The madness has started. Previews of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started on Friday. I’ve been spending some time going through and adding items to my wish list and noting things I recommend for you if you have the need for these items. I try to keep my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks practical.
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The Transport Stripe Embroidered Zip Top Crossbody Tote • $0
How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra • Wacoal • Sold Out
Caslon® Turtleneck Sweater • Caslon • Sold Out
Kent Stripe Cardigan • $59.90
Griffin Dog Tag Necklace • Gorjana • Sold Out
Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer • Gibson • Sold Out
Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings • Nordstrom • Sold Out
Quilted Panel Faux Suede Moto Jacket • $76.90
Dr. Scholls Mercury Loafer • Dr. Scholl’s • Sold Out
Vania Half d’Orsay Pump • $89.90
Arendara Bootie • $79.90
I refer to this sale as “the sale I hate to love” because I truly have a love/hate relationship with it and I get frustrated that I participate year after year. I have made most of my “regret” purchases from this sale. In fact, I think I still have an item in my closet with tags on from a Nsale a few years ago. I’m so glad they opened up the entire sale for preview and are allowing you to save items to your wish list. Hopefully, that will lessen the madness of adding things to your cart just for “fear of missing out.” You (and I) have some time to budget and really consider your purchases and anniversary sale picks.
Just in case you are new to all this hype, or new to blogs (if you follow blogs you’ve probably already seen more than you care to about this sale in the past two days or week. I had no idea what/who Nordstrom was or that they had such a sale until I started blogging- the nearest one is about 65 miles away from me), the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a sale on BRAND NEW fall merchandise. It’ s not a clearance sale. It’s NEW stuff. Be mindful that if you miss something, it might still be around in the fall when restocks and returns are complete and actually have a bigger discount when it’s marked down for clearance. That’s one thing I hate about this sale- seeing something I bought 30-40% off and then seeing it 40- 50% off later.
The sale is happening a little later this year too. I’m okay with that. I hate shopping for sweaters in July. I probably won’t buy any in August either, but at least the sale is a little closer to fall.
So how do you shop such a sale? The key is to have a Nordstom credit card. Even if you only use it for the sale, it gets you access a week ahead of the general public. Those who are die hard Nordstrom shoppers get even earlier access based on their spending status. You can apply here.
Check out my tips for shopping the sale. I wrote those three years ago and they still hold true. I finally followed my own advice last year and had the best experience to date. I bought bras, undies, shoes and beauty products that I frequently use. I bought a couple of trendy things but I actually wore them. Bras and undies probably aren’t any fun, but you need to replace your bras at least once a year so now is a great time.
So what am I shopping for? And what do I recommend? Below are my picks and why I picked them.
Some items in the “lower budget” class are on par with JCrew Factory or Old Navy as far as quality in my opinion. This isn’t really where you should spend your money unless you just love it and know you will get a great cost per wear from it. This sale is best for shopping those higher quality jeans, purses, shoes, jackets and beauty items that rarely go on sale.
Sweaters, Jackets and Blazers:
Caslon is one of those lower budget Nordstrom brands but I have good luck with this brand. The open front cardigans are always popular and will likely sell out fast, so go ahead and get one on your wish list now. The Caslon has a couple of stripe options that are less expensive than the Madewell cardigan. Cardigans are versatile year round pieces. The striped Madewell cardigan will likely go fast too.
I love a soft cozy Chenille sweater and I love this Caslon sweater in pink gale.
If you have been considering a moto jacket, now is a great time to get one. I picked suede because it’s kinder to aging skin. I have a black moto, but would like the suede one too. Here are 15 ways to wear a moto.
The blazer is on my list because I had a cobalt blue one that I wore to threads. I need a replacement and I know the color will still work with my closet.
Tops:
Camisoles are always hot items in this sale. I’ve been trying to add an ivory one to my closet forever. Camisoles and sleeveless shells work well under blazers and cardigans for work. The tee is a fun piece. I have a similar one and it goes with my entire summer wardrobe. I have multiple leopard print tops. It will always be a classic print, especially in a piece like this top. If you don’t have one, this is a great pick.
Undies and bras: I’ve been on the search for a comfy bralette to wear around the house. I’ve heard great things about True Body so I’m hoping to snag one. The Wacoal no wire is my favorite bra and I love wearing slip shorts under skirts and dresses in place of a slip. The Natori Bliss undies are comfy and great no show undies.
Shoes: Of course shoes will make my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks!
I think loafers will be popular this fall. I have the Steve Madden feather leopard flats and this is a GREAT price for these. I’m hoping to snag the snakeskin this time. I love my Dr. Scholl’s slip on sneakers and if the comfort of them is an indicator of the other Dr. Scholl’s shoes, I’d say buy any pair of Dr. Scholl’s that fit your fancy. I like the loafers and I don’t have a pair of black flats in my closet. I also own Vince Camuto booties and Franco Sarto shoes. They are some of my favorite brands. The Vince booties in Tortilla Suede will go with everything. I also bought Blondo snakeskin booties last year (after the sale) and I LOVE them. I bought Cole Hann booties in the sale last year and they were the most comfortable shoes right out of the box, so I’m eyeing those pumps in black and snakeskin for work.
Accessories- I love to pick up some new jewelry during the Nsale. I rarely regret these purchases. I love Gorjana and all of my pieces have held up well.
Beauty– I’m trying to minimize products so I won’t be buying a ton of beauty items but I do love the special mini sets that let me sample multiple colors and products. These are all brands I love:
What will you be shopping for? Do you love any of these Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks?
