That “N-Sale”. Everyone raves about it. Bloggers abound as well as influencers get all warm and fuzzy over it. They rave about what you have to buy—mostly because they are getting a commission from that “N-sale.” I’m actually happy the sale is over!
Whatever happened to the timeless, classic Nordstrom I used to know and love? These days it’s all about what’s “On Trend.”
Over the past couple of years, the sale has taken a serious turn from selling classic and timeless goods and has turned over to the young and trendy. Thank God for J. Crew sales is all I can say! Don’t get me wrong—in the past I’ve gotten great buys on leather Longchamp bags and boots—but those buys are no longer to be found.
These two leather Longchamp bags were great buys at past Nordstrom Anniversary Sales. I did not see these at the sale this year.
This year’s sale brought and bought forth for me nothing more than panties and a bra. And I could have gotten the bra at Nordstrom Rack for a better price. Oh well.
My big Anniversary Sale purchase. A Natori Feathers bra and Hanky Panky panties. I could have bought the bra for a lesser price at Nordstrom Rack!
Anyway, after perusing the Nordstrom site to see if any of my favorite brand of jeans, AG Jeans were on sale. I did see that a few pairs were. But they were still pricey. So, me, being as frugal as my Frenchman would like, headed over to the Nordstrom Rack site.
AG Legging Ankle Super Skinny Jeans–$225.
This pair of AG Jeans was priced for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale at $168.
And not only did I find one but I found two pairs of AG Jeans. Both around $70 each. And they were well-worth the purchase! In fact, the two pairs that I purchased came in costing less than one pair of AG Jeans on sale over at the Anniversary price!
I find myself shopping here more these days rather than at Nordstrom
Let’s have a look at the jeans I purchased.
The first pair I purchased was originally $215. I paid $70.
They are skinny jeans with a raw hem–which is as trendy as I’ll get with a pair of jeans. But they are classic with an edge.
Here’s a better view of the hem. I also like the color wash of these jeans.
The waist has a higher mid-rise cut, which I find to be the most universally flattering
The overall fit of AG is great. The size 29 fits beautifully. The brand hugs curves and if you are curvy AG is a great jean!
The original price tag from the second pair that I purchased–also around $70
A lighter wash and a skinnier jean. This is the same 29 inch waist size.
I got a little gut and the jeans stretch nicely over it. Let’s face it–most of us don’t have 6-pack abs!
Overall, another great fitting jean. I’ll be getting a lot of use out of them once the weather cools off! It’s just way too hot for me to wear jeans now.
Seriously—the point I’m trying to convey is don’t be taken in by all sales. Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale has become iconic. However, it doesn’t mean that because it’s an iconic sale that it’s the best sale around. Because, quite frankly, I don’t think it is. You can do better at Nordstrom Rack. And you can also do better at end-of-season sales. And you can do better at online sites.
Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you HAVE to buy it!
The jeans that I purchased are my fall/winter wardrobe additions. There are enough articles of clothing packed away for the upcoming cooler times to keep me well-clothed and stylishly clothed from October through next April.
I should have taken my own advice when it came to this Natori Feathers Bra. It’s $29.99 at Nordstrom Rack. I paid $40 at the Anniversary Sale!
I wish you happy shopping and smart shopping! And with Labor Day approaching, you’ll be finding some terrific bargains as retailers make way for winter clothes and Holiday shopping!
……especially during the Holidays!!
Do you like Julie London? I was listening to her in the car today. I love her voice. Here’s her version of “Cry Me a River”. I think it’s the best!
I wasn’t too impressed either, Catherine.
Hi Susan, I’m finding out that many people weren’t impressed either!!! XOXOXOXO
Agree with you 100% on the sale. In addition I am convinced many of the items are specially made (I think they use the term “unique” to Nordstroms) and thus of a lesser quality which is how they make up for the discounted price. I remember in past years that within a few months many of the Anniversary Sale Items will be heavily discounted and will be even less than they were during the sale. I think I am done with the hoopla over the Anniv. Sale. .I still don’t feel like I really have a dept. at Nordstroms clothing wise. Too old for BP, not wealthy enough for Designer Section and prob too old and too heavy for the majority of Point of View…and too classic for the plus size dept. I really really dislike City Chic, Rebel and some other AWFUL lines the plus size section sells. I sort of am in between the reg. size departments and Plus dept….depends on the cut and style of the garment. I truly do not know where to shop anymore…
Hi Nancy! The other thing with BP is that the cut of the clothing is very slender and thin and many of the items are very flimsy. Nordstrom does have items specially made because I worked there for about six months when I was in between jobs. In the past few years the store has, in my opinion, taken a nose dive in quality. While the store does sell designer goods, like you, I’m not wealthy enough to afford those designer duds!
I think it the frustration isn’t so much in the regular/plus boundaries but it’s the crazy inconsistent sizing these days and the fact that all of these department stores and manufacturers are forgetting about women who still want to be stylish in a classic way. Glad that you agree!!! XOXOXOXO
YES! Someone else who is perplexed by the N-sale hype. I remember the sale was full of new looks for the upcoming season (especially for career wear) and offered great early markdowns. Now, it’s full of the same stuff that had already been on the racks, just temporarily at a lower price. Perhaps it’s the rarity of the discounts that attracts so many. Other retailers should take note.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Hi Rena! I’m so glad that you are in agreement with me. And you are so correct. The sale used to be chock-full of new looks and great markdowns. The vibe has changed so much. It seems geared more to the younger set more and more each year!!! XOXOXOXO
I am on a rant tonight aren’t I??? One other thing that occurs to me as read other’s comments is that Nordstroms used to offer clothing that was diff. than other stores…now its full of departments like JCrew, Free People, Madewell, Boden…etc etc…I can go to those stores/websites if I want their clothing…why are they selling these items? Why not have something that is Nordstroms’ own????Yes I know there is Halogen and Caslon, etc but why not more brands that belong to them and not like every other store in the world?
Nancy, I almost passed out when Nordstrom started carrying J. Crew. It’s ridiculous because J. Crew’s online site offers tremendous sales. There’s no way I’m buying J. Crew at Nordstrom. Same with the other brands. It’s crazy. You know, Macy’s used to be a great store and now it’s pretty bad–I think Nordstrom may be heading for a dive!!! It’s a shame too!!! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine, add me to the list of the unimpressed! I attempted to buy a pair of black suede over the knee boots. Meh, the quality seemed off or I wasn’t feeling it. And, I kept seeing so many bloggers featuring the same boot. I was tired of them before I even bought them, lol. Actually, I’ve been hunting on Ebay and saw a great pair of Sam Edelmans for half the price and even better quality. So, there you go it pays to shop around. And Nancy, I completely agree with your rants!! 🙂
Renee in Smokey, cough, cough…Northern California
HI Rene. I love OTK boots but, like you, after seeing every blogger out there with the same ones, it was like a uniform. I never thought to check out Ebay. Thank you for the suggestion!!! XOXOXOXOX
Love the Longchamp bags.
They were a great buy and Nordstrom had them for many years during the Anniversary Sale but no more. Glad I made the purchases!!! XOXOXOXO
I usually shopped at the Nordstrom’s Rack. Sometimes I am able to find good deals there. I was aware they had an Anniversary Sale. I knew Saks and Neiman Marcus. Who I wish would have a sale is Louis Vuitton. LOL! But I live down the road from a major outlet and is always haunting the place looking for bargains.
Is Nordstrom Rack like TJ Maxx? (End of lines and seconds?) I love those raw hem jeans, they fit you perfectly.
Off to France this afternoon! Xx
Hey Fiona. Nordstrom Rack is a few rungs up the ladder compared to TJ Maxx. I’ve found great stuff at Rack moreso than Maxx!!! Have a great time in France!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
OMG Catherine, my Dad used to listen to Julie London! I haven’t thought about her in years, so thanks for the reminder.
I’m going to look for this brand of jeans at Nordstrom Rack, they look fabulous on you!!
Great advice on sales. I’ve grown weary of the N sale, mainly because bloggers push it as nauseum. Your honesty is so refreshing!!!😍
Hi Vinomama. Yeah. Julie London has the greatest voice. I was perusing through music for my phone and came across her and was reminded of how much my parents loved her. She’s allsome!! LOL. The bloggers come out in April with reminders for the sale. It’s become a bore!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Living in the Netherlands, I don t know Nordstrom at all
Hey Nancy. Nordstrom is one of the higher end department stores here in the States–but lately it doesn’t seem as high end as it used to be!!!! XOXOXOXO
Thanks!
Heard of Nordstrom and disappointed on your behalf. Over here we are the arse-end of the sales – I guess John Lewis, House of Fraser, Debenhams wont even come close to Nordstrom but I wont go in specifically looking at sales at all these days and it is a LONG tine since I have, as they offend me so much. Do they think we are THAT stupid? Well, OK obvs someone is – but markdowns on stuff people didn’t want anyway, things that are torn or dirty as I see in John Lewis, nah I’ll pass, and the thing is they are damaging their own business – these things sit in the shop for ages taking up space and looking tatty with no one buying – so a) retail space is being wasted and b) people are turned off by what they have and will go elsewhere – not rocket science. No wonder at least 1 of those big shops is struggling, I feel for the staff but not for the managers, lazy and greedy as any markdowns are pathetic. That said, I will buy a few sale items – if they are plain white tees or something I use as a staple, but really the days of sales being a “big” thing are over in the UK. I think (hope) people are wising up and gradually voting with their purse and feet
Hi Juliet. I think the trend might be swinging that way here too. Honestly, I”m wondering how well the Nordstrom sale did because the few times I ran to the mall during the sale (other shops), the parking lot near Nordstrom wasn’t crowded. Perhaps more people are doing online shopping. I’m gonna stick to shopping in my closet for a while–LOL XOXOXOXXO
I love the items in the Nordstrom Sale but I also was sick of hearing about the sale and my wallet cannot afford it!!! Nordstrom Rack is the way to go and those jeans are all super cute!
Thanks Kenz. Um..yeah. Many of the “sale” items were overpriced–even at sale prices and some of the same stuff was less pricey at Nordstrom Rack!!! Glad you like the jeans–thanks!!! XOXOXOXOX
I’m done with the Nordstrom Sale after I was burned buying 2 cashmere sweaters…the pilling was immediate and dreadful…the wool was flimsy, the cut was weird…I actually threw them both out. So no bargain there. Truth be told, I haven’t ventured into Nordstrom Rack….maybe…but I do enjoy TJ’s so much. 🙂
Jeanne. You should have returned those sweaters. That’s cheap cashmere and Nordstrom should have known better. Rack has been a good treasure trove for me lately!!! XOXOXOXO
Great one… thank you for sharing… wonderful post
Thank you Princess!!! XOXOXOXO
I’m so glad the sale is over! I get sick of seeing the same thing over and over again! You look fabulous in the jeans, I’ll be checking my NR for them!
xo,
Kellyann
Hi Kellyann! Right??? I am so glad that it’s over because every day the Instagram feed was loaded with bloggers and “liketoknowit” to click and buy. Definitely check out NR!!!! XOXOXOXO
Thanks for your good advice for regular folks. Some of the clothes reviewed on some blogs are quite expensive. I like a bargain!
Hi Maryellen. What you need to know–many of these bloggers make a very decent commission from Nordstrom and other stores. The more you click from them the more they make. I’ll admit, I am an Amazon influencer but I only look for good bargains for others to purchase–and the money comes in handy since I don’t make anything from the blog. But that’s neither here nor there. I LOVE a bargain. And for those of us who are not of the one percent, it should be all about good quality at a budget price. I don’t do expensive!!! XOXOXOXOXOX
I don’t shop at Nordstrom’s sale or no—LOL. I have gone in to snoop and sit at the coffee bar in the middle which makes for great people watching. I just can’t justify the prices but the handbags are tempting. So, I just love that you’re honest here at your blog, Cath. You never sugar coat anything and call bull shit when it needs to be done.
Love the jeans on you! You’re looking very petite. 🙂 I will check out the Nordstrom’s rack…if I can find one. WE have Saks Rack…probably not as good.