This is my 21st Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS). It’s by far, my favourite sale of the year, although some NAS’s are better than others. I never know what I’m going to end up with because it’s a crapshoot. Yet, my wardrobe is filled with NAS treasures, so I’m excited every time it pops up on my calendar. I go in with low expectations and usually have a great sale. Some years I find more items than others, but it’s good.
I spent most of last week helping Nordstrom card holding clients pre-select items for their wardrobes. That’s when Nordstrom launches brand new Autumn and Winter collections at discounted prices for two weeks only. Prices go back up at the end of July.
Colour palettes took me by surprise. Lots of browns, greys, dark blue, black, olives, muted tones, and pastels, which is great if those are colours you wear. If they aren’t, you have to look harder, or look elsewhere. Nordstrom took a risk putting all their eggs into one basket by offering limited palettes. If you don’t like the colour, you won’t buy the item no matter how fab it is.
Many items are only available online and not in brick and mortar stores. So as my clients, our forum members, and I receive our online orders, I’ll update the top picks collections. In the meantime, these items emerged as winners among my clientele. Remember to browse all the colour and size options. We also have a very engaged NAS section of the YLF forum, where forum members share thoughts about what they bought, and how it fits.
The strengths of this year’s NAS were jeans, pants, footwear that was NOT boots, athleisure, and jackets. Generally, items are of higher quality than the last few years. I was pleased with the improvement. House brand offerings are better too. The underwear is stellar, and so is the menswear and homeware. Feel free to ask questions about items in the comments section, or start a thread on the forum. I’ll do my best to help out.
1. Jeans and Pants
Wit & Wisdom pants and jeans were the star of the show, and especially great fits for petites. That said, their jeans fit my tall clients too. Kut from the Kloth has lower rises all round, if that’s your preference. Rag ‘n Bone and Frame jeans ran TTS or a size small. There is a great selection of lengths, silhouettes and washes. Full lengths and cropped.
2. Jackets and Coats
Generally, there was a better selection of jackets than coats. Lots of casual jackets, and a few dressier blazers. Ralph Lauren items are particularly good. Liverpool, Avec Les Filles, Sanctuary and Caslon might run big. AllSaints runs small. Faux suede items are particularly nice quality and affordable.
3. Knitwear and Tops
Natural fibres and machine washable items were a plenty at this year’s NAS, which made my clients and me happy. The cotton knitwear is particularly good. The quality of the Nordstrom brand cashmere is super. Halogen and Caslon tops and knits run big. Size down in most of the shirts and blouses too. The Madewell tee has great back detailing and was a hit with everyone who tried it.
4. Atheleisure and Loungewear
Zella items are stellar this year. Superb quality and EXTRA cosy fabric. Their tops run big, and the bottoms TTS. Almost all Save the Duck items made my top picks list because they are that good. An Italian brand, and hands down my favourite brand of puffer jacket. They tend to run a bit narrow so size up when you like a roomier fit. Barefoot dreams toppers always go down well, and there are lots of cute pyjamas.
5. Footwear
The boots assortment was disappointing, although the flats, mules, pumps, and loafer offerings are great. I expected to see a lot more snakeskin, but saw an abundance of browns instead. Brown is definitely the new black. A good time to stock up on holiday footwear. Lots of metallic shoes.
6. Accessories
Belts are fab at this year’s NAS, and almost every client went home with one or a few. The jewellery is also good, as are some of the earthy and cream bags. Shout out to Monica Vinader items. There are fab classic scarves too.
Happy shopping, everyone! I’ll share which items I end up with in a blog post next week.
