how to get the most out of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

As you may be aware tomorrow morning early access begins for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  This is one of those events that we all kind of wait for all year because, holy cow, it’s a good one.

I thought before the mania begins, I might share what is, in my opinion, the way to get the most out of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

(a few pics of things I snagged in last year’s sale)

It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the crazy exciting shiny things during a sale (heaven knows I always do) but that’s also not going to do your budget any favors, not to mention your closet.  If there is anything doing this blog and my business for the last five years has taught me, it’s that a carefully curated closet can be one of a woman’s best assets.  A closet that is working for you saves you time, keeps you inspired, gives you confidence, saves money and helps you face each day as your best self.  And the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is without a doubt the time to add those workhorse pieces to your closet.  That’s what I use this sale for.  A chance to add key wardrobe investment pieces to my closet for a deep discount.  But, like I said earlier, a sale like this can be overwhelming…

 So here’s what I do.

 I get organized.  Before the sale begins, I assess my wardrobe, where the holes are, if there are pieces that are worn out or need to be updated, if there’s something I bought on the cheap that needs to be replaced with something quality, etc etc. And I make a list of all the pieces I could really use in my closet, or on my vanity, especially those pieces that I’m ready to invest in to last for years, and then I try and hunt them down for a steal during the sale.  This is the great thing about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  If you’ve been wanting to add a leather moto jacket or a new pair of black booties, you’re going to find them for a much better price during the sale.  Last year I was finally ready to invest in a great pair of designer sunglasses and I found my Kate Spade pair the first day of the sale.  I got them at such a great discount and out of all the sunglasses I own, they are my absolute favorite.  I wear them everyday and I’m completely converted to quality shades now.

Before I started getting organized and intentional with my closet I wasted a lot of time and money buying whatever random thing I liked at the store (or worse what happened to be on the clearance rack) and then still felt like I had nothing to wear.  Basically, my closet wasn’t working for me.

List making totally keeps me on track, and helps me make sure and fill those missing spaces in my closet.

So here’s what’s on my list this year:

Black Booties

statement flats in a deep fall shade- bordeaux preferably

Navy Handbag

Aviator glasses

Leather or faux  leather jacket in a fun shade (I have black, cognac, gray and off white, I’m hoping for Navy or Blush)

black cardigan

casual jacket/sweatshirt

statement top

distressed boyfriend jeans (always on the list.)

Workout clothes: leggings, sports bra, running shorts

You can see the women’s and men’s catalogs for the sale here.

I’m a total list maker and also a dork cause I like to write everything down (you know with an actual pen and paper- drives my husband nuts that I don’t just use the notes app on my phone- haha).  Anyway, I use an actual closet planner page that I made a PDF of and then printed.  I tape it to my shoe shelf in my closet and it keeps me on track because it’s visual and I can also rough out a budget and a more intentional plan.  If you want to print off your own copy of my closet planner just click on the link below.

my closet planner

Make sure and come back tomorrow first thing, cause I’m going to pull an all-nighter and sort through the whole sale to round up all the best pieces for you.  And if there’s something in particular you’re looking for make sure and leave a comment letting me know so I can hunt a few options down for you.

XOXO and happy shopping!