Southern Belle in Training

Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle Blog || Est. 2012 || Virginia Beach, VA

July 12, 2016

Getting Ready for the NSale... (and Two Other Great Sales!)




     I certainly can't be the first blogger to break the news to you, but since the famous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is such a big deal here in the blogging world, it needed a post of its own on my blog as well.  If you are new to shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I've broken down some helpful how-to's about the sale below:



What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? 
      While Nordstrom has lots of sales throughout the year, their Anniversary Sale, which begins each year in mid-July, is by far their biggest sale of the year! Nordstrom is an excellent department store because they carry a wide range of both high-end designers as well as more affordable labels. The anniversary sale features hundreds upon hundreds of marked down items, including but not limited to clothing, jewelry, accessories, beauty and home goods! But what sets this sale apart from those of other retailers is that it's brand new fall and winter merchandise that is going on sale. Typically retailers only put merchandise from previous seasons on clearance. Nordstrom does the exact opposite in their Anniversary Sale, and it's a great time to get a head start on your fall wardrobe- heck, even your Christmas shopping!



Do I absolutely need to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
     During this week and for the rest of the month, you will see this sale over-promoted by bloggers. It happened two years ago, it happened last year, and it will happen again this year. Mark my words. ;-) The reason that we all feel compelled to share the products from this sale so much is because the mark downs are very good for the quality of the items (especially the designer brand pieces in the sale!). However- once the sale opens and you take a look at this year's items... if you just honestly aren't feeling like any of them are calling your name, don't feel like you have to buy! While I made a big purchase in the sale two years ago (my beloved Tory Burch riding boots!), in last year's sale I just didn't "love" any items. Sure there were a lot of picks that were pretty great, but I also studied abroad last summer which took up a lot of my money at the time, so given that I didn't fall in love with anything, I knew that it was a sale that I could skip. Being financially responsible is always the most important! And remember too- there are other department stores! I personally am a huge fan of Dillard's and Belk and tend to shop there just as much as I do at Nordstrom. And if high-end designer items are your calling, there is also a ShopBop sale this week (more info about that at the end of this post!)
      So basically my point is- get excited about the Nordstrom sale, and be prepared to shop, but if you don't fall in love with anything, don't put pressure on yourself to buy things that you won't really love!



What is Early Access?
      Early Access is when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens online early for Nordstrom card holders! It opens to cardholders this week on July 14th, and to the general public on July 22nd. (The sale ends August 8th). While there will still be plenty of great items in the sale on July 22nd and beyond, the hottest items (such as certain styles of designer purses, watches and boots) tend to sometimes sell out before Early Access is over. If you want to guarantee that you'll get your favorite item! Sign up ASAP for your Nordstrom card! Nordstrom has two card options: a credit card and debit card. While I am generally a fan of debit for everything, I chose to go with a Nordstrom credit card as I am trying to build my credit currently. But it is so great that they offer customers the choice! Another interesting thing is that Nordstrom also offers customers a brand-new rewards program which you do not need to open a card to be apart of. However- simply being a rewards member doesn't allow you Early Access to the Anniversary Sale.



What items am I looking for in the sale? 
      While there are truly hundreds of items that will be marked down starting on July 14th, and many of them from designer brands, in order to avoid over-spending I will be going into the Anniversary Sale with certain items on my wishlist. The #1 item would be a new pair of Tory Burch riding boots! My pair from two years ago is still holding up well, but I wear them so much in the cooler months that I could use another pair. If I don't like this year's Tory Burch offerings, I might look at other brands that have riding boots in the sale.
     I will also have my eye on Kendra Scott jewelry, cute pajama sets (this is a great time to upgrade your pajama and lingerie collection!), and dresses that are chic and cute for my upcoming travels in August and September!



     So there is all the info about the Nordstrom sale! One of my favorite North Carolina bloggers is Caitlin from Southern Curls and Pearls, and she has written an excellent NSale guide post which I also recommend checking out if you want more information.



     But this really must be sale week, because in addition to the upcoming NSale, there are two other fantastic sales happening this week!


    First off, today is the second annual Amazon Prime Day for Prime members, featuring over 100,000 deals worldwide on Amazon (yes- 100,000+ deals!). Two categories to be aware of is that there are 30% off clothing, shoes and accessories, and 35% off luxury beauty items.


     And ShopBop is also having a surprise sale today! This sale will only be running through today and tomorrow. ShopBop is a premier online retailer for designer brands. While I find their price ranges to typically be out of my budget, the fact that all of their already on sale designer merchandise is further marked down right now is definitely worth checking into! Save 25% on designer sale items with code DESIGNER25 through July 13th. While the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will be focusing on upcoming fall and winter collection items, this ShopBop sale is a great time to get last chance savings on favorite summer items- (especially designer swimwear!).


     Since the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale isn't open yet, I've linked my favorite items from the Amazon and ShopBop sales below! Happy Shopping!


     And speaking of shopping, I am so excited to be attending a grand opening event for a new store here in Charlotte tonight! Be sure you're following me on Snapchat and Instagram @miss_alk to follow along.







     Lastly, one more chance for you to win the $1225 Nordstrom gift card giveaway that myself and some other great bloggers are sponsoring, just in time for the sale!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Gift Card Giveaway




     xoxo Miss ALK
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17 comments

  1. You did a really great job describing the NSale! I also love some of your picks for the ShopBop sale!!

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  2. Thanks for sharing all of this info! It's really helpful to anyone who doesn't know much about the sale. Can't wait to shop it!

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  3. Thanks so much for sharing, it looks like a fun sale to shop. I especially like the stripe romper super cute!

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  4. So many great picks, I have had my eyes on a pair of shoes for awhile now that I'm gonna buy during the sale!!!

    http://xoxobella.com

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  5. I can't wait for the Nordstrom sale to start!
    www.kayleighskloset.com

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  6. Uhh I really shouldn't be shopping I need to be saving but this all sounds so exciting !!

    Sydney | http://styledbys.ca

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  7. So many great points!! I shopped the Nsale for the first time last year and am definitly looking forward to it again this year!
    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

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  8. I have a Nordstrom gift card that I've been dying to use!

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  9. Can't believe it's that time of year again! Excited for some good bargains!!

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  10. Can't wait for the sale! I've been wanting the Tory Burch riding boots forever!

    HashtagFabLife

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  11. I'm soo excited for the Nsale!!!

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  12. Love the Nordstrom sale! It's the first sign of fall being near when i get excited for fall clothes ;)

    x Sarah
    http://www.bohochiccafe.com

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  13. I am purposely staying away from Nordstrom during this time. It is too tempting with such great offers. If I wasn't saving to move out, I would go all out!

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  14. The #Nsale is my favorite sale of the year and I'm so excited it is finally here

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