I didn’t post about the Nordstrom anniversary sale last year… and I almost didn’t this year either.
I have a love hate relationship with sales.
I love them because they make quality clothing more accessible.
I hate them because they can make you purchase something you normally wouldn’t just because it’s affordable.
But…
I decided to make a post about it anyway because I do think there is a time and a place. And if you are trying to build up your wardrobe and you are in a place where you are ready to add some pieces to your capsules, this kind of sale is a great way to do it.
Here’s my tip though: stick to your list.
Don’t just go browse through every category under the sale tab and add things to your cart without thought.
Also: don’t browse the sight at 1:00 in the morning while drinking a glass of wine…
Approach the sale with a plan.
Identify the things that you need before heading to the website. Write them down and refer to them often while you browse.
If you do come across something that’s not on your list, don’t just check out with it right away. Maybe give yourself an hour to think about it or ask for another opinion from someone…
And if it sold out while you took a moment to consider, then it probably wasn’t meant to be and that’s your answer.
I think a lot of people approach these sales as if these clothes are never going to be available to them at these sorts of prices ever again!
But they will.
Give it six months and they’ll start to pop up on eBay… or they’ll go on sale for next year’s Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.
If you are buying timeless pieces that will be with you for a very long time then you have your whole life to invest in them.
Don’t let the “rush” of the sale lead you into making decisions you’ll regret later.
With that said, sales can be a helpful tool.
American made clothing and cruelty free beauty is not cheap and being able to pick it up at such a discounted price can really help those people who want to support that industry, but have a hard time paying full price.
So for those of you who are in a season of adding clothing to your wardrobes or beauty products to your arsenal, here are my USA/ethically made and cruelty free suggestions:
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Clothing:
Striped Dress | Cowl Neck Sweater | Striped Coatigan
Boyfriend Denim | Skinny Denim | Embroidered Bomber Jacket
Puffer Jacket | Faux Leather Leggings | Midi Dress
Velvet Tee | Tennis Shoes | Booties
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty:
Charlotte Tilbury Set | Anastasia Lip Set | Makeup Eraser Set
Glass Water Bottle Set | Paula’s Choice Set | RMS Beauty Set
Stila Set | | Drybar Set
Alterna Caviar Set | Diptyque Set | Anastasia Eyebrow Set
Until next time,
I try to avoid sales altogether, but that is mostly due to having little self control. I love being able to purchase quality pieces at a discount, but if I really need the item, I will purchase at full price.
I feel the same way Erin! In fact, I personally didn’t purchase anything from the sale. I just wanted to help people out that were going to purchase something, but wanted a “hand” in finding better options. 🙂
Yes to all your shopping tips! It’s so much better to go into it with a plan rather than wasting money on impulse buys.
Thanks Courtney! It’s definitely easy to get sucked in to the frenzied aspects of the sale!
You do have to be cautious about sales so you don’t overspend, but I appreciate the opportunity to get some nice things for a good price when I’m looking!
Exactly! There is a time and a place for sales. 🙂
I totally agree – while I LOVE the Nsale, it’s important to approach it with a pretty thought out plan of what you NEED and a small list of what you WANT vs just buying everything thought sounds good!
Totally! I think Caroline from Unfancy said something about how even though they are marked down, they are still spendy pieces so getting carried away can really do some damage!