The 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale–What I am Buying and Shopping the Sale.

Those of you who read multiple blogs in the same topic areas have probably already seen PLENTY of posts about the “event” of the summer (at least according to fashion bloggers)–The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I admit to being much less excited about it this year, but as someone who tries to be a smart shopper (not just for me, but as I am pretty much the primary buyer for my husband and three teenage children) I do think there are many good reasons to shop this sale year after year.

To first provide a little background, unlike typical sales which discount the previous season items, this sale discounts the coming fall/winter items. Nordstrom plays the game well and rewards the most loyal shoppers accordingly, and so the more you spend the earlier you get to shop the sale. The prices don’t change but the inventory does, as many of the most popular items sell out early which only increases the hype (again, well played Nordstrom). As a card member, I get to shop early (this week) but anyone can shop on July 28th.

That means you can’t actually purchase any of the yellow “Anniversary Sale” items yet but you can add them to your wish list. That tab will be next to your shopping cart when you are logged in on a computer. All the items you save will be stored there until you are ready to purchase them when you are eligible to shop the sale. If you just can’t wait to shop until it opens to the public you can get a credit card HERE (and you will get a $60 note to use to shop at the sale). I would never encourage buying things just to save money (that isn’t saving, especially if you can’t pay it off each month and accrue finance charges) but I do find the card worth it as the points add up quickly and turn into shopping credit. I take advantage of the Nordstrom free shipping throughout the year for gifts especially at the holidays.

While I usually can’t resist adding a few trendy fall items (like a sweater or new pair of boots) each year, I try to focus on buying bigger ticket, investment items since they are so rarely discounted. For instance, last year I purchased both of my teen boys new winter coats during the sale, they will use them for years. I also recommend picking up name brand items like Nike, The North Face, Champion etc. if your kids are hoping for these popular name brand items for the coming school year this is a great time to get these brands at a discount. Also, while it seems like it is still too soon to start thinking about Christmas, I often grab a few gifts (like these wonderful $32 throws) and come the holidays I am always so happy I got a jump start. Of course, I won’t tell you not to treat yourself to a new pair of pajamas, a Barefoot Dreams cardigan, a fabulous pair of jeans or even an investment purse if you are so inclined as the prices on these items are typically the lowest of the year.

Finally, what I think the best part of the sale is that it works with the way I have built my wardrobe. Each year, I try to add a few classic investment pieces that last me for years. Nordstrom tends to include these same type of pieces year after year. I wrote a post a few years ago called “My Ten Most-Worn Clothing Items” and many of them are included in the sale again this year. These are items we talk about often like the Zella Live-In Leggings, a great Flare Leg Jean (which really do make you somehow look taller and thinner), a basic Caslon white t-shirt, a great pair of skinny jeans, a striped long sleeve tshirt and a turtleneck sweater (all are linked below).

So, without further adieu here are the best items I saw in the sale inventory this year, I’ll start with women/girls and you can scroll down for men/boys. They also have great home items but we’ll be here all day if I include those as well, but feel free to peruse the category here. One final note, I apologize if items have sold out, the inventory and prices were current at the time of writing.

The Zella Live In Leggings. I bought my black pair in 2017 and they are going strong. I love them, both for exercising or just to wear something comfortable. They are seamless so I am not beyond wearing them with boots and a sweater as a basic pair of leggings. They keep you sucked in nicely but not so that you are uncomfortable and these leggings hold up to frequent wear (and washing) incredibly well. $38 during the sale.

I purchased these jogger style Zella leggings last fall and these definitely give the original ones a run for their money in comfort. I have actually had people reach over and touch them and then remark on how comfortable they must be to wear! I recommend sizing up in Zella leggings (always) but for this style I bought them several sizes up so that they have a bit of a looser jogger look to them. They now come in several colors and I love them so much I am honestly tempted to buy at least one more pair. $39 during the sale.

Here is a capri version of the Zella leggings which are perfect for the warmer months of the year, these are also included in the sale. Again I’d suggest sizing up at least one size in these. $36 during the sale.

I could probably write an entire post about the different denim styles that are available in the sale (and plenty of fashion bloggers do) but I am sure we all have better things to do with our time! I will say no matter what jean style you are into right now, they are on sale. I have lost track of what is in (because only in these crazy times would mom jeans be considered stylish!?!) but here are a few of my favorite brand in different cuts if you are in need of a new pair. First of all, as I mentioned these Boot Cut AbSolution jeans returned again (they are so popular) and I would agree that they magically do make you look a bit longer and leaner. $49.90 during the sale.

Some say skinny jeans are out but these popular (though an investment) AG Farrah jeans are again part of the sale. I purchased a pair of AG jeans (I have the straight leg) and I have to say, they are hands down the most comfortable jeans I own. They are pretty pricey even on sale, but there are plenty of other quality brands for less (see all the denim in the sale here, I have had good luck with this lower priced brand); I wanted to just share my positive experience with the AG brand for those of you who might be thinking of investing in a new pair. $149 during the sale.

Fall is all about cozy sweaters and while I don’t yet have this one above, it is on my wish list. At just $40 it is a nice price and it looks so soft. I do however, have this cowl neck one below and I wear it all the time. This was definitely one of my best sale purchases from a few years ago, I think it is very flattering. Both are $39.90 during the sale.

I mentioned treating yourself to a new pair of pajamas and these are my very favorite. I own several pairs for both cold and hot weather. These Moonlight PJ’s hold up great and the sets come in several fun patterns this year along with the classic gray, navy or lilac. They also have a summer version (below), I find these very comfortable on hot nights. $39 (long) and $29 (short) during the sale.

As I mentioned I also shop for my family and as any mother knows, shopping for a teenage girl is more of a negotiation then an enjoyable activity. I have learned to get things approved first, but there were several items in the sale that she quickly agreed to, like these essential Nike shorts, just $29 during the sale.

These Nike running shorts are just $22 during the sale too.

It seems that Nike anything typically works for teenagers, they also have Nike sweatpants as well as plenty of Nike shoes included in the sale. OH and before I forget–parents, the must have NIKE SOCKS are on sale! This is a great price and they have both the black and the white. Stock up while you can!

My daughter and I can finally share shoes, and these Addidas Swift Run have become our favorites. I think the animal pattern is cute (my daughter does not agree FYI, I’d stick with classic black for a younger girl) but regardless, these are cute and comfortable shoes either for a vigorous walk or just to wear around. $56 during the sale.

Before I jump over to men’s items, I can’t forget to mention the Barefoot Dreams Cardigans. I wear this style (above) pretty much year round, it’s the first thing I change into (my husband likens it to Mr. Rodger’s cardigan!) once I am home for the day. I have this one above, it is part of the sale again this year (these also make great gifts). $69.90 during the sale.

I am very much thinking about adding the belted version (below) to my collection this year. $79.90 during the sale.

They always have a nice selection of bags in the sale, the Le Pliage Expandable Tote is one of Christy’s favorites, especially for traveling and it is discounted for the sale. $119 during the sale.

Another category that has nice discounts is the Beauty section. I noticed my favorite brow pencil is a great deal at this set that has 2 pencils and gel for $33, I use pay at least $20 each.

I am dropping in these boots (since I just ordered them!), I consider them my one splurge item but liked that they were practical with the lug sole and still a little fun with the studs! They come in black and some lighter colors too. These are $99 during the sale.

Also, for those of you who like to pick up some of the more trendy/hot items I’ll share this marled sweater. I saw it worn by a popular fashion blogger and really liked how it looked. My daughter also approved this as a trendier item for a teen, I am still on the fence since I don’t need it but it looks cozy. I think it would work nicely over a plain black dress for winter as well as more casually for fall with jeans. This is $59 during the sale.

I wanted to share some mens and boys items too, I like to make sure I get some things that the men in my life need for the coming school year. Here are some of the best items I saw in this year’s sale.

I mentioned this sale is a great time to buy winter coats (even though it seems crazy in the heat of summer!), name brands like North Face don’t often go on sale so this water repellant coat is a good buy right now. $73.90 during the sale.

Likewise, here is a lighter-weight jacket that would be perfect for fall or more temperate climates. $73.90 during the sale.

Moms of teenage boys (and pre-teens) know that Vineyard Vines is a popular brand for this age, these long sleeve shirts are on sale and with the free shipping make it a good deal compared to buying direct from VV themselves. $29.90 during the sale.

It seems my kids only want to wear hoodies these days. As the mother of boys, I am told that this is a status item, that if a girl is wearing my son’s hoodie, that means they are dating (or whatever they call it now). That also means our hoodies seem to disappear, anyway, they have some popular name brands styles in the sale if your kids need new ones for the school year. This one above is $40.90 during the sale.

Also, they have discounts on essentials like shorts etc. from good brands, just in time for back to school shopping. You can see more Nike items in the sale here. The shorts above are $25.90 during the sale.

Here are the mens’ items again~

I just noticed these Peri fringe pillows are back for the sale, I have this gray and move it around my house frequently. It also comes in navy and a pretty blush pink, these are just $19 during the sale.

{peri gray pillow on the center of our bed}

Finally, I mentioned these Bliss throws at the top of the post, but we really love them and they are just $32 during the sale. My daughter has even asked for her own throw for Christmas in previous year’s and they make great gifts. You can see the colors available here.

XO,