Nordstrom Sale: My Shopping Tips + A Pre-Sale Sneak Peak

It’s Christmas in July!!

My favorite sale of the year (it’s honestly better than Black Friday!) starts bright and early tomorrow morning–the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Which I’m sure, if you follow any other blogs, you have already figured out 😂

Here’s the thing–the anniversary sale has kind of become like the post Thanksgiving sale madness–it can be really overwhelming. Everywhere you look on social media all you see is “Nordstrom sale this and Nordstrom sale that.”

It’s a lot to take in, so I’m not going to highlight every single thing under the sun and tell you that you absolutely need it. I’m here to help you weed through everything in a less stressful manner!

Here’s the long and short of it:

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is the only sale that offers brand new fall arrivals at crazy discounts (we’re talking more than 30% off!)

There are no picked-over, almost out of season items–it’s never before seen stuff! When the sale ends in a few weeks, it ALL goes back to full price for the rest of the year, until it’s gone.

Obviously, you can see why it’s overwhelming, right? Because you want to buy it all! (Which is why I’m here to help!)

That being said…

An important note to put things into perspective:

I feel like the comparison game runs high during big sales like this, so please keep this in mind: all the bloggers (myself included) who seem to be buying endless Nordstrom sale items? That’s a big part of how we make our living. This is our job. There is a positive ROI on our clothing purchases! The more clothing we test out for you, the more it helps you make more educated buying decisions and put together outfits that you love–and in turn, we make money.

That is how we can afford to make so many purchases. If the items I bought during the sale didn’t have a positive ROI, that would change things. PLEASE keep this in mind and don’t beat yourself up if your budget doesn’t allow you to buy an entirely new fall wardrobe!

Everything I will be purchasing and posting about from the sale are items that I love and personally give my stamp of approval on–versatile staples that will help you round out your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Does this mean if you already own a pair of OTK black boots that your pair isn’t good enough and that you need the pair that I’M personally wearing? Absolutely not!

Okay. I just feel like that needed to be said. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get to the fun part!

Early Access Details:

Tomorrow starts the “early access” part of the sale–which is often when the best stuff goes–so if you don’t have a Nordstrom card, that’s okay! Actually, you can sign up right here and get approved the Nordstrom Retail Card instantly, which is the card that I have!

You can then start shopping immediately, AND you get $40 to put toward any purchase you make the day you’re approved! You also earn 2 points per dollar spent at Nordstrom, so if you shop there frequently, they definitely add up!

(Please just like any card, remember to PAY OFF YOUR BILL!!) 

What happens if you can’t buy early access?

The good stuff DOES go fast, however, they re-stock really often–keep your eye on your favorites and check back often! There is still a huge amount of good stuff when the sale goes public. Don’t lose sleep over it, but also, if you CAN, nab the stuff you love first.

Also, Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns, so if you’re in doubt, it’s always better to buy more with the intention of returning any sizes/items that don’t work–otherwise, you’ll run the risk of something you want to exchange selling out.

My suggested strategy for shopping the sale:

Go through your closet beforehand (tonight, if possible) to figure out what you really truly need and what pieces you’d like to pick up to round out your fall wardrobe. Make a list! This helps give you some guardrails and won’t feel QUITE so overwhelming.

My favorite staples so far from the catalog: 

These are items that I’ve pulled from browsing the catalog and I’ve linked to their search page–go through and bookmark the links that you want and if my hypothesis are correct–they SHOULD auto-populate when the sale goes live at 3am EST on the 13th! 😂

1. Blondo Nicola Waterproof Knee-High boot: $159 (Regularly $239)

2. Badgley Mischka Camel Wrap Coat: $229 (marked down from $349)

3. ASTR Green Floral Midi Dress:$52 (Regularly $79)

4. Calson Crop Flare Jeans: $51 (Regularly $79)

5. Treasure and Bond Pleated Mini Dress: $78 (Regularly $119)

6. Blondo Nova Waterproof Bootie: $99 (Regularly $149)

7. Halogen Cashmere Wrap: $132 (Regularly $199)

8. Sam Edelman Caprice Knee-High Boots: $149 (marked down from $229)

9. Topshop Long Open-Front Cardi: $49 (Regularly $75)

10. Leith Sleek Knit Midi Dress: $42 (Regularly $65)

11. Madewell Ryder Cardigan: $64 (Regularly $98)

12. Rag and Bone Black Raw Hem Jeans: $129 (Regularly $195)

13. Levi’s 501 High Waisted Crop Jeans: $64 (Regularly $98)

14. Halogen Ruffle Neck Sweater: $49 (Regularly $79)

15. Halogen Long Sleeve Cashmere Cardigan: $199 (marked down from $299)

16. J.Crew Olga Wool Top Coat: $184 (Regularly $278)

Anddd a few other favorites (that couldn’t fit in the collage!) 

Madewell Elinor Loafer Mule: $98 (Regularly $148)

Converse Blush Low Tops: $46 (Regularly $55-$70)

Plaid Menswear Blazer: $99 (Regularly $149)

Marc Fisher LTD Valen Sandal: $99 (Reguarly $159)

Click here to shop the full catalog below before the sale hits tomorrow! 

Last year’s highlights and what categories to watch this year:

You might not find the same exact items this year, but my guess is that there will be a lot of similar versions to what you see below! I’ll definitely populate this post with new finds as soon as the sale goes live but for now–so you can get an idea of all the staples I scored at crazy discounts last year!

In particular, there was a ton of amazing denim on sale from great brands like Rag & Bone, Levi’s, Paige, and more!

Additionally, sweaters are DEFINITELY something you’ll want to invest in–sweaters tend to be some of the most expensive fall/winter items, so planning ahead and buying any that you need now will save you some cash in the long run!

Finally the boots and booties category definitely shines here. From tall boots to short ankle boots, if you are in the market for either, you should plan to buy them now during the sale!

Cashmere Wrap + Rag & Bone Skinny Jeans:

Transitional Floral Midi Dress:

My favorite olive Rebecca Minkoff purse:

Comfy blush sweater:

These versatile black booties:

Suede Mini Skirt + Polka Dot Blouse:

My super soft striped tee:

Classic black leather jacket:

Make sure to check back soon as I add more favorites when the sale launches!