Favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… the Anniversary Sale! This is THE time to stock up on high-quality core wardrobe pieces from our favorite store (free shipping! free returns!) for a fraction of the retail cost, but there’s a problem I hear all the time– “this sale is so overwhelming, I don’t even know where to start!” Trust me, I get it. Thanks to a very patient stylist and a ton of research ahead of time, I was able to head to Nordstrom yesterday like a shopping sniper and pick out THE hottest items you’ll want in your closet. Consider me as your personal shopper, finding great deals on the items that are sure to sell out quick. In fact, some of the items I bought are already out-of-stock so if that happens go ahead and add them to your wishlist and keep checking back!
If you need a refresher, here’s everything you need to know about the sale:
What the heck is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Let’s just say it’s like the Superbowl of the shopping world. Unlike most retailers who mark down what didn’t sell at the end of the season, The Anniversary sale features the latest and greatest fashion– often as it’s being released for the first time– and many are fall and winter items so you can get your core wardrobe pieces before the season even starts. While there are tons of reasonably priced items, this sale is also a chance to snag luxury offerings at a steep discount (I’m talking $200 off Tory Burch boots.) With Nordstrom’s generous return policy, you don’t have to worry about not loving it when fall arrives because you can always return it later (but probably you won’t, because seriously, these items rock!)
Why Nordstrom? Nordstrom is my favorite because they treat their customers like gold with perks such as free shipping AND free returns, plus an incredibly generous window for returns. I’ve returned fall items in the spring with no questions asked. I once returned (unworn) winter boots after accidentally recycling the box. Life is busy enough without having to keep track of a 30-day return policy like most retailers or eat the cost of returning something you don’t love. Nordstrom takes the risk out of buying clothes so I can order and try everything on at home instead of dragging my kids into the dressing room. They are amazing and in return I’m incredibly loyal! In other words, it’s basically risk-free to order from them.
But Nordstrom so expensive! Listen. KonMari-ing my home was life changing and taught me to appreciate each and every possession. In this disposable world, I’d become addicted to fast fashion. My old routine was to go into Old Navy and buy 5 things I only kinda liked and wear them a few times, after which they cluttered up my closet for years. Now, I carefully choose the items I invest in (and by ‘invest’, sometimes that’s a $14 pair of earrings– cost doesn’t matter, effort, however, does) and love and appreciate them. I’d so much rather get one classic top I love for $100 than 5 ‘meh’ tops for $20. Plus quality items last longer and are easier to resell when you’re ready to part with them (don’t believe me? Check out the B/S/T groups for brands like Lilly Pulitzer on Facebook!) No matter your budget, always try on the best of what you can afford. It’s hard to go back once you see and feel the difference. Your time, space, and emotional state is just as valuable as your money!
Okay, I’m convinced. Now how do I get the best deals? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. First, make sure you are signed up for the Nordstrom card. There’s a way you can do it through debit too to avoid credit checks (that’s what I did last year since we were applying for a mortgage and didn’t want to open ANY new credit card accounts!) Getting a Nordstrom card gets you early access (starting right now!) which is super important because the best stuff goes super quick. Last year I fell in love with a pair of popular shoes and not only did they sell out, they never got restocked again. I *thought* they were the ones that got away but saw there’s a very similar pair on sale this year! Get ’em while they’re hot, I sure did! PLUS you get double the points towards $20 Nordstrom Notes each time you make a purchase and other perks. And this is HUGE; you can choose one a year to earn triple points towards your Nordstrom Notes, and guess which day I chose? Today, of course, to stack with the sale!
The Anniversary sale starts NOW for cardholders and opens to the public on July 21st. If you aren’t seeing sale prices, that’s because you need to sign in with your Nordstrom card first to get the best prices. With things already selling out, if you’re able, I’d encourage you to get the card (even the debit version) to unlock the great savings.
Here’s a few outfits I put together, complete with awkward dressing room selfies.
Bateau neck sweater // Vince Camuto booties // Paige jeans // Rebecca Minkoff handbag
Can we talk about this combo? It’s casual but classic and feels way more put together than the leggings I typically run around in all day. Those Paige jeans are on wicked sale, you can never have too many perfectly fitting skinny jeans. The booties are SUPER comfy and the bag is ah-mazing. My favorite detail about the bag is the short strap, ahhhh, love that surprises like that!
Next up, the battle of the cardigans. I have four that I loved, I couldn’t decide!
Topshop cardigan // Hunter boots // Paige Jeans // Lush raw edge tee
Y’all. I love me a cardigan and this sale has more than you need, but all that you want. 🙂 The stock photo does not do this one justice! I wish I had a photo but one of my best friends called while I was trying it on and I didn’t get a good pic (but worth it, because FRIENDS.) I bought it so I’ll share in Instagram!
You can’t escape the cold shoulder trend, so I’m embracing it. Another classic and casual combo, in the fall I’ll layer a large scarf over it to stay warm.
Cold Shoulder Tunic // Paige Jeans // Vince Camuto booties
Scarves go SO quickly, so if you see one you like, snag it! This one is only $11! There’s a few in fall colors (such as this one) that look great layered with open cardigans.
Here’s a round-up of all my favorites that I personally bought and tried on.
Favorite Shoes and Boots
Typically I purchase one good pair of shoes a season. Let’s just say this time I purchased my year’s worth in one fell swoop. 😉
These are the ones pictured in my outfit photos above, but this shows the details better. Gorgeous!
I have the tall version and those were amazing for serious mucking of mud during winter storms and house construction, but I wanted a shorter pair for regular rainy days.
AHHHHHH these sold out day one last year and were never restocked! This year I snagged them as soon as I could. What an incredibly fun neutral pair of flats to add some pop to a daily outfit.
A casual pair of sneakers is a must on my list for days I’m not necessarily working out but am running errands or attending outdoor events. These weren’t in the store and are currently sold out, so I’m keeping watch and will let you know in Instagram when they are restocked.
Handbags
There were two bags my stylist picked out that literally made my heart skip a beat. Like, I almost called my cardiologist. I put them on my shoulder and BOOM, love. The problem is I can’t decide between the two. Since handbags sell out lightning quick, I bought both and have been trying my best to choose– eek– help, which do you like best?
Rebecca Minkoff Embroidered Strap Hobo
Reghan Leather Crossbody in Ash
Here’s an inexpensive tote that’s a dupe for a higher end version!
Tops
Perfect for layering and oh-so-friendly price! This is the tee in my dressing room selfies above.
Business casual with a bright pop of pink.
Lace Detail Cold Shoulder Sweater
Couldn’t find this one in store so ordered online. Can’t go wrong with this combo!
Such a flattering sweater! It’s oversized so the cold shoulders add a flirty little peek.
If you’re looking for a pretty and flattering tank to get you through summer and layer over this fall, you’ve found it.
Burgundy is just so darn flattering. Trust me. This one will be perfect for fall.
Bottoms
I only walked away with one pair of jeans, but really, that’s all I need so I’m thrilled to find one as versatile and comfy as these!
Layers
I’m a sucker for a great cardigan (or three). Here’s what I took home, with the intention to return a few. Maybe.
Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan
I want to crawl into this cardigan and live there, it’s as soft as a hug and as comfy as a pair of slippers. This would make a great gift if you can part with it.
So chic and pretty in pink. Really flattering on just about everyone.
Again, pics don’t do this justice. I’m going to live in it this winter.
The colorblock provides a fun twist on a classic long cardi. Layer over jeans and a tee to dress up the look.
Outerwear
Packable Jacket in Dark Cherry
I wasn’t able to snag this in store but did get it online before it went out of stock. It’s a little twist on my favorite North Face style jackets.
Okay friends, it’s 1AM and I’m wrapping up this long day. Shopping is a blast but between the research, prep, 3 hour fitting room session, this post, and oh… taking care of my kiddos… I’m beat! This sale is a sprint to get what you want before it’s sold out, AND a marathon to snag back-in-stocks as things are returned. I’ll continue to share outfits and pics on Instagram, so visit me there for news on back-in-stocks and actual photos of the outfits. Tell me what you love and plan to get, and if you liked this post and found it helpful, please share it!
