After more than a few drops of sweat and cups of coffee, my Try-On with this year’s hits AND misses is here! Huzzah! Since there are literally over six thousand items included (and I might’ve ordered just a few shy of this number, oops), my hope is that seeing my Top 10 recommendations per category and my own hits and misses will save you time and overwhelm along the way. As always, I keep it real on sizing, quality, etc, because YOU DO NOT NEED EVERYTHING INSTAGRAM TELLS YOU YOU “NEED.”

Really, you need nothing. It’s stuff. Just stuff. 😉

My mom and I actually had so much fun shopping in store together – we weren’t *technically* supposed to be allowed to shop until Friday, but sometimes stores are more lenient with in-store purchases and we were lucky ducks who passed go. Don’t tell. HA.

Today’s post is published so that you can get a head start with the help you might want/need, but I do still have a few things en route to my doorstep – so I’ll be updating this post often with new hits and misses as they come. Bookmark this page and don’t forget to come back! We’ve got until August 8th to place orders before prices go up, and Nordstrom is FABULOUS about returns (in that they’re free, bless up), so don’t be afraid to buy two if you’re unsure of your size and return whichever doesn’t work.

If you want to see a video try-on, head to my Instagram (@ericaligenza) – it’s all saved on my profile under my NSALE Highlight!

ALSO ALSO ALSO – I know beef we ALL have with this sale is that a.) you need a credit card to shop it early and b.) so much sells out early before Public Access begins. I *hate* that folks are excluded in this way and it feels so status-centric, so a big priority for Team CUR this year is providing a ton of look-for-less options that anyone can buy right this very second – and for less money wherever possible, when we find good save versus splurge alternatives. Stay tuned for a blog post on that, and see those options in real time via my LTK profile.

Note: Below you’ll find each piece linked, its current sale priced bolded followed by its post-sale price once 8/8 comes around, and then my thoughts on quality, sizing, etc! If you see “TTS,” that means I believe it runs “true to size,” so stick with what you “normally” order. For reference, I typically wear size Small in top and bottom, or 2/4 and am a 34B bra.

BIGGEST WINS:

[$23.90, after: $35.95] – Really like the look of this oversized tee – and it’s one you’re going to see all over your Instagram feed for months to come. 😉 Very versatile with layerability potential, making it a fun thing to wear now AND later into fall with your favorite denim, suede or faux leather jacket.

– [$39.90, after: $68] – Hadn’t planned on buying a skirt in this sale, but THIS ONE. I didn’t buy in store because they didn’t have my size stocked (I recommend sizing up ONE – this one was a *tad* too tight for my comfort around my stomach!). But it’s on my wishlist to hopefully grab online before it sells out – fingers crossed! Really cool edgy vibe for fall nights out.

[$75.90, after: $129] – This dress is really stunning in person – I felt so elegant wearing it! If you’ve got a fall or winter event on your social calendar, it’s a winner; the pattern is like a sortof felt embroidery, and it’s a flattering fit with cinching at the waist and sleeves and a flowy drop-hem. This didn’t come home with me simply because I don’t have an occasion to wear it (yet)! Stay TTS.

– [$44.90, after: $69] – Mimi and I both brought this fun Queen graphic home! It’s soft and a great fit – both wearing Small. Helps that Queen is one of my all-time favorite brands. 😉

– [$18.90, after: $29] – ADORE this one, too – also super soft and the text on it is just spot on! Mimi & I both bought it, and both sized DOWN to an XS because it runs big!

– [$35.90, after: $54] Hands down the BEST flannel of the sale – it’s absurdly soft. Lovelovelove that it feels more feminine and less lumberjack-y – ha! The high/low cut is great for wearing over leggings (think !) and besides the lovely lilac shade, it comes in a pretty sage, too. Stayed TTS.

– [$45.90, after: $69] – For my teachers or office-working ladies, this top is for you! It’s elegant and feminine, comes in quite a few colors, and has STRETCH! Very well made from a brand I’ve bought pieces from for years – they hold up and are great workwear options. This one would be cute for a dressier night out though, too! I didn’t purchase only because I didn’t actually *need* it in my closet, but it’s a winner.

– [$34.90, after: $55] I totally missed this piece in my online shopping, so it was a happy find in store! It’s a lighter weight knit, which both my mom and I wholeheartedly appreciate over heavier, chunkier sweaters. It’s got dolman sleeves (yay! no pit stains!) + the most flattering boat neckline, and it comes in a few prints AND colors. Can be dressed up or down, worn to work or worn out with the girls or for date night – total winner. We both brought one home! (Size small)

Moonlight pajama set – [$42.90, after: $65] – I bought a shortsleeve Moonlight pajama set in mauve last year and it’s one of my most-worn sets to date. They’re super lightweight, breathable, and stretchy – a great option for nursing mamas, or as a gift for a girlfriend! NO NIGHT SWEATS, bless up. This leopard long-sleeve set was an obvious must in my cart. I recommend sizing DOWN one because of the stretch – I’m wearing XS!

Faux fur jacket – [$45.90, after: $69] This fur reminds me of the popular Thread & Supply Wubby jackets that have been in past sales (+ I have a few! They’re great!), but for less money! It’s SO WARM – I wasn’t wearing a shirt underneath it in this picture and was near-sweating. Ha! So will definitely keep ya cozy in cooler months. Great pockets in the front, and also comes in a pretty blue gingham print. I didn’t purchase only because I need some semblance of self-control in the cozy furry jacket department, but MAN oh man was I close. 😉

Zella Restore leggings – [$39.90, after: $65] I DID come home with these new Zella leggings. They’ve got pockets! Lovelovelove the wide waistband (something most Zellas I’ve seen have – which I love!) and banded bottoms for a different look – they feel like a cross between a jogger and a legging, and I’m here for it. Stayed TTS in Small.

Rolling Stones crop tee – [$11.90, after: $19] – PRO TIP: If you’re a women’s XS or S, check the Big Girl’s department! This Stones tee is technically “Big Girls,” so it’s about half the price of Women’s Department counterparts. Win! I’m wearing XL, which is a girl’s 14/16, and it’s not even a full crop on me so I probably could’ve tried a L for more of a true crop tee look. Purchased!

– [$59.90, after: $80] – OK SO this was my most pleasant surprise of the sale – a totally unexpected find! I tried them on in store on a whim because I’ve never had high top sneakers, and ended up loveloveloving the classic cool vibe. But the BEST PART: they actually feel like walking on clouds. I kid you not. Converse are typically reaaaaally flat in my experience (I own a few of the low pairs), and I’m someone with a high arch that prefers more support in that area. These are squishy soles that feel like they meld to your foot thanks to the platform, so I’m SO into them. Purchased!

Paperclip chain initial necklace – [$36.90, after: $55] – Another exciting find because Mimi & I liked this pretty little initial necklace even better in person than online! It’s gorgeous. A gold (or silver!) paperclip chain with a crystal initial at such a cute size – a great layering piece. We each got out initials and then had the idea while checking out to grab an O for the OG to gift her for her third birthday, because she’s SUCH a girly girl into accessorizing and matching me (which I adore, obviously). Since you can adjust the chain length by clasping it onto the paperclip chain wherever you want, we can teach her to not touch it and be gentle and have it clasped at the right length for her little neck, and the thought of us all matching gets me feeling the feels.

– [$89.90, after: $120] – Going into the sale, I was hoping to find a good pair of white athletic sneakers. And when I saw these, they perfectly fit the vision in my brain, so I had high hopes that they’d work out – and they did! Great support. Excited to work out in them. (Or look like I’m working out in them. Ha.)

Dr. Scholl’s All-In Shearling Sneaker – [$79.90, after: $120] – You know I’ve been a huuuuuge Dr. Scholl’s fan + customer for years; I must have no less than 10 pairs of their sneakers in my closet at this point. They’re just SO comfortable – there’s a reason they’re dubbed my “Disney shoe” of choice! I can walk ALL. DANG. DAY. with zero pain, blisters, or discomfort, and there just are not many shoes that consistently get that rap. I actually already had the original All-In sneakers (and they’re my “Disney shoe!”), so I squealed when they launched a “cozy” pair with shearling lining for colder months. Dr. Scholl’s was kind enough to send me a pair + the pair below in celebration of the sale, and I AM OBSESSED WITH THEM. Stay TTS. Mine are the “silver sage.”

Dr. Scholl’s Fur-lined Mule Sneaker – [$79.90, after: $120] – Another fabulous Dr. Scholl’s shoe! These are also shearling lined for fall/winter (bless up). But the cool thing here is that there are actually no real laces! It’s elastic for easy on/off. Stay TTS. Mine are the “sand dollar!”

UGG leopard sweater – [$58.90, after: $88] – I purchased this sweater through my stylist in store, but they didn’t actually have them physically stocked so I’m awaiting it’s arrival upon my doorstep. This will sell out FAST – it looks like a Barefoot Dreams-esque pullover. AKA, a dream. I ordered the grey leopard in size Small!

WINS ON SALE FROM MY CLOSET:

Spanx leather leggings – [$64.90, after: $98] – Spanx faux leather leggings are in the NSALE every single year – they’re a staple in the sale and a staple in my closet! If you’ve been on the fence, get off the fence for this sale – now is the time to carpe diem. I would most definitely recommend these if you don’t already have them. They’re worth the hype! They’re my most-worn bottom come fall/winter, because I find them to be warmer than some denim. They won’t make ya sweaty like some other faux leather, and they’re compressive in all the right places (as expected with Spanx). I wear size Small. Katie bought a pair in last year’s sale and swears by them, too! I’ve styled them many, many ways (6 ways here, 3 more ways here) – they’re so versatile. Also comes in petite + plus sizing! Yay!

Zella joggers – [$38.90, after: $59] – I bought these in last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and they ended up being a reader Bestseller with you, too! Super comfy athletic jogger that I throw on for any effortless athleisure days.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Set – [$42, $81 value] – This is a GREAT deal on my favorite makeup setting spray! One full-size bottle is normally priced at $33; you get TWO full-size bottles AND a travel-size bottle in this kit, for only $42 total. Let’s do some math here, peeps…for $9 more dollars, you get TWO AND A HALF MORE BOTTLES. I mean…yes. Stock up!

Tula Bestselling Skincare Set – [$74, $122 value] – Another GREAT value in the Beauty department! This set of Tula bestsellers includes the cleanser, moisturizer, + rose eye balm (three personal favorites of mine). If you bought each product individually through Tula and even used my discount code, it would still bring it down to about $93 total – so this trio in the cute case for $74 is a deal!

MISSES:

Adidas Swift Run sneakers – I was bummed about these because I had my eye on the leopard pair for awhile – they just didn’t have as much support as the white Nikes, so I passed.

Neon pink scalloped workout set – sports bra + leggings – I soooo wanted these workout sets to work out (see what I did there? Ha!) because they’re so freaking CUTE! But I found them reaaaaally snug (uncomfortably so), and they’re not padded so…my nips showed through. WOMP. I even sized up and it still felt like wearing a corset. So really, if you want an easy workout routine, buy this set, struggle to get it on, then just try breathing deeply while wearing it – BOOM. Instant cardio. 😉

BUT I WILL SAY one of you messaged me on Instagram after I shared my thoughts in real time in the try-on haul saying you have your true size in this brand and don’t find it too tight, nor do your nipples show through. YAY FOR YOU. I’m sad for me. Haha! So with Nordstrom’s free shipping + free returns policy, might be worth TRYING if you lovelovelove the look of either set in case you luck out like Lianne who DM’d me! Thanks Lianne!

Spanx bodysuits: long sleeve, sleeveless – You KNOW I’m a big bodysuit girl. They’re absolutely my jam. Buuuuut these Spanx ones didn’t do it for me. Spanx are great for sucking in your stomach a bit – not sucking in your entire upper half. HA. More importantly, they backsides are not full coverage nor are they thong…they’re like a weird in between that makes you feel like you need to constantly pull a wedgie. So. Ain’t nobody got time. Also, I have this one from Amazon which gives you the exact same look, for only $18 instead of $52 (AND it’s a full coverage booty, bless up).

Foil workout set – + leggings – Again…same deal as the neon pink (same brand). Tried sizing up, still was *tight* and still showed nips. No bueno. (Although it looks SO GOOD UGH).