How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Like an Insider + My Favorites

If you watched my Insta story yesterday you know it’s that time again - NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE TIME! I actually worked at Nordstrom for about a year and a half, so I’m going to give you the inside scoop on how to shop the sale.

Here are my top tips:

• GET THE CARD ALREADY: To start shopping TODAY you need to have a Nordstrom store or Visa credit card. Both are really quick to apply for online or in store and you get $20 when you sign up to shop. You also earn points on every dollar you spend, which rack up in Nordstrom Notes - money you can spend at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. I use my card for big purchases that I’d normally pay for in cash, because you pay it off and get the rewards in the mail! Why not get points for things I’d already buy? Also on the Anniversary sale you get early access - and LOTS of things usually sell out before public access starts next Friday. If there is anything you really want, just get the card.
• CHECK OUT BEFORE YOU MISS OUT: Don’t wait to buy something you really want. Nords has free shipping on any purchase so you don’t need to worry about that, make as many orders as you need to and you won’t have to deal with any out of stock issues. I’ve been in that situation before, where I’m waiting to check out until I know everything that I want and have it in my cart, and by the time I get back to my cart - boom the thing I really wanted is gone. Learn from my mistakes people!
• WINTER IS COMING: Anniversary Sale is one method that companies use to test out what styles people will want to shop later in the year, that’s why you see a ton of fall and winter clothing, shoes and accessories. They discount it because they are testing to see what does well, and what they might not want to bring back. This year they have decided to do a lot of “buy now wear now” styles in the sale, but the bulk of it is still geared towards later in the year. Put yourself in the mindset of cold weather, and things you’ll need when it turns chilly, and you’ll be able to stock up now and save money, instead of buying things full-price later on (prices go back UP after the sale!)
• STOCK UP, BEAUTIFUL: Anniversary sale is the PERFECT time to stock up on your beauty and makeup, skincare, and hair favorites. They usually don’t expire for a year or two, and you get great discounts on “sets” and special purchase items during the sale. For example:

Okay now that you know my tips from a former employee, here are my favorites from the sale so far!

Athletic Wear
Yep, we’re all still worrying about our bikini bodies, so this is a great time to grab some new workout gear. Nordstrom’s house activewear brand “Zella” is led by a top product designer who left Lululemon to design for Nordstrom. I get at least 1 pair of THESE leggings every year, they suck you in and last for years!

Shoes
Mules are a big trend this year, and half-booties (where the back is gone) are huge too! Nords has both on the Anniversary sale, plus lots of Tory Burch!

Tops
SOoooooo many great tops on the sale - I am in desperate need of some because I guess I only wear dresses now? No idea why I don’t have many great tops, but I shall be doing some major shopping in this section this year. This shirt is so work-chic to me, and I probably need this sweater in at least 2 colors.

Outerwear / Jackets / Cardigans
STOCK UP remember what I told you? You’ll be glad you did while everything is on sale!!! Maxi cardigans are my best friend in the winter.

Dresses / Skirts / Jeans
Dying to wear this dress in the winter with opaque black tights and some great oxfords or feminine flats.

Random
More random favorites. These jammies make me want to curl up in bed immediately. Do you say PJ’s or jammies? Growing up we called it a “sleeper”. 🙂 Like, “Go get your sleeper on!” No idea where that came from. These socks are also perfect for working out, they won’t slip down your heels.

Hair / Makeup / Skincare / Beauty

Okay this section deserves a lot of attention… If you’re only going to shop ONE section or one category on the Anniversary sale, I think this should be it. Here’s why…

THIS Beachwaver curling iron is a newer version of the one I used in THIS YouTube tutorial, and it has over 87k views. It’s THAT good - and turns with the push of a button instead of you wrapping the hair around the wand.

I used an entire jar of this StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream recently and I need more. It really makes a difference and I’m at that age where I have to start thinking about neck wrinkles (so lame, I know.)

I was talking to a friend of my mothers awhile ago and I asked her what she did to get her INSANELY long eyelashes. They were so beautiful - and she says REVITALASH! I use generic Latisse right now but she really convinced me, and other friends I have who use it too have crazy results, so when I run out, I’m going to Revitalash.

AWESOME sunscreen, always good to have on hand - you should be wearing some every day!

I just talked my Mom into getting this Perricone MD Cold Plasma cream because it is MAGIC in a jar. They sent me some and I used the entire thing, and now I have to bite the bullet for more because I truly noticed a difference when I used it. I would wake up and my skin looked refreshed and bright, not tired and terrifying like usual. Worth every penny, especially at a discount.

I could go on and on about every single item I linked, but we just don’t have that kind of time… (Ok, I don’t have that kind of time.)

I hope you found some things you loved in this post! Send this link to friends and spread the word about this awesome sale! You’ll already start to see things sell out as early as today, so remember - don’t wait - and happy shopping!

xoxo