Buckle up, ladies. It’s that time of year — the Anniversary Sale is here. Soon your inbox and your social feeds will be awash with influencer posts about Nordstrom’s once-a-year sale extravaganza. But, you know my rule: one post today, one post when the sale opens to the public.
Yesterday was the first day of the sale, and I am heartbroken over how much sold out. 1/3 of the items I had bookmarked are already gone. I’ve kept them marked in case they come back in on returns, but I’m not hopeful. The tiered system for the sale has been a source of complaint since it was introduced, but Nordstrom has clearly chosen not to care.
So let’s see what is left from my list.
Jewelry // Every year, one category seems to be stronger than the others. This year, the jewelry department has a lot of fantastic pieces.
The locket at left is from Monica Vinader has a hammered metal finish and a subtle look. You can engrave both the inside and outside of this piece. For $90, this is a phenomenal piece. It would make a fantastic gift, even if it’s for yourself.
Monica Vinader also made these incredible pieces with diamonds. The bracelet, the earrings, and the pendant are all lovely. They are also all under-$200.
Other jewelry pieces that caught my eye are this affordable lapis ring, this set of oblong hoop earrings, and these modern drops from Jennie Bird in two-tone metal.
Essentials // Let’s talk about my essentials, the items I am definitely buying. Because if the Anniversary Sale is good for one thing, it’s making sure you have enough of the basics to get through the next 12 months.
I always buy the Creme de Corps lotion. It’s my favorite. Two refills gets me through the whole year. This year, I am also buying the Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm. My skin has gotten so dry lately that I moisturize in the morning and at night, and I intend to use the Osea before bed.
Also from the beauty department, I’m picking up this Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette. It’s filled with beautiful neutrals. And I picked up these Makeup Eraser rounds to remove makeup with just water.
I’m also restocking my underwear drawer. Proof makes my favorite period underwear both in full seat and lace back (for a little something extra). The Natori Bliss bra is my favorite, so I’ll be picking up a few replacements. It’s comfortable and supportive.
Lastly, I need pajamas and the Nordstrom Moonlight pajamas are the best. I also need a new robe, and this light one from Barefoot Dreams is the one I picked.
Clothing // Now that the bulk of my picks have sold out, I had to search the catalog again to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I was not as impressed with the clothing selection this year as I have been in past years, but there were a few things worth sharing.
Dresses. I liked the look of this En Saison dress with a mixed media print skirt and ribbed top. It felt very 90s reminiscent in a way that was wearable. For work, I also found this Eliza J dress with button details and this BOSS dress with a gorgeous blue color and chic sleeve detail.
Tops & Sweaters. This merino and cotton sweater from Nordstrom is such a classic. It has that Jenni Kayne chic for 1/3 the price. This zip-up cardigan with a bit of structure is perfect for work (heartbroken it sold out in the grey). This Halogen sweater in a polo style also caught my eye. I was surprised I liked this one, so it went onto my wishlist in a hurry. This cotton-blend sweater from Treasure & Bond is also an easy basic.
The wearable, comfortable Rails button-up in cotton is available in cocoa and an aloe green. For something fun, I liked the ruffle cuff and brooch detail on this Cece sweater. I own last year’s version of this Caslon chambray shirt (also in plus), and it is so soft and wearable — perfect for WFH.
If you need tops to wear under suits, I love this uniquely pleated satin shell and this cowl neck blouse.
Bottoms. For work, these Absolution Flat Front plans offer a bit of belly smoothing and a classic office look. Also available in plus. The only pair of jeans I was interested in sold out, but I wish listed them in case they come back (are we sensing a theme yet?).
Skirts were hard to come by this sale. I did spot this midi-pencil skirt, which my friend (who shopped this morning in store) says felt like a $200 skirt, not a $65 one. Also, I thought this textured skirt from Vince, with the matching top was a cool look.
Outerwear & Blazers. I was really hoping for nice blazers this year, did not really see many. I already own the Spanx ponte pants, so the asymmetrical blazer to make it a suit is a no-brainer. This cropped blazer could also be fun over a dress.
For outerwear, this loden green one and this hooded one with a relaxed style both caught my eye. The AllSaints leather jacket this year comes in a stunning pale grey. I also loved this Rails military-style jacket for tossing over jeans or leggings.
If you want a long coat, I liked the style of this sleek Avec Les Filles coat in burgundy. For something shorter, this Sam Edelman coat has a stylish button detail and this Karl Lagerfeld coat has a very biker-chic feel to it. Looking for a puffer? This one from Save the Duck has that casual cool look down.
Boots & Shoes // Mary Jane flats will be popular for fall again. If you haven’t bought a pair yet, I would grab these in red or silver metallic. At $52, you will not find this quality for this price anywhere else. I also loved these buckle-front Ann Mashburn low block heels.
The boots selection hurt my soul this year. Very little I needed or even wanted, but there were two pairs. This kitten heel tall boot for an affordable $120 is coming home with me. I also really liked this block heel casual boot that gives a bit of a Western feel and would look chic under dresses and skirts.
If you need dressy shoes, these Stuart Weitzman thin strap sandals are perfect for any event. Loeffler’s charming bow sandals are also a lovely choice. And for something affordable, I love these double strap mule heels.
Lastly, if you need new sneakers, the On brand put together several styles for the sale. I’m hoping these training shoes are still there when I can shop.
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Can vouch for Ann Mashburn heels – very comfortable and stylish at the same time.
I can vouch for the En Saison mixed media dress. It’s great. My husband likes it too. My size is medium which I’ll keep although I could probably size down and be ok too.
Everything on my wish list is sold out (except a bra). This is absurd. I didn’t even look at what influencers were promoting, just what I liked.
Keep checking the wish list. I’ve lucked out in recent years and have been able to pick things up throughout autumn for cheaper then they were during the sale.
Nordstrom has long prided itself on being the department store with the best customer service, the one where they cared about shoppers. The Anniversary Sale is proof that a good return policy doesn’t mean you give a damn about anybody.
Anyone with or expecting a tiny human should check out the baby gear section. They usually have good deals on stuff like car seats and strollers. We got our Vista for $200 off two years ago and looks like it’s even more on discount this year.
They sold out of the Doona, which broke my heart. I loved that damn thing.
The Tripp Trapp highchair and Nuna Rava carseat are still in stock1
I also didn’t see much. Maybe I just don’t need anything. You found great things. I have a black pencil skirt from a prior year that’s so useful. Natori bras are my favorite, too. Nice quality. Last a long time, especially kept out of the dryer.