This is my eighteenth Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I haven’t missed one yet. Wow. Time flies and I can barely believe it. I spent time at the Seattle Nordstrom flagship store last week helping clients preselect items for their wardrobes. Generally it was a good sale. There are dressier items aplenty, with Athleisure and super casual items taking a backseat.
Interestingly, the flagship used to stock most NAS items in at least one colour. But those days are gone, as shopping online in the US takes centre stage. Although it’s always fun to see NAS items in store, you’ll get the best of the best if you shop the sale online too. It’s especially better for getting the right size and colour. I had a good appointment at the flagship and found great stuff, but supplemented my wishlist with an online order. I found fab stuff for hubs Greg too.
The NAS is full of great jackets and coats across an assortment of silhouettes, fits and sizes. Some looks are tailored, and others fluid, and oversized. There are lots of earth tones and fashion neutrals, but non-neutrals, patterns and brights are represented too. There are several relatively inexpensive items that are very well made, and look better than the designer pieces. Lots of sustainably and ethically produced items too.
This year I will highlight what is DIFFERENT and fab as opposed to winners we see every year. Often, the stock photos do not do the Items justice and that’s where my firsthand impressions will help. Items in the collections show one colour and size, but often come in a range. My lists are by no means exhaustive, so please add to them in the comments section.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you’re wearing the right layers under coats and jackets when you choose a size.
Coats
You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.
- Theory Wool & Cashmere Utility Coat: This is GORGEOUSLY luxe and a more rich lilac in person. Boxy and roomy, yet the shaped hem creates subtle structure. It has handy side entry pockets. The sleeves can be cuffed back if they are long.
- Sam Edelman Mixed Media Wool Blend Trench Coat: Sam Edelman makes fab outerwear and this one does not disappoint. Well made, looks good worn open, good roomy fit on the arms. Elegant and versatile length.
- OPEN EDIT Relaxed Blazer: The stock photo gives the wrong impression of this awesome peacoat. It has a fab Japanese architectural vibe when buttoned up. Genius sleeve design but long and easily hemmed. Lightweight and warm. Boxy and very fluid, yet streamlined and clean. It's suppose to look big and is not a classic tailored peacoat. Roomy on the hips. Nicely made and $99. Fab fabric. You get a better impression when you scroll through the pics. I have the navy and sized down. An easy throw-on-and-go. It has fab side entry pockets.
- Bernardo Packable EcoPlume Hooded Walker Coat: Packable Tailored BLUE Puffer Fabness. Streamlined and well made. Nice dipped back hemline. Comes in black.
- Bernardo Hooded Quilted Long Jacket: If this came in more colours, most of my clients would have it. VERY well made, robust, unique, and fits a range of body types. It might have an inner drawcord for a bit of shaping. Casually chic.
- AVEC LES FILLES Shawl Collar Coat: This is a fab coat if you like a boxy and rounded shoulder look that is very '90s. Looks good worn open. Comes in a cool taupe.
- The North Face 700 Fill Power Stretch Down Parka: A practical, super lightweight, and streamlined sporty active topper for Team Dusty Pink and Mauve.
- Halogen Brushed Plaid Peacoat: One of my clients wouldn't take this off, she loved it so much. VERY cosy and fun. For Team Green, and can work on petites.
- Nordstrom Short Wool Blend Peacoat: A classic peacoat with a Modern Retro sensibility. You either love the gigantic collar or you don't. Can work well on a larger bust. Rich colour.
- Bernardo Houndstooth Check Wool Blend Coat: I love the Modern Retro vibe of this coat. It is GORGEOUS. It has AMAZING architectural and billowing sleeves, that might be overwhelming - but remember that to some extent, that is the point of the look. Oversized and beautiful quality. Long and not easy to hem for shorter arms. Love the fabric, colour, and is handmade apparently. I don't know what that means, but it has a label that indicates that. Unlined but warm. Stunning length too.
- Bernardo Tailored Longline Coat: Sleek, streamlined and classic. Works on a range of body types. Works well on a larger bust. Subtle and simple. Beautiful quality and fabric. Absolutely GORGEOUS detailed stitching on the front and back that accentuate the princess lines. Versatile length for skirts and dresses. It's more of a maxi length on me, and I'm 5ft 6. Comes in tan. The navy is mine.
- Sam Edelman Crested Button Wool Blend Coat: Military Coat Fabness. The buttons are gold and glitzy so consider yourself warned. A little more lightweight than I expected. Low stance.
- Lauren Ralph Lauren Quilted Snap Front Coat: Ralph Lauren makes beautifully classic quilted coats with a casual equestrian vibe. This one is semi-structured with corduroy trim. Streamlined. Impeccable.
- Halogen Double Breasted Coat: Fun green coat with a Modern Retro vibe for Team Kelly Green. The collar makes a statement. Lovely longer length, and comes in tan.
Jackets
You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.
- Zella Quilted Pocket Jacket: This looks MUCH better in person and is a super easy mega casual throw-on-and-go. It's straight and hangs very well. Fab quality and comes in black. Super duper on a larger bust, and or broad shoulder line.
- Halogen Leather Moto Jacket: Best versatile non-moto leather jacket at the sale if you wear black. Great fit and drape. Nice quality. Longer length works well with pants and jeans.
- Cinq A Sept Kylie Blazer: Very fun oversized blazer with loads of embellishment and embroidery. Check out the back detailing. Extremely lightweight, and handy scrunched sleeves. Size down a size.
- 1.State Plaid Double Breasted Blazer: On Trend Oversized Blazer Fabness. Comfy and straight. Looks wonderful with skirts in that early '90s Elaine from Seinfeld way.
- Pendleton Foxglove Fleece Bomber Jacket: A patterned fleece jacket with a '70s integrity. Beautifully made and size down a size.
- Sam Edelman Women's Fleece Trim Faux Leather Bomber Jacket: I have a very similar aviator jacket in red from Sam Edelman that I got several NAS's ago, which is one of the most worn jackets in my outerwear capsule. Striking, comfy, robust, and unique. Great quality.
- Vince Oversize Sweater Knit Blazer: An extremely cosy and soft jacket that can work well when you need layers at home. Fab on broader shoulders and a larger bust. Comes in grey.
- Sam Edelman Mixed Media Puffer Jacket with Faux Fur Trim: ADORABLE jacket, and the bulky hood comes off. Great fluid yet sleek fit. COMFY and cosy. Different. Loved it, but is too earthy for me. Maybe fab for you.
- SAVE THE DUCK Joan Water Repellent Recycled Nylon Puffer Jacket: BEST short puffer at the NAS if you don't need a hood. Save the Duck is hands down my favourite brand of puffer because I prefer not to wear down. Lightweight, easy to launder, excellent quality, comfy, and feels fabulous. This one has an architectural collar and a nice shape. You might need to size down. The colour is too grey for me, and not as blue in person. Could be great on you.
- Veronica Beard Farley Stand Collar Blazer: Structured Tailored Polished Fabness. Impeccable quality, gorgeous rich colour, and might run a size big. The stretch and good fit makes it mould to a range of body types. Can be worn as an item, or as a suit with matching trousers. I have the blazer and bought bottoms to create a suit.
- SAVE THE DUCK Demi Water Repellent Recycled Nylon Puffer Jacket: I can't rave enough about this style of puffer and the GENIUS zipper. I have the citron from last season that is my favourite short puffer of all time. It's streamlined and shaped, very warm, weather resistant, and lightweight. The infinity zipper zips as high up as you want it to, so you can create excellent insulation, especially when wearing the hood.
- BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket: BEST faux leather jacket at the NAS. Beautifully made, very polished, and looks better than the designer faux leather that was on offer. Gold hardware is only on the peachy toffee colour option. The sage and black have silver hardware. The tiny bottom front pocket is a unique touch. Short length looks great with skirts and dresses. Narrow fit. It's $60 well spent.
- Barbour Saltwater Quilted Jacket: A different jacket from Babour with soft stretchy sleeves. Great fit and nice hardware. Good on Team Tall.
- Treasure&Bond Collarless Quilt Jacket: An incredible architectural jacket with a Japanese vibe. Very COS-esque too. Fab rich shade of navy. Well made, genius shallow V-neckline, and the quilted stitching is perfectly lined up. Click the link to see it closed. The sleeves turn back if they are too long. Nice high-low neckline. $79 well spent.
- Vince Camuto Geo Jacquard Ponte Blazer: AMAZING oversized on trend blazer that is soft, stretchy, semi-structured, and dressy. Very comfy. It is GORGEOUS and looks designer with the matching sleeveless halter neck top to create a TWINSET effect. Fab with black bottoms or jeans. Every client who tried on the twinset effect of jacket with matching top loved it.
- AllSaints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket: BEST leather moto at the NAS. Beautifully made, simple, sleek, and is a versatile length. Size up at least one size for a tailored fit. Two sizes for a fluid fit.
- Nordstrom Hooded Quilted Jacket: This olive puffer has a tapered back that structures the topper in an interesting way. Super cute on a range of body types. Straight, yet shaped.
- AVEC LES FILLES Relaxed Blazer: '80s Jacket Fabness for Team Mustard, although it comes in black. Has a bit of a '40s integrity too. Rounded architectural fit with beautiful sleeve darts.
- Zadig & Voltaire Viva Skull Wool Blazer: Fab on trend oversized blazer with fun skull embellishment at the back. Silky and soft. Click the link to see it.
