NAS Top Picks: Dresses

There are some fab dresses at the sale. Even my clients who seldom wear dresses brought a couple home. The best dress at the NAS does not seem to be on sale online, so it may have been a Nordstrom flagship NAS special. It’s the Max Mara Tubo Long Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress, which I’ve added at the end of the collection in case you see it in stores. It was offered in cranberry and black at the flagship. If you like it, I hope it finds you.

  • Ted Baker London Faustaa Long Sleeve Jersey Dress: We didn't have high hopes for what we thought would be an overly clingy dress. Turns out it's not that clingy, and has a fab drape to it. Nice neckline. The front knot and pleat detail adds a lot of interest. It comes in a tan, and was great on petites.
  • Maggy London Print Ruched Waist Midi Dress: If you like to wear bold patterned fit-and-flare midi dresses, try this one. It's substantial, drapes well and has a good fit. Easy to launder and does not crease. You have to be okay with the puffy sleeves though. The neckline is high, but it has a keyhole opening which offsets it a little. Nice bit of swoosh.
  • Julia Jordan Mixed Scarf Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress: '70s fabness in an on-trend patchwork pattern. This dress looks much better in person. It's mesh and fits really well. Fab drape and lightweight, yet insulated and feels substantial. The V-neckline is unique and that part was especially flattering on clients who enjoy the neckline. It worked well on petites.
  • Eliza J Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress: A classic for Team Teal Floral that comes in a large assortment of sizes. Elegant and versatile. Might run a little roomy.
  • Charles Henry High/Low Knit Dress: An easy and casual knit dress that comes in black and burgundy. It fits a range of body types because of the fluidity of the dropped waist and gathered tiers. The high-low hemline adds pizzazz. Fab movement. Good worn as a tunic too. Works for petites.
  • Julia Jordan Boatneck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress: A cute sweater dress if you like to wear this type of look with hosiery and tall boots. Mid-calf boots look good too. It's fitted, but not that clingy. The waist is straight. The sleeves are gorgeous and make a statement. Comes in black.
  • Julia Jordan Floral Puff Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress: The lining of this dress is especially comfortable. It has a back necktie, so make sure that doesn't get in the way. The fit is fab for Team Defined Waist who like earth tones and teal. It layers quite easily under toppers, which is handy. Nice drape.
  • T Tahari Mock Neck Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress: A classic that is versatile when you need a dressier dress that isn't black. Substantial fabric. Comes in cobalt. It's fitted but not clingy. Good on those who like to wear sheaths with high necklines.
  • Eliza J Pleated Sleeve Sheath Dress: This dress makes a statement because the sleeves are wider and more architectural in person. The fit is quite forgiving because of the weight of the fabric. Great on Team Sheath and a great classic to pull out for a dressier occasion. Gorgeous navy.
  • MAX MARA LEISURE Tubo Long Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress: A petite client tried this on in cranberry, and took my breath away. STUNNING in the most avant-garde yet classic way. The textured fabric and silhouette are sublime. Voluminous yet very streamlined. The sleeves look better scrunched. The back has a shallow V-neckline, which looks pretty. Does not crease or cling. A WOW dress.
  • MAX MARA LEISURE Tubo Long Sleeve Jersey Midi Dress: A petite client tried this on in cranberry, and took my breath away. STUNNING in the most avant-garde yet classic way. The textured fabric and silhouette are sublime. Voluminous yet very streamlined. The sleeves look better scrunched. The back has a shallow V-neckline, which looks pretty. Does not crease or cling. A WOW dress.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

NAS Top Picks: Tops and Knitwear

There were a handful of good tops, and some fab knitwear, but generally this area of the sale was not up to scratch. You might strike out if you aren’t into neutrals or earth tones, although there was a little teal, red, pink and blush. That said, if you are looking for Athleisure, there is a pretty good assortment. Most of my clients gave Athleisure a pass after a significant stock up during the last sixteen months of the pandemic, but by all means take a peek.

  • Madewell Stripe Pickford Pullover Sweater: A cute cotton pullover in a lavender stripe with unique side vent detailing. Might run a size big.
  • Nordstrom Longline Wool & Cashmere Cardigan: If you like to wear maxi cardigans, try this one. It's swooshy, drapey, dramatic, and feels yummy to the touch. Three more neutrals.
  • Halogen Puff Sleeve Sweater: A soft and stretchy fluid pullover that comes in five soft colours. Pretty sleeves. Works well on a larger bust. Lightweight. Fluidly tailored and forgiving on the midsection. Might run big.
  • Club Monaco Shrunken Cashmere Cardigan: A pretty and soft little cardigan that works well with skirts and higher rise bottoms. I like it worn as a top. Soft, luxe, and a lovely fit.
  • Theory Cashmere Crewneck Sweater: A luxe classic that comes in neutrals. Nice tailored fit. Not clingy. The substantial ribbing on the neckline adds a polished touch. Comes in two neutrals.
  • French Connection Jamie Textured Cotton Sweater: I've ordered this one and will let you know what I think. I was drawn to the 100% cotton content, crisp shade of white, short length, and billowing sleeves.
  • French Connection Mozart Popcorn Cotton Sweater: I've ordered this one in white because it reminds me of an achitectural COS piece. Another 100% cotton item. I love the neat, tidy, and high neckline.
  • AllSaints Ridley Funnel Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater: Dramatic, on-trend, and great over slim bottoms. Runs a size big. It does not layer well under a tailored coat. Best under a cape or very roomy cocoon coat.
  • Club Monaco Textured Balloon Sleeve Top: Pretty and polished. Lovely quality. Looks great with skirts and wider high-rise bottoms.
  • AllSaints Lock Roll Neck Wool Blend Sweater: A fably architectural look that runs big. Its roominess is tempered by the diagonal line of the hem. The funnel neck works quite well on a shorter neck. If you don't mind extra length on the sleeves, it can work well on petites.
  • Zadig & Voltaire Camo Skull Strass Sweatshirt: This one is for Team Skulls, and comes in grey. Cosy and fluid.
  • Boss Emka Jacquard Sweater: This top is GORGEOUS with the matching skirt to create a sublime two-piece dress. Tailored with some fluidity. One of my 80-year-old clients has the two-piece dress and it took my breath away.
  • Zella Women's Sheer Luck Long Sleeve Mesh T-Shirt: This worked well on a curvy body type with a larger bust. Fitted, but quite forgiving. Comes in solid black, and a quiet grey geometric pattern. Feels a little silky.
  • Nic + Zoe Champion Rib Tie Top: A good top to wear with wide crops and skirts. Remember to tie the tie with a square knot so that it lies flat. Especially great with grey hair. Soft, forgiving fit, and comfy.
  • RAILS Ingrid Raw Hem Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt: This looked great on clients with salt and pepper hair. It's shorter than the norm, and good on shorter waists, and petites. Fun raw edge.
  • RAILS Hunter Button-Up Shirt: A super soft plaid shirt that is a repeat item at the sale, and popular with my clients. Very drapey. Three plaids to choose from.
  • Nanushka Naum Classic Faux Leather Shirt: This looked STUNNING on one of my apple-shaped petite clients who wore it UNTUCKED over black pants. It's fun worn as a topper over a sheath dress too. You can turn back the sleeves to create cuffs if they are too long. A richer burgundy in person.
  • Reiss Mabel Stripe Button-Up Shirt: A beautiful blouse in an interesting geometric pattern with an elegant fluid drape. Great on apple shapes. Lovely tab sleeves.
  • Nordstrom Everyday Long Sleeve Crewneck Rib T-Shirt: I don't typically wear T-shirts, but got this one because the fit and fabric is crisp and polished, and a blush and cream stripe is rare. I wore it the next day under a denim jacket for a long flight and it was perfect. Fitted, and you might need to size up. Comes in black and white.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

NAS Top Picks: Accessories

The accessories at the sale were good, and are well worth a browse. It’s a smaller assortment than usual, but a focussed one. There was as much silver as gold in the jewellery department, many crossbody bag styles, some good belts, some good hats, and a few fab scarves. 

Here are some winners.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Read More

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Read More

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Top Picks: Footwear

The 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a good one for footwear. There are lots of great boots, sneakers, sandals and loafers, and in a wider assortment of silhouettes and colours than what is typical for the NAS. There are lots of shoes in shades of olive and brown, and plenty of red if you browse thoroughly. Lug-soled shoes are popular and a trendy nod to ‘90s fashion. Generally, styles skewed casual and smart casual, which is in keeping with today’s relaxed dress codes and informal attire. I don’t usually buy footwear at the sale but unexpectedly came home with two pairs.

There are multiple colours of many styles so be sure to click the links and browse the options. Read the reviews for an alternative opinion to mine.

  • Hunter Original Play Speckled Platform Waterproof Rain Boot: A good-quality rain boot with unique details like the salt and pepper low wedge heel, and back tab. Comes in dark charcoal. Comfy, and fits a range of foot shapes. The tops do not cut into your shins. It would have been mine in navy or cream because rain boots are on my shopping list.
  • Steve Madden Finn Chain Pointed Toe Mule: These are not supportive, and rather flat, but quite soft and comfy nonetheless. A cute easy shoe to slip on and off if mules stay on your feet. Comes in many solids.
  • Paul Green Jano Lug Sole Bootie: As far as lug-soled boots go, these are on the less chunky side, and comfortable. The subtle wedge heel looks fresh. Casual, a little rugged, yet quite refined.
  • OluKai Ohana Flip Flop: These robust and comfortable flip-flops offer good support, and come in ten colours.
  • Aquatalia Dayana Water Resistant Stretch Bootie: A dressier navy weatherproof bootie is hard to find, and this one fits the bill. Good on lower volume feet, but sometimes doable on wider feet when sizing up half a size. Neat ankle fit with a versatile higher shaft that looks good with longer dresses and skirts, and cropped pants or jeans. Comes in three more neutrals.
  • FRAME Le Lexington Chelsea Boot: These are elegant on the foot, and dressy in a relaxed way. The pointier toe looks fab peeking out from flared hems. They look good with earthy toppers and are quite comfy. Available in black and white.
  • Stuart Weitzman City Buckle Bootie: These are roomier in the toe box than you think, especially when you size up half a size. The elastic back makes them extra comfy and soft on the shaft.
  • PIKOLINOS Vicar Combat Boot: Soft, comfy, roomy and rugged. Works well on wider feet, but you can adjust the laces to the desired width. Comes in three more neutrals.
  • AGL Miledy Flat: Soft and cushioning flats that I tried to make fit, but were a little too wide for my low-volume feet. The puffy texture is interesting. Pretty on the foot, and comes in black.
  • Sperry Saltwater Quilted Waterproof Rain Boot: A repeat style that works well every season. I bought a cream pair six years ago, and they are great. They run wide, but I've managed to make them fit with multiple insoles. Comes in four more colours of which one is a forest green.
  • 27 EDIT NATURALIZER 27 Edit Hellen Chain Loafer: Super cute sporty loafers that are very soft and cushioning. They work well on a wider foot, and look good with jeans and casual pants. Comes in black and white.
  • Vionic Amora Loafer: These are SUBLIME and earned a place in my wardrobe. They are supportive, soft, buttery, very comfortable, and warm. Love the fuzzy lining. The strategically placed elastic on the sides is clever because it makes the loafer stay on your foot. Good for narrow heels. And the side elastic does not cut into your heels like back elastic does. Chic on the foot. Well-made. Comes in black.
  • Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneaker: Comfy, neat and very polished. Lovely quality. Lots of room for long toes. They were a little wide for me, so a no go. They are the type of fashion sneaker that looks good with dressier pants, jeans and suits. Comes in black and white.
  • Aquatalia Laila Water Resistant Bootie: A refined hiking boot vibe that is weatherproof. Best on a lower volume foot, although you can adjust the width a little with the laces. Neat tailored fit on the ankle. Comes in black.
  • Timberland Courmayeur Valley Chelsea Boot: Rugged yet tidy Chelsea boots with contrast burgundy elastic. Comfy, and good on wider feet. High insteps may battle a bit with the slip-on silhouette. Comes in cinnamon with contrast olive elastic.
  • VAGABOND SHOEMAKERS Marja Cap Toe Bootie: A repeat style bootie in a great classic silhouette that is very versatile. Dress them up or down. The pointy toe adds refinement. Size up for wider feet.
  • Sam Edelman Lex Boot: These are GREAT, and earned a place in my wardrobe. They are chunky in a refined way and super comfy. The long shaft makes them ideal to wear with midis, midaxis, and cropped pants. The tailored fit on my ankles and shaft is welcome too. Easy side zipper access. Comes in an interesting shade of olive, black, and toffee.
  • Franco Sarto Waxton Chelsea Boot: An on-trend '90s square toe with a great block heel. Comfy, and comes in rich neutrals.
  • Linea Paolo Kandis Wedge Sneaker: Wedge Sneaker Fabness, and another nod to the '90s. Lots of good reviews. You might need to go up half a size because they run short and narrow.
  • Cole Haan ZeroGrand Stitchlite Oxford Sneaker: An extremely comfy perforated oxford sneaker hybrid with a good bit of support. Very soft and cushioning. Can work well on wider feet. Comes in white with orange trim, and black with animal print trim.
  • Sam Edelman Poppy Sneaker: These are roomy and the silver is delicious. Good for high insteps and wider feet. Comes in three more neutrals and some pastels.
  • Blondo Sawyer Waterproof Bootie: These waterproof boots are quite polished and tidy. The cut-out adds a nice bit of detail. Not too wide on the ankle. Like most Blondo boots, they run short so not so great for long toes. They are suited to lower volume feet and come in three shades of brown.
  • La Canadienne Cara Waterproof Combat Boot: Haute hiking boot fabness. Puddle proof and fits an assortment of foot shapes. The olive suede is unique, and the lug sole on-trend. Comes in black.
  • Adidas Swift Run X Sneaker: Spongy, sporty, and with more than five hundred glowing reviews. Blush and white animal print is unique.
  • Paul Green Jackson Lug Sole Boot: Well-made, soft, and comfy. Fits a range of foot shapes. The contrast of the black laces and sole are visually striking. The dark red version is as striking. Comes in black and grey too.
  • Mephisto Lissandra Platform Wedge Sandal: Supportive, comfy, classic, and good for your feet if you can manage the wedge heel. They work on an assortment of foot shapes because you can adjust the width of the straps. There are nine interesting colour combinations, and very good reviews.
  • Mephisto Rebecca Perforated Sneaker: These are super cute, warm, and VERY comfortable. Great support. I almost got them, but decided that red hi-tops are better suited to my Pacific North West needs. Comes in neutrals.
  • Paul Green James Lug Sole Chelsea Boot: I almost bought these but the sole was too chunky and the colour a little dark for my "shades of white" footwear capsule. But they are very lightweight and comfy. Tailored and neat despite their very casual appearance. They are a pull-on style without a zipper.
  • Louise Et Cie Lenah Square Toe Bootie: Dressy, and very pretty on the foot. Tailored ankle fit. Reasonably comfy if you can manage the heel height. You might need to size down half a size. Three more lovely neutral options.
  • Vince Warren Platform Slip-On Sneaker: Comfy and sleek on the foot, and can fit an orthotic. Lightweight, and polished.
  • Gentle Souls By Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls Signature Colleen Wedge Sandal: Extremely comfortable wedges if you can handle the heel height. Good on lower volume feet. Comes in three more neutrals.
  • Munro Hallie Block Heel Sandal: Classic strappy sandals that are versatile, comfortable, and available in narrow widths and black.
  • Nike Court Vintage Premium Sneaker: A comfy and modern retro sneaker that comes in two more colours.
  • Söfft Carrey Slide Sandal: An extremely comfy slide for a wider foot. It covers quite a bit of the foot, and is great for now, or the start of Fall. Fab for Spring too. Quite stable. Fun circular stacked heel. The orange is darker and more cinnamon in person. Comes in neutrals.
  • SCHUTZ Maurissa Lace-Up Boot: Comfy, hard-edged, and works well on low and medium volume feet. Great tailored fit on the calf. Not good for high insteps.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Nordstrom
AGL Miledy Flat
View Info
Top Pick
6
Nordstrom
Vionic Amora Loafer
View Info
Top Pick
19

NAS Top Picks: Bottoms

The denim assortment at the sale was pretty good this year, and across a wider assortment of sizes than usual. There was a small assortment of casual and dressy pants, and some winners among them. There were even fewer skirts, because it’s a dress season. There was a lot of Athleisure, which most of my clients were done purchasing sixteen months into the pandemic, but by all means take a peek at the full set of offerings if that’s your thing.

  • Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Raw Hem Straight Leg Jeans: These jeans work on a range of body types because they mould to the body. A fairly even darker wash, and the whiskering is more flattering than you expect. Rise not too high. Might need to size down.
  • NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans: Floral Jeans Fabness. Bootcuts are making an on-trend comeback, and these fit the bill. They fit a straighter and curvier body type. Good mid-length rise. Great length for taller gals, and you might need to size down. Fab '70s integrity.
  • Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans: Good relaxed and cuffed on-trend jeans that fit a range of body types. The front pocket detailing adds a nice touch. You might need to size down, especially when you're straighter in the hips and thighs.
  • Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jeans: These have been good on a curvier body type. The rise is quite high, so pass if you prefer a mid-length rise. They have been great on those who are long in the rise.
  • Levi's Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans: The best on-trend jeans at the sale. Flattering, fun, and comfortable. Not too tight, and fluidly fab. Streamlined, and smart casual.
  • AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans: These worked well for a straighter and curvier figure, but run big. I liked them best cuffed or rolled at the hem. A few clients rocked them with a belt.
  • Boss Tiluna Slim Wool & Silk Suit Pants: I haven't seen these in person yet, but have them on order to go with a matching blazer. Hugo Boss often uses a silky wool for its suiting, which is luxe and gorgeous. The rise is a good length, and the fit fluidly tailored. I will have them altered if the fit is almost dead right.
  • Zella Live In Jogger Pants: These have been a hit with clients since the start of the pandemic and continue to be popular. They are comfortable, easy to launder, and there is plenty of length for Team Tall. Fab for Zoom meetings with a dressed up top.
  • Spanx Faux Leather Jogger Pants: If you like joggers and faux leather, try these. Roomier than faux leather leggings and quite breathable. Might need to size down.
  • Nordstrom Everyday Skinny Fit Stretch Cotton Ankle Pants: These look better in person. They are skinny, but not quite as skinny as jeggings. They are substantial, a nice colour, and not as high in the rise as they look. Comes in black.
  • Levi's Levi’s 501 High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans: These trendy jeans look good on a range of body types, and can be worn tailored or fluidly tailored. They don't have much stretch. Nice even wash. Size up for a more fluid fit.
  • Boss Telareama Button Accent Crop Pants: Gorgeous, luxe, different, and fits a curvier and straighter body type. Fun side seam buttons. Rise is quite high, but drapes well on the body.
  • Nili Lotan Jenna Slim Crop Stretch Twill Pants: If you're curvier and like a mid-length rise, try these. They have worked well on petites.
  • WASH LAB Pieced Denim Skirt: This midaxi is a LOT of skirt, and makes quite the statement. It has an architectural vibe to it, and is quite unique. It's soft and stretchy, and very comfy. Comes in blue.
  • Boss Emkara Cotton Blend Pencil Skirt: One of my 80-year-old clients sent me a photo of herself in this skirt with the matching top to create a two-piece dress, and took my breath away. KILLER GORGEOUS, luxe and chic. Beautiful with her salt and pepper hair, and comfy to boot. Get the matching top!
  • Caslon Sweater Knit Skirt: A very easy and comfy knitted skirt with fun side slits that aren't too revealing.
  • Cinq A Sept Azure Crop Wide Leg Jeans: I have these on order because I've liked the brand in the past and adore the wide leg silhouette. The fabric might be a little too thin for my liking, but I will report back soonest.
  • Cinq A Sept Tous Les Jour Giles Joggers: These are a repeat style that do well every season, if you like the idea of a jogger and harem pants hybrid. They are VERY lightweight so consider yourself warned. They work well on a range of body types because they are forgiving. They look good with UNTUCKED tops, and are a delicious shade of teal.
  • Halogen Pleated Faux Leather Maxi Skirt: This skirt works on a range of body types because it moulds to the body. The pleats lie flat and create a streamlined effect. It has worked well on petites.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.