Here's a rundown on what I tried and what I bought today at my early access appointment for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I was trying to go for some basics and to steer clear of statement pieces, which I would rather sew for myself.
What I bought:
Straight leg jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Stevie). I am amazed at how nicely they fit. Had to have them. While they are called straight, they look more like skinnies on me, but not overly tight--just right. Yay. Got these in my current usual size.
Bootcut jeans (Hudson Beth Baby Boot). I bought these mainly because I have always admired that Hudson flap pocket and never had a pair--and these fit like a dream. I bought a size up from my current usual size. These are quite long; I'll probably take 3 inches off the hem.
Espresso zip pocket ponte knit pants (NYDJ, Ski). I was wanting a pair of dark brown skinny pants, and I also wanted something in the moto-inspired zip-pocket trend. These fit the bill (and my body) nicely. Got a size down from my usual current size (typical of NYDJ). These run quite long; I'll be taking a few inches off the hem.
Magenta high-low shirttail hem cashmere tunic sweater (Halogen). Looks fab with the espresso zip pocket ponte pants! Love the color. I wanted a cashmere sweater and was surprised to find I liked this tunic style. Took my usual size.
Bras and undies (Natori Hidden Glamour, Natori Jacquard, DKNY signature lace bikini). I already had these and love them, so I took advantage of the sale to replenish.
Camisoles (Shimera two-way seamless). These are a staple for me. I add a few each year.
Workout shorts (Zella, City). So cute and comfy! I have the longer version of this style, the Move pant by Zella, and love them. Took a size up from my usual, as is common with Zella.
Espresso leather tall boot (AGL, Italia). These are on their way to me. I tried them on in black and a half size up from what I need. I will see when they arrive whether I want to keep them. They have a slight moto vibe, and a toe that is more rounded than it appears in the photo. Not sure if I want to go rounded. But maybe! The leather is gorgeous.
What I tried that did not work or did not come home with me:
Skinny jeans (Rag & Bone Jean, zip detail). These are so skinny that the size that fit my hips did not pull all the way up, because my calves got in the way. And that's with the ankles unzipped. It was pretty comical!
Skinny jeans (Hudson, Colette). The denim felt heavenly, and they did actually fit, in a size up from my usual. They just didn't wow me as much as the Hudson bootcuts on my bod. Also run long, for you long-legged gals.
Lace trim sweater (Joie, Hilano C). Very pretty! Just wasn't in love with it enough for the price. I also kept thinking, Hm, couldn't I add some lace like that to a less expensive sweater?
Ombre v-neck sweater (Vince). I'm a sucker for ombre and dip-dye. But the main part of the sweater is very dark navy, and it just didn't do as much for me as the sleeves did. I think it's a gorgeous sweater for someone else!
Double-breasted trench coat (Mackage, Malka). Total impulse try-on. I have no need for a coat; in fact I bought a more standard style trench in a similar color last year. But this coat is so "me." I tried my usual size, and it fit beautifully in the shoulders. It was tight through the body and hips, though, so I didn't seek out a larger one to try. Just seemed the wrong shape for my body. But it looks way more awesome in real life than in the photo. The "gunmetal" color is a gorgeous indeterminate shade of taupe--right up my alley.
Brown faux-croc satchel (Brahmin, Camden). Of all the items I spied in the NAS catalog, this is the one I was sure I would buy. I want a bag that will go with both espresso and black, and I thought this was it--until I saw the color in real life. The brown in the center of the bag had a pinkish cast that just was not the hue I was looking for. I kept thinking maybe it was the light. But it did not go with the espresso short boots I specifically wanted to carry it with. (Sigh.)
Espresso leather tall boot (Aquatalia, Obsession). Whoa--these are for all you narrow-calf lasses! I did barely get them zipped, but I had some serious muffin top going on with these boots. Too bad, because they are gorgeous.
Faux leather and knit moto jacket (Vince Camuto). I like the idea of a moto-style jacket that isn't leather, and this was cute. But I really didn't want black. I found the metal zipper hard to work. Took my usual size.
Knit moto jacket (Halogen). Very, very narrow sleeves. I really don't need another black jacket. Really, I don't. Still, just had to try it. I liked the way it looked, fit and style-wise (other than those impossible sleeves, which I couldn't have layered anything under--and which might have been more comfortable if I even shaved my arms, they fit that closely).
Leather trim moto-inspired tweed cardigan (Classiques Entier). The tweed is pretty (teal and coral are among the flecks in it) and soft. It's a beautiful sweater-jacket. Ultimately I didn't love it for my style, but I would admire it on someone else.
Still thinking I might need to get some running shorts and tights. But otherwise, I'm pretty happy with my purchases!
What do you all think? Did I do okay?
