Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Guide 2019
GANG. It's that time of year - The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is almost here. I know it’s only June...but we are merely weeks away from one of the best clothing sales of the entire year. And if there's one thing we've learned in years past it's this: it's best to have some sort of strategy going in.
Um…What Is The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a bit unique. Unlike other sales, which typically discount in-season or post-season merchandise that didn’t previously sell, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers deep discounts on pre-season items. Which means that all of the boots, bags, jeans and sweaters that you’ll be investing in this Fall can be had — at a really discounted price — for a few weeks in July and August. Once the sale is over, the merchandise goes back up to it’s retail price. It’s a genius concept, really. One that I wish more retailers would copy.
On a personal note….I’ve been shopping this sale for years. And I’ve found, really and truly, even on the years where everything sells out, or the years that everyone complains that it ‘wasn’t as good as last year’ and even on those years when they’re right….I still ended up with pieces I really and truly do wear for years to come. The anniversary sale is worth the time invested.
How To Shop The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
1. When Is The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dates: July 12* - August 4, 2019
July 12 - Early Access Begins
July 18 - Early Access Ends
July 19 - Public Sale Begins
August 4 - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Ends
2. Get A Nordstrom Card, Get Early Access
You don’t need a Nordstrom Card (a credit card, formerly called the Nordstrom Rewards Card) to shop this sale. But you do need a Nordstrom Card to shop during that first critical week of the sale — Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access. If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that the best stuff typically sells out during this first "Early Access" week. (More on that, below.)
If you haven't already, sign up for a Nordstrom Card, here.
Secondly, if you are really opposed to signing up for a Nordstrom Card (and we're not able to persuade you otherwise...) there is some value in signing up for The Nordy Club. This is basically Nordstrom's rebranding (hello, Millennials!) of their Nordstrom Rewards program. There are benefits to using your Nordy Club Card (like an extra $60 bonus note if you sign up before July 10 (right before the sale)) or an extra $40 bonus note good through July 15, if you already have a credit card (meaning you'll be able to use it for Anniversary Sale Early Access).
You can still enroll in The Nordy Club and earn rewards points, even if you don't get a card. You'll earn rewards at Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com, Rack, and HauteLook...but you won't be able to shop Early Access without a Nordstrom Card.
3. Schedule Your Triple Points Day For The First Day of The Sale
One of the smartest things you can do is schedule your Personal Triple Points Day during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Just check that baby online during checkout at Nordstrom.com. You’ll earn a $20 Note for every $334 you spend on your Personal Triple Points Day (and these tend to add up pretty quickly during the sale).
4. Follow The Mom Edit For The Best of The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Year after year, our approach to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to try and make it easier for you guys to shop. We try to narrow it down to only the best stuff — the stuff you really will wear and use all year long, the stuff we've personally tested for comfort.
We try to stay on top of restocks, and let you know the best overall strategy (what to buy when) so you can get the most benefit out of this sale.
We cover the Nordstrom sale...pretty much everywhere (we're all over social media) so the best way to get our recommendations quickly is to follow us on your favorite social media channels, and subscribe to our daily newsletter. We typically send one newsletter per day (and never share your email), but for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, we'll be sending out a couple special editions you don't want to miss.
5. Get the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Catalog
The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog has dropped!!!! We'll be spending some quality time with it SOON, and pulling together a list of our favorites (catalog only!!) for you early-bird shoppers.
Of course I'll be doing my usual #DressingRoomSelfies thing, and we'll update this page with more comprehensive picks once the sale opens...but these things take time (genius can't be rushed, haha). My goal, as always, is to get the #DressingRoomSelfies article out on the first day of the sale. May the force be with us.
6. Go For Early Access To Shop The Sale As Early As Possible
I cannot state this enough: The best pieces — the stuff we really want, really will wear — typically sell out during that first week. Highly anticipated re-stocks have been few and far between. A few readers have gotten lucky waiting for returns to come back into stock...but most have not. Your best bet is to shop the sale as early as possible.
Once again, this means shopping (with your Nordstrom Card) during Early Access, July 12 - July 18th.
7. The Best Way To Shop The Anniversary Sale Online
If you’ve ever wandered into a Nordstrom during the Early Access sale…it’s a zoo. Even when pieces are theoretically in stock in-store, chances are they’re stuck in someone else’s dressing room. Despite the army of helpful staff Nordstrom has on hand during the sale, it’s a grueling shopping experience. The good news is that Nordstrom’s online inventory is completely synched up with their in-store inventory, so if the website says that it’s sold out online….it is, in fact, sold out everywhere.
The worst days to shop in-store will be July 12, 13, 14….and July 19, 20, and 21st.
SO: Shop online, and take advantage of that free shipping. If you don't love the idea of packages sitting on your doorstep while you're at work all day (hey, Philly!), you can pick up in-store and curbside, or pay for expedited shipping (prices below — but be sure to double-check the Nordstrom site for updates in case they change).
Standard shipping: FREE
Two Business Day: $12
Next Business Day: $20
Saturday Delivery: $35
Another perk: if the items you're crushing on are in-stock at your local store, Nordstrom will deliver them to you SAME DAY for only $15 ($20 in NYC). Check to see if same-day delivery is available for your local Nordstrom store here.
8. Buy Sale Items With Huge Sell-Out Risk First.
Seems obvious, right? But how does one know which items are at risk of selling out? Well. I’ve been doing this blogging thing for ten years now (crazy, right??), and after ten years of covering this sale, I do have some thoughts on this subject. I'm rounding up my favorites from the catalog (as well as a few predictions for the rest of the pieces yet-to-be unveiled), but for now, here's what I know:
- Don't worry about kids' or men's. The sell-out risk pales in comparison to Women’s.
- If you like brands like Vince, rag & bone and Nike...you really need to shop that first week. These pieces almost always sell out.
- Statement athletic wear (like the really cute leggings from Alo, for example) rarely last past that first week. Snap 'em up!
- Nordstrom brands (Treasure & Bond, Halogen) tend to be better stocked than non-Nordstrom brands...the exception being Nordstrom Signature Collection. At first glance, I didn't love the sweaters featured in the 2019 catalog...but if there's a cute cashmere one in the actual sale, don't hesitate. In years past, they've been some of the best cashmere sweaters I've owned.
Until my 2019 predictions come out, you can check out my predictions from the 2018 Anni Sale here. Some of the predictions will overlap.
9. Don’t Rely On Re-Stocks
In years' past, Nordstrom would reserve a decent amount of merchandise for the public sale. Which meant that even if something sold out during the Early Access week, there was still a chance to score it during the public sale.
This is no longer true. Don't bet on a restock, even for public sale.
However, this also means that if there’s something you can’t live without...buy it in multiple sizes, just in case. It’s much better to send back what you don’t want than to totally miss out. (But do the rest of us a favor, and send it back before the sale ends, OK?)
10. Avoid Being Overwhelmed (We Can Help)
That's why you come here. We Do. All. The. Research. For. You.
Below you'll see a sample of our coverage from last year, and you can click on any of the posts linked for a more in-depth look at how we cover the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. All the #DressingRoomSelfies. All the "Best of" lists. All the "best of what's left" lists.
We do it all...for the entire length of the sale, with contributors literally from coast to coast. We try stuff on, wear it around, make sure it actually works for our everyday lives, and blog the heck out of it.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 Picks
We're currently in the process of updating for 2019....stay tuned!!
The Best Shoes & Boots
I had a chance to go into Nordstrom and try on a ton of shoes and boots....and will include notes in the roundups below. I've also included a section on which shoes I personally found disappointing.
ONE: Vince Coleman High Top Sneaker (Light Wood Smoke Suede) - Remember my beloved Vince sneaks? Yup. They're updated and on sale again this year - yay!
TWO: Coma Stretch Bootie (Black White Plaid) - Don't let that pointed toe fool you, I wore these pretty much all day long for Dressing Room Selfies and they're GOOD. These add the best kind of edge to any plain old outfit.
THREE: Dolce Vita Tommi Perforated Bootie - Are these the successor to my long-loved, well-worn taupe Lucky Booties? All signs are pointing to yes.
The Best Sneakers
I started with this section because sneakers really are what we wear every. darn. day. If nothing else, grab the Vince sneaker boots. I've had mine for YEARS, get a ton of compliments on them, and they also get rave reviews from readers. There are two other similar pairs in the sale, both with hidden wedges (I prefer the flat). If you're interested, Steve Madden's sneaker boots are linked, or, even better, Blondo's sneaker boots are waterproof.
The Best Boots For Everyday
We culled through the sale and pulled together the best boots for everyday life. The boots we really do wear on the daily. If you haven't yet crossed over to the OTK boot darkside....the Weitzmans are the best. They're my most-worn boot all winter long.
The Best Heeled Boots
If you like to add a little height to your day, or you just want something to make a Friday night more exciting...try one of these.
The Best Waterproof Boots
Cause life, man.
The Best High Heels
The Best Sandals
These are all fun little sandals that are heavy on the pretty...and decently comfortable, too.
The Best Flats
If you're a flats-all-day kinda gal, these are for you.
The Shoes I Wouldn't Buy
These are the shoes and boots, based on try-ons, that I wouldn't buy for one reason or another. Either they were uncomfortable, or had a strange fit - something major. This is NOT a round-up of style I didn't like. To each their own, right?
The Best Dresses
The Nordstrom sale started a little light on dresses this year - did you notice? But then some AMAZING ones seemed to surface. This year I want to invest in a little dress-me-up or dress-me-down floral number....but am having trouble deciding.
ONE: Vince Ditsy Bouquet Print Pleated Camisole Dress - I'm loving this pretty, romantic dress. It has the most feminine silky swish about it when you walk.
TWO: Rebecca Taylor Hydrangea Silk Dress - This was hands down one of best pieces I tried. Possibly that dress-me-up or dress-me-down floral number I was hoping for. I tried on a size 4 for reference.
THREE: James Perse Surplice Jersey Blouson Dress - Don't be fooled by the Nordstrom photo - this dress lays like a DREAM (and it's not see through).
The Best Bags
While many of the bags from our edited selection (below) are shown in a rich color for Fall (think: tan, burgundy, olive green)....most are also available in black. And would you try that belt bag? I'm TEMPTED.
ONE: Rebecca Minkoff Medium Keith Suede and Leather Satchel - I'm drooling big-time over this bag. It's a great size (click through if you want to see it on the model). Rebecca Minkoff kills it every time.
TWO: Nordstrom Genuine Calf Hair Leopard Print Clutch - Everyone needs a leopard clutch. The end.
THREE: rag & bone Pilot Suede & Leather Backpack - Can we all agree this may be the most delicious bag of all time? The olive green + black, suede + leather...doesn't get much better than a quality bag like this. After the sale, this backpack will retail for $695 so snap it up!
The Best Sweaters
This is one area where the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale usually shines...but it's often hard to tell the good ones unless you try them on. Which I'll be doing, of course, but until then.....let's just swoon over these cute little numbers.
ONE: Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Directional Rib Mock Neck Sweater - Cozy, cashmere & navy. That's really all this girl is ever lookin' for in a great sweater.
TWO: Topshop Colorblock Knit Pullover - This one's a stunner and under $50. If you have your eye on it too, act fast.
THREE: Halogen Cashmere Button Sleeve Sweater - Loved this one - so soft, and the button sleeve is cool. More colors available.
100% Cashmere Sweaters
Sweaters Under $50
More Pullover Sweaters
Cardigan Sweaters
The Best Tops
These may be the only tops I need to get through Fall. Keep scrolling for the best ones I've tried + the ones in my cart..
ONE: Leith Easy Wrap Top - An easy, everyday top that just so happens to be the most flattering thing.
TWO: Hinge Mix Print Top - This was a clear winner from my dressing room selfies jaunt. '70s wallpaper print tops forever (if you've been reading you know what I mean).
THREE: Vince Silk Blouse - Don't be fooled by this top being "off the shoulder" - I successfully tried it with a regular bra and it's perfect. Snag it while it's on sale.
Easy, Everyday Tops
Think of these tops as multi-purpose: daytime, date night, some even have office potential. These tops are the ones you'll turn to over and over again. While some have a special detail or maybe a subtle print, we really wanted to find closet staples. But...good ones.
Patterned Tops
I'm so excited about the pattern play this Fall. 70's wallpaper vibes are showing up hard, as are man-plaids in rich, dark, tomboyish colors. Happily, the sale doesn't disappoint - here are my favorite patterned tops you really could wear every day.
Going Out Tops
T-Shirts
The long-sleeved tees and fancy t-shirt-like-tops can all be found under our Easy, Everyday Tops header. But if you're looking for a quirky little graphic tee, or a perfectly fitted baseball tee...you're in the right place.
The Best Jackets
If there's one thing that this year's Anniversary Sale has completely nailed....it's coats and jackets. I'm swooning. So. If you're overwhelmed by the sale and just want to pick up one, go-to piece....make it a coat or jacket. My top three are below, as well as a highly edited roundup of the best from the sale.
ONE: Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Shearling Moto Jacket - I love this classic, feminine take on a winter moto jacket, but do we expect anything less from Ralph?
TWO: Treasure & Bond Leather Blazer - This one's seriously stunning and versatile. Just when I thought that J.Crew blazer had my top spot, this little number is coming in hot. (Or maybe it's a tie).
THREE: Levi's Wool Topcoat - Ok, Levis. This coat is also available in an icy gray but I'm loving the navy. Looks great without the sherpa collar, too. Click through to see more views.
FOUR: Two-Tone Faux Fur Vest with Parka Derek Lam 10 Crosby - How amazing is this big ol' parka by Derek Lam? I have a sneaking suspicion I'd throw this one every. single. day. this winter.
FIVE: James Perse Shrunken Military Blazer - If you don’t yet own this, snap it up! It’s pricey, even on sale, but it’s one of my most-worn pieces ever. I never travel without it – it’s been with me to several countries – and I wear it on date nights, meetings, and out with the kids on the weekend (protects me from the museums’ air conditioning). It’s the most versatile piece I own.
Shearling and Faux Fur
If there's one trend I'm most excited about this Fall, it's shearling and faux-fur. If you're getting some serious 70's vibes, you're not alone. There's a ton of drool-worthy, furry, textured jackets in this sale - any of these would be a total outfit-maker.
Leather Jackets
It's hard to argue the versatility of leather jackets. I've worn mine with jeans (obvi), trousers, mini dresses, maxi dresses, midi dress, leggings - you name it, I've worn it with mah leathers. There are a bunch in the sale, but I tried to narrow it down to only the pieces I would really and truly love to own.
Wool Coats
I love a pretty coat to hide...well....almost anything. You can throw one of these over jeans and a tee and STILL look dressed up (or, at least, cool).
Rain Jackets And Winter Coats
The usual suspects are in the sale (you can find their raincoats, fleece jackets, and puffers here) but I wanted to highlight something beyond the usual choices. Just for fun.
Our Favorite Blazers
We're really partial to the knit and ponte blazers - like the James Perse mentioned above. They only look fancy - they're really just sweatshirts disguised as a cool blazer. Otherwise, I'm looking for something plaid. Something that can double as an early Fall jacket.
The Best Jeans
We're denim obsessed around here, and this sale has plenty of our favorite pairs of denim. In fact, this is one area where I think this year's sale really shines. I ended up bringing a few pairs home with me (the Frame skinnies, Vintage Paige, and I just ordered the Rag and Bone side stripe)...anyway, here's the full list of denim recommendations from the Anniversary Sale....
ONE: FRAME Le High Slit Hem Skinny Jeans - These are the perfect dark wash, soft, with a great fit. Well done, FRAME. See them in action in my Dressing Room Selfies.
TWO: PAIGE Hoxton High Waist Slim Raw Hem - These are the MUCH better version of those stiff, vintage jeans that have risen in popularity this year. Definitely worth a try.
THREE: AG The Legging Ripped Ankle Skinny Jeans - You all know our tried and true AG leggings - so happy to see them included in the sale.
The Best Bottoms
ONE: Leith Pintuck Ponte Pant - Party pants that are crazy soft, crazy comfortable ponte. You'll want to wear these bad boys all day and night.
TWO: rag & bone Simone Lace-Up Pants - I have these Rag and Bone simone pants in black....sadly, without the ties at the bottom. They're FANTASTIC.
THREE: Joie Malbi Slim Stretch Cotton Blend Cargo Pants - These were a dressing room hit for sure. SO comfy and soft I didn't want to take them off.
This sale is making me want alllll the plaid pants for Fall. And maybe those faux-leather leggings. Or one insanely gorgeous skirt that I swear will never go out of style. Hunh. I was expected to be underwhelmed by "bottoms" (let's just start with the name) but instead, it's....exciting? Who knew?
THREE: Rag and Bone Simone Pants (AHH!! I have these in black and they are SO GOOD. Obsessed with the dark blue color - the contrasting laces are everything)
The Best Sweatshirts
"Sweatshirts" aka the piece of clothing I never need to buy...yet ALWAYS BUY. I'm kind of a sucker for cozy and cute.
The Best Accessories
Gimme gimme all the sunglasses, cozy scarves, a wrap bracelet and I'm set. (Or a watch, when I'm trying to get my life together.)
ONE: DIFF Skye 52MM Polarized Sunglasses - I grabbed these on a whim walking past the sunglasses department and I'm in LOVE.
TWO: Chan Luu Matte Sunstone 5-Wrap Bracelet - Chan Luu will be a forever favorite.
THREE: Treasure & Bond Printed Crochet Trim Scarf - The best scarf of the sale, no doubt.
Sunglasses
I'm a sucker for a mirrored lens, and prefer giant lenses that actually do block out the sun. Also, I can't stick aviators on the top of my head without tangling in my hair, so there's that, too. With all of that nonsense in mind...here are my favorites from this year's Anniversary Sale.
Scarves
Jewelry
Watches
I can't freaking believe there's are Shinola watches in the sale! My favs. (They're made in Detroit, FYI.)
The Best Workout Gear
All I want is that super soft Beyond Yoga, ALL. DAY. LONG.
ONE: Beyond Yoga Weekend Traveler Crop Tank
TWO: Beyond Yoga High Waist Gathered Leggings
The Best of Intimates, Lounge, And Swim
I almost always save this stuff for last, because the sellout risk typically isn't high. However...matching rainbow Wildfox sweatsuits will likely sell out, so don't hesitate on that one.
ONE: Wildfox Spectrum Marquis Zip Hoodie - Wildfox doesn't disappoint with their loungewear..totally worth the splurge. I'd pair this with cut-offs on chilly summer nights.
TWO: Wildfox Spectrum Knox Pants - Get the pants to make this a matching sweatsuit. So freaking good.
That's it for now! We'll update this page as the sale goes on, adding finds as we discover them. If you guys come across anything great, PLEASE let us know! (And send in pics - always so helpful).
Happy shopping!
xo,
S