What your teen wants from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I asked my sixteen year-old daughter to scroll through the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and share her favorites with you. She then proceeded to find almost 30 items.

She was supposed to provide some commentary as well which resulted in a lot of “super trendy and cute” and “great for back-to-school” as if she’s ever going back to school. I’m convinced my children will live the rest of their lives in my living room.

I’ll spare you her three word, copied-and-pasted narrative and just tell you what I think of her selections.

She was largely unimpressed with the selection of tops (as I have historically been), but she did find every pair of over-sized, ripped, high-waisted jeans in the sale. It’s kind of maddening how all of these teenage girls look adorable in the least flattering style of all time.

So, if you have a teen girl in your life, here’s what she wants from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

TOPS

Topshop Cable Sleeve Cardigan — $44.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $68)

This chunky cardigan would make me look like a marshmallow, but a younger gal could pull it off. Runs true-to-size. 

Topshop Rib Knit Crop Cardigan — $28.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $45)

Obviously, a crop top. I supposed there’s no point in having a lovely flat stomach if the world can’t witness it.

Madewell Balboa Wash The Oversize Jean Jacket — $79.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $128)

Are you noticing a trend? Giant jackets with itty bitty tops underneath. This looks big enough for my husband. Fits true-to-size and comes in XXS – 3XL.

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip Performance Jacket — $83.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $119)

This is probably a jacket that will stay in her closet for years and one you can borrow as well.

JEANS

Topshop Chicago Ripped Knee High Waist Dad Jeans — $49.50 + FREE shipping (regularly $80)

Super trendy which means she’ll wear them for about three months. But at least the knee rip looks natural.

Topshop Chicago Crop Slim Straight Jeans — $49.50 + FREE shipping (regularly $95)

This model must be really tall, because these jeans are 30 inches in length. They don’t have a lot of stretch so they will fit way different that her favorite American Eagle jeans. You know she’s going to wear them with her Air Force One’s.

BDG Urban Outfitters Pax Ripped High Waist Jeans — $45.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $69)

Okay, can everyone older than 29 just agree that these are the WORST jeans of all time? Add a 2XL men’s flannel and you have an accurate visual of me and all my friends pretending that we understood Nirvana and Pearl Jam’s angst in 1992 in suburban Seattle.

These jeans run small, so size up.

Frame Le Original Ripped High Waist Crop Jeans — $163.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $245)

These also run small, so size up. And they are hella expensive. I don’t think my kid was actually looking at prices as she selected items. At least they don’t look like she’s wearing a paper garbage bag. 

Levi’s 501® Ripped High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans — $63.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $98)

These run true-to-size and don’t have any stretch. I don’t know why all these adorable girls want to look like my mom in 1983. Add a cigarette and some free-range parenting to make the picture complete.

ATHLETIC WEAR

Nike Tempo Dri-FIT Running Shorts — $21.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $30)

My kid wears her Nike shorts a lot, so I wouldn’t feel wasteful buying her another pair. Bonus that her butt won’t hang out the back.

Also comes in white/pink and teal. The white pair will give your daughter the opportunity to understand the importance of wearing flesh-colored undies.

Beyond Yoga Over It High Waist Leggings — $59.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $99)

Nike Sportswear Essential Fleece Pants — $39.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $60)

Okay, my daughter actually owns these sweatpants and she wears them a lot. If your kid wants some sweatpants, buy these.

BP Fleece Jogger Pants — $24.90 + FREE shipping ( regularly $45)

These are also a good option, but I do wonder how they will hold up in the wash. Well, who cares. If they shrink, you can return them and get your money back.

Comes in four colors.

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings — $38.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $59)

My kid loves Zellas and has several pairs in different lengths. She prefers the 7/8 length with the cell phone pocket.

I love that they have good coverage — you can’t see through them and they don’t allow for jiggling. You know when you look at some women and wonder if their leggings are actually dark tights? Yeah, Zellas don’t have that problem.

Comes in three colors.

SHOES

Nike Air Max 270 Premium Sneakers — $112.50 + FREE shipping (regularly $150)

I’m not certain if she would prefer these to her white Air Force One’s. I’m assuming no. But she does love the pink and tan colors.

Nike Air Max Dia Running Shoes — $82.50 + FREE shipping (regularly $110)

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

kate spade florence zip around leather wallet — $99.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $188)

She commented with “cute and reliable wallet” as if “reliable” was ever part of how she made a purchasing decision. I’m sure she would love this wallet if she received it as a gift. I would too. 

Comes in pink and black.

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Ray-Ban 51mm Hexagonal Flat Lens Sunglasses — $99.80 + FREE shipping (regularly $154)

Ray-Bans. Dying. Feel free to keep scrolling. 

Adina’s Jewels Set of 2 Pavé Star & Lightning Bolt Earrings — $38.90 + FREE shipping (regularly $68)

Okay, these are cute and probably better for her ears than stuff from Claire’s. 

BEAUTY

Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush Set — $165 + FREE shipping ($243 value)

Insert a hard eye roll, but my mom is welcome to buy me this for Christmas. Baby Boomers have legit disposable income.

First Aid Beauty FAB & Flawless Kit — $49 + FREE shipping ($94 value)

This is reasonably priced and would be a fun Christmas gift.

Plump Lips & Sexy Lashes Duo — $32 + FREE shipping ($54 value)

My kid claims this is the best mascara ever. 

Ouai Thirsty Hair Oil & Leave-In Conditioner Kit — $35 + FREE shipping ($54 value)

She said that this “smells really good and makes your hair super soft.” Kind of makes me want to try it out for myself but hide it in my bathroom from her.

RIKI Skinny Lighted Mirror — $130 + FREE shipping ($205 value)

My kid said, “good size, not too big, fun to use.” So is a $10 number from Amazon or Walmart. 

Make sure you join us in our Nordstrom Deals Facebook group! 

We’ve been ramping up in there as the sale gets closer and it’s the best place to find up to the minute deals, sizing help and all the details of the sale as we learn them.

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