Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: I know you’re already well aware, but in the words of the one and only Taylor Swift, ‘tis the damn season—of sales, that is. There are a handful that I always keep a close eye on, but none quite compare to that of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and this year is no different. It’s the perfect time to stock up on tried-and-true favorites like the best bras, T-shirts, and more. However, it’s also a fantastic time to nab some of those fashion-forward pieces to build your wardrobe for the seasons to come. I know we’re both eager to shop the sale, and I’m curious to know: what are the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale fashion deals you have in your cart?
Avec Les Filles Wrap Front Faux Leather Miniskirt
Now 33% Off
PacSun New Skate Cotton Cargo Pants
Now 30% Off
Levi’s Notch Collar Faux Shearling Coat
Now 43% Off
Simon Miller Metallic Shoulder Bag
Now 25% Off
Levi’s Ribcage Acid Wash High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Now 33% Off
Meg Donohue: You know me and my frugal heart love a sale, and Nordstrom’s annual event is among the most reliable and consistent when it comes to incredible finds in the fashion, beauty, home, and even gift departments. I’m excited to see what additional items are added to the sale once it’s live on July 17, but for now, I have my eyes on this high-shine black leather miniskirt. I’ve had the same vegan leather skirt for years, and while I love it, it’s starting to peel, rendering it unwearable. Our loyal readers are surely familiar with the fact that you and I share an obsession with Simon Miller (they make the best clogs), so you better believe I’m jumping at the chance to snag this shoulder bag, as metallic is one of the hottest bag trends of 2023. Although I’m in no rush for fall or winter, I can acknowledge that they are inevitable, and this sale is chock-full of amazing cold-weather staples, like this fabulous shearling-trimmed coat and these classic Levi’s I’ll likely live in this autumn. As for the carpenter pants, what can I say, I wish I was a skater chick. Sigh, anyway, what have you added to your bag?
DC: I’m also waiting for what will be added to the sale. In the meantime, I’ve been combing the site to see things that’ll be in my forever wardrobe, a.k.a. the things I know I’ll be wearing for the long haul. Such items include closet staples like everyday blue jeans and this cardigan dress (which can be worn as a top, depending on how you style it), as well as a fresh pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals. I already have three in my closet, but when they’re different and on sale, why not?! The newer, and perhaps more unexpected, piece in the mix is a pair of platform Ugg slippers. I couldn’t get on that Ugg boot trend that Bella Hadid pioneered, but these are the next best thing, in my opinion.
Open Edit Long Sleeve Rib Cardigan Dress
Now 33% Off
AG Ex-Boyfriend Ripped Jeans
Now 33% Off
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal
Now 24% Off
Coach Polished Pebble Leather Crossbody Bag
Now 33% Off
Ugg Discoquette Genuine Shearling Slide Slipper
Now 32% Off
Beyond fashion though, I’m particularly interested in Nordstrom’s home section. Is it just me, or has that section of the retailer been getting better and better over the past few years?
MD: Funnily enough, the Ugg slippers are in my cart, too. As you are well aware, I’m a total sucker for any shoe with a platform…and slippers of any kind. (I keep a pair at work under my desk—you of all people can attest.) And no, it’s not just you. Nordstrom’s home section has been on its A-game and it’s only getting better. What in particular is catching your eye?
DC: I’m currently in my nesting phase, which means I’m in the process of finding more room in my small apartment for things that make it feel like home. While I’m usually a minimalist with my décor options, I can’t help but smile when I think about adding this acrylic tic-tac-toe set to my living room—I mean, just look at that color! I’m also hoping to update my bedding game with something other than white sheets, and this Dusen Dusen set does the job nicely. There are a couple other things to make my home a bit cozier, but one thing I’m particularly excited about is this Click-n-Grow garden. Gardens aren’t the most accessible where I currently live, but that doesn’t mean I can’t grow my own herbs!
MD: I have a countertop garden and I absolutely love it. I’m fortunate enough to have a deck where I can grow plants during the warm seasons, but I love having the option to grow herbs or salad greens during the winter. Plants just make me happy, so I believe in having them year-round. The number one thing I’m hunting for is a new record player. I’ve had my current one since high school, and I recently noticed the sound quality seems to be deteriorating. Perhaps this is my chance to replace it with a newer model that can actually do my vinyl collection justice. Other than that, who couldn’t use a vacuum upgrade? Nordstrom is also including a ton of candles from one of my favorite fragrance brands, Nest New York, in the Anniversary Sale. I highly recommend checking those out. Lastly, I’m manifesting more sun-basking for myself with an oversized beach towel (SPF’d, of course).
DC: And on that note, I suppose we better start shopping—and tanning—if we don’t want to miss out! Godspeed.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.