Because next to Christmas, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the most wonderful time of the year. And here’s how you can get an early access sneak peek preview! Go! Go! Go!
COUNTDOWN TO THE ANNIVERSARY SALES EVENT
Next to their Black Friday/Cyber Monday event, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest sales of the year on some of your favorite things in the world of beauty, fashion (for women and men), home decór, all kinds of kids stuff, and so much more. And I’m not talking about things that are 10% off (insert eye-roll here), but major sales like 35% to 50% off (and in some cases, more!).
The #NSALE Shopping Guide
When Does Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale Start?
Nordstrom officially announced the start date of their famous Anniversary sale and, per usual, I’m still a little confused by when I (personally) can start shopping. So I put together a little cheat sheet you can save so you can easily understand when it starts, when you can get early access based on your shopping status level, and when it all ends.
START DATE
July 17
ICON STATUS
July 11
AMBASSADORS
July 12
INFLUENCERS
July 13
Regardless of when you’re eligible to shop early, the Anniversary Sale officially ends on August 6th, so make sure you plan ahead and shop early so you can score the best deals while things are still in stock.
How to Preview the Anniversary Sale & Get Early Access
If you want to be in the exclusive club of people who get to shop early during the preview sale simply use your Nordstrom credit/debit card! If you don’t have one yet, trust us, get it. It’s so worth it. You can quickly sign up here and you’ll officially be granted early access, get an additional $40 bonus note, have the ability to early 3x the reward points, and so much more. Learn more here!
Below is another little cheat-sheet to let you know exactly how much you need to spend at Nordstrom each year to gain access to different member levels.
INFLUENCER
AMBASSADOR
ICON
The Best Strategy to Get Sale Items In-Stock!
I’ve been covering the NSale for more than 4 years now and if it’s one thing I’ve learned is that what’s in stock can sell out super fast. And if you don’t have the earliest access like some of the other status levels, by the time it’s “your turn” your favorite sweater, boots, bag may no longer be available in your size or color. And chances are, they won’t be back in stock by the time you have access to the sales event.
The bottom line is that the best strategy for shopping the sale is to add you favorite items to your own Nordstrom Wishlist. New to this? I’ll break it down for you.
Quickly Sign Up for Your Free Account at Nordstrom.com
Add the Items You Want to Your Wishlist on Each Product Page
View All Your "Saved" Items in Your Account Under "Wishlist"
Add All Your Wishlist Items to Your Cart When the Sale Starts
It’s actually really quick and simple to do, especially once Nordies gives us all a preview of the sale a week or two prior to anyone getting actual access to it. This way, once the sale starts you don’t waste any time trying to browse the thousands of items that are on sale.
What's Going to Be on Sale During the NSale?
Uh, almost everything. Here’s the thing about this event; while it does take place smack dab in the middle of the summer (and you can still get great deals on summer items), it’s also a great preview for the fall. Typically by August you’re starting to get a little interested in some fall-like things. I’m not talking full-on pumpkin-spice lattes. But we’re getting closer.
While there are so many great deals happening, below are the ones I think are the best. If you’re a bit early, check out their twice-per-year Half Yearly sale to tide you over.
The deals below are typically the ones that are best sellers each and every year during their sales event. These are tried-and-true brands and usually go out of stock almost right away, so add them to your wishlist as soon as possible. I’ll be updating this article with new deals as they start rolling in. In the meantime…
Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket
One of my favorite brands to pick up during the NSale is just about anything from Barefoot Dreams. If you’re new to them, they’re the brand that produces a wide range of some of the most cozy and comfortable home essentials, including blankets, clothing, and accessories (those socks!). One of their most popular items is their throw blankets, which are known for their softness, warmth, and luxurious feel.
These throw blankets are made from a plush, high-quality fabric that is both lightweight and insulating, making themperfect for snuggling up on the couch, adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed, or keeping you cozy during travel.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid colors, stripes, and prints (like popular leopard print), so you can find one that fits your personal style and overall home decor.
Whether you need one of these blankets for yourself or not, these also make the perfect gifts for any of the women on your list, especially with the upcoming Christmas shopping season.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Incredibly soft and so comfy you’ll never want to get off your couch.
- Lightweight yet warm, making them ideal for all seasons.
- Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes to fit your own personal vibe.
- Durable and easy to care for, as they are machine washable and tumble dryable.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- More expensive than other throw blankets available, as you are paying for the quality and brand.
- These go out of stock almost immediately, which can be annoying. Shop early!
See It In Action:
Zella High-Waisted Leggings
Zella’s leggings are exclusively sold at Nordstrom and definitely one of their most popular items to shop during the NSale.
These must-wear high-waisted leggings are designed for just about any activity, including yoga, running, barre, or just hanging out around the house or running errands (that counts as exercise, right?).
A total fan-favorite, Zella leggings are made with high-quality, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric that keeps you cool and dry during intense workouts.
In terms of fit, they’re designed to provide a comfortable and flattering fit, especially this high-waisted style that also uses compression technology that supports and enhances your body.
These currently come in four different colors to choose from – grey, burgundy, black, and green.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Comfortable and flattering fit.
- High-quality, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabric.
- Decent color selection.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Some feel that sizing can be a bit inconsistent between different Zella styles.
- May run a bit large.
Tory Burch Pebbled Crossbody Bag
For the past few years, I’ve noticed overall Tory Burch is all over the NSale. It’s a great time to score a really decent deal (at least 33% off) a wide range of their bags and purses and one of their most popular sellers is the standard crossbody bag.
So many love Tory Burch’s crossbody bags because they’re totally hands-free and can be worn across your body (hence the name!), leaving your hands free to – perfect for those on the go.
These are typically more secure than other types of bags since they’re worn close to your body and are less likely to be snatched or stolen. The worst!
This one comes in a nice pebble pattern, has an easy-to-access top zipper, has an adjustable strap, has an interior wall pocket that can fit up to four different cards, and currently comes in 5 different color options (including great seasonal options).
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Lightweight and compact, yet big enough to hold my most essential everyday items.
- You can wear it whether you’re going casual or dressy.
- Can easily fit most phones.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- It’s made of leather so not vegan friendly.
- Definitely on the pricey side, even with the Anniversary sale discount.
See It In Action:
UGG Ultra Mini Boots
If I could buy just one thing during the NSale it would be just about any of UGGs boots, but this season it’s specifically the Ultra Mini.
The UGG Ultra Mini features the classic UGG silhouette with a shorter shaft height. They’re made with high-quality moisture-wicking material which is soft, durable, and provides natural insulation to keep feet warm when it really starts getting cold outside. It also makes them super comfy.
When it comes to sizing, my advice would be to order a size down for a snug fit since they tend to run a bit large.
These beauties come in the classic UGG colors (like tan, black, and grey), but also newer eye-catching colors like navy blue, pink, and more.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Soft and cushioned footbed for comfort.
- Versatile style that can be worn with various outfits.
- Sturdy stitching ensures long-lasting wear.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Higher price point compared to some other winter boots – you’re also paying for the UGG brand name.
- The interior is not sheepskin, like with some of their other boots.
- Only available in whole sizes, which can be annoying – order a size down.
See It In Action:
La Mer Moisturizing Cream
LA MER pretty much never goes on sale (or not that often at least). To get an extra 25% off its original price makes it a total must-buy during the NSale.
La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream is super luxurious and will help to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. The cream features a unique blend of ingredients, including the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, which is made from fermented sea kelp and other natural ingredients. This proprietary formula is known for its restorative and rejuvenating properties, and it works to deliver intense hydration to your skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Overall, it’s suitable for all skin types and is pretty lightweight and fast-absorbing, so you can use it both day and night. Of course, the price is pretty high, but that’s another story for another time.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin.
- Contains natural ingredients and the brand’s signature Miracle Broth.
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula.
- Suitable for all skin types.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- It’s very expensive, like, really expensive.
- May not provide enough moisture for extremely dry skin.
Nordstrom "At Home" Precale Sheet Set
Now’s the perfect time to upgrade those old dingy bed sheets you’ve been sleeping in for years. One of their top sellers, Nordstrom’s “At Home” precale sheet set is comfy, crisp, and can help keep you cool at night.
Made from 100% cotton, these sheets provide breathability and durability, making them an ideal option for warm weather. The sheets feature a percale weave, which creates a textured surface that adds to the overall comfort and coolness. While the thread count of 200 is lower than some other options, it still provides a comfortable and long-lasting bedding option.
Right now they’re offering them in a variety of colors like white, grey, and taupe – which will work with so many bedroom decor themes. Plus, 50% off is a no-brainer.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Made from 100% cotton, offering excellent breathability and durability.
- Percale weave is crisp and cool.
- Machine-washable and easy to care for.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- Lower thread count may not provide the same level of softness as higher thread count sheets.
- May wrinkle easily and require ironing if that’s something that bugs you.
See It In Action:
Drybar Gift Set
I still own my Drybar Buttercup hair-dryer that I actually bought during the Anniversary Sale 4 years ago (33% off at the time). Another brand that barely goes on sale, this time around Drybar is partnering up with Nordstrom to put together this must-have gift set that comes with 6 different hair essentials.
Inside the “Smooth Crew Kit” you’ll get:
- The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
- The Detangling Brush
- Full-size Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler
- Full-size Triple Sec Blanc Scent 3-in-1 Finishing Spray
- Travel-size Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist
- Travel-size Detox Original Scent Dry Shampoo
A great option to pick up for yourself or anyone on your list this coming holiday season. Break it up and use them as stocking stuffers too!
Nordstrom Hydrocotton Hand Towels
It’s always a good time for a hand-towel upgrade! These towels are made by Nordstrom Home and are 100% hydrocotton – meaning they’re absorbent and will actually get softer and softer the more you wash them (within reason).
These currently come in 10 different colors to choose from, which includes basics like white, beige, and oatmeal – and more fun colors like pink, green, blue, and teal.
Converse "Chuck Taylor" All Stars
Perfect for men or women, these unisex best sellers now come in so many different trendy colors, but don’t sweat it because there are classic color options too.
Chuck Taylor High-Top sneakers feature a canvas upper and a rubber sole, making them durable and comfortable. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a pair that reflects your personal style.
Typically, these run a bit large so you may want to go down a half-size.
Pros & Cons:
WHAT I LOVE:
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any personal style.
- Durable and comfortable canvas and rubber construction.
- Even though they first debuted in the 1970s, they’re still totally timeless.
JUST A HEADS-UP:
- They tend to run a bit on the larger side, so if you can you may want to go a half-size down.
- Canvas material may not be as breathable as some other sneakers you own.
- These aren’t always so comfortable for folks with wider feet.