I actually wasn’t going to write this blog post, but so many of you asked me about it that I figured I would! I will definitely be covering the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale like I have in year’s past (UPDATE: my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul and Try-On post will go live at 12:30pm EST on July 11th!). For those of you that don’t know, this is the BIGGEST sale of the entire year and the one that there’s the most hype over – and it starts in just four days!. Today I’m answering a few questions and giving a few tips and tricks to shopping the sale the best possible way.
To start, what is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (sometimes known as the #NSale on social media) is when Nordstrom releases brand-new fall merchandise at seriously discounted prices. We’re not just talking any old fall merchandise, though… all of the designers team up to offer exclusive items. I’m talking Tory Burch riding boots, Kendra Scott jewelry, Michael Kors watches, Rebecca Minkoff handbags, etc. The prices are always insane and some items are marked down by several hundred dollars.
Why is it important?
Unlike other sales, where items start out at full price and then are marked down, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is opposite. Items start on sale for a selected period of time, and then prices go back up in August. You won’t find deals like this on brand-name items anywhere else for the rest of fall and winter, so people usually buy now and wear later.
When can I shop?!
This year, Nordstrom is doing things a little differently! If you are are a Nordstrom cardholder at the “Icon” or “Ambassador” level, you can begin shopping the sale online on July 11th at 12:30pm EST. Regular Nordstrom cardholders can shop from July 12-18. During this time, ONLY Nordstrom debit or credit cardholders can shop the sale. This is important because items usually sell out quickly and you get the first pick, so your size is guaranteed to be available. If you want to shop the pre-sale, you can sign up for a Nordstrom debit or credit card here. It takes a few days to process a new card, so if you want to shop the Early Access Sale on July 12th, you should go ahead and sign up!
The sale opens to the public on July 19th, and prices go back up on August 5th.
Which items usually sell out quickly?
It’s good to know which items usually sell out the fastest, because those are the items you should shop for first! These leggings are always first to go, as well as suede boots and suede booties, Tory Burch handbags (especially in the “cognac” color), Hunter boots, Michael Kors watches and Kendra Scott jewelry. There are usually around five popular clothing items that sell out almost instantly, such as the cardigan featured in the first picture of this post, or the pants featured last.
Should I have a strategy?
YES!! You should definitely have a strategy for shopping the sale. To start with, go back through your fall and winter clothing. Is there anything your wardrobe is missing? Do you need new black pumps for work? Do you need a new watch? Maybe your black leggings from last year are starting to look worn, and you want a new pair? Take inventory of everything you have, and make a list of new items you’ll need for the fall and winter. Write them down! These should be items that you look for online during the sale.
Also, know your sizes! If you want a new pair of Hunter boots for the fall, know that they run large. I size down an entire foot size in Hunter boots. My normal size is a 7, and I order a 6 in Hunters. If there’s something you want in particular, research a little bit about it before the sale starts.
If any of the items on your list are items that sell out quickly, make it a priority to buy those first. If you’re still unsure about sizes, Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns. Order two sizes, and send back the size that doesn’t fit. I do this all the time!
Nordstrom has already released its Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog, so take a look and see if there are any items that are “must haves” so you can be on the lookout for them during the sale. And see below for my personal favorites!
Can you show us some sneak peeks?
Of course!! You know I always share a few of my favorite “sneak peeks” for the upcoming sale. Here are just a few – be sure to bookmark this page so that you can come back and shop during the sale! You must be signed into your account on Nordstrom’s website to click on the following items:
Madewell Ryder Stripe Cardigan Sweater, originally $98 but marked down to $64.90 during the sale
Vince Camuto Nestel Knee High Boots, originally $240 but marked down to $159.90 during the sale
B.P. Long Leopard Jacquard Cardigan, originally $69 but marked down to $45.90 during the sale
Steve Madden Jillian Bootie, originally $129.95 but marked down to $86.90 during the sale
Tory Burch Everly Leather Tote, originally $528 but marked down to $352.90 during the sale
Tory Burch Leather Flap Saddle Bag, originally $458 but marked down to $305.90 during the sale
AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans, originally $225 but marked down to $149.90 during the sale
AG Prima Jeans, originally $225 but marked down to $149.90 during the sale
Adidas Swift Run Sneaker, originally $85 but marked down to $63.90 during the sale
Alo High-Waist Moto Leggings, originally $114 but marked down to $75.90 during the sale
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw, originally $147 but marked down to $97.90 during the sale
All-Clad 4-Quart Casserole with Lid, originally $215 but marked down to $143.90 during the sale
Swell Pink Topaz 18-Ounce Insulated Tumbler
Diptyque Mini Candle Set, originally $75 but marked down to $55 during the sale
T3 Grey and Rose Gold Cura Hair Dryer, originally $235 but marked down to $155 during the sale
Addicted to Dior Glow Light Glow Lip Set, originally $93, marked down to $70 during the sale
Chevron 29-Inch & 18-Inch Spinner Set, originally $368, marked down to $232.90 during the sale
Nordstrom At Home Chloe Duvet Cover, originally $229, marked down to $149.90 during the sale
The Couristan “Marlow” Rug, originally $399 but marked down to $298 during the sale (shows a different rug when you click on the link, but the correct one will be live July 12th!)
And lastly…. I have a HUGE giveaway planned for July 12th, the start of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. so come visit first thing in the morning! My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul and Try-On post will go live at 12:30pm EST on July 11th. I’ll also be rounding up my picks from the sale, including which items are guaranteed to sell out.
To see more of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchases from last year, check out this blog post & this one.
Hi! On the Nordstrom website it says the sale beings at 12:30 PM? So wouldn’t the sale go love just past noon?
Yes you’re right! ๐ In year’s past the sale has gone live in the wee hours of the morning, so I thought it was the same this year! I just updated my blog post – my Nordstrom Sale post will also be going live on July 11th at 12:30 pm EST!
I can not wait for the #Nsale, it’s going to be major!!
Thanks for posting these sneak peaks!
xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com
Love the luggage!!! such a cute color!
post/ http://www.oliviaschueller.com
Where is that green utility jacket in the third picture from??
It’s from last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
Hi Caitlin, I have a random question for you! I do have a Nordstrom Card, but Iโm wondering if I have to use it to make the purchases (to shop early access). I recently got a credit card that I am trying to put all my expenses on over the next few months to get the bonus points for travel. Do you have any insight on this? Thanks! ๐
Hey Meg! In previous years, they let you use whatever card you wanted (as long as you HAD a Nordstrom card), but I heard this year they’re changing it and you actually have to use that specific Nordstrom card! But who knows! I would try to use your other card and see if it works!
Thanks for the sneak peeks, Cait! Love the Nordstrom sale!
I hope you have a great Monday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Love the sweater! Who makes it? Will that be in this year’s sale, or is it from last year?
Hi! Thank you for the sneak peeks!! Can regular card holders start shopping at midnight on the 12th? Or do we have to wait until 12:30EST as well? Thanks!!
Iโm having trouble with this site and canโt figure out why. I almost dropped following you because every time I click to read more or click on a highlighted link I get rerouted to Google. Help!
Hey Lisa, are you reading through Bloglovin? For some reason Bloglovin does that!