There are two ways to do the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. One, buy so many things you don’t need in the name of saving money that you actually didn’t save any money. Two, figure out exactly what you need for the fall season and purposefully purchase only those items at a discount. You can guess which method RLS endorses! As personal stylists, we believe in proactive, not reactive shopping. You should always have a list of what you need, or will need to replace soon. This way you can be prepared to buy when you do find something fantastic, and you have something to shop for when the shopping itch hits. Like during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
We’ve compiled this year’s shopping list not with the latest, trendiest pieces you can find at the sale, but with beautiful, basic pieces you can keep wearing for many seasons. Below are mostly pieces and brands we have experience with and can fully endorse your adding to your wardrobe. Keep reading to find out which items we sell over and over to our clients and start clicking to get them on sale for yourself! This is a great time to restock on basics too!
Happy Shopping!
 
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Waterproof Boots
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The first item on our shopping list is waterproof booties. I can’t tell you how many clients we’ve had buy these Blondo Valli booties. If you are one of them, now is your chance to get another color for a steal! And don’t worry, there are 8 colors to choose from. Not only are they completely weather-proof, but they’re cozy, comfortable, and have a very walk-able heel. If you already have fashionable waterproof booties and you need the real deal for crazy storms, there are a few styles of Hunter boots available as well.
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Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie, $149.95 $99.90
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Blondo Eloise Waterproof Bootie, $159.95 $104.90
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Aquatalia Tilly Weatherproof Bootie, $450 $299.90
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Hunter Original Tour Gloss Packable Rain Boot, $150 $99.90
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Hunter Original Refined Chelsea Waterproof Rain Boot, $145 $94.90
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A Power Color Blazer
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We’ve preached the necessity of a Power Color many times. If you don’t have your power color in your wardrobe already, look for a jacket in your confidence-inducing color now! If you’re not working in an office environment, or you work in a very casual place, check out the J.Crew sweater blazer for a cozy but polished outfit-maker.
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J.Crew Dover Blazer, $198 $130.90
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Halogen Single Breasted Blazer, $129 $85.90
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J.Crew New Lightweight Sweater Blazer, $138 $91.90
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Ponte Trousers
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Something we’re constantly telling women, especially when speaking to groups of moms, is that ponte pants are your friend. They’re stretchy, comfortable, yet structured enough that they can go from work to weekend. If you’re stressed about finding pants that fit, try these below. The NYDJ Trousers are especially great for our tall friends, with a 32″ inseam!
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Vince Camuto Ponte Ankle Pants, $74 $48.90
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NYDJ Stretch Knit Trousers, $119 $78.90
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NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Ponte Pants, $119 $78.90
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Block Heel Pumps
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We recommend block heel pumps to all of our clients because they are more sturdy, typically more comfortable, and more modern than a standard stiletto silhouette. A go-to for many of our clients is the Marc Fisher Zala pump, but these look-alike pumps in the sale are also a great option.
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1.State Saffy Block Heel Pump, $89.95 $59.90
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AGL Slingback Pumps, $370 $244.90
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Marc Fisher LTD Yovani Pointy Toe Pump, $169.95 $109.90
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A Pointed Flat
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Like a block-heel pump, the sleek pointed-toe flat is the updated look for flat shoes. The Marc Fisher option is a hybrid of a flat and a loafer, and is a great pairing for almost any pant silhouette. The Naturalizer and  Cole Haan options are great for those who need some extra cushioning in their shoes.
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Cole Haan Ramsey Flat, $150 $99.90
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Marc Fisher Zurri Pointy Toe Loafer, $149.95 $99.90
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Naturalizer Sammi d’Orsay Flat, $89.95 $59.90
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Faux Leather
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Nothing says fall like faux leather. We recommend the Spanx faux leather leggings to everyone, which are on sale in regular and plus sizes. The Commando bodysuit is a piece that debuted last year that we’ve been dying to see on someone.
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Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, $98 $64.90
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Commando Faux Leather Bodysuit, $98 $64.90
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Halogen Faux Leather Moto Jacket, $129 $85.90
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An Alternative to Skinny Jeans
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We’ve been coming out with our alternative to shorts posts every summer for a few years now. Last year, we came out with our first alternative to skinny jeans post for fall. While skinny jeans are technically still in style, we find that so many of our clients have grown tired of squeezing into this tight silhouette. If this resonates with you, try out some of the wide-leg or kick flare jeans on sale.
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Levi’s Ribcage Super High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans, $98 $64.90
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Good American Good Curve High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans, $179 $119.90
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Frame Le Sylvie High Waist Kick Boot Crop Jeans, $240 $159.90
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Sanctuary Wide Leg Cropped Pants, $99 $65.90
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Comfortable Sneakers
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Whether you use your sneakers for commuting to work or running around with the kids, it’s important that your sneakers are fashionable too! No frumpy running sneakers with your cute outfits. 🙂 These sneakers have a sleek, low profile so they won’t detract if you have to wear them with business clothes, but they’re also cute and stylish for your weekend outfits.
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Cole Haan GrandPro Sneaker, $130 $84.90
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Nike Blazer Low Sneaker, $75 $55.90
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Dr. Scholl’s Original Collection Scout Slip On Sneaker, $79.95 $49.90
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A Cotton Cargo Jacket
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A cargo jacket is another great mommy staple. You feel cool and edgy, but your cotton jacket will be machine washable for any accidents that happen. Throw it over your jeans and t-shirt with your comfortable sneakers and you’re put-together and ready to go.
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Avec Les Filles Cotton Canvas Cargo Jacket, $168 $99.90
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Caslon Metallic Stitch Utility Jacket, $89 $59.90
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Treasure & Bond Camo Military Jacket, $99 $65.90
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A Fashionable Winter Coat
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A practical but fashionable winter coat is a necessity. Just ask Lani, she has a collection 🙂 Most people are put off from this purchase by the price tag so the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the perfect opportunity to buy yourself the coat of your dreams. Lani used to joke that when the kids were babies she would drop them at daycare in her pajamas but would always have a fabulous coat on top so no one would notice. True story! You can get away with a lot when your coat is awesome. Not to mention it is the last thing you put on when running out the door so it should make you feel your best.
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Theory Oaklane Wool & Cashmere Wrap Coat, $895 $598.90
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Halogen Double Face Coat, $199 $129.90
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Avec Les Filles Star Double Face Trench Coat, $285 $189.90
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Lafayette 148 Valasca Reversible Wool & Cashmere Jacket, $998 $658.90
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Avec Les Filles Moto Detail Wool Blend Twill Coat, $335 $219.90
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Underwear and Foundation Pieces
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Once a year you should go for a professional bra fitting and clean out and update your undergarments. This includes socks, tights, bras, underwear, tights, and tanks. The seamless tanks from Halogen, the Spanx Undie-tectable panties, and the Chantelle seamless underwear are the pieces we especially sell over and over to our clients. Your clothes will fit so much better with the correct foundation pieces. Higher rise underwear is wardrobe changing. Trust us. So is the Wacoal side-smoothing bra. Time to start shopping!
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Halogen Seamless Two-Way Camisole, $29 $20.90
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Halogen Seamless Two-Way Tank, $29 $20.90
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Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hipster Panties, $24 $15.90
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Chantelle C Magnifique Nouveau Full Coverage Underwire Bra, $69 $45.90
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Chantelle Lingerie Soft Stretch Seamless Hipster Panties, $20 $14.90
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Chantelle Lingerie Soft Stretch High Waist Seamless Briefs, $20 $14.90
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Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra, $62 $40.90
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Wacoal Ultimate Side Smoother Underwire T-Shirt Bra, $68 $44.90
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Nordstrom 6-Pack No-Show Liner Socks, $25 $15.90
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Spanx Luxe Leg Shaping Tights, $28 $18.50
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Lani Inlander is a personal stylist who has been working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day for over 15 years. You can find her in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. Learn how you can train with Lani to become a personal stylist at The Stylist Studio.Â
You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
