply, with code MONDAY. I tried on several items last week but first wanted to share my picks of this latest roll-out, with this promo in mind.

I am so happy to see more longer-length linen shorts offered this year. I’ve bought every color and the Bermuda Shorts in Heavy Linen were no exception. I had originally purchased the Gazebo Pant in the Vintage Kelly but returned them knowing I’ll wear the shorts more often. I haven’t tried them on so I am hoping the fit and length are good.

The item I absolutely love from this roll-out is the Linen Tank Top with Fringe. I didn’t really notice it until I went in the store and the Bold Red caught my eye. It’s so gorgeous and a saturated orange-red color. I tried on the size 8 and was swimming in it. The straps were also falling down so I asked for a size 6. That was a much better fit, though still a little loose at the straps and the chest. Luckily, there are bra-keeps/snaps to keep the straps from falling. I bought the Red and Navy and have already worn them. I ordered the White and Sundrenched Pool with today’s promo.


I was thinking I didn’t really like the Ratti Into the Wild print when I saw it online but IRL it’s really gorgeous. So much that I bought both the bandana and the off-the-shoulder-dress and have already worn both. Sadly, the dress is excluded from today’s MONDAY promo but the bandana is not. I’m using that tied on my Tory Burch Tote.

I had to review my pictures before writing this next part. The Rory Pant has two 5-star reviews online but I completely disagree with both reviewers. These pants were ridiculous on me. I tried the size 6 first and they were an ok fit but what I noticed was the back was bunching just below the elastic waist and above some unnecessary seam or stitching. I tried on the size 8 and the bunching was much worse. I really think it’s the elastic waist and the pleats it is creating that make them so unflattering, at least on me. Also, the tie at the waist is not removable.

The Canvas color of the Downtown Field Jacket is really nice IRL. I know it’s just a beige color but it’s so simple and perfect if you are looking for something a little lighter in color. It’s also included in the MONDAY promo at 30% off. Lastly, the Bronzed Clay of the Straw Hat with Tassels is another one of my favorites in this roll-out too.

I begin sharing my reviews tomorrow.

Happy Shopping!