Get Ready for Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

Clockwise, from  left to right: All Saints’ moto jacket in indigo, Dior makeup set, a versatile Vince short-sleeve sweater, cushy Mephisto sandals and Lizzie Fortunato baroque pearl earrings. 

By Janet Kelly

NORDSTROM’S annual blowout summer sale kicks off for the general public Monday, July 15, and lasts through Sunday, August 4. If you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, depending on your status (how much dough you spend yearly), you can start shopping a few days earlier. Don’t have a card? That means the stuff you have set your heart on may get sold out before you get your hands on it.

But cardholder or not, make your wish list. Think wardrobe staples. Even though it’s not quite mid-July, think fall, not summer. This is the only sale I know of that marks down new-season clothing.

Here’s my list—a mix of outerwear, shoes, sweaters, jewelry and makeup.

I own an ancient leather jacket in brown from Michael Kors and a 10-year-old cream-colored one from Dennis Basso, both of which I still wear. This midnight-blue leather biker jacket would be a refreshing addition. The sale price of $349.99 goes up almost $200 post sale.

It helps to do the math. Dior’s Natural Glow Makeup Set (a $94 value selling for $73) includes the label’s much-celebrated DiorShow mascara (full size), a mini lash-boosting serum and my all-time favorite lip glow balm in a brand-embossed cosmetics bag. The regular price of the mascara and lip balm adds up to $73, and I don’t need (or want) a tiny tube of lash serum or another makeup bag.

The MACStack Mascara Set is a better deal, a $56 value that’s $36 during the sale. The regular price of the full-size Mega Mascara and the Stack Lash Primer comes to $56, so if you want both, you net $20 bucks on the offer.

Jeans are a fall necessity. When cooler weather arrives, I’ll regret not buying AG’s high-waist boot-cut jeans (my favorite silhouette). They’re $156 during the sale, $235 after.

This Avec Les Files faux fur jacket ($189.99, $300, post sale) is more trend than staple but it’s a winner for a wardrobe zhuzh-up. Along with this fab cherry hue, it comes in a luscious pale blue-green color and an unexciting brown.

Pearl earrings can be a bore. But a drop earring with a big, shiny baroque pearl inlaid with a green amethyst is a looker. These earrings are $193.99 during the sale, $290 afterwards.

I’d wear these feet-coddling Mephisto Toe Loop Sandals ($109.99 and $156, after sale) all year ’round. They’re that comfortable.

New Balance shows off its fashion chops in unisex sneakers with a textural suede topping. Score them for $69.99 during the sale, for $20 more after it’s over.

I love down for cold days, but this camel wool peacoat is a classic alternative. If you’re in the market, snag it for $739.99—before it goes up to $1,098.

Another wool coat, this one in herringbone, that won’t go out of style. During the sale, it’s  $539.99, going up to $895 after.

Over a button-down, under a blazer, I can think of lots of ways to wear this elbow-length sleeve wool and cashmere sweater. I’m particularly partial to the charcoal and navy choices. It’s $159.99 during the sale, $245 after.

Veronica Beard tweaks the traditional penny loafer—in woven suede —for the $244.99 sale price and then the full price of $375.

Red patent leather may not be your thing, but the Zooey Ballet Flat (sale price $84.99, post sale, $130) also comes in metallic, tweed and just plain black leather.

Editor’s Note: If you want earlier access to the sale than July 15, you can sign up for a Nordstrom credit card and spend at least $500 to shop four days before the general public.