It’s that time of year again, time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS)! It’s a great sale where you can pick up some classic closet staples as well as some fabulous fall trend pieces. It’s also a great time to add some investment pieces if your budget allows. So why am I telling you about this sale? Because it’s an opportunity to fill in any gaps you may have at a fraction of the price and isn’t that what girlfriends do? But like any good friend I’m also going to tell you not to go into this sale without having a plan. Look through your closet and see what you have and what you need, that way you don’t end up with 16 striped tops. Then, make a list of the items you’d like to add and then possible investment pieces and go from there. For this sale, I’m going to focus on classic closet staples. Not sure what is considered a closet staple? Grab my free Closet Staples Wardrobe BuilderHERE. Now, let’s talk a little more about the sale.
NAVIGATING THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE
If you’re already familiar with how the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale works then feel free to skip this section but if you’re new to the sale or just want a refresher here are a few things you should know about the sale.
1. WHY IS THIS SALE SUCH A BIG DEAL?
Sales happen all the time, right? Why the fuss? Most sales happen at the end of a season when retailers are trying to clear out old merchandise. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is unique because the items on sale are brand new pieces and particularly focus on upcoming fall trends. Getting such deep discounts on these new pieces is unheard of from any other retailer.
2. HOW DO I GET THE SALE PRICE?
Nordstrom releases the sale in waves with Nordstrom cardholders getting early access for a full week before the general public. If you aren’t yet a cardholder you can apply here to take advantage of the sales now before they sell out. The sale will be open to the general public on July 28th. Click HERE for the full release schedule.
3. WHAT ABOUT THE TRENDS?
I’ll be sharing my fall trend picks here on the blog next week when the sale is open to everyone. Stay tuned!
MY THREE RULES FOR SHOPPING
1. IF IT’S NOT A “HECK YES” IT’S A NO.
If you don’t love everything about an item, the way it fits, the color, how you look in it, then don’t buy it/keep It. You should love the clothes you put in your closet because if you don’t, chances are you won’t wear them much or possibly even at all. It’s hard to look at something you’ve spent your money on a year later and realize the tag is still on it.
2. IT’S NOT A GOOD DEAL IF YOU DON’T NEED IT.
You work hard for your money, don’t waste it buying things you don’t need. It’s easy to get caught up in the little shots of dopamine you get when you make a purchase but are those purchases things you actually need? Remember, saving $40 on something you don’t really need isn’t actually saving.
3. BE A CLOSET CURATOR, NOT A CAUGHT UP CONSUMER.
Curating a closet you love takes time and patience. It’s about deciding what items you want to invest in and what gaps you want to fill. That’s why I put so much focus on building a great foundation with closet staples. Once you have a good base it’s easy to mix and match and sprinkle in a few trends here and there.
Again, that’s why I’m sharing this sale with you. It’s a great opportunity to fill in any closet staple gaps you may have as well as upgrade any of your pieces to a higher quality, i.e. investment pieces. Since we’re going into fall, I’m going to give you my top 10 fall closet staple pieces you can find at the NAS. That being said, don’t forget to explore the other items available and refer back to my Closet Staples Wardrobe Builder HERE as a guide. I can’t wait to see what all you find and how you style the pieces!
Swimsuit season is one of those terms that can evoke many different emotions. The excitement that the sun is out and that beach or pool time is near, but also dread, the dread of finding, wearing, and loving oneself in a swimsuit. As someone who is working on the self-love part, I can totally relate. Finding a new bathing suit is something I don’t look forward to, but nevertheless, I go into bathing suit season hopeful that I can find something I like and that likes me back. Something that makes me feel confident and something that will aid me in making memories with my family. You see, a great bathing suit will allow me to jump in the pool with my kids, surprising them that I got my hair wet. It will be there as I teach my youngest to swim instead of instructing from the side. It will show others to be brave because no matter our age, shape, size, or background we all have insecurities and we need to realize that we are all perfectly imperfect and that’s what makes us all amazing. So let’s get through this bathing suit season and find our perfect suit together! Below are some sassy swimsuits that cover some of the season’s top style and color trends plus a few cover-ups that I’m loving and they are all under $60, which is also beneficial for the budget.
Dressing for the summer weather can sometimes feel limiting. It’s hot and the last thing you want to add is extra heat. In the fall and winter it’s so easy to add tons of interest to any outfit with layers, scarves, or a cute jacket but in the summer what’s a girl to do? That’s why this month’s Style Your Budget is dedicated to the small details that pack a big punch. It’s in these small details that we’re able to add interest without adding heat. After all, staying cool is essential in the summer but you don’t have to sacrifice style.
For this SYB look, I started off with one of my favorite summer staples, jean shorts. They are versatile, come in a variety of styles and lengths plus there’s the option to sub in a denim skirt or if it’s not completely hot where you are, jean crops. Next, I’m still styling a solid top, but this time I’m opting for something with a little more detail. Perhaps one with a few ruffles, embroidery details, or maybe a scalloped hem. There are so many fun top options out there you’re sure to find one with details you like. Finally, I’m going to finish it off with one of the summer trends I’ve been seeing everywhere, woven/quilted sandals. The details may be small but they make a big statement.
Below is the outfit formula I’m using for this look, which gives you the ability to choose pieces that fit your climate and lifestyle. Don’t forget to shop your closet first but if you have any gaps you want to fill, I’ve provided five different shopping options and at different price points. This allows you the freedom to shop where you want because I believe feeling great and looking great should be for everyone, every age, every size, and every budget!
You asked for it! These are a few of my favorite things…from seasonal trends to teeth whitening. Here are ALL of the deets on what I’m wearing, packing, and using!
I’m back with an all-new Five Ways to Wear It and this time I’m showing you how to style a denim jacket. You may be saying to yourself, ‘Alison, isn’t a denim jacket more of a spring thing?’ Yes, but it’s also a great thing to have in summer and let me tell you why. First, for our Pretties in a chillier climate, the weather is fickle and you never know when you’re going to have cooler weather especially in the mornings and possibly the evenings making this the perfect layering piece. Second, for our Pretties living in super hot climates, while it may be hot outside, inside the A/C is cranking making it necessary to carry a layering piece so you don’t freeze in your summer attire. I always have a layering piece with me when we go out and the denim jacket is one of my favorites.
Below are five easy ways to style your denim jacket using Outfit Formulas® meaning you can adapt them even further to fit your lifestyle and climate. This is a timeless piece making it an essential closet staple. If you don’t have one yet I highly recommend one as you will get countless uses out of it. I suggest starting out with a medium wash as it will have the most versatility but ultimately, pick whatever wash suits you best. Now let’s check out five ways to style a denim jacket!
Option #1
Denim Jacket + White Tee + Khaki Bottoms + White Sneakers
For my first look, I started with my take on a monochromatic outfit with a white top and light khaki bottoms. I finished off this casual look with my white sneakers. This look is the perfect base for my denim jacket. These shorts from Old Navy are ridiculously comfortable I’ve already gotten several wears out of them this summer and my sneakers make this the ultimate outfit for running some errands.
Option #2
Denim Jacket + Solid Top + White Bottoms + Colorful Shoes
Outfit number two is a bit dressier. I paired a solid tee with one of my favorite summer pieces, a white eyelet skirt. Colorful flip coordinate with my top and then, of course, I topped it off with my denim jacket. I love the way the denim plays off the white skirt and by cuffing the sleeves of the jacket, I easily add some extra detail and interest. The colorful flip flops I’m wearing are from J.Crew Factory and were so popular they are now sold out however I did find another fun, colorful pair from Target.
Option #3
Denim Jacket + White Top + Bright Bottoms + Colorful Shoes
Look number three I’m back to my solid white tee but this time I’m stepping away from my monochromatic look and opting for some bright green shorts and colorful flip-flops. I love the scalloped detail of these green shorts! If green shorts aren’t for you, no problem! By using the formula, any bright color shorts will work then finish off with your denim jacket.
Option #4
Denim Jacket + Printed Dress + Neutral Shoes
Outfit number four, back to the dressier side. At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this sundress but once I tried it on it was a heck yes! I paired it with some neutral shoes but this outfit would also look great with a bright color shoe that coordinates with one of the colors in the dress. I added a hat to help keep the sun off my face and of course topped with my denim jacket.
Option #5
Denim Jacket + White Top + Printed Bottoms + Neutral Shoes
My last look combines color and comfort! I paired my solid pink tee with my printed striped shorts and added in my neutral, raffia slides from J.Crew Factory. Raffia accessories are really on-trend this summer and I’ve already worn these slides so many times. Unfortunately, there are only limited sizes left, however, these raffia slides from Target are equally as cute! My denim jacket is the perfect topper for this colorful ensemble. Now I’m ready to go enjoy some lunch with my girls!
Still looking for the perfect denim jacket? Here are a few different options.
Like what you see? Want to see more? Check out some of my other Ways to Wear It HERE!
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
