BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: A FIRST-TIMER’S APPROACH

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Guide on Belle Meets World blog

Happy Friday, y’all! Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyone who is anyone is out shopping early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. And you and I would probably be pretty darn smart if we did, too.

Nordstrom is notorious for rewarding it’s customers, having amazing service, and free personal shoppers. They really are unique as a retailer, so I understand what all the rage is, for sure.

I’ve never done this sale before, though. I find it intimidating. I don’t have a ton of money to spend right now (hello, wedding). And I don’t want another credit card just so I can gain early access to a sale. And I’m not comfortable encouraging you to open one either. You should make that choice for yourself and your own spending habits.

But I have been watching other bloggers round up their top picks and share their strategies, and here’s what I’m planning to do to take advantage of these pre-fall-released fall 2017 items that are high-quality and majorly discounted. My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale guide is simple:

  1. Set a price point and filter only on items below it. Nordstrom’s site allows you to filter all Early Access items under $200. Do this first so you aren’t tempted to splurge on something you can’t afford.
  2. Review items online in depth to assess trends you want and classics you need. I spent a while reviewing everything under $200 and putting together a wish list. Now when I go into the store or back online, I’ll have a game plan.
  3. Decide if you’ll use your card and go for the early access or if you’ll wait for the sale to open to the public (July 21). If you wait, just know you’ll miss out on some of the items you liked – but it’s just clothes. No need to freak out about it. There will be plenty of great items throughout the whole sale!

UPDATE: I’ve edited this post since I first wrote it because I found out that Nordstrom no longer offers the debit card option. If you already had one, you can keep using it (yay!), but going forward it’s just their credit card.

Here’s what I’m aiming for this season – some are trends. Some are classics.

A Long Cardigan

I would only do this in a darker color and with heels and skinny jeans so you don’t get swallowed up in a ton of bulk.

A Moto Jacket and A Light Coat

Swoon. Outerwear is probably my favorite part of fall. I want colorful coats and jackets this year so I’m thinking maybe a navy jacket and a light colored coat.

Updated Jeans

I love my skinny jeans but they need some oomph or a change in color. And I love how slimming a pair of flares can be when done right.

Something Risky

I always like a little something that’s out there – a denim jumpsuit or some slashed leggings will be pretty versatile this fall season.

Something Velvet

Because velvet is still trending – yay! I’m going for it this season.

All the Shoes

I can’t not have all the shoes, but my top picks are some OTK boots and a pair of ankle booties that come up a little higher than usual and might slouch a bit at the ankle.

A Tote, A Backpack, A Satchel

One of each please – for carrying everything around town, for weekend errands and for work outings, respectively!

Updated Work  Wear

My work wardrobe needs some new life breathed into it, so I’m loving all these sassy dresses and skirts with assymetrical details or bright patterns.

Pretty Date Night Looks

Dainty and feminine is the name of the game for me when it comes to date night this fall. I don’t know why, but I’m just digging it – and these dresses are CHEAP!!

A Fresh Take on a White Oxford

I love a crisp white shirt, but how about one with some fun detailing to put a little pep in your step?

A Tie-Front Shirt

I want to give this trend a try but I’m not convinced it’s for me. I tend to pooch out in the front right where the tie lands, so this will be a game-time dressing room decision.

Detailed Sweaters

Look at all these fun dainty details! How polished will these look with a pair of jeans and booties. Such an easy OOTD if I ever saw one.

Bell Sleeves

This trend is still going strong – and I’m glad. I love it for work and play and think it’s such an unexpected and fun detail for any top.

Dainty Pajamas

Why not be well-dressed when you go to bed too??

Drop and Tassel Earrings

My obsession continues. I’ve already got a million pairs, but I’m feeling some metallics or cool patterns for my next few pairs.

A Pleated Skirt

Pleats, please! I just LOVE the way a pleated skirt looks with a white tee, a chunky sweater or even a tight turtleneck. One of these will become a wardrobe staple for years to come.

I’ve created a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale page on the blog while the sale is going on – you can find it in my menu bar up top – where I’ll keep updating with items I think are great buys, so head there whenever you like!

HAPPY SHOPPING! AND YOU BETTER REPORT BACK WITH WHAT YOU FIND!!