You know what they say, “once a Nordy Girl always a Nordy Girl.”
In college I did an internship at Nordstrom, which helps you gain hands-on experience being a department manager, and is a fast-track to all things Nordstrom. I worked as an employee from 2012 to 2015 and have continued to be a loyal shopper ever since. The summer of 2012 was the first time I got to experience the magic of the Anniversary Sale. I think it is safe to say with this being my 8th Nsale, I know the lay of the land. I am excited to share my insider scoop on my favorite items and my personal wish list.
Let’s first review why this sale is so exciting. It isn’t your typical sale where items have been on the floor for a long time and then they go on sale. This sale is full of brand new fall looks that first go on sale, then after the sale is over, they will go back to full-price! You will see lots of sweaters, jackets, and jeans, which might be hard to wrap your head around in the dead of the Arizona summer, but just close your eyes and imagine a fall/winter day and you’re wearing that cute Free People sweater you snagged, brand new booties…and dare I say you have a PSL in hand. Nordstrom does put some essentials on sale that are available all the time, but only go on sale during the Anniversary Sale. I go into shopping the Anniversary Sale with the mindset of first stocking up on essentials that I love and then shopping through my wish list items. Basically, this sale plays into your inner FOMO, you’ve got to have the latest fashions for less, and get your essentials before prices go back up!
You do have to be a Nordstrom Cardholder to shop Early Access. This year they are doing tiers based on what level of The Nordy Club you are. I get to shop starting August 13th, some people have been able to shop since August 4th. The sale will be open to everyone (non-cardholders) beginning on August 19th – 30th.
TOP TIPS
- You have to have a Nordstrom Card to shop early. They take this very seriously too, you literally can’t even ring up an item during early access if you don’t have the Nordstrom card.
- Use a double point day. You are allotted at least one Double Point Day a year, and you most likely will be spending more than usual. Get that Nordy Note; you deserve it! Any Nordstrom employee can help you with activating your Double Point Day.
- Popular items go super quickly! I can already see some items that I wanted are sold out. They may restock, but still, there will be limited quantities.
- Make an appointment. Your shopping experience will be vastly better. This is Nordstrom employees’ biggest day, and so they are BUSY and may not be available to help you when you need it. But if you make an appointment you will have a personal shopper, then they can answer all your questions, get a fitting room, and check if they have the shoes available in your size.
- Stock up on essentials first. Then go for the wish list. I always buy myself a new pair of jeans for the year and new bras and undies.
My favorite essentials to shop
- Natori Feathers Bra – If you haven’t tried this bra on, you are missing out! They have the basic colors on sale which NEVER go on sale! Pro-tip: size up in the cup!
- Drybar Dry Shampoo – Out of all the dry shampoos and I have tried, and I have tried dozens (#momlife), this is by far the BEST one. It is double the ounces and is a Nordstrom exclusive.
- Good American Jeans – I love these jeans, they are my go-to! But in general, I recommend grabbing a pair of your favorite brand jeans during the sale. IT
- Nordstrom Bliss Throw Blanket – Once you feel this blanket, you will not want to leave the store without it. It is pure heaven.
- Zella Leggings – My all-time FAVORITE leggings. These bad boys never go on sale, which is why I recommend getting a pair…or two.
- Barefoot Dreams Cardigan – I like to call this the luxury snuggie because it is essentially a blanket but in cardigan form, and you can wear it out of the house and still look somewhat presentable. It’s cozy chic.
- Hanky Panky Regular Rise – Girl, treat yourself, but I am warning you once you buy a pair, you won’t want to wear anything else.
Here is my Wish List
- Zella Longline Bra – I am totally into the crop top/sports bra look right now.
- Nike Sneakers – I have been looking for some cute on the go sneakers that can be paired with leggings, shorts, and dresses, and I think these check all the boxes.
- Free People Undertow Tank – This seems like a stay-at-home no brainer tee.
- BP Cozy Top + Bottom – This looks like the perfect work-from-home outfit to me.
- Free People Tee– I always try to get at least one Free People item from the sale, and this is the chosen one this year.
- Leith Dress – I have been eyeing this dress, and it needs to be added to my LBD collection.
- Steve Madden Booties – I have been dreaming about buying some white booties, and these are screaming “buy me!” They will go quickly!
The most important rule of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to enjoy yourself! I can’t wait to see what you end up getting! Feel free to tag me @kelscita and @eastvalleymomsblog on Instagram and share your haul with us.
