Cheryl Shops

Every year, I ask myself whether I should be covering the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It feels like Groundhog Day in a way—many of the same items are included year after year, so much so that I always reference the previous year's post to make sure I'm not repeating the same recommendations. It also feels that every year, there are more of Nordstrom's private-label brands present and fewer designer brands. And now, this year, it looks like the discounts aren't as deep on certain items (thanks, inflation!). Can we catch a break? In a word, yes. As much as we all love to complain about how the sale isn't as good as it used to be, there are still some great deals to be had—I know because I went through literally every product that's included in this year's sale (except for kids and men's stuff, sorry). Here are my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks for 2022. 

CLOTHES

1. There's nothing like starting off with one of the most expensive things in the sale, but I like to do it with a bang. Nili Lotan's classic-with-a-twist clothes are made to last, and this is one of the few super-luxurious items included in the sale.

Nili Lotan Matisse houndstooth coat $999.99 (reg. $1495)

2. I have (somewhat reluctantly at first) dipped back into bodysuits, and while I really wish they weren't all thongs (WHY OH WHY THE THONGS?!), I do appreciate how they stay put and don't get all bunchy. I especially like the chic wrap effect on this one. 

Good American wrap bodysuit $83.99 (reg. $125)

3. Faux leather always gives me pause—it's made out of petroleum and will likely last for hundreds of years before decomposing, so you'd better REALLY love it. That said, I have many faux leather pieces in my wardrobe that I'd hate to part with, and I think I'd be willing to commit to this beauty. 

Halogen pleated faux leather midi skirt $65.90 (reg. $99)

4. Proenza Schouler's white label line is a wee bit more affordable than its primary black label, but as you can see from this incredibly cool-looking cardigan, they obviously haven't sacrificed any design sensibility. I love all the details, from the shoulder cutouts to the back buttons; this is a splurge but I feel like it's a pretty good one. 

Proenza Schouler White Label wool cutout cardigan $299.99 (reg. $450)

5. Of all the items featured in this post, this is the one I want the most. I am late to the Farm Rio game, but I am eager to make up for lost time, starting with this dress. I'm obsessed with everything about it—the print, the silhouette, and the very reasonable price. 

Farm Rio black spring bananas print minidress $129.99 (reg. $190)

6. There are not a lot of what the industry calls "fashion pieces" in the Anniversary Sale this year—there are a lot of basics, yawn—but this wild printed blouse is fortunately one of them. Prints are personal, and this trippy one is speaking to me. 

Zadig & Voltaire Tink glam rock satin blouse $178.99 (reg. $298)

7. Veronica Beard is among the few designers who's strongly represented in this year's NSale; everyone always gravitates toward their blazers, but I've heard amazing things about their pants as well. And if pink cropped trousers aren't dopamine dressing, I don't know what is. 

Veronica Beard Renzo crop pants $259.99 (reg. $398)

8. L'Agence makes very sharply tailored blazers, and they rarely go on sale. I like that this one is a little unexpected in terms of color, and it's a less grandmotherly take on the tweed trend that's everywhere right now. 

L'Agence Kenzie bouclé blazer $398.99 (reg. $595)

SHOES & ACCESSORIES

1. I was introduced to Monica Vinader a few years ago in London and wear a ring of hers every day; I was super happy to discover that Nordstrom is her exclusive retailer in the U.S., and that perhaps I can add this ring to my daily stack too. 

Monica Vinader Siren green onyx ring $150.75 (reg. $225)

2. I struggle with a chunky boot, but think the fact that this one is waterproof—and thus perfect for elevating you above the puddles or slush in inclement weather—is pretty genius. Love that this comes in a bunch of colors and textures too. 

Dolce Vita Cashe waterproof bootie $99.99 (reg. $160)

3. I love a good statement earring (although my ridiculously tiny earlobes do not) and these just look like pure fun. Kat, if you're reading this, I think you should buy these and let me borrow them ;). 

Deepa Gurnani Shyna crystal earrings $64.99 (reg. $98)

4. There are a whopping three Isabel Marant items in the sale this year, however they're all sunglasses, and I'm assuming that's because they're licensed and thus the designer herself had little to do with this. Either way, I think these are pretty freaking cool and I may be willing to break my no-designer-sunglasses rule* for them. 

Isabel Marant square sunglasses $159.99 (reg. $240)

5. A friend recently asked if belt bags were still in style, and the answer is yes, as long as you wear them crossbody. Glad to see Clare V back in the Anniversary Sale mix with yet another bangin' bag like this one (love the faux croc). 

Clare V Grande embossed belt bag $216.99 (reg. $325)

6. I'm glad to see Coach course-correcting from its '90s logomania bags to its '70s Bonnie Cashin throwbacks. This is a gorgeous updated classic and one of the best deals in the entire sale, if you ask me. 

Coach polished pebble shoulder bag $249.99 (reg. $395)

7. This boot comes in a far more practical brown or black, but I'm feeling the white for its Beyoncé Homecoming vibes. I am normally not a fan of knee-high boots that zip but feel like my bony ankles would appreciate the more fitted shape that the half zipper affords. 

Vince Farida pointed toe boot $399.99 (reg. $595)

8. You can sometimes find an even better deal on this blanket at Nordstrom Rack, but if hunting and waiting isn't your thing—and if you'd prefer a greater variety—then now is the time to pounce on this animal-print Internet fave. 

Barefoot Dreams In the Wild throw blanket $119.90 (reg. $180)

*After losing a beloved, irreplaceable pair of Phillip Lim aviators in the Atlantic Ocean years ago, I no longer buy designer sunglasses. Well, maybe until now. 

BEAUTY

1. It's hard to believe that a lip color can look good on everyone, but the iconic Pillow Talk actually does, and perhaps even more amazingly, the Matte Revolution version is one of the few matte lipsticks on the market that doesn't dry out my lips. 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit $59 ($92 value)

2. I'd normally say proceed with caution with votive-size candles, but I know for a fact that Diptyque's pack just as much punch as their full sizes. This set contains 4 no-brainer bestsellers; the only thing that could make it even more perfect would be if a Feu de Bois were included. 

Diptyque 4-piece candle set $110 ($152 value)

3. I've been using the Chebula serum in this set, and it's so good, I'm planning an Honest Review later this month. So not only is there a full size of that in here, but also the companion cream and the Vitamin C booster, which is supposed to be amazing. This set is one of the best values in the sale. 

True Botanicals Glow Set $99 ($215 value)

4. If you ask me, these are the two best products in the Oribe line; I use both on the regular, and if you do too (or just want to try them), this is a ridiculously good deal. I mean, duh, you are saving $32 off the regular full-size prices!

Oribe Magic Set $65 ($97 value)

5. Speaking of ridiculously good deals, this sunscreen set is probably not the sexiest product I'm featuring, but it's definitely one you'll use every day. And having tried what feels like every SPF under the sun, I always keep coming back to Unseen Sunscreen,

Supergoop! sunscreen set $48 ($78 value)

6. Another product that I'll most likely be buying for myself is this set of highlighters and blushes from Gucci Westman's super luxe (and clean) line. I have the Lit Up stick in a different shade (more of a bronze) and it is one of my favorite things to put on my face, so this seems triply good. 

Westman Atelier The Weekend set $138 ($171 value)

7. I have used this lotion for over 20 years and have yet to find one that's anywhere as good. This is a whopping 33.8 oz in waste-conscious packaging, great for refilling your existing bottle (it's the equivalent of 4 regular-size bottles). 

Kiehl's Creme de Corps body moisturizer $49 (reg. $82)

8. People go nuts for NEST's candles, but I actually prefer their diffusers, which are slightly more subtle yet potent enough to notice. These are two of their bestselling scents, and two of my favorites as well. I'm thinking one for the bathroom, one for the bedroom. 

NEST New York Bamboo & Grapefruit reed diffuser set $78 ($116 value)