The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Here's What I Bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Complete with In-Store Photos and Dressing Room Selfies

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Yesterday was a momentous occasion for me. I mustered up the courage to shop the Nordstrom Annviersary Sale and in so doing, I overcame some strange, suppressed fear/anxiety dating back to my childhood of shopping at expensive department stores. Hey, some people are afraid of spiders, while I, crazy lady, would get totally stressed out by shopping at certain stores. So I avoided them. But you'll be happy to know that all of that is a thing of the past, because yesterday I totally conquered the NSale! All the sales associates I talked to were helpful and friendly (okay, almost all of them, one seemed immensely annoyed when I didn't want to order something online that was out-of-stock in store), I found a lot of good deals and left with some pieces I feel really happy with. I even opened a Nordstrom credit card (for research purposes mostly) and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Nordstrom cafe.

Ok, enough with the boring stuff, let's get on with the sale!

nsale purchases!
First things first, here's what I bought!


Leith Floppy Felt Hat, $16.90 (after sale $26) // Topshop 'Amelia' Slouch Coat, $99.90 (after sale $160), size 6 US // BP Plaid Shirt, $24.90 (after sale $38), size XL // BP Stripe Pullover, $24.90 (after sale $38), size XL


Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
My first stop was the shoe department where I immediately spotted these BP Trott Booties ($79.90, after sale $119.95) that I saw online and knew I wanted to try on. Unfortunately they were sold out in my size/color. Boo! The sales girl offered to order them for me online, which was cool, but I wanted immediate gratification so I passed.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Upstairs, I headed to the juniors/contemporary section where I knew the prices would be in my budget. Lots of finds under $30, $50 and $100. If you're worried Nordstrom is too pricey, it's really not. I think they have to compete with fast fashion chains so their BP and Halogen lines, to name a few, are super inexpensive. Phew! (Shown here: BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket, $63.90 - I know the sign above says $64.90 but online it's $63.90 / after sale $98)

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Items that are included in the Anniversary Sale are clearly marked in displays... (Shown here: ASTR Floral Jumpsuit, $51.90 / after sale $78)

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
...and on the pricetag. The whole store is not on sale (silly me, I thought it was) - just specific items. I felt like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks are smart for shoppers because they tend to be key trend pieces and really wearable. It's like they've done the leg work for you! Honestly I do better when my options are limited, too, so I don't get overwhelmed.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
First I tried on this Love by Design Blanket Cardigan ($37.90 / after sale $58) that would work while I'm pregnant and afterwards. Soft, cozy and chic for everyday fall layering!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Next up, I fell in love with this BP Plaid Shirt ($24.90 / after sale $38) and while I bought it, I don't think the quality is all that great. You get what you pay for. The fabric is thin cotton. But it fits my bump and since the oversized look is trending, I can wear it after baby comes, too. Should be easy for nursing.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
This striped shirt did nothing for my figure so I had to pass, but it would be a stylish and versatile work and weekend top to have in your wardrobe.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I had to try on this BlankNYC Faux Leather Jacket ($63.90 / after sale $98) and it was amazing. But I already own two solid moto jackets so I had to pass. But please, someone else get this! Also comes in dark burgundy. Swoon.

Stripe pullover by BP at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Gosh I'm so predictable! Show me a stripe top and I'm sold. (BP Stripe Pullover, $24.90 / after sale $38). Purchased a size XL for a roomy fit. Again, this top is kinda cheaply made and says "lay flat to dry" - groan. Didn't notice this until I got home. But at least it's super soft.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Don't forget accessories! Lots of affordable scarves from just $12.90. This BP Southwestern scarf is $17.90.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
I really wanted these drusy stud earrings by Sonya Renee after seeing a friend from church wearing them but my store was sold out. Again, a store associate offered to order them for me online. I still might. Look for NSale deals on designers like Kendra Scott and Gorjana, blogger faves!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
This delicious port red Rebecca Minkoff bag was included in the NSale ($129.90 / after sale $195). It's a legit time to buy something special, just pick a style you'll wear a lot!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Another item on my wishlist was this DKNY parka ($129.90 / after sale $198) and I almost bought it. Almost. It's warm and substantial and stylish. Wait, why didn't I buy it?!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Steve Madden leopard coat, purrrrrrr. ($99.90 / after sale $150)

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Embellished plaid top feels special but not $64.90 special (after sale $98).

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Got this hat, couldn't resist!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Say hello to my new fall vibe! All my husband could say was "what's with the hat?" Sigh. (Leith Floppy Felt Hat, Topshop 'Amelia' Slouch Coat)

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
This plaid top was on my wishlist after seeing it all over Instagram, but seemed cheaply made for the price. I think I can do better at H&M or Forever 21.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Another shot of the BlankNYC jacket and this layered shirttail sweater. Really wanted this but couldn't spend $58.90.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Pretty displays with cheeky messages encourage shoppers to shop.

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Oops, not part of the Anniversary Sale! But cute nonetheless. (BP Reversible Tote, $48)

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Sweet shades for $12?! That's totally affordable!

Off the Rack: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Modern art and cushy furniture in the lounge/restroom areas make for a special shopping experience. This is what you're paying for, ladies, enjoy it!

Okay, what did you buy at the NSale? I'd love to know! (and if you already shared in the comments on my earlier post, thank you! I love reading each one.

Comments
For what it's worth, I LOVE the hat! In fact, while I already hit the sale online for beauty deals, I may just hop back and buy one (and the coat) too. But no worries, we won't end up like twinsies - I'm in the DC area.
#1 Michele on 2015-07-18 12:28 (Reply)
Ooh which beauty deals did you get? I wasn't sure which were worth it.

And I'm glad you like the hat, all the sales associates told me it looked good (enablers!) so I was like, I'm going for it :-)
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-19 08:01 (Reply)
I buy items as they go on sale and/or when I can get promos/samples/freebies and stack them with cash back so there wasn't a whole lot I actually "needed". I was kind of disappointed with the beauty offering this year. Typically Nordstrom does multiple value sizes of products and there wasn't much in that department. The other thing that was disappointing is that many of the beauty deals were simply repackaging of a line's existing products - so not much new there. That being said, I did pick up the Trish McEvoy easy smoky eye set in dove; I use all of the products and it was a $36 savings. I also picked up the MAC Pretty Natural Lip Kit (which I believe is sold out now, $17.50 savings). The key to a lot of the beauty deals is to be sure you really use everything. For example, the Smashbox set at $69 is a steal if you can use all of the eyeshadow color trios and the blushes. Frankly, if I were looking to buy that, I would most likely have gone with the mega palette that had been available from Ulta for $6 more - it had all of the same eyeshadows but in lieu of the blush, it had multiple eyeliners (for me a better deal). I think the beauty sale was hit or miss this year.

I looked at the handbags, but have purchased a number of new ones in the past month or so from Lord & Taylor, Last Call, Saks Off 5th, and Bloomies - and got a better discount. The coats, sweaters, and booties were a fair price but I just don't need anymore of any of that. (I already own a coat almost identical to the Steve Madden leopard one that I purchased last season from, ironically, Nordstrom.) I did go back and purchased the hat though :-)
#1.1.1 Michele on 2015-07-19 13:23 (Reply)
See you're in another league when it comes to beauty!! Another friend who's also a pro Nordstrom shopper told me the NARS lipsticks were a great deal, 3 for $49 instead of $24 each. I'm taking it all in and will be better prepared next year. And I'm so glad you got the hat!
#1.1.1.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-20 06:55 (Reply)
Great pieces and huge congrats...your bump is adorable:)
#2 Laura (Homepage) on 2015-07-18 21:47 (Reply)
Thank you so much Laura!
#2.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-19 08:00 (Reply)
I bought the Patricia Nash Bucket Bag for me and several BP sweaters for my girls. The home department had great deals! I bought the Chloe Duvet cover and shams in Red Jelly (a Marsala color).
#3 Michele on 2015-07-19 09:41 (Reply)
I'm glad you mentioned the home department, I didn't see it until I was heading out after lunch and saw lots of cute pillows and small decor items. Great buys!
#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-20 06:58 (Reply)
I bought a bunch of stuff:
1. Steve Madden blanket coat
2. Sam Edelman Paige booties in putty
3. Layered shirttail sweater you showed above
4. Halogen print pencil skirt in black and ivory
5. Halogen long cardigan in Aquamarine color
6. Halogen tshirt
7. Donna Karan deodorant
#4 JoAnn Moran on 2015-07-19 10:01 (Reply)
I love this list, I'd wear many of these items myself (and of course I wanted that shirttail sweater!). Didn't even know Donna Karan had deodorant. I need to take a closer look at the beauty deals. Thanks for sharing!
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-20 06:57 (Reply)
That jumpsuit is fab! And I like what you got too. I think the plaid shirt will go nicely under the sweater as well. Also think the cardigan looked adorable on you.

I've never felt intimidated by price points of the likes of Nordstrom, but I might hesistate very much going into a high end designer store.

Since I am not living in the US, I didn't shop this sale.
#5 Alex (Homepage) on 2015-07-19 16:33 (Reply)
It looks like you found some good deals. Love your comment about immediate gratification - I often feel the same way. Nordstrom comes to Vancouver in September and I can't wait to take advantage of the anniversary & semi-annual sales.
#6 C.K. @ 50 Days of No Grey (Homepage) on 2015-07-19 22:43 (Reply)
Loved what you bought though I'm thinking you should go back for that fur trimmed parka (especially if the fur is removeable). I ended up getting:

1. Dolce Vita Ohanna OTK boots (in both saddle and anthracite)-these were by far my favorite purchase of the sale and the main thing I was wanting.

2. Halogen Felt Panama Hat-got the blush and the tan

3. My husband bought himself a pair of AG Jeans he's had his eye on.

What I'm still considering:

1. Topshop Faux Fur Vest in cream (I have a ton of vests so I'm not sure I'll end up getting this).

2. Frye Heidi Fringe Hobo in tan or studded black

3. Vince Camuto Leather Brim Fedora (I'm on a hat kick lately but I definitely wear them in the fall and winter. I feel like they add a bit more flare to an outfit).

4. Chelsea 28 Lace Romper in green-this is such a unique piece and I can easily see myself wearing this with tights and leopard accessories once the weather cools down.

5. AG "Stilt" Cigarette Jeans-now that we can finally wear jeans at work on Fridays, I feel like I'll get my use out of these.

Again, the last few are just things I'm thinking about. Probably my absolute favorite purchase is the OTK boots. Loved your finds!
#7 Sarah Tondello on 2015-07-20 11:45 (Reply)
I bought hanky pankies and a pair of shoes. But, I wanted to let you know that I tried on the faux-layered shirt-tail sweater because I also thought it was adorable, and it did not look good on. I'm also pregnant (though not as far along as you are), and I thought it might be nice and long and roomy with a baby bump. I tried my normal size (Medium), and the bottom layer (the "shirt" part) was very boxy and sort of stuck out on the sides. It didn't lay flat or drape nicely. So, for nearly $60, I think we made the right call by not buying it. I loved the look of it, just like you did, so I thought this story might make you feel better about saying Goodbye to it.
#8 elizabeth on 2015-07-20 16:21 (Reply)
Looking great Mama! I love everything you bought. I just keep going back for more:)

Wishes & Reality
#9 Heidi (Homepage) on 2015-07-23 14:18 (Reply)
I am also pregnant and I love that you gave me the confidence to buy some regular clothes. I would love love love if you did a post on pregnancy staples to buy?? :-) Maybe?! BTW I bought the moto jacket in my normal size(x-small) based on your review!
#10 karen morgan on 2015-07-24 13:19 (Reply)
Congratulations! And I'm so glad you shared this, comments like this keep me blogging. I will attempt to write a post on pregnancy staples, I find that dressing the bump is challenging at times but it can be fun, too, and you don't have to forego "regular" clothes or trends you love!
#10.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-07-26 07:38 (Reply)
What size do you have on in the Moto jacket? I am looking to get one, but debating between small or medium, I am usually a size 6. Thanks!
#11 Fariha on 2015-07-25 08:34 (Reply)
On the more mundane side from Nordstrom I bought: Dena Home Madison Jacquard hand towel and bath towel, Nordstrom At Home washcloth, Yummie by Heather Thomson shapewear.....
#11.1 margot on 2015-07-26 15:47 (Reply)
Hi I wanted to know where you got that gold bar necklace-it's a perfect size
#12 Rachel on 2016-02-23 16:12 (Reply)
It's BaubleBar! Here's a link:

http://rstyle.me/n/bjpjqzgsvw
#13 The Budget Babe on 2016-02-24 09:23 (Reply)
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