Those are fun Finds, Carol. Wit and Wisdom jeans and trousers regularly get the Angie seal of approval. They tend to fit a lot of different body types well.
So, the sale. It's a big deal here on the forum because Nordstrom's flagship store is in Seattle, where Angie lives, and she's (ahem) something of an expert on navigating the sale. Her annual picks (and her brilliant explanations of why she has picked these items) put those of any other stylist to shame. Unlike most of the sale followers out there, Angie really looks at construction, thinks about what works on different body types and for different climates, and lets you know why this or that item is getting her nod (and why another is not).
What makes it unusual is that it is a pre-season sale, meaning you are buying for the upcoming autumn season. (Most sales are of the leftovers, after a season is over). This means that people can use the sale catalogue and offerings to think ahead about the trends that are coming through, to consider their style direction in the season ahead, to weigh those against their practical needs, and (of course) what their budget will allow.
If you know you are going to need a winter coat, for instance, this is one place to start looking. If you know you are going to need waterproof boots, ditto. It's also a great place to pick up basics like undies and pajamas. The prices are much reduced from the normal and if you know your brand and your size, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and money.
For some shoppers, it's a great way to pick up "investment" designer pieces at more palatable (but still pricey) rates -- bags, scarves, etc.
Others use it to buy their favourite beauty products on substantial discount.
In short, there are lots of ways to shop the sale -- even if you are not actually shopping!
It's true that Nordstrom is a higher-end retailer but like most department stores, it does carry a range of items at different price-points.
As a Canadian, I've "participated" in different ways over the years. First, I just watched and listened. Then, I did online shopping and an in-person road trip to a US store. Then Nordies opened in Canada and I shopped the sale up here. Then they closed (sigh) so now I am back to online shopping from the US with a trip to the states to pick things up, if I buy anything, that is. I usually look at bras and undies and solid fall footwear (if available) before anything else. Coats are another favourite purchase. But every year it is a bit different.
