How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Update: July 2021 – this post was originally published in July 2016 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I believe in quality over quantity and investment pieces – therefore, there is no need to update this post. I just linked up the items in stock & you’re ready to shop a capsule type wardrobe and accessories I own and love! Enjoy!
I put together my list of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Investment Pieces. Sales come and go and when you are truly aware of purchasing quality items that will last a decade(s), you choose your ‘Shopping Cart’ wisely. Many of these items I already own (or have in another similar style from the brand) and have used for years and can attest to their quality. As you will see, most of the concentration falls under Shoes/Accessories. Unfortunately some of my staple pieces I have invested in were not included in the sale but not to worry, they eventually go on sale (I know, I purchased them at a discount too!)
Note: This post may contain affiliate links; full disclosures HERE. This means, purchasing an item through one of my links may earn me a small commission without affecting your own purchase. Thank you for supporting Petite Style Script & helping it continue as an educational resource.
Shop the Post (click image):
Tips for Shopping Intentionally:
- First off, don’t scroll down or open Nordstrom.com UNTIL you’ve read this section!
- Know what you own – I recommend completing the KonMari Method (more info here too) to truly know what you own, what you love and then move forward from there. If that’s not of interest at the moment, take an inventory of your closet and write it down on a piece of paper (yes, paper since it helps us better reflect than electronic files)
- Make a list of what you NEED – Write down what you need in your closet for your work life and home life. Be realistic with this list. What do you NEED to function day-to-day.
- Compare the 2 lists – Now take these 2 lists (what you own and what you need) and compare them to one another. Where are there gaps? Get rid of extra items that you don’t need (or you don’t love) and make a list of what you need to add to your wardrobe.
Now you can keep reading and find items on this NEED list. Remember, don’t purchase the item UNLESS you LOVE it and it FITS well.
Shoes:
- Aquatalia Boots– I own 2 pairs of Aquatalia boots in black and espresso brown. These are certainly investment worthy and will withstand rain and snow. Here is a signature black riding boot!
- Vince Camuto Booties – Fall/Winter Styles here. I own 2 pairs of the ever-popular Vince Camuto Franell booties + 2 pairs of their new spring/summer style booties. Vince Camuto makes some of the most stylish, comfortable and affordable boots/booties. These are staple items that are very comfortable. Read why they are petite-friendly HERE and see my 2 recent blog posts with Vince Camuto summer booties here or here. There are really cute brown boots by too!
- Cold-Weather Boots: Last year I picked up a pair of Sperry winter boots and they are SO warm and comfortable. I highly recommend their updated version to keep you toasty while enjoying the winter weather! I also like these petite friendly Hunter boots.
- Fitness Shoes: I wear Asics in size 5.5 or 6 to Orangetheory Fitness and Nike sneakers in size 6 for casual sneakers. These Asics are a great buy and a cute white color. Here are Nike sneakers that are on sale – I also purchase Nike’s from Amazon and Prime Day is coming up next week so stay tuned for more details on my blog! Here is a slip-on sneaker that is similar to my more expensive M. Gemi version.
Read similar posts: 3 Must-Have Boots for Fall + Socks for all Shoes
Accessories:
- I love my Tory Burch wallet clutch and although they don’t have the exact one on sale, this one is a smaller version that I recommend. My blog post on this wallet clutch.
- My sister and I both own the Longchamp bag and this bag is classic, durable and versatile.
- I have been loving crossbody bags recently because they are easy to carry on the go and lightweight. This one by Kate Spade is a good size and shape.
- Finally, I prefer simple jewelry and this is my favorite simple necklace included in the sale.
- I’ve been eyeing a wool hat and like both of these for different color options here.
Beauty:
- Aveda Hair Care: I’ve been using Aveda hair care for over 20 years! This set is perfect to introduce you to their high-quality line. I use several products – see all of them here – and change up my style depending on my mood.
- Makeup Values: Fresh Lips are my favorite “chapstick” and their sugar lip polish is my weekly lip renewal!
- Bobbi Brown Makeup Brushes –Bobbi Brown Set. Bobbi Brown Brush Set I use Bobbi Brown makeup brushes exclusively. My set is ~8-10 years old now and has held up very well even with cleaning them every 1-2 weeks. I recently switched from their Foundation brush to the Full Coverage brush included in this set along with their new Angled Face brush. I love both of these new additions to my collection; the Full Coverage brush gives an airbrushed finish to my liquid foundation and the Angled Face brush is great for highlighting. Bonus: Bobbi Brown is offering a Limited Edition Check & Eye palette that looks gorgeous! I love their blushes, bronzers and eye shadows and this would be perfect for travel! How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes is posted HERE.
Tops:
- Work Blouses: I like sleeveless or short-sleeve blouses that function from casual to work wear. I found 2 that I like from the sale; shop them here or here or here.
- My Top 5 Tops and Spring Outfit Ideas
Cardigans/Jackets:
- Trench Coat – I own a Banana Republic burgundy trench and J.Crew Factory khaki trench coat and they are very versatile pieces. Here are trench coats I recommend from the sale here. I wrote about my own trench coats HERE (investment ones) and HERE (more affordable ones) this past year.
- Work Jacket: Comfortable work blazer. I love tweed jackets and 2 that I wear often! I found several during the sale that I recommend from quality brands that will be excellent investment pieces. Shop them here or here. Read more about my tweed jacket on this blog post.
- Chanel-like Jacket: I love my Chanel-like jacket from Talbots and this one is almost exactly the same style!
- Cold-Weather Jackets: I own a Burberry quilted jacket and here are a few less expensive items on sale here.
Pants/Dresses:
- Paige Jeans: My favorite jeans with multiple styles on sale. I wear size 23 or 24 in this brand and most of my jeans are 5+ years old now and still going strong! Here is a dark wash and light denim I like.
- Suit: I love Theory brand for my suits. These are excellent investment pieces to last for years; shop a blazer. My full Black Suit review from this past year with interview tips!
- Casual Dress: I love my Leith Dress and they have an updated style on sale. See it styled on me in this post or this post in the longsleeve version. There are cute prints for work or special events – here or here.
Capsule Wardrobe Kits! – FREE downloads
How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe (with 14-day free outfit ideas)
Winter Capsule Wardrobe Kit (5+ weeks of free outfits) – click here
Summer Capsule Wardrobe Kit (5+ weeks of free outfits) – click here
Spring Capsule Wardrobe Kit (5+ weeks of free outfits) – click here
8 Pieces to Form 9 Outfit Ideas – click here
Spring Transition – 7 Outfit Ideas – click here
Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.