FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Previously published on Substack. If you’d like to see posts at their time of publication, please subscribe to A NOTE ON STYLE on Substack. 

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a chance for me to stock up on favorite beauty products (Prada lipstick!), fill in any voids in my closet (right now that’s simple cotton dresses), replace tired, over worn pieces (new sneakers), and snap up items that have been hovering between my cart and wishlist (Max Mara coat). I’ll take a look at the site and quickly edit by shopping the brands I often wear to see what they offer. There are a handful that participate so the edit is manageable and I can be decisive. The preview to the sale opened on Friday and I’ve tagged my favorites. When the sale goes live (different days for different tiers*), I can simply revisit and make a quick purchase.

My fashion picks include one of my favorite Max Mara insulated jackets I’d want for travel. The fabric lends itself to day or night activities and the color is beautiful. I also love Max Mara’s classic double face wool wrap coat (not pictured) which is $1,100 and will go up to $1650 after the sale. The Frame jeans I’ve been wearing non-stop the last few months (see this post) are part of the sale and I may get another in the dark wash…they’re that great! My sneaker wardrobe needs a refresh and a retro inspired style will do the trick. Love these from Vince in black or cream. I have the Vince crew in camel and it’s a go-to for silhouette, neckline and weight. I would get tons of wear from one in black or white. Out of all the stripe sweaters I have in my closet, none are sleeveless. The Rag & Bone top is an easy addition to layer under jackets. Super black dark sunglasses from Saint Laurent and a classic poplin shirt dress from Lafayette round out my picks.

1. Max Mara jacket, 2. Vince sweater (also in white), 3. Rag & Bone stripe tank, 4. Frame jeans (My current go-to style…wearing in this post), 5. Saint Laurent sunglasses, 6. Vince sneaker, 7. Lafayette dress

Several of my repeat beauty purchases are included in the sale. I keep doubles of my favorite lipsticks (one for home, one for my bag) and back stock on anything I know I’ll buy again anyway. I downsize my makeup selection for travel and pack efficient sets and mini sized product. Eye crayons that don’t need sharpeners, cream blush that doesn’t require a brush, compact eye shadows…those types of things. Some are sets exclusive to the sale, so I’ll shop for those now.

1. Simplehuman Mirror, 2. Laura Mercier Eye Crayons, 3. Hourglass Powder and Brush, 4. Bobbi Brown eyeshadow and pencil set, 5. Prada Lipstick, 6/7 Necessaire The Body Wash (love!) and The Body Lotion, 8. Anastasia brow essentials, 9. Westman Atelier mini blush duo

For the home, I’m looking at lightweight blankets for summer, a fresh stack of towels, and Le Creuset pieces to fill in my collection. I have a lot of friends whose kids are moving to new apartments or homes and they (myself included) enjoy helping them put it together and of course provide a generous housewarming gift. Parachute or Boll & Branch bedding, cookware, or tabletop and kitchen essentials are good to consider.

1. Parachute cotton comforter, 2. Pom Pom linen striped throw, 3. Pom Pom linen blanket, 4. Parachute boucle throw , 5. Stoneware dinnerware , 6. Le Creuset Dutch Oven, 7. Parachute towels

Looking ahead…I like to have a few items on hand I think would be universally good for a last minute gift. Sets from Byredo, Le Labo, Diptyque, and Salt & Stone are always well received. Or, if I see something I know a friend would love, I’ll purchase it now and gift it later for a birthday or just because gift. Think about hostess gifts too…a beautiful carving board set or picnic blanket are great for the right occasion.

1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris or Creed fragrance set, 2. Byredo Mohave Ghost Trio set, or 3. Twine stripe picnic blanket, 4. Salt & Stone Body Wash duo, 5. Viking Carving Set and Board, 6. Diptyque soap and parfume

*Nordstrom Anniversary Sale details:

The preview is open to anyone now. Mark your favorites and add them to your wishlist.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to the public on July 12. Nordstrom cardmembers have Early Access from July 8 – July 11, depending on their tier.

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.