Ahhhhhh the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018.
It’s really overwhelming, especially if you (like me) are a voracious reader of blogs and the sale completely takes over blogs and social media. I want to share this sale with you but promise not to overload you. Today I am sharing my personal strategy for shopping the sale with what I look for, and what I bought. When it opens to the public I will have another post with actual outfits of what I bought, and in between I will do a few try ons on my Instagram stories with everything I end up buying + keeping, the winners and losers, etc. as it always helps seeing things on a regular person! Otherwise it will be business as usual over here.
Really though, this sale is pretty great. What’s so great about it is that it’s a chance to get a good deal on things that don’t usually go on sale. When the sale ends, prices go up. So now is the time to stock up, especially on great basics! Today marks early access for Nordstrom credit card holders, and then the sale opens to everyone else on 7/20! So get shopping! I got up at 6am to shop like a crazy person… it was a busy (and fun) little morning over here!
First… Buy the things you don’t want to buy.
For me this is the most important part of the sale. The stuff you need but don’t buy. Every year this sale is when I stock up on these things. It’s boring but the best time to do it! Underwear. Socks. Sports Bras. Basic t-shirts (I have this one in multiples). Workout leggings. There are things that I can let get realllly ratty. For someone who has a million midi dresses, I’m awfully stingy about buying socks and underwear. #whyyy
The Natori Feathers Bra is basically the best t-shirt bra ever (so pretty, so flattering, not too thick!) so I always buy a few of those. It’s boring and I never actually want to buy new bras but this is the best time to do it as they never go on sale!
Next… The Best Beauty Deals!
The thing I love most about this sale is the beauty deals + exclusives! Beauty is rarely discounted, and there are SO many great deals to shop.
Gotta get that Neulash. I saw an old photo of me the other day and miss my long lashes, so I ordered some more. This stuff WORKS. It takes a while but it is super effective!! You can read my full review of Neulash in this post. The best time to buy Neulash is always this sale as you basically get the travel size one for free!
Tata Harper has a very dreamy set. I love her products so much. This one contains full sizes of a few of my fav products including the best mask ever.
Elemis has a giant size of my favorite cleanser. I haven’t done a review of this yet (it’s coming!) but this cleanser is heaven. It’s creamy and it chemically exfoliates… it’s the BEST.
The Beachwaver. If you’re a long time reader you know how much I love mine. This thing is just the best. It has changed my life in terms of styling my own hair. I hate to proselytize over here but if you don’t have it, buy this curling iron! Read my blog post about it, and watch my Youtube tutorial… but seriously, it’s wonderful. This was my top selling item from the sale last year, and it’s also the one thing I’ve literally got every single one of my girlfriends to buy! It never goes on sale but during the Anniversary Sale it’s 30% off!
SK-II is one of my favorite brands (the facial treatment essence!!!) and they have a really great deal right now.
NARS has a really pretty palette – if I didn’t have so much makeup, I would be all over this.
Barefoot Dreams Everything
OMG you guys. It’s nothing fancy but I just love my Barefoot Dreams Cardigan sooooo much. It’s like a cocoon of happiness. Perfect for cold days at the office, chilly nights at home on Cape Cod, etc. It’s just so soft. As I already have the cardigan (in stone) I bought the socks this year. I have this wrap on my wish list but am not sure I really need it. But it is really cute.
Great basics that you’ll wear all year long
As always, my favorite Spanx faux leather leggings are a part of the sale (you can see me wearing them here, here, and here.)
Halogen Cashmere is so soft and also so affordable! I didn’t get anything this year but last year I got this long cashmere cardigan which I adore.
Denim, Denim, Denim!
I always find great denim during this sale. I briefly considered this pair from Frame but ended up buying a pair of jeans from Good American as I LOVE the wash.
Fall shoes + boots!
This is always tricky as literally the last thing I want to buy in July is fall shoes and boots but SERIOUSLY. The deals are so good that you kind of just have to do it! I bought one pair of shoes: these Steve Madden booties. I love the shape.
A New Fall / Winter Coat
Two years ago I got my Vince Camel Coat from the Nordstrom Sale. It was expensive but still a wayyyyy better price than it would have been regularly! I bought this J.Crew coat last year (in red) and LOVE it. It’s so cute. Highly recommend it. I thought about getting it in yellow but didn’t. Instead this year I did go with this coat. I love the cut and it’s a great basic. Also, not a coat but last year I bought this nubby fleece pullover and LIVED in it. It kept selling out so if you liked it on me, definitely scoop this up!
The best pajamas ever
I was so excited to see that my favorite J.Crew PJs were included in the sale! I have several sets of the pajamas and a few nightshirts. The best and they’re very nicely discounted!
All thing Vince and Rebecca Taylor
These are two of my most favorite designers so of course I stalk to see if they’re having a good deal. I didn’t see anything I had to have from Rebecca Taylor this year (this top is cute but do I need it, no). Vince, on the other hand had so many things I wanted. I ended up buying this sweater duster as it just looks so soft and I’ve wanted a long Vince sweater for a while now. Vince is one of those brands I don’t feel badly splurging on as everything I’ve ever bought from them I still have years later. Timeless, cozy, stylish… they are my favorite. I was tempted by this silk blouse but put it on my wish list for later maybe if I return other things.
A Recap of Exactly What I Ordered
…It’s fun seeing what other people buy, right?
Things I had planned on buying: Barefoot Dreams Socks, These slippers (so random but for $27 they just look so wonderful and comfy and perfect for being a cat lady at home!) A restock on Neulash, the Vince sweater duster and the Good American jeans. These Steve Madden booties.
A few fun things: This dress because it’s pretty and in my favorite color, this dress (love the polka dots!), these earrings, and this lace top. And this long, drapey button down which will be perfect knotted.
On the boring front: more running socks (need these so badly!) and a new feathers bra (the pink lemonade color is so pretty!)
Whew – busy morning of shopping. If you shopped… tell me what you bought!!!
Haven’t shopped yet but I’m definitely going to pick up a few things! Thanks for the suggestions! xo, Becky
keep me posted on how you do!
Been hearing so much about the sales, so excited to check it out! Definitely going to score some great basic pieces. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
It’s the best!!! Thanks, Charmaine!
I’m so happy you shared links to bras and underwear! I’ve been on the search for both and excited to try your reccomendations. I’m the same way, sooo many rompers not enough underwear ♀️ When I try the link for the underwear it take me to a pullover. Maybe it’s just my issue, if so, could you share the brand?
So sorry about that! Just updated – here’s the link! http://shopstyle.it/l/OkUk
Great picks! I’ve had my eye on those Spanx leggings forever, and I think this might finally be the year! Can you speak to the sizing? I’m usually between a 4 and a 6, so I’m torn between the S (2-4) and M (6-8). Thanks!
Hmmmm you are right on the cusp! I’m a solid 6 but sometimes an 8 in bottoms and wear a medium.
I THINK I would say a medium… they run on the smaller side, but you could probably fit in the small as well. Honestly think both sizes will fit (the medium is tight on me but I like them that way!)
There’s so many items not in the catalogue, like those J.Crew pjs which I’m so excited about! Thank you!!
Happy shopping, here’s to new socks!
xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
I know! I actually didn’t even look in the catalogue before doing my post/making my shopping list because last year, I missed so many things! Seriously, though…. New socks for the win. Hahahahahaha!
Love your post, Grace! I took a step back from creating content around the sale (because it’s just too overwhelming for me), but I appreciate the way you approached the sale and how you shopped!
The Champagne Edit
I know – it’s so overwhelming! Thanks… I like to keep it simple! xo
I was eyeing those sock booties, but have no clue how to style them. Any chance you’ll do a post on those? Thanks!
Styling them!? I think they’re just to wear at home like slippers. I’d wear ’em with my PJs and a robe!!!
Haha sorry I meant the Steve Madden sock booties you linked to under “Fall shoes + boots!”
Oh haha! That makes way more sense. For those, I’ll prob style with solid black tights or leggings, or tuck them into skinny jeans! (wearing the sock part under the denim) It’s all about creating one long line to make your legs look longer.
Thank makes sense, thanks very much for responding!
Question about the Neulash – how long does one tube of it last when you use it daily? Also, thanks for including the bra recommendation! It’s so hard to find my size, but the one you linked has a huge range!
A really long time. Like maybe a year? It’s kind of like a big bottle of liquid eyeliner. Not helpful, but it lasts a longgggg time.
That silk blouse from Vince is breathtaking. Although I am one glass of champagne into my Friday night, so my reaction may be a bit exaggerated. I’ve honestly never spent that much money on a shirt… but so tempting!
I know right? I was tempted by it too.
I just applied for the card so I can start shopping now, lol. I’m starting with the Blondo Lanka waterproof booties in mushroom and a Marc New York leather jacket.
yay, happy shopping!!! xo
I’m excited about the clean Beauty options: RMS, Hum nutrition and Tata Harper.
SAME!!! The tata harper set is so good!
oh thanks for the break down! i love the way you view this sale <3
happy to hear it was helpful! xx
none of your links are working
That’s because a lot of things have sold out! Hopefully more will be restocked when the sale opens to the public tomorrow.