TIP 1: KNOW THE SALE 

TIP 2: KNOW THE DATES

Nordstrom card holders get access to this sale first. It’s called the ‘Early Access’ portions of the sale, and it runs from July 12th-19th (get your own Nordstrom card + $40 to spend on the sale here)  The sale opens to everyone from July 20th- August 5th.

*2018 UPDATE:

In previous years they only have a $20 Nordstrom note for signing up for the card, so this is double the amount as last year! If you don’t already have the card, this is a no brainer!

It opens up to the general public July 21st-Aug 6th. The sale ends, and prices go up, August 7th.

TIP 3: SHOP EARLY!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview catalog was just released yesterday and you can view it here. It’s a great way to do some pre-mental shopping to get a feel for the styles and prices you might want to take advantage of.

In order to get the sale price during the early access from July 12th-19th, you have to have a Nordstom card.

You can sign up for one online here. Get first dibs on the sale by applying for a Nordstrom debit or credit card and receive a $40 Nordstrom Note to use during the sale.

Is it worth it to get a Nordstrom card just for this sale? YES! The pieces with the best discounts usually are sold out by the third day of the Early Access portion of the sale. That means that if you don’t have a Nordstrom card, you won’t even get the chance to purchase the item before it sells out.

A few years ago I didn’t have a Nordstrom card, so I had to wait until the sale opened to the public to shop. I was so disappointed to find that a lot of the items on my wish list were sold out or out of my size. It’s absolutely crazy how fast some of the items go.

TIP 5: SHOP ONLINE

Online, online, online. I cannot stress this enough! I always post all of my top picks from the sale by 6 am the morning the sale starts. Then, in order to give you a detailed description of which items are good quality, flattering on, and cuter in person, I always brave the crowds to find the best stuff in person, and I do a dressing room round-up the day after the sale goes live so you can get a good feel for the cut/sizing/fit of the best items. Then I also do a post with all of the full fall looks I end up taking home with me. I do all the legwork for you, so you have all the info you need to get the best items of the sale.

My advice to you is to get yourself a Nordstrom card if you don’t already have one.

Then check out my blog first thing the morning of July 12th. I usually pull an all-nighter the night before the sale, narrowing down the items online, to select the best stuff. Then, place your order online first thing.

If you aren’t sure about sizing, order 2 sizes. Nordstrom’s free shipping/return policy makes shopping so painless. Your order will come with a return label, so if there is anything you don’t want, just stick it on your box and set it outside for the mailman to pick up. You don’t even need to make a separate trip to the Post Office!

Another good smart tip:

If something you love is sold out in your size, buy it in any size you can find. Then hold on to it. Two weeks or even two months later when they restock the sizes and it’s regular priced you just take yours in and do a straight exchange! There is always a small chance it might not be restocked, but since these are all pre-fall items, they almost always restock. (if you are super worried, give them a call and ask, they might be able to tell you if they will be getting more in!)

TIP 6: SHOP SMART

I always do my research to know which items are hot and will go quickly, and I will make sure to alert you of which items will go the quickest, and of any restocks throughout the sale on Instagram and my Instagram stories. Make sure you check there regularly during the sale. In the past years, the items that sold out the fastest were:

• cognac ankle booties (especially ones with fringe, or this cut)
• Kate Spade and Tory Burch handbags and wallets
• floppy felt hats
• gold/nude flats (gold is always the most popular color because it goes with everything!)
• designer sunglasses
• leather jackets (there is one jacket I have my eye on for this sale and I can’t wait to show you!)
• slouchy striped tees
• cognac tote bags

• WHEN IS THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE? Early Access is July 12-19th (get your Nordstrom card and $40 to spend during the sale here). The sale opens to the public on July 20th, and runs until August 5th.
• HOW DO I GET A NORDSTROM CARD TO SHOP EARLY ACCESS?  Apply for free here.
• HOW CAN I BE ENTERED TO WIN ONE OF THREE $100 NORDSTROM GIFTCARDS ON YOU BLOG TO USE DURING THE SALE? Leave a comment on my upcoming Nordstrom Sale Roundup post on July 12th before 7pm PST. Winners will be announced that evening and gift cards will be distributed that day.
• WHEN WILL YOU BE POSTING THE BEST OF THE SALE?  Here on the blog bright and early on July 12th.

I have been covering the Nordstom Anniversary sale for the past FOUR years.

So here is a little look at some of the past posts with my top picks to get you excited!

Also I always do an outfit “try on” round up, which I think is the most beneficial to you. I try on a bunch of different looks and address the fit/fabric/sizing, etc. That is the perfect time to leave me a comment with any questions you have on sizing. My team and I will be fully tuned in during the sale so we can get to your questions quickly. We’re here to help you make educated purchases quickly so you can snag items before they sell out!

Here are some of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wish lists from years past…

2016 NORDSTROM SALE PICKS

2015 NORDSTROM SALE PICKS

2015 OUTFIT ROUNDUP POST (I was so pregnant with Eli!)

2014 NORDSTROM SALE PICKS

 

If you have any questions or have specific items you will be looking for in the sale, just let me know in the comments!