Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s that time of year again, the highly anticipated shopping sale of the year for fashionistas at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.   Significant savings are made and anyone’s closet can benefit from this annual sale.  Unlike any other sales where discounts are only on end-of-season items, the Anniversary sale is all about saving on new and upcoming Fall season trends.  And it just so happens my favourite season to style is Fall, so I especially get excited for this event that runs from July 12 – August 5.

Tackling this sale requires a bit of strategy in order to avoid crowds, frustration and missing out on your desired pieces.  Below I am sharing a few tips and considerations in hopes to make your shopping experience a pleasant one this year.

Shopping Strategies and Tips

1. Timing:  Early Access vs Public Access

If you are a Nordstrom credit card holder, you will get early access to the sale so I highly recommend getting the card even if for just this sole purpose.  It is the only reason why I got it last year (I don’t use it for purchases).  With the card, you will get first dibs on discounted goodies, increasing your chances of getting what you want before it sells out.  Probably most importantly, you won’t be fighting the enormous crowds once the sale opens up to the public on July 20th.  Early access is best for cardholders who reside in the USA as it starts on July 12 online and in stores.  Unfortunately for Canadians like me, this early access doesn’t start until July 17.  However, I do get a “sneak peak” at the sale online and have already added a bunch of sale favourites to my wish list.

2. Sneak a peek and start a wish list

For those of us who don’t have the luxury of early access on July 12, we are unfortunately competing with those who have a one week head start on their shopping frenzy.   The key to getting what you want before it sells out is deciding what you want ahead of time.  Go online to take a sneak peek at sale items and even though you can’t add them to your cart until you have access, you can add pieces you want or are considering to your wish list.

3. Download the Nordstrom App

Whether you choose to shop online or in store, having a wish list handy will help you prioritize and stay focused on the pieces you really want.  If you are planning to shop in store, download the Nordstrom app onto your phone, login your account and your wish list will be right at your finger tips while you shop.  I find the app also handy for when I like to lookup or check if items come in other colours etc.

4. Book a shopping appointment at your local store

Contact your personal shopping stylist or sales associate at your local Nordstrom and let them know what is on your list.  Schedule an appointment on the first day you have access and he/she will pull your desired pieces for you to try on.  There’s nothing quite like having all your wish list items ready and waiting for you in a dressing room upon your arrival.

5. Dress appropriately to avoid dressing rooms

Dressing room lineups are usually horrendous so if you don’t have the patience to wait in line,  do what I do and dress appropriately.  Wear a black or white tank top/cami over leggings/shorts and you will never have to step into a dressing room the entire time you are shopping.  Most everything you try on can be thrown over what you’re wearing.  Just find one of the plentiful full length mirrors throughout the store and voila!  And remember to wear comfortable shoes.  I like the slip on & off kind which makes trying on shoes nice and easy.  And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water if you are the shop til you drop kind of fashionista.

6. Buy now, decide later

If you are debating to buy something or not, I highly suggest you buy now and decide later because chances are it will sell out if you hesitate or wait.  Should you change your mind later you can return it anytime.  With Nordstrom’s amazing return policy, there’s never a concern for buyers remorse.  If items are already sold out online, don’t despair.  Keep checking back – I’ve seen pieces magically re-appear back in stock from people returning items throughout the week or from inventory restocks.

Time to Shop!

Now let’s get to the fun part and start shopping the sale!  From jumpsuits, tees and denim to sneakers, mules and booties, there’s a great selection for anyone who is looking to add a few new pieces to their fall wardrobe at amazingly discounted prices.  I did a roundup of both my own favourites and items deemed as hot off the rack by many fashion bloggers this season.  All items are hyperlinked at the smaller icons below so scroll through and start adding them to your wish list or cart right away.

I’d love to hear about all your wish list/finds and any tips and strategies you find effective for tackling the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  Good luck every one and happy Anniversary shopping!

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