Colors of Colleen

I blinked and it’s already mid-July! I remember this time last year my baby girl had just rolled over for the first time and now she’s practically running circles around me. This time of year Nordstrom has their anniversary sale. It gets a lot of attention because many of the items don’t often go on sale and are for the fall season coming up. Typically sales are for end-of-season merchandise, so this is a great time to stock up on items for the upcoming fall season or to check off gift ideas for the holidays.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the sale and very quickly purchase items you may not necessarily need, but hope to wear, then question later. I definitely recommend checking what you are looking to replace as some staple pieces in your closet and choose wisely so you’re not impulse buying! I typically list a few items worth replacing for the upcoming fall/ winter season and see if anything matches that from the sale. After purging many items after our move, I am only purchasing timeless items worth the savings and can be used year after year or for a gift.

Right now the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open for Nordstrom cardmembers of all levels. I put in my purchase a few days ago and can report back once everything arrives. The sale will open to the public on July 28. If you don’t have the card I would not recommend getting it just to shop the sale for early access or for a double points day. Throughout the month items get returned and do often get restocked. I recommend checking the 2 am-9 am EST window if there’s a must-have item you’ve been eyeing. I’ve noticed that’s when items are being restocked. If you have an account you can create a wish list of items and set restock alerts by email.

I repurchase a few items each year or recommend based on use and the value for its price. I purchased some of these in years past and see they often only go on sale during the anniversary sale window. I figured sharing a few photos and reviews of the products may help in your shopping experience. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments or follow along with me on Instagram for more items I’ll be sharing.

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Barefoot Dreams In The Throw Blanket

This Barefoot Dreams throw is also nearly half the price of the one at the anniversary sale and makes a great gift! However, check the size you prefer, as the overall size of this version is a few inches smaller compared to the one above. Being as tall as I am I prefer the larger one and so does my husband so we just got one to match our bedroom so we can quit stealing the big one from one another.

Diptyque Candle Set

This set is wonderful because each one comes with a lovely scent that lasts. I love to grab one of these each year and break up the set to give with a gift. The scents are strong so even the travel size goes longer than I expected within a room.

If you like a fancier handsoap you can’t go wrong with this jumbo size Jo Malone, hand and body soap. These rarely go on sale and also would work well for a newlywed or housewarming gift as they are luxurious.

Baby Ideas

Baby Giraffe Blanket

There are a few items that I spotted on sale for an expectant mother or if you’re looking for a thoughtful baby gift that is used for everyday use. At first, we used many little swaddles with our daughter, but now that she is older, she loves the soft and plush feel of this Little Giraffe blanket.

She was actually in tears last week that I didn’t let her sleep with it. I don’t blame her, it’s super soft and cuddly and has without a doubt has become a household favorite. It is on the higher end for a baby blanket but has held up in delicate often washing and makes for a luxurious baby gift for a little one. There are some simple colors and ones with prints this sale. Little Giraffe does their one sale every so often, but I found this price to be the most reasonable for this blanket option.

Uppa Baby Vista Stroller

This stroller has gotten so much use already from the newborn stage, through car trips with the car seat option, and the seat it comes with for our now toddler. We were gifted this stroller from my parents and were so hesitant about it with the price tag, but we snagged it on sale and couldn’t be happier. The overall quality and ease of this stroller is top-notch. It also comes with a netting and rain cover which came in handy when we were living in the city and now the burbs. It is usually quite expensive and Uppa Baby strollers only go on sale at the end of the year to make room for new versions. Again, another registry option or worth gifting as a group for new parents to be.

Fall Closet Staples

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan

These are my go-to cardigans every fall and winter. They work great with leggings or denim and are so soft and wash well. The quality is great as the lush blanket and for that reason, I snagged two at the past sales.

Stud Earrings

These are my go to stud earrings that are great quality. I have worn them in the pool, in the shower, and clean them along with my diamond jewelry. I have the gold pair and snagged silver this time around since they really have lasted over the years.

I also have worn this horn necklace layered with smaller necklaces and it’s a great length for that purpose if you like to layer.

Next week I’ll cover what is still in stock as the sale opens for public access.

Happy shopping!

October has been well underway and autumn will always be one of my most favorite seasons for countless reasons. I’ve been actually more ready than ever to transition into all the fall feelings starting with switching out my closet and earlier this month we rearranged our apartment and it’s feeling so cozy. I don’t want to leave!

Each season my husband and I host a Halloween Party that has been a tradition since we’ve moved to New York. Since childhood I’ve always loved planning my costume, going apple picking, and watching my mom decorate our home in the most spook-tacular style! I probably get my obsession with decking it out for the holidays from her! She goes all out.

I’ll be sharing some sneak peaks into our party planning over in my instagram stories and what it entails to prepare with more specific Halloween themed items. For now, I keep it more minimal with a few fall touches that will hang around through Thanksgiving. Many of the home decor items I’ve used year after year and recently picked up a few items to update our newer apartment. This year I’ve swapped out some of my pillows and found some super affordable pillow covers that work for the season. Sharing those in the widget below. They’re also easier to store away between seasons! I picked up the gray leopard Barefoot Dreams blanket from the Nsale earlier in the season and I’m glad I did because I use it everyday! Definitely worth the investment or to gift this holiday season.

I love nothing more than lighting a new fall candle! I’m obsessed with this one from Anthropologie, but usually end up picking up a few from Homegoods. An apple cider type and a pumpkin spiced one.

If you’re interested in seeing some of my Halloween decorating and costumes from last year’s Spooktacular party you can read about it in this post.