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Ready for part 2? In this post, I’m focusing in on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale dresses and jacket reviews (if you couldn’t tell from the title of the post). If you’re concerned about anything being sold out in the size or color you want, refer back to my tips in part 1 (where I also review tops!).
Eliza J Floral Print Cap Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress, Green, Size 0
I normally refuse to wear a cap sleeve. The sleeve is normally too short and the cut by the armpit is terrible. This one though? It’s open by the underarm, which is incredibly breathable. The sleeve is also a little longer, which is really nice. The dress has a drop waist which sat perfectly on my hips (which rarely happens) and the ruffle layer didn’t stick out too much. Also, the floral print was cute but not aggressive. The only problem with this dress? I have nowhere that I could wear it. Literally nowhere. I have no justification for keeping it other than to stare at it.
Verdict: Probably returning unless someone finds a party for me to go to real soon.
Eliza J Ponte Fit & Flare Dress, Navy, Size 2
First, if you haven’t wore anything “ponte” then you have a big hole in your life. It’s the perfect stretchy fabric that sits nicely on your body, but is still thick enough that you feel comfortable. That all applies to this dress. It fit pretty true to size, though I felt like there may have been the tiniest bit of extra room in the bust. Also, I can’t decide if I like how much the dress flares at my hips. It felt a little more like a drop waist than a fit and flare. But I could wear this to work, so I could easily get my money’s worth.
Verdict: Undecided.
Eliza J Jersey Sheath Dress, Navy, Size 2
The fabric for this dress is a little stretchier than the previous ones, but it’s still forgiving and comfortable. Much more than it appears actually. The dress fits true to size and I could see wearing it to nicer work events. But, I don’t feel like I go to enough events to justify it. However, if you work in a nicer work environment, then you need this dress. The cross panel in front was also a nice touch (it’s a little harder to see in the picture). And yes, I needed to stand up straighter in this picture.
Verdict: Return
Bardot Dotted Faux Wrap Midi Dress, Circle Spot, Size X-Small
This was the first thing I tried on out of my entire Nordstrom Anniversary sale order and the first thing I said was, “Ughhhh, I wasn’t supposed to like anything!” I LOVED this dress. It fit perfectly throughout the entire dress. The fabric is also light enough that you can wear it right now. I don’t even know what else to say about it, it’s so wonderful.
Verdict: A very very likely yes
ASTR V-Neck Crepe Shift Dress, Blue, Size X-Small
The pictures don’t do this dress justice….for how much it made me look like a sack. Oh god. I thought it would be more like this dress, but the pockets ended up adding so much extra fabric, it was just terrible. They weighed the dress down so much.
Verdict: Don’t do it.
1901 Flounce Hem Shift Dress Regular & Petite, Black White Plaid, Size 0
Isn’t this dress adorable? I really thought I couldn’t pull off drop waist dresses, but I’m starting to change my mind after all of these dresses! This dress is fitted throughout and then flared out at the bottom. It’s a heavier fabric, so it’ll also go perfectly with a pair of tights going into the fall/winter. The fabric is soft too, so you won’t get annoyed if your hand brushes against your dress.
Verdict: strongly leaning towards keep
Halogen Short Sleeve Ruffle Hem Dress, Black Chic Garden Print, Size X-Small P Petite
Personally, I think this is a fun take on a basic t-shirt dress. It’s loose, flowy, and comfortable. I also really liked the print. But, from the side, I’m not too in love with the cut. It looks too boxy and the hem looks like it sticks out too much.
Verdict: Returning
Taylor Shift Dress, Ivory Black Stripe, Size X-Small
So I loved this dress. It’s super comfortable (more of a silky, but not silk, fabric) and I’m all about the stripes. Plus, it has pockets! But, I had a guy friend over when I tried this on and he pointed out that because the pockets sat right on my hips, they had the same issue as the shift dress above. It had too much fabric and looked bigger around my hips. Once he said it, I couldn’t un-see it! I think I’m going to try it on again, but I may return it now. (Note: just for the record, I asked his opinion and wanted the truth, don’t hate on his response).
Verdict: Maybe return
1901 Button Front Floral Skirt Regular & Petite, Navy Multi Floral, Size 0P
I don’t have too much to say about this skirt. It was true to size, a great length, and definitely appropriate for work. I wasn’t as in love with the pattern in person though. The fabric is semi-stretchy though, which was nice.
Verdict: Return
Commando Control Faux Leather Leggings, Espresso, Size Small
Oh my god. I understand why people were obsessing about these leggings now. I have a pair of leather leggings and I love them, but these are 10x better. It’s like I put on a pair of workout leggings that just melded to my legs in the best way and made me look instantly cooler. They feel tight when you’re putting them on, but once they’re on, they don’t feel tight. They just feel well fitted, if that makes sense. Also, since they’re made by Commando, they have a control top! What a win. The only downside? You have to be careful with your undergarment choices since your leggings have a very close fit.
Verdict: Keeping it!
Trouvé Ruched Back Vest, Black, XXS
There are a lot of good things that are hard to come by. If you’re petite, a good long vest is one of them. This one isn’t part of the sale (I think), but randomly floated by my cart while I was shopping the sale. I’m not going to say no to fate (or a good sale). It was a good thing I didn’t because these vest fit perfectly. The fabric is light, so it’ll be great for layering now, or using it later in the season (it’s not silky though). I also loved the slit up the side, which also helped you move around a little easier.
Verdict: Keeping
Vince Camuto Short Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater, Clover Pink, Size XX-Small
I wanted to try this top on for the sake of trying something new. Hey, maybe I might like it. Well, it was a meh for me. The fabric was super soft, but I couldn’t get the collar to sit how I wanted it to. Or at least, sit in a way I liked. The fact that it was oversized was fine, but I wasn’t in love with it. Also, I know I could layer it over long sleeves in the winter, but I was just so meh about how I could pull off wearing short sleeves with a big cowl neck in the fall. I just can’t guys.
Verdict: Return.
Caslon Knit Blazer, Black-White Pattern, Size XX-SmallP Petite & Green Beetle, Size X-Small, P Petite
Here was my train of thought when I ordered this blazer: “I want to get back into blazers because you look like you tried a little harder when you wear one, but I still want it to feel like a cardigan. This fits that. Also, I think I’ll like the green one more. But hey, I’ll order the other as a back up.” Well, I can’t guess anything apparently, because I fell in love with the black and white one and just felt meh about the green one. First, the knit on both was great: soft and comfortable. The brand tends to run large, which is why I ordered the two smallest sizes (which I wouldn’t normally do with jackets). That turned out to be a good idea, since the smallest one was the fit I wanted. I like that the smaller size gave it a more fitted look, but still allowed for a tee underneath. The green was okay, but it wasn’t remarkable. Also, the color was meh. I couldn’t really see what I would pair it with or how much use I would actually get out of it.
Verdict: Returning the green, considering the black.
Madewell Crop Anorak Jacket, Desert Olive, Size XX-Small, X-Small
Madewell is another brand that likes to do the running large thing. I tried on both of them in this picture so you could see the different. The XXS is in the first two pictures on the left and the XS is the picture on the right. The main different was the length of the jacket, which was important, since it’s supposed to be a cropped jacket (quick side note, I’m wearing it with a cropped tee in this picture). The arms and chest were also a tiny bit more fitted but not enough to make a huge different to me. The fabric is a little stiff, as with Madewell’s normal anorak jacket, but it’s not too bad.
Verdict: Returning XS, debating XXS
Blanknyc Meant to Be Moto Jacket, Mushroom, Size X-Small
Finally, someone with the brilliance to make a moto jacket with a hood! That’s the one thing that’s annoyed me about my other moto jackets. They keep you chilly when it’s cold, but if it rains, you’re screwed. Not this jacket though. This jacket finally gives you a hood that you can pull up! Or you can remove the hood if you’re too cool for school. (Which I never am, let’s be honest). The rest of the jacket runs true to size and is also lined, keeping you extra extra warm. It’s perfect. So perfect.
Verdict: Can I keep it mom?
The North Face ‘Resolve Plus’ Waterproof Jacket, Fig, Size X-Small
For the past few years, I’ve been the worst at finding a good rain jacket. All of my attempts have resulted in me finding a rain jacket that’s okay, but never quite right. I think I finally got it right this time though. First, the jacket fits perfectly. It comes in four different colors (if you prefer a plain black) and has all the pockets (always important). But that’s not the best part. Nope. The best part is that THE HOOD FOLDS INTO THE COLLAR! Yup. You can walk around all casual, just wearing your jacket. But then you notice that it’s raining? Well, just unroll your hood like the champ you are and go on your merry way. I was so excited when I realized this. I started jumping up and down with excitement. No joke.
Verdict: I’m keeping it.
Alright, that’s it for now. Tune back in for at least one or two more review posts coming soon!
