The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is typically one of the retail highlights of my year. I read the blogs. I save items to my wishlist. I spend an embarrassing number of hours reviewing every page of product and place multiple orders. The dopamine kicks into overdrive with every add to cart.
But this year is different. We are experiencing a global pandemic. I now work from home and haven’t left the house except for a few vet appointments and trips to the grocery store. I haven’t seen my friends or co-workers in person this entire time. And I have not worn real pants in 5 months. FIVE MONTHS. I am scared of real pants now. I have blow dried my hair twice and applied mascara less than a handful of times. My spending habits are different because life is different.
Like so many people, we’ve been impacted financially. It’s enough that I’m being more thoughtful about consumption (and my husband’s wrath). We are still beyond fortunate and, in so many ways, COVID-19 shined a very bright light on our privilege. So I won’t be spending with reckless abandon during the Anniversary Sale this year, hoarding sweaters and booties and beauty products and home goods. I’ll buy a few things that I know will be well-worn, will last, and will fit this current state of affairs.
So, without further ado, I’ve curated a collection of items I’m buying for myself, goodies that I’ve bought in years past and loved, plus a few other splurge-worthy options. Enjoy!
BP Cozy Top: I bought a similar style last year and honestly nothing says pandemic chic to me more than tie dye.
BP Joggers: If you’re gonna get the top, you gotta get the bottoms.
Free People Arden Extra Long Cotton Top: I love Free People tops (they are consistently so well-made) but I refuse to pay full price. I bought a similar style pre-pandemic in light blue. Cozy and long. Covers the bum. Great with leggings.
Free People Main Squeeze Hacci Sweater: Continuing my love of Free People. This just looks like the perfect sweater to pair with leggings and slippers and sit on the porch with a fire in the fireplace while drinking a glass of wine and watching bravo.
Free People Turnt Bodysuit: I don’t think I can pull off a bodysuit nor do I think I want to (long torso probs), but if you are someone who can, please get this and report back.
Chelsea28 Ribbed Off the Shoulder Sweater: So cute and looks really cozy, but also I need another sweater like I need a hole in the head.
Leith Cozy Long Cardigan: I have two of these from past anniversary sales and, while they do pill a little bit, they are cozy yet flattering and can be dressed up or down with skinny jeans or leggings. Also great for travel.
Nordstrom Signature Cascade Double Face Wool & Cashmere Coat: She is an investment, but oh my god. She is beauty. She is grace.
The North Face Miss Metro II Water Repellant Hooded Parka: So warm and cozy and great if you live in a climate with insane winter wind chill. I used to own one, but accidentally melted the back of it while standing too close to a fire and all of the feathers blew away (True story), but now I live in the south and it’s just not that cold. (PS runs small)
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Long Cardigan: Barefoot Dreams cardigans are actual dreams come true. They hold up so well, even in the dryer, and can be worn around the house, when traveling (perfect for planes – remember those?) or while running errands. Y’all need at least one Barefoot Dreams cardi.
Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Pajamas: These are the best pajamas on earth forever and ever amen. I also love this print, but I have approximately 8 pairs of these pajamas already from prior anniversary sales and must restrain myself.
BP Sleepy Lounge Tee: I love to stock up on tees like these for all lounge occasions. The price is just so good and these are so soft and drapey.
Zella Restore Soft Longline Bra: I have 0% interest in brassieres right now but sometimes you do have to go out in public and this seems like a very comfortable option for doing just that.
Ugg Fluffette Slipper: Are you sensing a theme? Do I ever want to return to normal clothes and shoes or do I just want to live in comfortable and cozy and soft forever????
BP Maya Mule: BP shoes are always a good value and I love a mule and the snakeskin adds a fun twist for a very, very good price.
Caslon Aidy Water Resistant Wedge Sneaker: These run too narrow for my sasquatch feet, but perhaps they’d look great on you.
Kork-Ease Lanka Wedge Mule: I have a pair of Kork-Ease booties from five years ago that are still going strong. They are so well-made and really comfy and also I love a wedge and a mule and here’s both married together in footwear harmony.
Adidas Swift Run Sneaker: These are the most comfortable, perfect for long walks and the elliptical and running errands (but probably not “serious running”) sneaks. I have them in black from a few years ago, but really wanted these. Alas they have already sold out in my Fred Flinstone feet size.
Kiehl’s Jumbo Ultra Facial Cleanser: This is not exciting, but I love this cleanser (no fragrance, straightforward ingredients) and it’s a good price for a super-sized tube.
Charlotte Tilbury Glowing Gorgeous Eye Secrets Set: In the Before times, when I wore makeup every day, these creamy eye shadows were my favorite. They last all day and I like that I can swipe them on with my finger in the car on my way to work like a true adult woman.
Le Labo Santal 33 & AnOther 13 Ea de Parfum Duo: This gift set is only available during the anniversary sale and is an excellent value for two of their best fragrances. when I actually used to leave the house, I wore another 13 every day and have never received more compliments about a fragrance in my life.
Slip Mega Scrunchie Set: You might be saying “$45 for scrunchies?” and you are not wrong. That’s a lot of money for some scrunchies. But these are the best scrunchies. I don’t make the rules.
NEST Grapefruit & Sicilian Tangerine Classic Candle Duo: Nest candles (and reed diffusers) are the best. They are strong and the fragrance lasts. Sicilian Tangerine is one of my favorites. I was introduced to it by a NY Mag article about Carole Radziwell and she did not steer me wrong.
Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw: Amazing price and these hold up so. well. even after tons of washings and pug snugs.