Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
As if this year had not created enough stress for everyone, the Nordstrom anniversary sale- and the peer pressure to shop it- are upon us. After having worked the sale several times as a stylist, I thought it would be of value to consumers to provide a bit of background about the sale and my honest opinion of what you “need”.
If you have shopped the sale before, I am sure you are seeing the consistency in items across many brands year after year. Same sweater different print. These items are intended for the sale and mass produced at a lower quality. I personally do not choose the anniversary sale to make splurge purchases for this reason. But as someone who can always find cause to shop, I make exception to that rule for the Nordstrom “in-house” brands, beauty restocks, and basics.
Many of you may know this, but there are several brands produced and sold exclusively for Nordstrom. For this reason, there are less retail markups and the items are exactly as they will be when they return to full price after the sale. There are 19 of these brands but some of my personal favorites are Chelsea 28, Halogen, and Zella. A printed top? Pass on it. A great leather jacket? Add to cart. I will add a link to my favorite.
There are always great deals on cosmetics during the sale. I only look to purchase ones that contain items I already know I love as opposed to blindly purchasing the gift sets. (How many free cosmetic pouches does one person need, am I right?). There are several items on the sale I use religiously and will stock up on.
Here are the items on my wishlist!
!. I own this moto jacket and it is gorgeous. A classic staple. I bought it in 2012 and Nordstrom still carries it!
2. This is a great year round dress that can be styled a ton of ways.
3. I just love this print and have always had good luck with ATM. This tshirt is a “luxury” item but worth the discount and an item to purchase during anniversary.
4. This is a go to beauty item of mine which is a bit of a splurge but so worth it! Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
5. THIS is a must have beauty product year round but during anniversary is the time to stock up.
I have tried many times to quit this- along with the Oribe hair products that are also in my sale picks.... Feel slightly less frivolous to buy at a discount.
6.This one is a fun no-brainer. Keep for yourself or save for a gift for a friend. The best, most universally flattering color!
7. You've been living under a rock if you have not seen this blanket, so join the rest of the world and get one if you haven't. I love mine.
8. Another “stock up” item during anniversary are the faux leather Spanx leggings.
9. Like most “fashion bloggers” they will tell you about Gorjana, well I am not like most bloggers and I will vouch that it is GOOD! This chain link necklace is on my wishlist as well to order.
10. Last but not least the Free People sweater that I have over 10 of. This is the one you MUST buy. I know Jessica and I share a love for this sweater so do yourself a favor and click add to bag!
I hope this post brings some more insight into shopping the anniversary sale. If you have any other questions from me (former Nordstrom Stylist) please feel free to reach out/leave a comment/or ask Jessica.
-Elaine Dollar Balsbaugh
