Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Reviews + A Few More LOFT & Ann Taylor Reviews

BP. Raw Edge Scoop Neck Tee in beige bark, size XXS | LOFT Modern Twist Seam Skinny Jeans in White, size 24/00P (review here) | Ann Taylor Gretel Metallic Leather Slides (past season favorites, current season version here reviewed here) | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

Happy Friday! Public access for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale starts today July 20th (or in about 2 hours at 3AM ET once I publish this post) and the sale ends August 5th, 2018. I received some of the items that I ordered using this tip to shop Early Access without signing up for a Nordstrom card.

Update 7/28: I reviewed a few more items in this new blog post. 

Diving right in to my try-ons, the beige bark tee (pictured above) and the striped version (review below) fit differently even though I ordered them in the same size XXS. The beige bark color pictured above is more close fitting especially through the body. The material is also a bit more thin/sheer than I prefer (please refer to the video clips I linked to see what I mean). The pocket placement is awkward on me and it is below my chest. The measurements of size XXS are: 34″ bust measured pit to pit, 22.5″ sleeves, 24.25″ front length and 26.25″ back length.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan in stone, size XS/S | Zara Gem Encrusted Sandals – old, buy on Poshmark here | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

This infamous cardigan is highly reviewed/rated so I decided to order the stone color in size XS/S to try since I had to satisfy my curiosity. This cardigan feels like a soft fleece blanket. To me the stone colors’ material looks like the matted fur of a child’s favorite stuffed animal that needs a good wash or one of those soft fuzzy socks after you washed them one too many times and they start to look dingy. This cardigan would probably look better in one of the other colors. I loved the feel of the cardigan but the sleeves were are very snug on my average arms. The overall length is tunic length on me (I’m petite at 5′ 2.5″). The sleeves of size XXS measures 25″ long and when I measured from the longest part in the back it is 31″ total length. It’s crazy that this cardigan is almost $80 even on sale considering the material is 75% nylon and 25% rayon.

BP. Raw Edge Scoop Neck Tee in ivory Liz stripe, size XXS | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

This is the same tee as the beige bark tee at the top of this post. The striped version has a more relaxed fit through the body and the sleeves are noticeably shorter than the solid color. The measurements of size XXS are: 35″ bust measured pit to pit, 22.5″ sleeve length, 25.25″ front length and 27.25″ back length. This is a decent basic layering tee. The stripes looked more white to me from the online stock image but they are definitely and off white/ivory in person.

Gibson Convertible Cozy Fleece Wrap Cardigan in grey white, size XXSP | Click here, here and here to view the clips from my try-on

Due to the more open length and relaxed fit I would recommend sizing down one size in this cardigan for a closer fit. Size XXSP fits more like size XSP. The measurements of size XXSP are: 22″ sleeve length, 25″ total length. I am still undecided about this cardigan.

Halogen Scallop Edge Sweater in grey heather, size XSP | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

This sweater is very soft and comfortable and it fits true to size. Sadly I didn’t love the how the sweater fit me and I will be returning it. There’s something about how it drapes against my body which suggests that I may need to size down for a closer fit but then I think it would be too snug at the waist. The material also shows all the bumps from your jeans. I remember trying on size SP last year and it was too loose in the sleeves. The measurements of size XSP are: 31″ bust (measured pit to pit), 13″ shoulders, 17″ sleeve length and 22.5″ total length.

J.Crew Ruffle Sleeve Tee in blue pink, size XXS | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I love the ruffle detail on this tee but it has a cropped and boxy fit and it runs narrow/small. Size XXS regular fits more like a LOFT size XXSP. Size XXS measured: 34″ bust (measured pit to pit), 14″ shoulders, 36″ along the bottom hem and 22″ total length. The cropped length would look best with shorts or high waisted jeans.

Caslon Peplum Top in ivory cloud, size XXSP | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I ordered size XXSP in ivory cloud to try since the Caslon brand has very generous sizing. The fabric is an ivory color and the material is soft and see through even with a nude bra on. Size XXSP has a very generous fit but the material falls nicely if you don’t mind looser babydoll tops. Size XXSP fits more like a regular size medium and the measurements of size XXSP are: 40″ bust, 24-25″ asymmetrical length, 44″ around the start of the peplum hem flounce.

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings in navy maritime, size XXS

I have also yet to try everyone’s favorite leggings so I ordered these to try. The waist of size XXS fits me well (I have a 27″ waist and 33″ hips) but the legs fit very slim which works for my thin legs if I shimmy myself into them and then peel them off. Size XXS has a 29″ inseam. I cuffed the extra length and the inseam is about 4.25″ longer than I prefer. For reference, I’m 5’2.5″, 108 pounds and I usually prefer ankle length petite jeans between 25-26″. The leggings are soft and they appear to be well made. I decided to order the cropped version to try in size XS since size XXS is a very snug fit.

Hinge Puff Sleeve Lace Top, size XXS | Old Navy First-Layer Fitted Cami for Women, size XSP (true to size) | Ann Taylor Step Hem All Day Skinny Jeans in Sienna Wash, size 24/00P (sold out) | Steven by Steve Madden Abilee Pump (true to size, very similar style linked here)

My friend Su shared this pretty lace top with me as seen on Liz Adams. The lace is pretty but you will need to layer it with your own camisole. Size XXS has a generous fit and the measurements are as follows: 36″ bust, 12.5″ sleeve length, 48″ circumference along the bottom hem and 24″ total length. Sadly I will have to return this top due to the oversized fit.

Here are the other items I ordered that I’m waiting to ship/arrive in the mail:

BP. Textured Stitch V-Neck Pullover  (sale price: $25.90) – I ordered size XXS in grey bark. This was supposed to arrive in the mail yesterday but I should be getting it today.

Louise et Cie Bayne Loafer (sale price: $89.90) – I ordered the Light Mink Patent in my usual size. The black color is very chic. This was supposed to arrive in the mail today with the above pullover sweater but the shipment was delayed. Hopefully I’ll get my package today along with the pullover sweater.

1.State Sisteen Half d’Orsay Pump (sale price: $59.90) – I ordered the neutral Cipria leather color in my usual size 7. These pumps should arrive on Monday.

Topshop Lily Knit Back Midi Coat ($82.90) – Kendall reviewed this chic menswear inspired camel coat in her Instagram stories. I caved and ordered this coat in size 2 (supposedly fits like size 0). I’ve been wanting a camel coat and I’m hopeful that it will fit me well since the J.Crew Factory wool topcoat did not work out for me (review here). The coat is currently backordered with an estimated ship date of 7/20 so it will be some time before I receive it. I ordered this coat on July 16th but it still has yet to ship.

Topshop Jamie Petite Step Hem Skinny Jeans in dark blue (sale price: $49.90) – I have the Jamie style in white as mentioned at the top of this post. Nasreen reviewed these jeans in her Instagram stories. The size I wanted popped back in stock on July 18th so I ordered size 26W x 28L petite to try but it still has yet to ship.

Zella Live In High Waist Crop Leggings (sale price: $35.90) – I ordered these in black size XS after I realized the full length version I reviewed above was too long for me. 

I’m also eyeing these items which I missed out in my size so I have them bookmarked on my phone to watch for online restocks:

Madewell Ryder Cardigan (sale price: $64.90) – This cardigan looks so chic and Sandy shared that the summer version is actually on sale for less on Madewell’s direct website.

Lucky Brand Yabba Wedge Bootie (sale price: $86.90) – I am eyeing the sesame suede color and I saw these booties in Courtney‘s Instagram stories.

If you’re shopping based on #fomo then you may have these basics on your wish list. If you are not a blogger are any of these items actually worth the hype?

I know I ordered a lot from the #nsale so far but it is looking like I have a lot of returns to make. I’ll try do another post once the rest of my packages come in. Update 7/24: If you’re on Instagram you can always refer to my NSale highlights as items arrive and before I’m able to update my blog.

LOFT & ANN TAYLOR FITTING ROOM REVIEWS

Get 40% off everything at LOFT (or 50% off for LOVELOFT cardmembers)! Get 40% off PLUS styles (PLUS styles ship for free). You can also save an extra 50% off sale styles. Use code HOTHOTHOT. The sale ends Sunday 7/22 at 5PM ET so it’s entirely possible there could be some sort of online flash sale after this latest promotion. I’m taking a wild guess that it’ll be a flash sale on the sale/clearance section.

Did you catch my previous fitting room reviews with my special guest?

LOFT Pineapple Dream Jumpsuit, size 00P | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

I was inspired by my friend Jen to try on this jumpsuit since it looked so cute on her. Size 00P runs one size larger and fits like my usual size 0P. I like how the jumpsuit looks like from the front but I didn’t love it from the side profile. I have a smaller chest so the top portion doesn’t lay flat and sticks out.

LOFT Dotted V-Neck Flare Dress, size XS regular | Similar cork sandals from Ann Taylor Factory | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I love this dotted v-neck flare dress recommended by my friend Su. I tried on size XS regular in store and I ordered size XS petite for a better fit. Size XS regular has a very deep/plunging v-neck but I did like the modest length on me (I’m 5′ 2.5″).

LOFT Bow Back Short Sleeve Swing Dress, size XXSP | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

This swing dress is so cute and simple I love the knotted bow detail in the back. Size XXSP was too narrow across my shoulders and it pulled in the back so I would need to stick to my usual size XSP. The dress also has a shorter length hitting me mid -high so I want to try size XXS regular for a longer overall length.

LOFT Checked Jacquard Flare Dress, size 0P | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on

I ordered this dress online after spotting it on @loveloft_ithaca before I could try it on in store. I grabbed size 00P to try but it was very unflattering at the waist and hips on me even though the top portion fit well. I then tried on my usual size 0P pictured above but the arm holes were too generous while the skirt portion still highlighted my tummy area which I am self conscious about. Sadly I had to pass on this dress since it didn’t do my any favors. If you love this checked pattern and material it is also available as a skirt. 

Get 40% off your purchase + an extra 10% off at Ann Taylor. Use code MAKEPLANS. Also get up to 60% off sale styles during their semi annual sale.

Ann Taylor Geo Scalloped Pintucked Shell, size XXSP | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I love this sweet top and I shared size XS regular as seen on me here almost two weeks ago on my Insta Shop. I ordered it when it was 50% off last week. I ordered sizes XXS regular which was too long on me and size XS petite fit me well but I wanted to try size XXS petite pictured here. Size XXSP fits me the best but the arm holes are narrow so if you’re around my size I would stick to your usual size at Ann Taylor. My friend Lilly who is 5’6″ tried size XS regular and she wanted to size down to size XXS regular. It is lined but slightly sheer on the bottom but not sheer on top with a nude bra.

Ann Taylor Scalloped Textured Knit Shell, size XXS regular | Click here to view the clip from my try-on

I really like this textured top but the arm holes are a bit too loose on me so sadly I need to return it. Arm hole issue aside, this top fits true to size and it’s not too sheer in the white color which is a true white.

Ann Taylor Fringe Straw Bag | Click here to view another video clip

I saw this straw bag featured on Ann Taylor’s Instagram and I couldn’t get it out of my mind so I ordered it on sale for $19.99. During the recent flash sale it was $16 after discounts. This morning I saw one pop back in stock but then it sold out again. The bag is well made and a good size for a bucket style straw bag. The handles can be a bit scratchy against your bare skin so some people may return the bag for that reason. The first two days I put something weighted inside to help the bag and straps relax since the one I received was slightly misshapen when I took it out of the box.

Happy shopping!