Nordstrom Anniversary Sale First Impressions

Curling Iron// Socks// Sports Bra// Cashmere Cardigan

Shower Oil// Perfume// Sneakers// CZ Stud Earrings// Rain Boots

Cropped High Waist Jeans// Skinny Jeans// Faux Leather Leggings// Brow Trio

The Details

It's that time of year again. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts next week! Just like last year, they've opened up a preview of the sale items before you can purchase them. I personally prefer this setup because it really gives me time to pore over the offerings before things sell out! I spent all last week giving it all a really good look.

The dates for the sale are:

July 12th: Icon

July 14th: Ambassador

July 16th: Early Access for Cardholders 

July 28th: Open to everyone

August 8: Last day to shop the sale

You don't need a promo code. The prices are all as marked and will go back up to full price on Monday, August 9th. 

If you have your eye on something and you are able to shop, do so quickly. Things sell out during the early access period so creating a wishlist in your Nordstrom account will be your quickest way to check out once it is your turn to shop. When things open to everyone on July 28th, check again as sometimes certain things will come back in stock, and also returns start to trickle in so you can snag something if you keep your eye on it. 

My First Impression

I say something along the lines of what I am about to say each year. The Nordstrom Sale is just a sale like any other retailer has. And there have been a LOT of sales over this past year+. Of course, it's fall merchandise that will go back up to full price again- that's its 'schtick' that separates it from the rest, but a lot of those items will eventually go on sale as the fall season progresses. So basically, only buy something if you truly love it! Just a simple reminder that you don't need everything just because it's marked down and I never want to make you feel like you do! 

The reason so many bloggers love to cover the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is that it brings in a lot of income in affiliate commission. Affiliate commission is when someone clicks on an affiliate link on a blogger's website or liketoknowit or swipe up and makes a purchase. The blogger makes a small commission and it is at no cost or burden to the shopper. There are a lot of intricacies that go along with that, but for simplicity's sake, that's one way a blogger is able to make money. Obviously, I cannot speak for all bloggers and the way they have their sites and social media set up, but this is just one way this all happens! 

Historically, in retail, the saying is months that start with a 'J' are usually slower in terms of sales. This is why Nordstrom created this sale many years ago- to ramp up their sales in an otherwise slower time period. It has been a success ever since. If you search around online, some of the articles about the history of the sale and the success of it all are really interesting. So genuis on their part, right? It's also super popular because, on certain 'big ticket' items, the savings can be really great. Plus, like I mentioned before, no retailer puts out brand new merchandise with it immediately marked down. It's just not done. I do wish more designer items were included. Each year there have been less and less of those which has disappointed me!!

Over the years, I've personally noticed the quality of some items included in the sale decrease. I've been shopping this sale for a long time. A lot of brands and retailers will now create an item that is specially made for the Nordstrom sale. It doesn't always mean that it is of lesser quality, but I've definitely found that that can be the case sometimes. 

I didn't have big expectations for last year's sale because, well, 2020. It actually ended up being slightly better than I anticipated. 

I, again, did not have high expectations for this sale because it's a very well-known thing that supply chains are currently disrupted around the world and so brands and retailers have had a tough time fulfilling inventory. I've personally really noticed this at a LOT of retailers. The sheer lack of selection and so many things selling out so quickly because of the lack of inventory is frustrating.

I do have to say this year's sale is not really blowing me away. It's a little better than I expected, but again, I was not expecting much. A lot of repeat items and a lot of in-house Nordstrom brand items (in-house brands mean that Nordstrom produces them. Brands like Zella). Nordstrom is producing a lot of items in-house to keep their overhead lower- you see this retail model becoming much more popular with a lot of online stores/brands in the past several years because it creates a higher profit margin for them. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some gems. It will take some time if you plan on going through it all like I did. There are over 3500 items and that is just women's alone. 

I always say this sale is the time to score high-quality shoes, bags, cashmere, beauty/skincare, and coats. But I really didn't notice a ton of shoes or bags or cashmere this year and if I did, the color offerings were less than desireable. 

I'm actually really pleased with the denim selection this year and find that the discounts are overall really good in that category- especially on some of my favorite brands like Mother and Rag and Bone! I think the jeans will be a quick sellout. 

Anyway, that was my first impression and I'll definitely share everything with you all that caught my eye down below but I really like to explain the Nordstrom sale to you all because so many people post about it. I'm surprised SNL has not done a parody of influencers and the Nordstrom sale yet, ha!

I am extremely discerning when going through all of this stuff. I only include things I've either tried and loved or products that I will likely purchase on my own. I wanted to post this ahead of the shopping window so you all have time to browse. This is supposed to be FUN! All of this perusing of fall things make me SO excited for my favorite season!

t3 Curling Iron// **If you are a Costco member, you can find t3 on their website or sometimes in store for $69.99. I've also seen it priced at $99.99 at Costco. I guess the price just fluctuates. A Costco membership is ~$60 so it's almost worth it to buy the membership and then get the curling iron. There is an ever-so-slight difference in design (looks only). The hairdryer is also at Costco for $99. I have both and love both and use them weekly. Right now, I am not seeing the curling iron on Costco's website so the Nordstrom sale is the best price I can find for you all right now! 

Ugg Socks// I discovered these socks this past winter on Amazon. Normally, I don't really think socks are ever a really great 'deal' because socks are pretty inexpensive. But these are kind of 'expensive' for socks- I just looked at my Amazon account and I paid $20 for one pair... and admittedly ending up buying two more pairs during the entire winter. This is a great deal because you almost get one pair for free as the two pairs are $22 in the Nordstrom Sale! These are SO warm and so soft and cozy. They wash well and feel just as soft after a wash.  A fun little gift for the holiday season or as a stocking stuffer! 

Sports Bra// This is one of my go-to sports bras and has been for years. It has medium compression, stays in place when working out, holds up well wash after wash, and is inexpensive. It doesn't have any padding (which I like). I'll be purchasing one or two more of this. I have both sizes small and medium and prefer the small for added compression! 

Oversized Cashmere Cardigan// I bought a version of this cardigan several years ago during the sale and each year they have brought it back with a slightly different design. It's such a classic and in a basic neutral black color. I get SO much wear out of it. Whether I'm dressing it up in the winter with leather leggings and booties or wearing it over pajamas in the morning as a robe. It's a versatile, high-quality wardrobe staple. I find Vince to run a little big, but I still mostly choose to get my usual size small as I like that oversized fit. If you want something a little more fitted, I suggest sizing down.

Almond Shower Oil// This is a splurge as it is quite pricey, but this is a really good deal. This is shower oil that warms up and works into a later. It's the BEST to shave with... so much better than traditional shave gel. Plus it smells wonderful and feels really hydrating. I tried the Trader Joe's version hoping it was just as good and it just isn't the same. This is worth every penny and works nicely as a gift. 

Wood Sage and Sea Salt Perfume// This is an amazing deal. You get 1.7oz of perfume and a hand soap for $89. They sell 1 oz of perfume alone for $72! I will 100% be ordering this. This my favorite scent ever. It's what I plan to wear on our wedding day. I even got a candle to burn on the day so the scent would remidn me of that. It's light and fresh with a hint of muskiness. At under $100, this is a really nice gift to give someone for the holidays if you know that they love this scent. 

Adidas Ultraboost Sneakers// I love love love these sneakers and have been wearing them for years. They are pricey for sneakers and they don't often go on sale. At $60 off, I think this is a really good deal. This is also a reminder to replace your sneakers. I have gone through so many pairs since starting OTF a few years ago- but if you work out a lot each week, you are supposed to replace your sneakers at least every year. 

CZ Stud Earrings// This was in my top 3 from the entire sale last year and it is going to be in there again. I have real diamond earrings and actually prefer to wear these because I worry way less about losing them. I'm all about wearing the 'nice jewelry' all the time, but I am known to lose earrings so these just make me feel much more comfortable. Not to mention they really are gorgeous. I'm ordering the 3 carat to try those out. I have the 2 carat and at just one carat in each ear, they are a perfect size. They also come in a really cute box so it's a great gift option/stocking stuffer. It would also make a nice gift for bridesmaids. 

Hunter Rain Boots// I have these in the classic green and they are just downright practical. If I were to get a second pair, I'd get black, because I always wish I had black when it rains and I'm wearing black leggings! This is a nice savings of $60. 

Cropped High Waist Flare Jeans// I have these in a winter white color and absolutely love them. They are such high quality, beyond comfortable. They have a nice bit of stretch to them and the denim is nice and thick. They run true to size.

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans// Ok so these were my #1 pick from the sale last year and I actually got them in the sale in 2019! This year, they have an added zipper at the ankle which makes it super easy to get them on and off and also comes in a lighter wash.  They run pretty true to size, they are stretchy so if between sizes, you could definitely size down. I wear these SO much. I think they're the most comfortable and most flattering jeans I have ever worn. They always look so cropped on the model, but I am 5'6" and they hit me at the perfect spot at my ankle. I am 5'6". Skinny jeans are not dead!!! 

Faux Leather Leggings// I actaully bought these full price a few years ago and LOVE them. I am not a fan of the Spanx faux leather leggings that I feel like everyone loves but these are the real gems! They run true to size and have a nice amount of stretch to them. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Trio// I've been using this pencil forever. I took a brief hiatus to use the brow powder from Anastasia and then went back to the pencil after a makeup artist told me to because it's a much more natural look. This pencil is foolproof, truly. The brow gel is nice, too.  This is a better deal than last year's offering. It's $23 just for one pencil so this is a nice savings. I wear the color caramel or soft brown.