How to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (early access starts July 12!)

It’s almost Nordstrom Anniversary Sale time and we could not be more excited.

Why you should shop this sale

Let’s address the obvious — this is a “frugal lifestyle” site and Nordstrom is not exactly cheap.

And you’re right. Nordstrom’s prices are higher than Old Navy or Target.

But here’s the deal. I eventually got tired of buying super cheap clothes that barely lasted a few months and if they did, they were misshapen and stretched out after a few washes or the color faded. And they only occasionally fit well.

Generally, most everything Nordstrom sells is quality that will stand the test of time and the cut and fit of many of their brands are far superior to the bargain brands.

So, if you’re strategic with your spending, you can get some seriously good deals.

Shop NOW for the fall

I know that many of you are big time clearance shoppers, which is awesome, but I often find shopping at the end of this season for nine months from now frustrating for me. I can do that for my kids, but I don’t always know what size I’ll be next year and what I’ll want to wear.

I’d much rather shop for my current needs and wants and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale allows for that as the stuff on sale are basics that can be worn year-round AND what’s coming out for the fall. So you’re getting a big discount on the stuff you want to wear NOW. Love that.

Get your jeans, shoes, jackets for up to 40% off

The Anniversary Sale is the best time to get high-quality staples for your closet at a reasonable price to fill out your wardrobe.

I am a high-quality denim convert. I am DONE with the cheap jeans from the bargain brands as they are not designed for women with various bulges. Higher-priced brands have the fabric, cut, and shape that flatter real-life women and you can get these jeans for a reasonable price during the Anniversary Sale.

Now, even with the sale price, you’re still paying more than you’ll pay at Old Navy, but there’s a 99% chance you’ll look better in the $50-$80 jeans and you’ll wear them more.

For instance, I have no problem wearing my Wit & Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut jeans 3-7 times a week. They just look fantastic (and I don’t have to wash them after every wear to get them to shrink back up because THEY HOLD THEIR SHAPE). I’d rather spend $48 (which is how much the W&W jeans usually are during the sale) on one pair of jeans that make me rock the world than $15 on a pair of jeans that I feel self-conscious in and don’t end up wearing after a few weeks.

The Anniversary Sale is also the time to get any new shoe you need and get the legendary customer service that comes along with a Nordstrom shoe purchase (you can read more about all the freebies offered when you buy shoes at Nordstrom HERE).

And the undergarment deals? Finally get a bra that puts your parts where they should be (don’t allow gravity to win, girls. GET THE UNDERWIRE.) and some Spanx-type things to smooth you out because we all need some spandex assistance.

Enjoy Nordstrom’s customer service

Nordstrom also has THE MOST FANTASTIC CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE PLANET.

They have free shipping and returns on all purchases, so you can try on in the comfort of your own home if you prefer or easily shop if you are not near a store. They do price adjustments within two weeks of purchase. They will work with you on just about any return or exchange.

How to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

1. Get a Nordstrom Card immediately.

This is probably the most important task. The only way to get into the Early Access Sale (July 12-18) is to have a Nordstrom credit card (either JUST the Nordstrom retail card or a Nordstrom Visa that is available everywhere). And the very best selection (sizes and styles) is available during the Early Access Sale. You still have time but you need to get it -quickly so you’re approved in time for Early Access.

And don’t assume that Nordstrom will restock much when the sale opens to the public on July 19. Last year was fairly disappointing in that respect so if you want to actually get something, get yourself into the Early Access club.

You’ll also be signed up to receive Nordstrom Rewards which will be awesome if you shop a bunch during the sale.

2. Join our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale group.

Yes, we have a special Facebook group devoted just to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. We will show you all the best deals and give suggestions on sizing, fit, and all the other important stuff.

We’ll also help you know when the popular stuff comes back in stock as the Early Access people start returning pretty quick so some items come back in stock during the public sale.

Ask to join our Facebook group HERE.

3. Shop as early as possible.

The good stuff (in the popular sizes and colors) will sell out during the Early Access sale (which is why #1 is the most important thing).

We strongly suggest you shop on July 12 (July 9th is the technical first day of the sale but only the heavy hitters get to shop that early) so you get first dibs on everything you want.

4. Shop online. Seriously.

I enjoy shopping in the store, but honestly, the stock at my local store sucks. And it makes sense. They don’t have the room to have all the sizes and all the colors on the floor. In the past I’ve been frustrated during the sale because they haven’t had my size in all the stuff I wanted to try on, especially in the Petite department (I have short legs.)

If you wear any special sizes (petite, plus, etc.) don’t even go to the store. Just shop online where they have the best selection.

5. Buy more than one size if you’re not 100% sure on the sizing.

Don’t assume that the size up or down from the one you’re ordering will be available later. Shipping during the Sale takes longer than you expect and if that size 10 doesn’t fit right, there’s not a great chance the 8 or the 12 will be available when you get a chance to do your try-ons at home.

Returns are so stinking easy, there’s no real reason to not have the entire store shipped to your house so you can make the best decision. I always return to the actual store so I’m not waiting for the return to be credited to my debit card. Obviously this works for me because I live within a reasonable distance from a physical Nordstrom.

6. Buy the items at risk for selling out first. 

If there are some items on your list that are always popular, buy them even if you’re not 100% positive that you’re going to keep them as that stuff sells out fast and rarely comes back in stock.

7. Sign up for our Frugal Fashion newsletter.

Every Friday, we send out the best fashion deals from around the web. The newsletter is also how we’ll communicate the best Anniversary Sale finds — instead of always checking our website you can just wait for the deals to hit your inbox!

Deals to look for during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Obviously we don’t know the exact items that will be on sale, but Nordstrom is fairly dependable/predictable.

You can flip through the Anniversary Sale Catalog, but it does not includes any of the more affordable items, so don’t freak out if the stuff you see gives the impression that only waifs from New York City can shop the sale. The “regular” stuff isn’t advertised until the Early Access Sale actually launches on July 12.

Here are the items that have historically been part of the sale (and the items we fall for every single year):

DENIM

Oh, the jeans. Here are our favs:

• Wit & Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcuts — I believe that every single woman should try these jeans on. They are magical.
• AG Skinny Jeans
• Articles of Society — A favorite reasonably priced jean.

And I must add that Nordstrom kills it in the non-denim pant department as well. I’ve found my favorite colored pant options during the sale. I can’t wait to wade through the options this year!

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES

If you’re even thinking of buying boots or booties this year, you need to shop this sale. There will be a ton of options available in every color and style and heel and shaft and calf-width and weather-proof-ability. Crossing my fingers for a least one wide option!

BRAS/UNDIES/SHAPEWEAR

Natori Bras — Nordstrom always has a few Natori bras on sale and they are the bomb. I suggest you get fitted before the sale so you know exactly what size to order.

Hanky Panky Thongs — If you’re the thong-wearing type or want to give them a try, these are an amazing option.

Spanx & Yummie Shapewear — Look for decent discounts on shaping shorts in various lengths.

JACKETS/CARDIGANS

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan — This cardigan is a FAVORITE and will sell out. It’s going to trip you up because it’s not in the clothing section but the pajamas/sleepwear section. Don’t worry, you can wear it in public and it will be your favorite cardigan.

Bobeau Cardigan — Bobeau usually makes an appearance with a cozy cardi and everyone goes crazy. They are comfy and affordable.

Caslon Blazer — There’s usually one Caslon semi-casual blazer that is soft and stylish. Remember, Caslon runs BIG so always size down unless you have proportionally big shoulders. (For reference, I’m a small and the Petite XS fit the best.)

WORKOUT GEAR

Zella everything — Zella makes the best leggings for working out or for pretending like you’re working out or for everyday wear, plus their tops and hoodies are always on-point. Zella comes in tons of colors and sizes (including plus).

JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES

Kate Spade Stud Earrings — Every year, Nordstrom has a pair of Kate Spade’s for around $26. They are always sparkly and look far more expensive than they are. Especially perfect for upcoming high school dances. I didn’t love the earrings from last year, so hopefully this year’s are a better option!

BP Handbags — All the praise hands for BP. as it’s Nordstrom’s more affordable labels. There are usually a handful of BP. bags during the sale that rival Target regular prices.

BEAUTY

If you have a favorite beauty brand that sells at Nordstrom, you must check out their deals during the Anniversary Sale.

We’ll see rare discounts on product as well as tons of free-with-purchase offers! Think Clinique, Smashbox, Naked, Aveda, Estee Lauder, St. Tropez, Philosophy, MAC, GLAMGLOW, and more!

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