Once again, RLS is here to focus your Nordstrom Anniversary Sale shopping. This is a great opportunity to fill gaps in your wardrobe. The challenge is not to get carried away by the frenzy. Doing so will clog your closet with pieces you won’t wear.
What’s the trick? Use the seven RLS Edit categories below to curate your own Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wishlist. Do you know how to create a Wishlist? First, make sure you are signed into your Nordstrom account. Second, when you find an item you like, look under the item details on the right side for +Wishlist under the Add to Bag bar once an item is available to buy, or for the +Wishlist bar if it is not.

Nordstrom NYC Anniversary Sale Decorations!
Although items do get restocked, they sell out pretty quickly. The best strategy is to have your Wishlist ready to go, then jump on the Nordstrom website the first day you have access to the sale. The sale goes live at 9:30am EST/6:30am PST on each access day. Add your Wishlist to your shopping bag, then check out immediately.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is being conducted differently this year. Everyone is able to see a preview of the items for sale beginning July 24th. The sale is opened to cardholders in stages (depending upon your Nordy Club status) beginning August 4th, and to the public August 19th. If you want to get in early, you can apply for a Nordstrom card online. To see the date you are eligible to shop the Anniversary Sale, log into your Nordstrom account online. And if you are a client who needs help deciding what to buy, email me!
Happy Shopping!

P.S. Most of the items come in multiple colors so click through to see all of the options!
Cozy in Quarantine
Yes, I know it is August and hotter than Hell. Soon it will be September, and you’ll wish you had refreshed last year’s cozy work-from-home sweater. Also on the cozy at home checklist are fancy sweats, dressed-up joggers, fresh pajamas, sophisticated leggings, and house shoes. None of my handpicked options will disappoint. Pro Tip: Most of this category would be a great start to your holiday shopping (for less)!
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Long Weekend Cardigan, $147.00, $85.90
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Long Weekend Cardigan is sophisticated enough to show up on Zoom and cozy enough to keep you warm all winter long.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan, $116.00, $68.90
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan is great if you like a collar or are looking for a shorter (but still cozy) option.
Madewell Kent Cardigan Sweater, $98.00, $59.90
Madewell’s Kent Cardigan Sweater is perfect for both work at home and weekend brunch (when we do that again). Just add black jeans and short suede booties for instant style.
AllSaints Rib Knit Ruana, $168.00, $111.90
I love the sophistication of this AllSaints Rib Knit Ruana cape. The shape will work well for travel too (when we do that again).
Caslon Sweater Hoodie, $69.00, $39.90
I picture buying this Caslon Sweater Hoodie and wearing it straight from November through February. A sweater hoodie is a brilliant idea and this one looks super cozy.
BP. Cozy Top, $39.00, $24.90 and Jogger Pant, $39.00, $24.90
Yes, you are allowed to wear a full-on sweatsuit if it is one of these cute matching patterns from BP. Click through to see all the amazing patterns available, especially if you’re not as tie-dye obsessed as us!
Halogen High Waist Ponte Leggings, $49.00, $28.90
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know we love ponte! How about these Halogen High Waist Ponte Leggings with your long cozy cardigan instead of exercise clothes everyday?
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings, $59.00, $38.90
If you must wear exercise leggings every day, make it these Zella Live In High Waist Leggings. Their matte texture looks sophisticated enough that one might mistake them for real leggings. Also, that waistband looks sooo comfy.
Zella Live In Jogger Pants, $59.00, $38.90
A sophisticated jogger pant is a quarantine MUST. Trust me. If you don’t feel like wearing real pants, these offer a good compromise. Comfort but a style “level up” from leggings.
Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Crop Pajamas, $55.00, $35.90
These pajamas are totally going in my early holiday present stash. For myself 😉 I like that this style mixes up the short sleeve button up top with long pants, although there is also an option with long sleeves. What better time to clean out our pajama drawer? This is it!
Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Short Pajamas, $49.00, $29.90
This style is the same as above but with shorts, perfect for summer or for those of you who are hot sleepers. Click through to check out all the different colors the three styles come in.
Pro Tip: I had pajamas in this exact style that also doubled as perfect nursing pajamas. For moms of young ones, consider these.
Barefoot Dreams Namaste Two-Piece Lounge Set, $145.00, $86.90
Although I do not practice this personally, I have heard about people who change into “day pajamas” from their “night pajamas” during quarantine. The Barefoot Dreams Namaste Two-Piece Lounge Set strike me as the perfect “day pajamas”.
Ugg Cozette Genuine Shearling Slipper, $79.95, $49.90
The Ugg Cozette Genuine Shearling Slipper seems like the perfect slipper these days. There is a substantial sole so they feel like real shoes, and the shearling will keep your feet warm, but not too warm, because they are open-toed. These slide slippers also force you to engage in some self care by keeping up your pedicure!
Madewell Remi Mule, $88.00, $49.90
Remember just because you might be at home, doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish! The Madewell Remi Mule is your answer. They are sophisticated enough to wear with “real clothes,” and casual enough to wear with leggings or jeans. No need to change if you pop out to run an errand!
Go Forth Adventurer
What kind of adventures are you going on these days? More people are hiking than ever. However, just going to the grocery store has also become quite the adventure, which is why I’m including coats in this section. Also, if you are only socializing outside, you need a fabulous coat.
Avec Les Filles Star Double Face Trench Coat, $299.00, 169.90
One of our clients purchased the Avec Les Filles Star Double Face Trench Coat coat last year and can’t walk out the door without getting a compliment on it. Need a major fall pick-me-up? This is it.
Free People Tessa Teddy Coat, $168.00, $99.90
The teddy bear coat was a major outerwear trend last year, and I don’t think it is going away anytime soon. Walking out the door in a warm hug feels right about now. Also, you can not beat the price on the Free People Tessa Teddy Coat.
Nordstrom Signature Cascade Collar Double Face Wool & Cashmere Coat, $599.00, $299.90
I love this coat! The Nordstrom Signature Cascade Collar Double Face Wool & Cashmere Coat is the perfect camel coat, but of course it also comes in black. I have a coat just like this (in black), and it is ALL I wore when it was cold at the start of quarantine. Being wrapped in a giant cashmere blanket when you have to leave your house is the best feeling. You will want this coat in October.
Timberland Ellendale Water Resistant Hiker Boot, $119.95, $79.90
I need these boots. Hiking boots are the big quarantine purchase I have not yet made. The Timberland Ellendale Water Resistant Hiker Boot would look fashionable in summer or winter, with shorts or pants. I also love that they remind me of the old school winter boots my dad wore when I was growing up in Chicago!
Adidas Swift Run Sneaker, $85.00, $49.90
When was the last time your bought fresh sneakers? The Adidas Swift Run Sneaker also comes in a fun pattern. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a pair of sneakers to only wear around the house for the support.
Patagonia 28 Liter Refugio Nylon Backpack, $89.00, $58.90
Has your family been going on more adventures? Mine has, and a washable backpack seems to be a really important accessory these days. This Patagonia 28 Liter Refugio Nylon Backpack comes in multiple colors and works for men and women. How to carry the extra water, snacks, masks, and hand sanitizer hands-free? Problem solved.
RLS Favorites
7 For All Mankind Alexa High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans, $198.00, $129.90
The wide leg crop is RLS’s favorite pant/jean shape! If you want a new and exciting pair of jeans, the 7 For All Mankind Alexa High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans is it. 7 For All Mankind Jeans are also known for their comfort.
Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans, $78.00, $49.90
These Wit & Wisdom jeans are super flattering. They have a panel inside the waist that does some major “suck you in” action. A good bootcut jean can be hard to find but is worth the search. The Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jean balances out hips or adds curves if you need them.
Chantelle Lingerie Soft Stretch High Waist Briefs, $20.00, $14.90
The Chantelle Lingerie Soft Stretch High Waist Brief is one of our clients’ favorite panties. They are seamless/no show and super comfortable. Take advantage of the sale to stock up.
Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties, $24.00, $15.90
Are you so over wearing restricting shapers? Me too. But sometimes you still need just a little extra something, especially under a dress. Get a pair of Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties in black and nude and you’ll be set.
Hanky Panky Regular Rise Lace Thong, $22.00, $16.90
The famous Hanky Panky Regular Rise Lace Thong never goes on sale. Except (apparently) during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! If this is your favorite panty, stock up now. If you’ve not tried them, they are the original comfortable, seamless, high-quality thong, which comes in a million colors. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale also features the low-rise version and the extendeded Hanky Panky panty collection.
Blondo Camila Waterproof Bootie, $169.95, $99.90
These are my boots! Regular readers will remember that I purchased the Blondo Camila Waterproof Bootie last season. I had wanted them in the fall, snoozed too long, and then they were sold out in my size for a long time. I grabbed them as soon as they came back and was so happy! Blondo is one of our favorite brands because their boots are comfortable, waterproof, and stylish.
Born Isobelle Tassel Bootie, $149.00, $89.90
Is your life more casual than usual? Still trying to wear jeans every day so you don’t totally give up on real clothes? Buy the bohemian cool Born Isobelle Tassel Bootie and you won’t have a problem with this commitment.
Marc Fisher LTD Yulunda Pump, $159.95, $99.90
Marc Fisher makes the best block heel pumps. If you need a refresh of your pump game, or are looking for a slightly lower or more comfortable heel than you usually wear, the Marc Fisher LTD Yulunda Pump fits the bill.
Home Improvement
If there ever was a time to improve your surroundings at home, this is it. I got a new living room rug at the beginning of quarantine and am thrilled every time I walk into that room (even if I am tripping on Legos). A lot of the items below would also make fantastic holiday gifts. Get your list ready!
Anthropologie Home Dal Tufted Throw Blanket, $140.00, $79.90
I chose the Anthropologie Home Dal Tufted Throw Blanket because it is a sophisticated, happy print. I can see it draped on a couch to make it feel like you have new upholstery, or at the end of a bed for an easy bedroom makeover.
Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw, $39.50, $24.50
The Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw looks soooo cozy and has a price point that makes it irresistible. This throw comes in so many colors you could buy a different color for everyone on your holiday list!
Nordstrom Pintuck Faux Fur Oversize Throw Blanket, $69.00, $44.90
Are you more the faux fur type? The Nordstrom Pintuck Faux Fur Oversize Throw Blanket looks sophisticated in ivory and comes in three other beautiful, subtle colors.
DKNY Pure Looped Decorative Pillow, $49.99, $29.90
To be honest, the DKNY Pure Looped Decorative Pillow is mostly on this list because I want it! The “fuzzy” look is very in right now but super expensive to buy in furniture. Having these pillows on my couch would match my new ivory carpet fantastically and satisfy my fuzzy fabric craving. At least until I can recover a few pieces I already own in a nubby ivory fabric like these looped pillows.
DKNY Chatter Rug, $29.99, $19.90
Need a distraction from your dirty bathrooms? Or a reminder to clean them? Try this DKNY Chatter Rug that spells out C-L-E-A-N. Seriously though, this bathmat is the perfect match if you have the same 1950’s vintage style bathrooms as I do.
Deny Designs The Falls Print & Oak Hanger, $149.00, $98.90
Don’t you think this incredible waterfall photo would be the most perfect artwork to hang in front of your desk? Look up from your computer to stare into the water at least once an hour! If only my desk faced a wall.
Golden Rabbit Dutch Oven, $50.50, $39.90
Not only is the Golden Rabbit Dutch Oven the prettiest dutch oven I’ve seen, it is also the most well-priced! I”m already trying to figure out what I could edit out of my cabinets to fit this in.
Anthropologie Home Jen Garrido Wildflower Study 3-Piece Knife Set, $28.00, $17.90
We are all complaining that we just can’t get out of the kitchen these days. Who wants to if you can prepare your meals with the Anthropologie Home Jen Garrido Wildflower Study 3-Piece Knife Set? Great gift alert!
Godinger Meridian Blush Set of 6 Stemless Glasses, $39.99, $25.90
Statistics show that people are drinking more wine than ever. That means we are sick of our wine glasses. The blush color of these Godinger Meridian Blush Set of 6 Stemless Glasses is so relaxing, you might try using them for your sparkling water too.
ILLUME Ceramic Lidded Flower Candle, $26.00, $16.90
The ILLUME Ceramic Lidded Flower Candle candle is sooo beautiful! Good luck choosing between the three fantastic scents and soft colors. I love that the candle has a lid so that it looks like a pretty object when you aren’t burning the wick.
Beauty Buys
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has a lot of fantastic beauty buys. You can take advantage of the sale to stock up on products you already use, products you’ve always wanted to try, or both. Whichever strategy you employ, the sale is a great excuse to up your beauty game and engage in some pampering.
MAC All Star Face Palette, $71.00 Value for $42.50
You all know I love a blush palette! Why limit yourself to one color when you can have six in one package? Am I the only one who mixes my blushes according to my mood everyday? Mac is high quality makeup with a powerful social conscience.
La Mer Mini Hydration Collection Créme Set, $155.00 Value for $90.00
Have you been wanting to try La Mer products but were scared by the price tag commitment? The La Mer Mini Hydration Collection Créme Set lets you try four products for the price of (not even) one. Go ahead, you deserve it.
MAC Brush With The Best Set, $122.50 Value for $42.50
How long have you been using the same makeup brushes? That’s what I thought!
I always have a bottle of Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist in my makeup bag. There is nothing worse than having your makeup done and then realizing your forgot your SPF at the beginning of your routine. This mist goes right on top of your existing makeup/skincare. It works just as well to refresh your SPF when you are already out and about, whether you are wet from swimming, sweaty from a hike, or have just touched up your makeup before lunch at your desk.
T3 Luxe Brush Set, $100.00 Value for $67.00
Do you have a disparate collection of brushes all over the place, but never the right one? This T3 Luxe Brush Set will solve that problem. It’s also the perfect gift idea for the beauty obsessed teenager or girl heading to college.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Jumbo Creme de Corps Bottle with Pump, $96.00 Value for $78.00, $49.00
Am I the only one with extra dry skin these days? It must be from being inside so much. A giant pump bottle of Creme de Corps is just what the doctor ordered.
I love the smell of grapefruit so much! Kiehl’s Since 1851 Jumbo Grapefruit Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser is also going on my personal wishlist. Turning your shower into a spa is an opportunity for self care none of us should be passing up these days.
All Things Kids
I’ve chosen to highlight a mix of ages, stages, and genders in this section. Like the other sections, a lot of these items would make great gifts for the holidays, new babies, or birthdays. If you like an item, I encourage you to click through to see the range of sizes and colors it may come in. Some of my picks come in Toddler, Little Kids, and Big Kids sizes.
PJ Salvage Long Sleeve Notch Collar Pajamas, $54.00, $31.90
I couldn’t resist the rainbows of course. And if you are letting your kids wear their pajamas all day as much as I am, they should be cute.
Tucker + Tate Hooded Fleece Robe, $39.00, $24.90
My kids received hooded fleece robes for their birthdays a few years ago and now we couldn’t live without them. They love how cozy they feel, and I love how cute they look in them!
Under Armour UA Storm Water Repellent Mesh Lined Pants, $45.00, $28.90
Do you have boys who will only wear Under Armour pants? Now is your chance to get a break on them. Do your kids normally wear a uniform to school but now you are doing virtual learning? These pants may be the only way to get your kids out of their pj’s.
Nike Hooded Romper, $35.00, $22.90
I’ve been a much bigger Nike fan since they supported Colin Kaepernick. My boys had some athletic themed one-piece outfits like these as a baby and they were some of their most-worn gifts. The black is a fashion statement, but the Nike Hooded Romper also comes in grey if it is too much of a statement for you.
Nordstrom Star Intarsia Pullover & Pants Set, $45.00, $29.90
Your friends will think you are so chic when you give them this Nordstrom Star Intarsia Pullover & Pants Set as a baby gift. Or buy one for your own baby just to take pictures for Instagram.
Treasure & Bond Leopard Print Faux Fur Half Zip Jacket, $55.00, $34.90
Trying to get your kids outside more? They will use any excuse to wear this Treasure & Bond Leopard Print Faux Fur Half Zip Jacket this winter.
Widgeon Hooded Faux Fur Vest, $73.00, $48.90
Is your daughter fashionable with a capital F? She can wear this Widgeon Hooded Faux Fur Vest over a long sleeve tee in the fall and a fleece turtleneck in the winter. Fashionable socially distanced play dates, here we come.
Sorel Whitney II Short Waterproof Insulated Boot, $75.00, $44.90
With the Sorel Whitney II Short Waterproof Insulated Boot, your kids will be ready to play in the snow this winter at a moment’s notice! Please let there be snow for them to play in this year! D.C. had such a mild winter last year we didn’t even get to use our new sled.
Hunter Original Rain Boot, $90.00, $54.90
If you have more than one girl, i.e. another child to pass these boots down to, you should absolutely splurge on the Hunter Original Rain Boot at this sale price. They are more supportive than other rain boots and they last forever.
Adidas Superstar 360 I Sneaker, $60.00, $39.90
How designer looking are these Adidas Superstar sneakers? I’m thinking of ordering these for Max in the next size he will need so he can match his cousin who owns them in black. I have learned to always have the next size up ready to go. How many times have one of my boys woken up to tell me that all of his shoes are too small and therefore we can’t leave the house?
Tucker + Tate Critter 6-Pack No-Show Socks, $19.00, $11.90
Is it weird that I want these Tucker + Tate Critter 6-Pack No-Show Socks for myself? Definitely a stocking stuffer or one night of Hannukah gift.
Adidas Trefoil 6-Pack No-Show Socks, $18.00, $11.90
I used to pick out super cute socks for my kids, which would result in a lot of frustration when single socks would disappear in the dryer, etc. Now I only order large packages of black and grey socks like these Adidas Trefoil 6-Pack No-Show Socks . I even get slightly different ones for each size so I can tell which belongs to which boy. Life-changing decision, I’m telling you.
Upgrade Your Man
We all have a man in our lives who needs a little upgrading, be it our son, father, boyfriend, husband, or brother. The idea behind most of the choices below is that they are a good value for their look and practicality. If your man needs a serious makeover though, feel free to call me or to look through the whole men’s section of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
AllSaints Brace Slim Fit Solid Polo, $70.00, $44.90
Get him out of a t-shirt once in a while and into a polo. This AllSaints Brace Slim Fit Solid Polo has the signature edge of an AllSaints piece and the polish of a polo shirt. Perfect for date night and dinner at your parents. Win, win.
1901 Marl Henley T-Shirt, $39.50, $29.90
Henleys are so sexy, aren’t they? And again, not just a t-shirt. The 1901 Marl Henley T-Shirt could even get him out of a quarantine wardrobe rut. Pair it with a pair of stretch chinos and your could even call it business casual. Pair the henley with shorts and you have a chic, casual look for a socially distanced barbecue.
RVCA Civic Hybrid Shorts, $60.00, $39.90
I’ve been looking for a pair of shorts like this for Mr. Real Life Style. The RVCA Civic Hybrid Shorts function as regular shorts, but are ready to go when you decide to jump in the stream on your hike or the pool at a friend’s house.
Barbour Kensington Quilted Nylon Jacket, $230.00, $139.90
You could call me a Barbour enthusiast. This Barbour Kensington Quilted Nylon Jacket is a style I haven’t seen from them before, which is exciting. How chic would this be as the perfect fall/spring lightweight layer?
Frame L’Homme Skinny Fit Jeans, $195.00, $129.90
Still trying to get a man in your life out of his schlumpy jeans? He will have no excuse with the sale on Frame’s L’Homme Skinny Fit Jeans. We are huge fans of Frame’s women’s jeans and are thrilled they now have men’s jeans!
Peter Millar Crown Comfort Quarter Zip Pullover, $148.00, $87.90
The quarter zip pullover is my favorite men’s sweater silhouette because of its style and flexibility. You can wear the Peter Millar Crown Comfort Quarter Zip Pullover over a t-shirt or a button-down.
Emporio Armani Trim Fit Sharkskin Wool Suit, $1,695.00, $931.90
A suit? Is anyone still wearing a suit these days? My husband is, actually! Even if the man in your life is not currently going into the office, now might be the time to edit out the old, ill-fitting suits and replace them with a few perfect ones. You sure can’t beat the deal on this Emporio Armani Trim Fit Sharkskin Wool Suit!
Whew! That was a lot. Congratulations on making it through the whole blog. Don’t forget to make your Wishlist!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander and Kyle Dunphy are based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and serve clients across the country. We offer personal styling services, an on-demand e-course, corporate services, and training to become a personal stylist.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!