Mogul Must-Haves is a new Corporate Fashionista series highlighting a range of great buys and product must-sees for the professional woman.
To kick off the series, I will feature the popular Nordstrom Anniversary Sale where for a limited time you can shop new Pre-Fall 2015 products online and in-stores at a discount. When the sale is over, products can still be purchased, but prices return to full value. Nordstrom Rewards Members early access ends today with public access beginning this Friday, July 17-August 2.
Here’s my approach to shopping this big annual sale: I focus on designer brand wardrobe staple pieces with modern accents that will support my upcoming fall/winter lifeSTYLE and that I would still consider buying at full price. If an item fails to meet my criteria, then I forgo the purchase – no matter how great the deal. One more step I always take, after I’ve added everything to my shopping cart, is to open a new tab/window screen and make my final purchase through Ebates to earn cash back. It’s a win-win!
Below is my favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds after hunting through the entire women’s sale stock to date:
- JEWELRY: I am a big fan of Gorjana jewelry (so much so, I interviewed the couple on Forbes), especially minimalist designs like their cult-status Taner Bar necklace and newcomers Elea cuff bracelet and ring. Melinda Maria’s long pyramid pendant necklace is fresh, modern and extremely versatile. Very pretty stackable ring set too. Plus! This sale event just might be the ideal time to check off any wish list a Michael Kors watch in gold, silver, mixed-metal, or black. One more jewelry find – sometimes itty bitty black stud earrings add the perfect finishing touches to a fall/winter look.
- SUNGLASSES: Two Kate Spade New York sunglasses caught my attention. These Avaline aviators (I already own in rose-gold and love them – particularly great for small faces) and these Ursula cat-eye pair.
- HANDBAGS:: Elizabeth & James’ luxe suede multi-strap bucketbag/backpack bags in gray, burgundy, and black are simply stunning. Looking to update your tote bag? Check out Michael Kors Jet Set Tote available in a ton of seasonal colors, Rebecca Minkoff’s favored MAB tote in black size medium and large, plus Kate Spade’s North Court Coralline multi-strap, pebbled leather satchel and Longchamp’s famed Le Pliage expandable tote. Minkoff’s quilted small crossbody bag in pretty port is a lovely handsfree weekend style option. I am not a big handbag logo fan. But! Tory Burch’s Plaque hobo shoulder bag is an exception.
- SHOES: I thought NAS’s pre-fall shoe selection was limited. However, I did manage to find big sellers from last fall/winter season like Rag & Bone booties, Tory Burch riding boots, and Stuart Weitzman Mixitup boots. Each will remain on trend this year. Appreciate the professionally polished Kate Spade Nilda maryjane pumps and Ivanka Trump Tenice 3-inch suede strappy pumps too.
- DRESSES: The NAS dresses category is limited as well. Still if you’ve got any upcoming fall/winter speaking engagements or evening events, then I definitely recommend checking out Ted Baker’s Abade wintry floral accent dress. Its blocked pattern design is super figure-flattering. Winter wedding? Check out Milly’s colored lace dress. I really like Classiques Entier leather paneled sheath dress, however I’m not sure about the backside zipper. It looks like it unzips from both the top and bottom and I’m not a fan of the latter for professional engagements. Hard to tell for sure online. Otherwise nice design. St. John Collection’s jacquard knit dress is a great luxury designer investment find if you’ve got an oval or rectangle body silhouette. See Rebecca Taylor’s ponte dress if you’ve got a triangle, rectangle or hourglass frame. Two plus-size favorite dress finds are Classiques Entier print keyhole dress and Sejour suede fit-and-flare dress with complementary purple print cardigan sweater.
- BLAZERS: Theory Gabe 2 blazers are available in two new gorgeous fall/winter seasonal colors. Full suit options are also available in both the burgundy and pacific blue, however the blazers are likely to offer the most versatility. I am a big BOSS fan – great quality; nice fit – and these ink blue suit separates are a currently priced at a discount.
- PANTS: I have yet to try Vince Camuto’s straight leg trousers and Spanx’s faux leather leggings, but with all those favorable reviews, now might be the perfect time. Jumpstart the big olive green fall/winter color trend with these Rag&Bone jeans. Other favorites include these deals on blue denim by Current/Elliot, plus Joe’s bootcut and skinny styles.
- SKIRTS: Two figure-flattering a-line skirts in fantastic fall/winter luxurious materials by Joie and Halogen made the cut.
- UNDERGARMENTS: Get your go-to undergarment brands at a discount during NAS. I usually stock up on staples like Chantelle bras, Hanky Panky panties, and Spanx shapers.
- OUTERWEAR: Trouvé’s classic belted trench coat and its modern drape collar leather jacket are available in amazing Fall colors. Mackage’s leather-sleeve wool coat is divine. Need a new parka? Check out Metropolis parka coat. Love Helene Berman’s Edge To Edge camel sleeveless vest coat and Kenneth Cole’s faux leather car coat. Snuggle up on weekends in Kensie’s trendy teddy bear coat in gorgeous gray.
Did you discover any favorite finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Do you have any helpful NAS shopping tips? Please share!