Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – What’s All The Hype?

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – a one of a kind sale!

Before becoming a blogger I didn’t understand what all the hype around the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was about.   I remember thinking my friend was crazy for stocking up on things like long leggings and Sorel boots in the middle of Summer.  Last year was my first year shopping the sale as a blogger and Nordstrom Card Holder and I thought it was worthwhile to share what I learned.

Early Access To The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

So Nordstrom card holders get early access to shop the sale items.   The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts July 21 for the public, but early access (exclusively for cardholders) begins July 13.   If you are considering a card you can apply for one here.  I signed up for the Nordstrom credit card last year to get early access to the sale but it has been worth it for me because you earn “rewards” with each purchase (i.e.: money back on future purchases).  A LOT of items sell out before the sale is open to the public so this is definitely a case of the early bird getting the worm.

What is on sale?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale puts items from every department on deep discount but they really showcase a lot of their Fall fashion in the sale.  You can even find a sale preview catalog on this page.   I specifically remember buying a pair of Fall booties for $79 last year and returning them because they were too small and then buying them back 2 months later for $139 (OUCH!).

Make a List

So many thousands of items are on sale you want to make a list of things you need.   Have you been wanting a T3 curling wand or Spanx leather leggings?   I remember these higher priced staples being on sale last year.    Write down what you NEED because there is WAY too much room for impulse purchasing.  Higher priced items are where you need to know what you’re looking for because they sell out fast.

Get it while It’s HOT!

I remember a Blank NYC suede Moto jacket and Rebecca Minkoff handbag being in my cart last year and I didn’t pull the trigger before they sold out.   Months later I ended up buying both items for full price.    I would have saved several hundreds of dollars if I had prepared myself with what I was looking for so I could be quick to commit.

Plan for Fall

Late July and Early August are not the time to be buying more Summer items.   Take advantage of a rare pre-season sale.   What types of items do you like to wear in the Fall?   For me I will be looking for:

• oversized tunics and sweaters
• a higher end pair of skinny jeans
• high waisted leather leggings
• Fall booties
• a larger Fall handbag (likely cognac or taupe)
• maybe a new pair of over the knee boots because I spilled mayo on my most loved pair and it stained the suede.   The COVETED Stuart Weiztman over the knee boots happen to be included in the pre-sale.   These are the gold standard in over the knee boots.
• keep and eye out for my favorite cozy brands Barefoot Dream and Gibson which will have some fleecy items included in the anniversary sale that you’ll want to snatch up and live in.

When in doubt – Ship it out!

Like I said, I missed A BUNCH of items (at least 7 I can still recall a year later) because I couldn’t make up my mind before the items sold out at the sale price.   Since sale items are stocked in limited quantities my advice would be to buy what you like and then try it on and touch it at home.   That will give you a bit of time to decide if it’s something you really need and will wear in the future.   Should you decide you can live without it – Nordstrom has FREE RETURNS (in store or with prepaid shipping labels).

Follow me on Instagram

I will be visiting my local Nordstrom often during the sale so I’ll make sure to include a lot of it on Instagram stories as well as sharing pictures of what I purchase on my Instagram feed.   The joy of standing outside in 90 degree August weather in my newly purchased cowl neck sweater and leather leggings is something I hope you will appreciate 🙂

If you’re curious to see some items that were on sale last year you can look back at one of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts from 2016 to get an idea of the types of items that are included.   Nordstrom also just started a pre-sale on a lot of Summer items (and the Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots I mentioned above).   The Free People cardigan is in my cart!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale **GIVEAWAYS**

In anticipation of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale I am working with some fellow style bloggers to giveaway several gifts – including a LARGE Nordstrom giftcard.  Stay tuned on Instagram for that giveaway and I will also be giving away several other prizes EXCLUSIVELY to my newsletter subscribers during the weeks of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  You can sign up on my homepage to have a change to win (and get updates about the best steals and deals of the sale)!