Alright, the title of this blog post is slightly misleading. It could read: Nordstrom Sale: The One Thing I Bought for Myself.
Today is the first day of early access to Nordstrom’s highly anticipated annual sale. They put new items on sale for a few weeks before the prices return to normal. If you have a Nordstrom credit or debit card you have early access.
This year I took a bird’s eye view to the Nordstrom sale. One of the perks of being a blogger is getting early access to the sale list (to preview, not shop). I figuratively zoomed out and studied it for core wardrobe pieces that would impact the whole family. Living in Oregon means raincoats, pants and boots are necessities for the five of us. While scanning the items on sale I skipped over all the smaller items that we don’t really need (like shirts, sweaters, dresses, non-boot shoes) and focused on those core items.
Nordstrom has a great selection of items for sale at all kinds of price points. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the ‘sale.’ To keep me focused, I stuck to things we need and looked for opportunities for long-term investments. I also focused mainly on the brands that line up with my ethics, and items that are made well, from quality materials that will last a long time.
WHAT I BOUGHT FOR ME:
Los Gatos Fleece Jacket in Khaki, $89.90 (sale price)
Layering items like this are super handy to wear under rain jackets in the fall and spring. Starting in September, I will have three soccer games per weekend (#bigfamilyprobs!) and I am counting on a fleece like this to make my weekends a little easier.
WHAT I BOUGHT FOR THE KIDS:
1. Torrentshell Water Repellant Recycled Nylon Jacket in Classic Navy, Big Girls $58.90 (sale price)
2. Torrentshell Water Repellant Recycled Nylon Jacket in Black, Big Girls $58.90 (sale price)
3. Torrentshell Hooded Rain Jacket in Neo Navy, Little Boys $58.90 (sale price)
If you’re wondering if I bought the same jacket three times, that would be accurate. Rain shells are pretty essential for 2/3 of the year here, so I jumped at the chance to buy one for each kid from this company I love and believe in so much. Patagonia is a long-time leader in ethics and sustainability, and usually, the price point is a little high for what I like to spend on my kids. However, the sale put it closer in my ballpark. I like to buy neutral colors for my kids when I can, and have them pass down jackets when possible. Patagonia has a great resale price on the second-hand market too!
OTHER ITEMS I LOOKED AT:
Faria Weatherproof Genuine Calf Hair Bootie, Aquatalia $349.90 (sale price)
I won’t lie, these guys are in my cart right now, and I’m seriously considering it. I bought a pair of Aquatalia boots on discount last year, and they were some of my most worn over the winter. I love the lower heel on these and the fun print. Aquatalia is a winning brand for me because their boots are warm and very water resistant, which is hard to find in a fashion boot.
Faira Weatherproof Bootie, Aquatalia, $284.90
Yep, these come in a gorgeous taupe color too!! I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of taupe suede boots since I retired my pair a few years ago. I really like these. Just not sure about the buckle.
Ribcage Levi’s, $64.90 (sale price)
I am a huge fan of loose jeans. Free the knee! I love jeans that are loose from the knee down, and these remind me of my vintage jeans I love so much. If I was on the hunt to add another pair, I would probably snatch these up!
Erika 54mm Round Sunglasses, Ray-Ban $94.90 (sale price)
I’m a big fan of Ray-Ban’s, been wearing them for years. I love the round, oversized shape of these.
And that’s about it! This is my minimal, rational approach to the Nordstrom sale. I feel really good about the jackets I picked up for the family (hubby is all set for now!) and I’ll probably continue to hem and haw over those boots for the next week or so, haha!
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I bought the things I always buy once a year at the sale: a Natori bra, Natori Bliss underwear and a bunch of smartwool hide and seek socks (&9!). I also had the rib cage jeans in my cart but decided against them after reading reviews on amazon.
If anyone is looking for a running / fitness watch the Garmin Fenix has an amazing price at the sale too. Sadly I bought it over a year ago for way more.
Thanks for sharing Mel! Good call on the Smartwool socks, I didn’t even think of those! Also, now I think I need to go read those amazon reviews…
Great picks! I love my Erikas–they’re shockingly light, so I wear them on days I’m in the sun for long periods of time and I don’t get little dents in my nose.
Love it! Nose dents are a bummer for sure!
Hi Andrea! I absolutely love your style and your efforts towards slow and sustainable fashion :) I have been on the hunt forever for some chic sandals/heels that I can actually walk miles in. (I am very petite so I can always use a lift) I am a fan of Everlane day heel and day heel mules but I find that they’re really only good for a whole day in the office where I mostly sit at my desk. Any recommendations?
Hi Angela, my best recommendation would be clogs! I find them super comfortable for all day wear. I love the brands Bryr and No.6. I also have the Michelle Mule by Fortress of Inca, that one is very comfy!