Okay, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is Good Again
But we have a lot of tried and true favorites to make it easier to shop.
Did all of the major retailers decide to have their sales start the same week? It is overwhelming how many sales are happening this week! But this newsletter is only about one of those sales - the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
An influencer cliche at this point, but they are one of the few companies that truly strive for excellent customer service: a generous return policy, free shipping, plus a generally happy workforce. The sale is also about supporting Nordstrom employees who rely on this event. I (Missy) used to be one, and I have been working and shopping this sale for over 20 years now. So, if you’re near a Nordstrom store, consider stopping in to say hi… and maybe leave with a bag or two.
Navigating the Nordstrom Sale
This year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 8th, 2025 and ends August 3rd, 2025. The day you can access the sale to shop is based on whether you are a Nordstrom cardholder or a rewards member (Nordy Club) and your spending level at Nordstrom. This year, there are fewer days in between each level being able to shop, which I hope helps with the inventory levels and gives more people a chance to snag coveted items.
Tuesday, July 8th - The sale opens to Icons
Wednesday, July 9th - The sale opens to Ambassadors
Thursday, July 10th - The sale opens to Influencers (automatic level for all cardholders)
Saturday, July 12th - The sale opens to everyone! Be sure to sign up for a Nordy Rewards Club membership if you don't already have one. It can also be used at Nordstrom Rack, and everyone can earn money back on their purchase.
Items sell out fast, especially the popular ones. If something you love is out of stock, download the Nordstrom app and heart your faves so you get notified as soon as they’re back in stock. The app will also give you notifications as soon as you can shop within your reward category.
Also, remember that no sale is ever worth it if it doesn’t fit into your plan or budget - don’t go into debt to score a deal.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Tried and True Picks
We are going to focus on our tried and true favorites today in this letter, but you can read our blog post for more curated picks. Don’t feel like reading and want to browse? We have all our picks, categorized and rounded up here:
From left to right:
Hydrocotton Towels – Missy has been using these for 8+ years and I have had the same set for at least three. They are incredible towels for the price – fluffy, soft, and wash well! Highly recommend the Bath Sheet size. This year they added striped to the mix, but I always get white so I can bleach them.
Paige Jeans – Missy has a few pairs of these jeans in different cuts that are compliment magnets. She was always talking about how comfortable they are – stretchy, hugs your curves, but never stretches out. I was jealous that I couldn't try them, but then I found out they make them in plus sizes! I tried a pair from Anthropologie last year (they only have plus offerings there and on their website - SISTER15 for 15% off) and I GET IT.
I cannot believe I spent that much money on jeans, but I feel so good in them. Below, Missy is in a few of the styles/fits featured in the sale.
The Sasha, which is a loose-fitting but still professional style of jeans - her most used style. Also featured are the Cindy jeans in a dark wash. She also likes the Anessa jeans, which are an ankle-length, wide-leg jean. They also have a darker wash Anessa style this year, which is excellent for work.
Moonlight Eco Pajamas – The short set (PLUS) was one of the first things I ever purchased from the Nordstrom sale. And just in case you bought them in the bad years (2021-2023) they are back to being great. The sale is 100% the best time to buy them! I prefer the short sets and the night shirt. They also come in long-sleeves shirt/pants and short sleeve shirt and cropped pants. I think they run a little big, but not big enough to size down. Plus sizes are listed separately. They have so many new cute colorways this year, but this polka dot shorts set (or nightshirt) is the one on my list.
There are also some ribbed Moonlight pajamas. Missy tried them on in store in store last year- and OMG. SO SOFT. I think they could be used as a set that you wear outside the house. I have the shorts pair. Short set | Short set plus | Cropped pants set | Cropped pants set plus
Not the Moonlight material we love, but this nightgown is new this year, and I need to try it out because it looks like a Doen dress.
Bio Ionic 1.25 inch Curling Iron and Straightener – You have certainly heard us talk about how much we love this brand and the hot tools. I don’t think I have ever seen this included in the sale before and I am very excited about it. The straightener is so good, and there really is no comparison. It is also great for curling and creating a bend in the hair. They have Missy’s favorite curling iron for loose waves and volume – the 1.25 inch long barrel included. Great for medium to long hair or for adding volume. Nordstrom has an excellent return policy, so now is the perfect time to try and feel confident in your purchase.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – I have yet to find a better hair product that multi-tasks like this one – absorbs oil, adds some hold and still gives you volume? One bottle of this is $52, so this is a great deal as you rarely see it more than 20% off.
Adidas SL 72 Sneakers – Missy just bought her first pair of these in a bright color and won’t shut up about how much she loves them. She tried on like 43 pairs of sneakers at Nordstrom in NYC and landed on this style. And they have some cute colorways for the sale. In women‘s, mens, and kids sizing. For those who love the Gazelles, they have a coral/faded red Gazelle included in the sale and they are very cute.
Longchamp Mini Bag- This brand hardly ever goes on sale, so the best time to buy a bag is during the sale. I bought one of these two years and LOVE it. It holds a lot for being so small. I like to keep my phone, wallet, sunglasses and lip balm in there. It makes it easy to switch purses or just take that out if I need to leave my tote somewhere while I do something else. This year, they have a new style of larger, collapsible tote in nice wine color, now in a “splashproof”material, too.
Away Luggage – NEW to this year’s sale, very excited about this one. By far, the most suggested luggage brand when we polled our audience. They have a great customer service policy and so does Nordstrom – so a win/win. They have a carry-on, the bigger carry-on (a lot of you recommended this one,) and both 26-inch and 29-inch checked bag options. I know these will sell out – the colors are very cute.
There is also a Beis carry-on – This will sell out. It always sells out every year. Missy and I both have Beis checked luggage. There is a padded trolley handle to make rolling it across carpet more comfortable, and a scale in the handle that flashes red if it is overweight. lowest price you will see on them is during this sale.
Spanx Air Essentials – This year, they included the half-zip sweatshirt– easily one of the most popular styles. In two great neutrals. They also included the wide-leg pant and a mini version of Air Essentials dress we love.
Monica Vinader Solitaire Pendant – Missy has an almost identical pendant from this brand. Delicate, yet eye-catching. We always get questions on it when she wears it! A great gift for yourself.
Cole Haan Shoes – James loves Cole Haan shoes – especially these work shoes that feel like tennis shoes. A great option for him now that he is back in the office more often.
Here are some other picks from the sale:
Did we miss anything? What do you usually stock up on every year?
XX Sarah and Missy
All of the links contained in this email are commissionable links, meaning we make a commission with no extra cost to you. While we receive a commission, our opinions are not influenced by the financial incentive, and we remain committed to sharing our honest experiences and opinions. For more details on how we generate revenue on big sales days, check out this Substack from last year.
FYI, the Longchamp tote is not packable nylon, it’s coated canvas. It will fold flat but not up into a small square. It’s a great work bag/personal item, it’s sturdier than nylon. I wouldn’t say it’s waterproof, but definitely ‘splash proof’.