Everyone is talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Is it worth it? I love the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and look forward to it every year. I have written a lot about it in the past because I think it’s a great way to stock up on better quality products at an affordable price for fall and winter.

It’s easy to get the feeling that since an item is on sale, you need to buy it. There are some great deals on good basics in this year’s sale but there are also items you can get for a better price (and the same quality, or better) from other retailers.

That being said, I studied the sale when it was open to card-holders last Thursday and went to my local Nordstrom to try some things out and I’m actually not that impressed this year. I know it’s not as early as other bloggers, but before the sale is open to the public I want to give you my own opinions on what might be worth it and what to avoid.

I stand by my recommendations for teachers from last year. Much of what I will recommend below will follow those guidelines.

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Shoes: Worth it (all under $100)

Shoes are the best thing I think you can buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. These are good quality brands that will last a long time and be more comfortable. That being said, I never buy them unless I can get them at a really great price. During the Nordstrom Anniversary sale it is worth it because you can get these shoes $40-$70 off!

Booties

In this year’s sale, there are some great options for booties: *Note – Most of these come in multiple colors

1 | 2  | 3 (love this brand) | 4 | 5 | 6 |7 (waterproof!) | 8 | 9

Leopard Flats

My absolute favorite purchase from last year’s sale, included in the recommendations for teachers above, was a pair of leopard mules. I wear them all the time. There are a few options for leopard shoes in the sale. Leopard, I believe, is one of the Top 5 shoes every teacher should have in their wardrobe.

• My top pick of the bunch are these Halogen Calf Hair mules. — They have long sides, making them more secure on the feet, and they were very comfortable. They don’t fit as snugly as the pair I snagged last year but I can still see them wearing really well all day. (I LOVED these rust ones too!)
• I tried these leopard bow mules on in store and they are so cute, and fit well, but the bow just seemed too big to me. I would avoid.
• These slingback shoes come in multiple colors in the sale. But I really dislike how they look. I think they make feet look big and clunky. I would pass on these.
• The one pair I was unable to try on in-store was these leopard flats. If you’re thinking of purchasing these, size down. I find that this brand tends to be a little large on me.

Comfortable flats

• I can’t give you a complete rundown on all the comfortable flats in the sale, but I will say that these Ugg loafers are AMAZING! Teachers and other professionals, you could totally wear these all day long and feel like you’re wearing slippers!
• Also, I have been wanting to pick up this pair of mules after hearing such good reviews from other bloggers, and they are included in the sale!

Other shoes from the sale that I would recommend:

I was unable to try any of these on, but I trust the brand and reviews.

• Pumps – Addie Pump (a great kitten heel! multiple colors) / Maxx Pointy Toe Pump (LOVE the yellow! higher heel)
• Bow flats – These bow flats are adorable…what can I say? I like bows!
• Open Toe Sandal – So cute! I wouldn’t recommend for work because they have a higher heel, but they would be really cute for a night out.

Tops & Sweaters: Worth it

• These plaid shirts were a little loose-fitting, but really soft. I especially loved it in green and yellow!
• These lace camisoles are being featured all over the internet. The white one is not worth it, in my opinion, because it is so see-through. However, this emerald green lace camisole is just gorgeous and one of the items I purchased from the sale. It has an adjustable strap but note, it is still low-cut even with it adjusted as high as possible!
  • Note: As I was writing this, it sold out. However, it may re-stock when public access starts this Thursday so add it to your wishlist!
• BP T-shirt – I tried a small and it is true to size. I liked the colored versions, which were not see-through.
• Ruffle Neck Sweater with billowed sleeves– I loved this. It’s warm, cozy and soft. It’s a little spendy for a sweater but is a great quality sweater.
• Ruffle Edge Sweater – This is probably my top pick for professionals. It’s fitted, made of a sweater material and is long enough to not leave a gap. I love the color selection too! True to size.
• Fitted Green Ruffle sleeve – If the last option is still a little pricey, this is a great alternative. It’s a solid colored basic, made of a thick t-shirt material instead of sweater material. I loved the emerald green. True to size.

May Not Be Worth It

Pencil skirts – I think you can find more affordable options elsewhere.

Tops –

• these t-shirts are a great deal when you think about Nordstrom prices. However, they are very thin. If you are going to buy, I would not recommend one of the white versions.
• As noted above, these lace camisoles are featured all over the internet but I would not recommend the white one, especially for a work environment. It is very see-through and though it has an adjustable strap, it is still low-cut even with it adjusted as high as possible!

Sweaters & Cardigans – I wasn’t in love with any of the cardigans from the sale and few of the sweaters. You will see a lot of other blogger recommending them but most of them that I tried were rough fabric. For the price, I think you can find a more comfortable sweater or cardigan elsewhere.

• This over-sized cardigan was WAY over-sized and I didn’t think it was flattering. Plus, though it looks like it would be cozy, the material was very rough.

A few extras

• This Stila Eyeshadow set is a great deal. I have been in love with the Kitten Shimmer and Glow liquid eye shadow for months. For a little more than a single shadow you can get it AND two more glitter and glow shadows.
• This Kate Spade bag is gorgeous and looked really durable.
• These Kendra Scott earrings are beautiful and the perfect size. Not too big, but not too small.

 

Ok, I know that I didn’t include a lot of pictures this time, but there are a lot of bloggers out there with try-on hauls. My intention here was to give you an idea of what kinds of things that might be worth trying and what to avoid.

No matter what, if you think one of these options may be worth it, there is little risk in trying it out. Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns. The worst that could happen would be you order the wrong size and it’s sold out when you’re ready to exchange it.

Let me know what you’ve ordered and what you’re interested in trying! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is open only for cardholders through the 19th. Starting Friday, it will open up to the public and sale prices will stay until Sunday August 5th! Happy shopping!

-Virginia

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