Hi all
I have shopped the
Nordstrom anniversary sale for the last ten years. Unfortunately I won’t be able this year as I live in Europe and won’t be visiting the US as I usually would. My fabulous American sister in law introduced me to the sale. This year I will be living vicariously through all of you!
I thought it might be good to share some of successes and failures of the last ten years in case any of you are interested...
My first tip is to think in advance of what items you are most interested in/need. This helps prevent you from wanting to pic up items that seem popular or that influencers are pushing. It’s not a good deal if it sits in your wardrobe with the tags on...
Second think of your total spend. For many of you an individual item that is expensive is off putting. However this is a good time to get investment pieces. Most of us don’t need a whole new wardrobe of clothing so a few key piece that you totally love might be much better than a dozen items that are just okay.
This brings me to my third point, you have to love it ladies... it should make your heart go pitter patter... otherwise there is no point in purchasing. The one exception here might be underwear or sports wear. Even with these items buy flattering colours and consider how many pairs of leggings any one girl really needs to own...
On to my faves from the sale
Shoes shoes and oh yes boots....
I love love love love my Stuart Weitzman shoes and have splurged many times... these are an absolute winner. I have bought other brands including aquatalia and Cole Haan. I believe in investment in shoes and make sure they are comfortable. Some of the pairs I have purchased are still going strong five years later. I am so sorry that
Nordstrom no long do SW in a narrow width in this sale..
I miss them... I love Aquatalia as we have wet winters and it means you can wear cute suede booties... they are fabulous quality... my main tip here is think about your climate and life style. There are some really cute options but if the shoe is going to live under your bed instead of on your feet there really is no point...
Next up is denim
Now I must confess I am a dress girl. I love them and wear them at any opportunity including work. However every girl must have some fabulous jeans. Again this is a total winner in the AS. You can get really good quality denim in up-to-date style at a great price. My main tips here are know your brand and the fabric. I think we can all agree that your denims slipping down and having to be hitched up every few minutes is not a good look for anyone. The main culprit for this, in my experience, is the fabric. I now only buy denim with 98% cotton. When the content of stretchy fabric goes up your jeans come down... I have noticed this creeping in so check the details before purchasing. When it comes to brand we are all different shapes and sizes. It’s good to find out what brands seem to work on you best. For me it’s AG and Frame. I know lots of people who do great with Paige and J Brand. Unfortunately the only way to find out is to try them on. The same goes for styles. This largely depends on body shape rather than size. Don’t be tempted by a fashion than doesn’t flatter but be open to a new look... like with my shoes I have a pairs of jeans for five plus years that’s I still love so they were worth the investment.
Clothing/fashion
This has been way more hit and miss. The high fashion items have never turned out to be great buys so I don’t bother any more. Don’t be stressed or get caught up in the FOMO. A lot of the items are being pushed and really take a step back and think about would you pay full price. If no think again. There are some labels that are good quality, less of this moment fashion such as ll DVF, Vince etc. they can have some great prices for pieces that are lovely quality that you can wear for years. Again just check the fabric. Ensure it’s the silk, cashmere etc that you would expect if you were paying full Price. Personally I would not pay several hundred dollars for any item of clothing made out of polyester...
Basics
I tend not to buy these but I know this sale is know for them eg underwear sport/workout clothing etc. remember to ensure you have recently checked your sizing as in this area a perfect fit is essential.
Accessories
This might be the time to splurge on an item you have been coveting for ages. Make sure it is the same quality as non AS items. I bought one Marc Jocobs handbag and while it was fine it didn’t hold up too well. I have a Mulberry tote that is fabulous quality that takes any amount of wear and I would have expected the same form Marc Jacobs...
I hope this is useful to someone...
