Overrated Products from the NSALE + Products Actually Worth the Hype!

I hope I don’t step on any toes here, but I have to disagree with some of the fan favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. After trying them on or buying them last year, I think these products are overrated from the NSALE. Keep reading to see the products I think are worth the hype at the end!

Overrated Products From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

overrated-products-NSALE

Topshop Open Front Cardigan

I’ve seen a lot of people raving about this sweater so despite my first thoughts on it I tried it on. Y’all, it was not cute…at least on me. It was heavy, really wide, and not even a soft comfortable material. Also, the material is acrylic so unless you like the pulled sweater look I would probably stay away from this one.

Tory Burch Sandals

The quality of these sandals don’t feel like regular Tory Burch shoes. When I tried them on in store, the buckle felt too heavy across my foot and the skinny strap didn’t do much to support it. I would recommend paying $40 more for the Miller sandals if you’re wanting a pair! I’m also not impressed with the flats either. They don’t compare in quality or comfort to the Minnie shoe. They’re expensive, so unless you really need them for work wait until a Shopbop or Black Friday sale to get them.

BP Striped Top

I’m not a fan of the quality and how thin this top is. The fit in my shoulders was not right on me and caused the top to twist and bunch when I moved my arms. Maybe sizing up will help? But the quality is still meh. If it’s anything like last years version it will shrink up when you wash them, so be careful and lay flat to dry! I recommend sizing up in this striped top instead! Side note: I do like the short sleeve version and bought it in green.

The Beauty Department

I would rather pay full price for one beauty item vs $99 for a set. For example, I love the Donna Karen deodorant, but I don’t want to spend $70 for three even if it’s cheaper. I can’t commit to use three of them! The one item I think is a real deal is the Neulash set. You’re paying the normal price for the lash serum but getting a travel size for free. This is the only beauty item I buy every year and it legit works. I also think this is also a good buy if you frequently self tan. If you want to see a similar post on just beauty items then let me know!

Tory Burch Bag

I actually love Tory Burch, but I have to include another popular item here. This purse is typically in the sale every year but I don’t see how it’s functional and worth the price. I mean look at the profile…what are you going to fit in there? I think the Rebecca Minkoff bags are a better buy in this sale. I also love this one but it’s already the same shape as my Gucci Soho bag so I don’t need it.

Madewell Ryder Cardigan

I had a sweater from Madewell in this same material and it pilled really bad after only a few wears. I’m hesitant to invest in this piece for that reason!

Calson Rounded Neck Shirt

Calson makes some great basis, but the white version of this top is too heathered and see through for me. Also, sizing down was still almost too big for me in the chest area.

Zella Leggings

Oh no I didn’t! I may be the only person who feels this way, but I’m honestly not impressed with the two pairs I bought last year. Mainly because I have to pull them up over my butt way too often. I also have a cropped pair from the sale two years ago and they rise up to my knees when walking or sitting.

Expensive Pajamas

Everyone is promoting PJ’s this year and I’m over here in my husbands soccer tee-shirt and workout shorts like who needs to spend over $50 on PJ’s?!

Products Worth the Hype in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

These are the items I’ve purchased every year in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale along with a few new favorites from the sale I discovered this year. The quality of these items are worth their full price so pick them up while they’re on sale.

worth-hype-NSALE-products

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan

I’m currently wearing mine from last year as I write this post. I invested in the cardigan and robe last anniversary sale and then the blanket during Christmas so I am definitely a big fan of the brand! I use the blanket every single night, so before you shut it down because it’s expensive for a blanket think about how often you will use it! These items always sell out every year and for good reason.

Hanky Panky

I buy a few of these every year in the sale and they are the only thing I wear (except during that TOM because they are too nice to risk that). Make sure to get the low-rise and they are one size fits all.

Trouve Sweater

The material and weight of this sweater feels like higher quality than you pay for. I like how it hangs over my hips and it’s long enough to wear over leggings. I picked up a small in the tan burlwood color because I love to pair it with leopard. I’m also eyeing the green color.

Halogen Cardigan

I bought two of these last year in the sale and I love them for work because they’re lightweight but still keep me warm. Mine has washed really well and I usually throw them in the dryer. They are on the longer side so if you’re petite I wouldn’t recommend them for you.

Paige or AG Denim

Designer jeans should be on the top of your list in this sale. The quality is the same you get year round and you will live in these jeans throughout fall. Paige jeans are more high-waist than AG depending on what you’re looking for. My AG jeans fit better in the ankles if you’re looking for something skinny to wear with boots. Both run true to size (TTS).

J. Crew Blazer

This blazer is stretchy and so comfortable. I’m not really a blazer girl but this one made me want to be one! I bought a 4, but if you want it to be more fitted then size down. I plan to dress it down by rolling up the sleeves and pairing it with denim shorts and a graphic tee.

Ugg Slippers

I hate walking on hardwood floors in bare feet. I have a pair of Ugg slippers from last year and I wear them every single day, even now in the summer! I kept buying slippers from Target but TMI… they would stink so bad I would have to buy a new pair every other month! These are worth it just to avoid the stink factor.

Things I hope get re-stocked in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

How am I just not seeing this skirt!? I hope it will get restocked because it would be so cute with this sweater and these boots!

I’ve purchased this pull over twice now and each time it gets cancelled. I keep checking for a restock so hopefully the third time is a charm!

I want to grab this top in the navy stripe. I like that it’s fitted, making it easier to laying under cardigans. According to the online reviews it runs small so I’m keeping my eyes peeled for the medium.

I’m still torn on whether this lace tank is worth the hype based on the online pictures, but I do want to try it. I love lightweight tanks un der cardigans in the fall. It was cancelled in my first order and sold out so quickly. The front looks a little short but I think it will still be cute with a front tuck. I’ll keep you posted!

 

What are your thoughts of the sale so far? Do you agree some of these are overrated products or worth the hype?
xo Amanda John

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Leave a Comment

9 Comments

  1. Kristen Shaw wrote:

    Yes, thank you! I also can’t see myself spending $50 on PJs. And I do the same thing, an old t-shirt and bottoms. lol

    I think the Tory Burch items this year are also meh. I need a new pair of sandals, but those just don’t look that great to me. Or even the flats listed.

    The only items I really want are the lace cami and the barefoot dreams blanket.

    Posted 7.17.18 Reply
    • Haha I knew I couldn’t be the only one!

      I agree the flats were also a miss for me. The minnies are way better quality and more comfortable right out of the box.

      You will LOVE the barefoot dreams blanket!

      Posted 7.17.18 Reply
  2. Cheryl wrote:

    Amanda,
    I follow several fashion blogs, and all of them are touting the Nordstrom sale. But, I haven’t ordered anything until I read your blog. Thank you for being honest about what works and what doesn’t.
    It’s summer and HOT, but I couldn’t resist the sweaters you wrote about!!!

    Posted 7.17.18 Reply
    • Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It’s hot but we all might as well save on some fall staples before we need them! I’m still waiting on some of my orders to come in, but I hope to post more helpful feedback in a haul + try on this Thursday!

      Posted 7.17.18 Reply
  3. Leah wrote:

    So refreshing to see your honesty! I hate when I see bloggers rave about products that are garbage! Good on you for being real!

    xx Leah / http://www.leahbehr.com

    Posted 7.18.18 Reply
  4. Kara wrote:

    Girl, yes!! I appreciate your honest thoughts on the sale. I wish I had found this post sooner because I bought the Ryder cardigan (I couldn’t resist the gorgeous blush color) and hoping it doesn’t pill on me! I purchased the AG denim last year and it made me realize I prefer high waisted denim these days ahah

    xo
    Kara / https://politicsofpretty.com

    Posted 7.23.18 Reply
    • Hopefully now that you know you can just be extra careful when you wear it! I loved the blush color, too!

      Posted 7.23.18 Reply
  5. Stephanie wrote:

    I’ve heard rumors that the quality of the barefoot dream cardigans during the Nsale is different than the ones that are not on the sale. Do you feel this is true? Thank you for your honest opinions!

    Posted 7.18.19 Reply
    • I’ve only purchased the cardigans during the sale but I honestly don’t see a difference in them! I’ve had one for years and its worn really well. Maybe I’ll order the one not included in the sale and compare them on IG stories!

      Posted 7.18.19 Reply