I confess I am writing this post with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. While a part of me loves the fun of the “deal” at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, a small part of me doesn’t love how overly hyped this event has become. So much so, I almost didn’t write up a blog post for this but then I started thinking about how pretty much everything in my Top 10 Most Worn Clothing Items came from the sale and thought I’d still share today as the sale goes live but approach things a little differently this year.
I am not going to tell you to NOT to grab that cute, trendy cardigan that catches your eye (hello leopard!) but today I really wanted to focus on what I think are really the best deals, the things that are the best investment pieces to buy during the sale. These are the things that are significantly discounted and worth the price because, in my opinion, they are worth owning and will last you for seasons to come.
For those of you who might have missed it (despite social media being ON FIRE about the sale right now), the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale happens every July and is their biggest sale of the year. They discount mostly coming season–think Fall and Winter items–and the good things sell out and often don’t reappear, or at least not at the same price. Early Access starts today but the only people who can shop are Nordstrom cardholders, the regular sale opens next week. I am a cardholder, so I always try to grab some of the best items at the first offering and take advantage of the other perks that come with it, like the free shipping and the rewards. You can open a card HERE and you will get a $40 rewards note to spend that day, you should be able to use your online account ASAP and take advantage of all the perks.
If you aren’t ready to think about fall fashion, keep in mind this sale is a great time to buy gifts and back to school items. While women’s fashion gets the most buzz, there are great deals on kids clothes and shoes (on hard to find sale items like Nike and Under Armor) and pretty things for the home at affordable prices. We’ll write up posts on those items in the next week or two as well.
Today is all about the best pieces to buy that will, I believe, serve you well for years to come. We had advance access to the SKU’s that are on sale so I went through and picked my favorite things and once the sale is live you can shop them, which is today at 12:30 EST for cardholders. Otherwise, you have to wait until the regular sale but you can still load your cart up to prepare ahead.
Ok, on to the fun finds! Each year I tell you all about a few things you really need to own. These are items that are always part of the sale. Number 1: The Zella Live In Leggings. Number 2 The Barefoot Dreams Cardigan.
Shop Zella Live In Leggings HERE
Shop Barefoot Dreams Cardigans HERE
These topped my most worn items in my post, you can tell I take my loungewear seriously! At this point, I have given both my Mother and Mother in Law a Barefoot Dreams cardigan (it makes a perfect Christmas gift) and both have loved them as much as I do. They function like a robe without the frumpy factor and are so, so soft. The Live-In Leggings are perfect for working out but can also transition to a general legging when paired with a sweater or longer top. I love how well made they are and how they ‘suck’ everything in without being uncomfortable. I’ll also tell you that mine look almost brand new and I have owned them for several years with very frequent wear so they are worth the cost. Both run true to size.
This is also a great time to invest in a fabulous pair of jeans, like the much-touted but really pricey AG Farah Skinny Jean. Everyone needs a pair of denim they feel amazing in, and these are an investment for that reason. They will be the go-to jeans you reach for, especially for nights out or special occasions that fall on the casual side. They don’t go on sale often, so this is the time to get them before they sell out if these are on your wish list. If you don’t want to spend that much, my go-to everyday jeans are also on sale for less than $50 here. They hold up great and are a very close runner up to the more expensive pair.
Christy and I are both pretty brand loyal to Tory Burch, we like her southern, sophisticated style and the quality of her items. Again, her brand doesn’t come cheap but you can get her things during the sale. Each year there are always a few classic pieces like ballet flats, bags and watches that are top-sellers and this year is no exception. I looked through the TB items that are included and these are my favorite picks. I have this tote style Tory Burch bag and use it daily, this is a great time to invest in a bag like the Everly Tote, it’s got such a great classic style. The Every Saddle Bag is top of my wish list this year, I like the cross-body functionality and the smaller size.
These Tory Burch boots are the epitome of a classic riding boot, again the quality is amazing (I have had mine for 5+ years and they are going strong) and worth every penny. They come in both brown and black and are deeply discounted for the pre-season.
Shop the Tory Burch Everly Riding Boot HERE
Since it is still summer, a great pair of sunglasses is worth mentioning and these are a good deal. Again, I have had a pair of Tory Burch sunglasses for years and they have held up wonderfully. It’s nice to have a pair of quality glasses, and I love that these have no metal clips to snag your hair if it’s in a ponytail. Things to think about, right? 🙂
Shop the Tory Burch Everly Ballet Flat HERE
Of course, Tory Burch built her brand on her iconic ballet flat, this year’s sale includes this Everly style. It’s a bit dressier than the other styles but it comes in several colors and would be a good investment shoe, they would be a closet staple for many years to come.
Shop the Longchamp Le Pilage tote here $133
Christy swears by her Longchamp Le Pilage tote, and they are on sale in several colors for just $133. Such a versatile bag and also one that makes a great gift.
These athletic shoes are a great price during the sale and this brand and style has been very popular this year (note parents who will need back to school shoes), I am always partial to pink and need a shoe that I can both take a walk in or wear around if I am still in athletic clothes so these are already in my shopping cart.
Boots are my favorite thing to purchase during the Anniversary Sale. I like to invest in one pair of great boots for the coming fall each year, and this year I think this Vince Camuto style will be a top seller. I like the lower heel (practical) and the stitching on the side. Another pair that is also a great investment but with the higher heel so they are dressier is this popular style HERE.
This waterproof bootie is another shoe worth adding to your collection. I have had a pair of inexpensive gray booties for several years and wear them constantly, a gray boot goes with almost everything. I like the stitching on the side and the practicality that this boot can handle winter weather (which I don’t even want to think about right now!)
Speaking of winter weather, another classic wardrobe item is Hunter Boots and they are included in the sale if you have yet to invest in a pair. If you live where it rains or snows these are so great to have around. I even saw quite a few pairs with skirts/dresses etc last night at a concert where thunderstorms were threatening rain, so they are wearable a year-round.
Just a PSA that these UGG Slippers are just $54 during the sale, grab some for you and some for Christmas gifts at this price they will go fast!
I haven’t spent as much time looking at the sale clothing this year (yet), as I mentioned I wanted to mainly focus on the best investment pieces in the sale. However, this sweater grabbed my eye so I am including it, I love the wrap styling and plan to purchase one. I’ll definitely add any new items I see once the sale is live, I also like the styling of this dressy blouse below and it’s just $32.
I feel like this leopard cardigan is going to be one of the signature items of the sale so I am including it for fun and for those of you who might be interested. This would definitely be fun to own come fall! I also included the Patagonia jacket in the collage at the top because I thought it looked like a great transitional jacket as well as very cozy!
There are so many items in the sale it’s hard to cover even a fraction of them. Here are the links below to the main categories.
Women’s Sale Clothing & Accessories
We’ll be sharing our favorite picks on our Instagram and Facebook page this week too–however, we will be talking about other things than the sale too!
Happy shopping 🙂
XO,
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