I’ll admit I felt a little ambivalent about the coming Anniversary Sale when the information first came out about it. This year has been so strange, with us all staying home more and finances often of concern, getting excited about a ‘big sale’ didn’t really seem like the thing to do this year.
Then I started looking at the items, and I slowly came around. My “wish list” is actually quite full (though I won’t buy them all) as I remembered what we say every year, that this is a sale about buying investment pieces. It is a great time to buy things that you will use that will stand the test of trends and time while they are discounted. So today I wanted to share the items I think are the very best (affordably priced) buys from this year’s sale.
Here is a quick sale primer if you are new to this. This sale happens once a year and there is all sorts of online coverage about it, we’ll all be sick of hearing about it by the end of it! This year is different but as usual, the Nordstrom marketing people are savvy and they generate excitement about the sale by restricting shopping early on to increase the hype. To shop early you must be a Nordstrom card member (you can sign up for one here and you do get a $60 note to spend at the sale), and how early you shop is based on how much you spend each year. I qualify to shop this week on August 13th as an Insider, which is probably the same for most card members. If you don’t have (or want) a card you can shop the sale on August 19th.
What happens with this sale is that some items will sell out ahead of when you can buy them, though some are restocked throughout the sale. Things are also returned, I have had good luck keeping items in my cart and then grabbing one when it is returned and appears as available again. People overbuy during this sale so returns definitely happen. Along those lines, thanks to the generous (and free) Nordstrom return policy if you think you want something and change your mind you can return it, but keep in mind it may sell out while you mull it over. Also I always buy for my kids for back to school (such as it is this year!) and for my husband, and I also try to grab some Christmas gifts because the deals are often that good. Come the holidays I am always glad that I started early.
Finally, before I get to the picks for this year one thing I really like about this sale (and Nordstrom) is that they don’t just constantly cycle through new inventory. The same Zella Live-In Leggings I bought at the sale 3 years ago are available again this year. A classic cardigan I bought last year and wore on repeat is back in more colors, and I know from experience I’ll wear if often enough to justify picking up a another color while the price is low. True investment items like Tory Burch bags are part of the sale and often near all time low prices. Finally, as this is a sale on coming fall and winter items now is the time to get a new coat a discount you won’t see again until well after the holidays.
At this point you can click here to shop the items then click “add to wishlist” (you will need to create an account) to save any of thing you might like to purchase. On your wish list you can see what is already sold out, but as I said it may come back in stock and this will help you stay organized, on budget, as well as quickly check out when you are eligible to shop.
Jeans + Denim
One of the top sellers each year is jeans, and they always have several of my favorite brands on sale. The flare leg Wit & Wisdom Jeans I bought two years ago are always super popular, I think they have a magical power to make your legs look longer! I like to wear these with a boot with a heel, and they look great with a belt. This belt is part of the sale but you can always mix in one of the popular faux-gucci style belt available here.
I love Articles of Society Jeans, the price point is right and they look great. However, last year I invested in a pair of AG Jeans which are another investment/pinnacle #Nsale item and I have to admit if you have the budget these jeans are dreamy. They are so soft and comfortable to wear, and while yes, the price is a bit ridiculous but if you wear denim everyday these will last, hold their shape, and fit comfortably in a way that a cheaper pair just won’t. For a lower priced option try this pair (hopefully these won’t sell out!) these got great reviews, I plan to grab a pair for my daughter.
Sweaters
Even for days at home, there is nothing like a cozy fall sweater. Each year there seem to be several sweaters that get a lot of attention during the sale. I was pleased to see several that I’d purchased during the last few sales were around again this year, I consider them among my very favorites.
Our love for our Barefoot Dreams Cardigans runs deep. I may even be wearing mine right now inside, in the air conditioning, in August. Not only do I live in mine, but I have gifted them to all the special women in my life who love them too. The sale is a great time to buy one if you haven’t already!
I mentioned this Leith Cardigan Sweater earlier, I purchased it in black several years ago and it’s back again in a ton of colors. It’s not too heavy, but not too light, a nice long length with a cozy shawl style collar. It is just a classic, all around useful cardigan. You can throw it on with jeans and a t-shirt or even wear it over a dress for a different look. This year I am hoping to pick one up in the pink, I like the style of the outfit above.
I was lucky enough last year to get this turtleneck sweater when it was restocked in white, and it is another favorite. At less than $40 and in a ton of colors this is a great basic for colder weather. I am considering this style sweater for this year, I think it is another one that is very versatile.
Leggings + Sweats
I once wrote a post about my most worn clothing items (it is here) and these Zella Live-In leggings were pretty much my #1. While they are athletic style they lend themselves to more casual everyday wear and they hold up phenomenally well. As a true investment item (though on sale the price is pretty reasonable compared to high-end athletic brands), mine are several years old and in much better shape than other leggings I have worn fewer times. The shorter length is available here, if between sizes I think you should size up in this brand.
I had my eye on a different pair of joggers that has unfortunately already sold out (here) so I might pick up a pair of these lower priced pair, because well, comfortable joggers and staying home sort of go together right!?
Shoes + Boots
Another item that gets a ton of attention during the sale is the boots and the fall shoes that they discount. I am always drawn to the boots during the sale, which are always big sellers. I am not sure if I will buy any yet but I have to say, these pretty cognac ankle boots caught my attention quickly.
I picked a few favorites from the shoes and boots this year they have on sale, you can see everything here.
Jackets + Coats
Patagonia Nano Puff Hooded Water Resistant Jacket
It always seems crazy to think about coats in the middle of summer, but if you live somewhere it gets cold this is a great time to buy as coats don’t tend to go on sale until well after the holidays, and by then the styles are really picked over. I need to pick up a very warm coat (per all the parents in the new freshman parents’ Facebook group!) for my college-bound son, so that’s top of my shopping list. We actually gave him a Nordstrom gift card as part of his graduation present knowing we wanted him to have something that would hold up to the cold and changing weather in his college town. He’s (hopefully) getting this coat.
Since I love my Zella Leggings so much I thought I’d give this jacket a try this year. Everything I have from the Zella line has been great, so I think this jacket will be a great addition for morning walks!
Purses + Bags
As I mentioned, the investment pieces are key during the sale and that includes bags and purses. I am always drawn to the different bags that are available during the sale, and while I may try to resist this year several caught my eye. The classic Tory Burch bags are always a big seller with good reason, they are nice quality and have great style.
I definitely have my eye on this black Tory Burch hobo bag. I love everything about the size and the style. More practically speaking, what I really need is a smaller bag for events (rare as those are these days) so I also have this little croc bag on my wish list.
I also like this more casual version below, I feel like this is one of those flagship sale items (and the price isn’t bad for a TB bag) that will be very popular this fall.
I can’t end without mentioning the pajamas in the sale…I do really love the Moonlight PJs and have both summer and winter versions. They are definitely something you should buy when they are on sale so now is a great time to scoop up a pair! They are true to size.
Oh and before I go…this sale is a great place for quality tee’s. I have my eye on this long sleeve gray one! It is just $15 and comes in a ton of colors.
We will be sharing more Anniversary Sale finds on our social media, both on Facebook and Instagram over the next few weeks so be sure you are following us over there too.
XO,
We promise to never sell your email information. Our posts contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on these links, we will earn a small commission, which helps to keep our content free. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise, since that would be tacky! Please see our full disclosure policy here.
Leave a Reply