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Nordstrom Sale: Picks Under $100 and Some Thoughts


I have a feeling you already know this, but it is that time again for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Early Access started last week for Nordstrom cardholders, and opens up for everyone this Friday. I'm not a cardholder, so I have not shopped it yet myself. I’m sharing some of my picks today, that I think are both affordable and fit my style. But stay with me until the end, I also want to share some thoughts on what this sale has become for bloggers. I thought I would start with some of the items included that I already own. Although I coincidentally, did not buy in previous Nordstrom sales. I typically only do one post anyway, but this is the only post you will be seeing from me on this sale. I like to share the most of the sales I am shopping myself. I barely ever pay full price for anything I wear, but this isn’t a big sale for me. I have always loved shopping at Nordstrom, they are easily my favorite department store. Before I lived in Charlotte, I used to make a stop at the SouthPark store or the South Point store in Durham whenever I was in town. But I don’t think this is the best sale of the year. So shocking for a blogger to say, right?! I think the variety and number of items included included is fantastic, but you won’t see me Instagramming 10 shopping bags, or telling you these 20 or so items are incredible must haves. For the most part, I just don't think the markdowns are that great. I respect the hustle of those who do so much coverage, but it is just not worth it for me. Some of these ladies with large followings might make more commissionable sales during these few weeks than they will during the entire holiday season. Which is why all of your social media feeds have likely been inundated with all things Nordstrom Sale for the last week or so. This article was published during the sale last year that explains a little more on that. These ladies put in SO much work, and I’m sure most of you that read here follow many of them, so I will just leave the major coverage to them.

 Items I own

Patagonia fleece- I have an older version of this, but I have mine for about 7 years now. I wore it a lot during college and now wear it over workout clothes, I think it is definitely worth a splurge!

Wubby pullover- I actually found this for $20 at Marshall's last year around Christmas time. So you might be better off waiting until then if they get them again this year. Either way, it is incredibly soft and warm. I don't think its a very flattering fit, it is very boxy. But I love wearing it over workout clothes to walk in and out of studios during the coldest days of winter.

Hunter boots- I don't wear these nearly as often as I used to considering I can't wear them to work, but they were easily one of my most worn pair of shoes during college. If you have been reading this blog awhile, you have seen my hot pink pair many times! If you wear a women's size 5-6, try a kid's size 4 or 5 and save quite a bit of money (compared to the non-sale price). I personally wear a women's size 5.5 and have the kid's size 4, so I technically sized down to the 5 equivalent. I also think these are worth a splurge, mine have held up for 6 years!

Sperry boots- I had a similar pair of these years ago that were so helpful in the snow during college! Good traction on ice, and warm when worn with thick socks.

Madewell booties- I actually got last year's version of these marked way down in April, so I haven't actually worn them out yet. But they seem like really nice quality, and were available in a size 5.5! I think I will be living in them during the fall and winter.

Lancome eye set- Well I don't own the whole set, but the primer and Defincils mascara are a winning combo! I was sent them to test via an Influenster box a few months ago and have been wearing it everyday since. I can't really think of any other mascara that gives the length I get from this set!

Armani lipstick set- I was sent two of these lipsticks also from an Influenster box 2 years ago. I know you aren't supposed to keep lipstick for that long...but I still use them regularly. The colors are great (I have Front Row and a The Red, although mine looks much more of an orange-red) on my skin tone and they last forever!

Drybar hair product set- I only have the dry shampoo from this set, but it makes my hair SO soft! But I think the set is great value compared to what each product would cost separately.

My picks under $100

Tops
Stripe tee | Bow top | Wrap top | Red top | Floral top

Dresses
Navy sleeveless | Red long sleeve | Lavender lace | Burgundy pleated

Pants and Skirts
Jeans | Midi skirt | Tweed skirt | Tie-wait pants | Suede skirt

Shoes and Accessories
Black sunglasses | Tortoise belt | Tortoise sunglasses | Black sneakers | Nude loafers | Black mule flats

Activewear
Mesh top | Faux leather leggings | Jacket | Twisted top | Green leggings

Outerwear
Fleece vest | Leather jacket | Teddy coat | Plaid blazer

Jewelry
Statement necklace | Red earrings | Purple earrings | Green earrings | Gold pendant | White pendant


Just like in the last few years, I’ll probably get a few things from this sale that I think are truly worth it. If I was in the market for an investment piece like a nice bag, some boots, or a winter coat, this is a great time to go for it so you can save a little and have it for the entire upcoming season. However, I am not in the market for an investment purchase, because I already own entirely too much clothing, shoes, and accessories. I mentioned this last year in a post covering why I was posting more regular fitness content over more outfit posts. Which is another reason why I don’t cover so much of this sale. One of the big selling points of the sale is to be a big stock up for fall. I personally don’t really take any time to stock up for a season in advance, I just buy a few pieces here and there, and already have barely any room in my closet. Especially after the pieces I get sent from brands, which is not much at all compared to most bloggers. I’ve always wondered how some of the larger bloggers that are posting a new outfit every day keep up with just the number of items they must have. I only post a new look once (sometimes twice) a week to the blog, donate and sell after a closet clean out a few times a year, and still have so much stuff. Maybe I keep some pieces around for longer than most, I still have some shirts and sweaters I was wearing in high school because they’re classic styles and the quality has held up this long. Either way, I don’t have a need (or funds!) to buy 20+ pieces during this sale, so I won’t push them on you to buy that much either! Even during the sales that I do think are the best of the year that I cover more heavily, I’m only buying a few pieces at once. Sure, that can bring us to the point that fashion blogging as a whole can be looked at as very materialistic. I’ve even seen it deemed as “perpetuating gross consumerism”. But I have always loved the shop, and I like to share a reasonable approach with more affordable ways to keep refreshing your wardrobe! With all that being said, I hope you do find some great pieces if you are shopping the sale this year!

Thanks for reading!

1 comment:

  1. Love this perspective! You know I'm on the same page!

    xoxo A
    www.southernbelleintraining.com

    ReplyDelete