By Alison Lumbatis
WARNING: This post contains my no-holds barred, candid thoughts and feelings about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It may not go over well with some but here goes…
When I woke up this morning, I had an inbox full of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale e-mails and a big knot in my stomach. I was hoping when I logged in to check out early access, I’d feel better.
Unfortunately, I just felt worse.
This is, by far, the most hyped up sale of the year in the blogosphere and as such, I’ve always felt tremendous pressure to blog about it. Last year, I did a Facebook Live sharing the why behind the hype. To sum it up, Nordstrom offers us bloggers some sweet commission for all of those affiliate links we provide to sale items. Which quite honestly is well deserved. Blogging is A TON of work (way more than I ever did in my past corporate life) and any bit of compensation we get is hard earned.
So where’s the problem?
Not much about the sale aligns with me personally (I usually only buy 2-3 things) nor does it align with the GYPO mission of less stuff, more style. Every year it gets harder and harder to post about the sale and still feel authentic.
In a poll on GYPO’s Instagram Stories recently, it turns out a lot of you feel the same way:
Read this next part because it’s really important: I need to make it REALLY clear that I am in NO WAY bashing other bloggers. That’s just NOT my style (note all of the CAPS? That means I’m really passionate about this!) I am NOT judging anyone who posts about the sale. They have their own values and missions which are no more right or wrong than mine. They’re just different. These bloggers are providing a valuable service to their readers and helping them navigate what can be an overwhelming sale, so more power to them!
OK, so back to that issue with earning commission. In the past I’ve gotten a nice little chunk of change for my NAS posts (I told you this post would be really candid)…and when mama has two kids in college, that’s pretty hard to give up.
Still, I’m scaling back this year. There won’t be a full series of posts about the sale like I’ve done in years past. The ONLY way I can feel good posting about the sale is to show you:
- Pieces I’m actually considering buying
- Classic, investment items that are smart buys
- Closet staples that you’ll use season after season
On that note, let’s get this party started, shall we? BTW, if you do happen to buy something through one of my links, my soon to be college-educated children thank you!
P.S. If you don’t have early access to the sale items, you can apply for a Nordstrom card to get it immediately. They also give you a $20 note for using it your first day, so that’s more bang for your buck (something I can definitely get behind!)
Alison’s Picks from the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Tees
Why it Made the List: In 10 colors (and stripes!) this tee is a basic that you’ll want more than one of. And at just $11.90 each, you can definitely afford it!
Why it Made the List: I bought this exact tee last year and loved it so much that I want to add more colors. It’s a modal jersey knit so it feels dressier and the length makes it ideal for skinny jeans or leggings (you can also half tuck it).
Caslon Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee
Why it Made the List: Well, first off stripes! This long sleeve closet basic tee comes in six colors and is a great transitional piece that can be half tucked into denim shorts now and layered later.
Bras
Why it Made the List: You’ve heard me sing the praises of this bandeau bra before because I HATE strapless bras! This one is comfortable and has a wee bit of padding – oh and it’s under $12.
Wacoal How Perfect No Wire Contour Bra
Why it Made the List: I also despise underwires (picky much?) This Wacoal bra is perfect under tees and thinner knits and it’s also super comfy.
Jeans
1822 Denim Butter High Waist Jeans
Why it Made the List: Ok, so this is more of a trend than a basic, but I’ve been wanting to try out some high waist jeans. The color and cut of this pair feels more grown up than some others and the price is right for trying a trend at only $28.90!
Outerwear
J. Crew Boiled Wool Olga Topcoat
Why it Made the List: A classic wool topcoat in a fun color will stay in style for years to come. This is a piece worth the investment!
Cardigans
Leith Ribbed Shawl Cocoon Cardigan
Why it Made the List: Cardigans are a true closet staple but I just can’t justify spending upwards of $60-80 on one. I bought one very similar to this one during last year’s NAS and it’s been a year-round workhorse.
Why it Made the List: This boxy cardigan in light pink and gray has a cut that’s great for layering over dresses or leggings.
Sweaters
Why it Made the List: Like summer’s tees, fall’s sweaters will be getting an update with fun details. This scallop trim sweater comes in 7 colors so don’t worry if yellow isn’t your thing.
Treasure & Bond Off the Shoulder Sweater
Why it Made the List: Can we even call off the shoulder a trend anymore? It’s been around a few years and it’s here to stay. This sweater displays your beautiful shoulders and the color is just right for fall days.
Footwear
Why it Made the List: Did you honestly think I’d get through this list without something leopard on it? Of course not! Leopard print shoes are back big time this fall. Update yours with a fun pair of mules.
Why it Made the List: Sneakers are a big time trend for fall. This pair does double duty. It’s a great running shoe for the gym but also is street stylish enough to wear with jeans.
Why it Made the List: These suede booties are waterproof which protect your investment but more than that, the color and comfy block heel make them a great all-purpose bootie that goes with everything.