My Chic Aunt in L.A. Is Shopping These Nordstrom Summer Fashion Finds, Starting at $23

Jailynn Taylor

July 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM·3 min read

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Including Levi’s, Madewell, Coach, and more

<p>Coach / Sam Edelman / Theory</p> — Coach / Sam Edelman / Theory

My first source of fashion inspiration wasn’t a celebrity. It was my aunt. One lesson she taught me early on was how to shop with discernment when opting into trends. Before she even considered swiping her card, she would think about if each piece would flow with the rest of her wardrobe. When the trend had come and gone, she made sure that she would have no shame in putting that piece on again. So when shopping events like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale come around, and we’re ready to clear our entire wishlist, she mindfully chooses items that she knows she’ll love and wear forever.

I rounded up eight of her favorite style picks from the sale, including an oversized t-shirt from Madewell, breezy mixed-media dress from Theory, high-waisted jeans from Levi’s, and an everyday Coach bag. The best part? Prices start at just $23.

8 Aunt-Picked Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Deals

Madewell Softfade Oversize Cotton T-Shirt, $23 (Originally $35)
Levi's 501 High-Waist Crop Straight-Leg Jeans, $65 (Originally $98)
Theory Pleated Sleeveless Mock-Neck Midi Dress, $376 (Originally $595)
Coach Chelsea Pebbled Leather Top-Handle Bag, $197 (Originally $295)
Allsaints Hadley Butterfly Print Cowl-Neck Satin Slipdress, $153 (Originally $229)
Sam Edelman Farrah Kitten Heel-Pointed Toe Slingback Pump, $90 (Originally $140)
Treasure and Bond Pintuck Cotton-Poplin Button-Up Shirt, $60 (Originally $90)
Halogen Single Pleat Sleeveless Satin Shell, $48 (Originally $69)

Madewell Softfade Oversize Cotton T-Shirt

As much as my aunt likes to shop for head-turning pieces, she finds herself reaching for a cozy tee and jeans more often than not. So, it was unsurprising that she added Madewell’s Softfade Oversize Cotton T-Shirt to her cart. The white T-shirt comes in sizes XS to XL and features an easy, oversized fit. It falls at about hip length, and has a classic crew neckline along with dropped shoulders. Plus, it’s made from 100 percent cotton.

Levi's 501 High-Waist Crop Straight-Leg Jeans

What makes my aunt so chic isn't the elaborate pieces she wears. It’s how she mixes and matches wardrobe staples to make them look elevated. One of her favorite brands to shop for high-quality essentials is Levi’s, and she’s currently got her eye on the 501 High-Waisted Crop Straight-Leg Jean, which is on sale for $65. They feature a high-waisted design with a cropped hem that stops around the middle of the calf. It has a straight-leg fit, comes in a medium blue wash, and is available in sizes 24 to 31.

Theory Pleated Sleeveless Mock-Neck Midi Dress

My aunt said she always treats herself to one splurge purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and this go-round, the honor fell on Theory’s Pleated Sleeveless Mock Neck Midi Dress. Theory is one of her favorite brands, and she’s been dying to try out the mixed-media trend, which is when one item features different fabric constructions. She wanted to be intentional about how she opted into the trend because it needed to flow with the rest of her wardrobe. This dress checks all her boxes.

It comes in a rich olive green and sizes from petite to large. The top half of the dress is made from a stretchy knit that easily pulls over the head, while the bottom has a pleated silk-like satin skirt that falls to the mid-calf, depending on your height. The top half of the dress hugs the body, while the bottom half billows outward, allowing it to move freely when in motion.

Shop more of my aunt’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks, below.