Navigating the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Hello there!  Hope Summer is treating you well!  Of all the many reasons I love Summer, it doesn't hurt that this is when Nordstrom holds their yearly anniversary sale.  I wait all year for this!  If you're not familiar, it may sound silly, but this is a very unique sale.  Not only is it NEW Fall merchandise available before the season starts, but items are heavily discounted AND it encompasses everything from designer pieces, beauty & home, to shoes & apparel for the whole family.  If you're a Nordstrom cardholder (credit or debit) you get early access from July 14-21!  I love having the chance to scoop up treasures first, but if you don't have or want a card, the sale opens to everyone July 22 and then ends August 8 when all the prices go back up.  This is only my second year shopping the sale and I have to admit that it can be overwhelming, and certain items tend to sell out fast!  I've put together some shopping tips and top picks to help you along!  

Tip 1-Know what you need- I do regular closet clean outs, but before this sale, I like to go through my cold-weather wardrobe and pull out what I'm no longer loving (I sell or donate these items).  I look for "holes" in my wardrobe; pieces I've wanted for a while or items that would help me pull more outfits together.  I like to purchase items that I'll get a ton of wear out of.  I personally look for a great pair of boots in the sale because they're always high quality, comfortable, and I'll live in them during the colder months.

Tip 2-Set a budget- It's easy to get carried away with a sale like this, especially one that so many of us shop and post about.  Even though there are great deals, you don't want to spend more than you have and pay interest on your credit card!  I like to set aside a little money throughout the months prior, and I also carefully keep track of my online orders and in store visit(s).  I usually limit myself to one trip in store!  It's easier to get distracted and be more impulsive in store than online, at least for me.  I love Nordstrom's online wish list feature, which basically lets me bookmark items and think it over, before adding it to my cart.  This year, I printed it out and brought it in store where a delightful associate helped me find my items!  

Tip 3-Make it a date- You can absolutely make this a fun day for you and your girls, but sometimes its nice to take yourself on a little date and just focus on you.  I enjoy this time by myself.  This is my big shopping adventure for Fall, so I want to enjoy it, get what I really love, and treat myself to a little lunch.  I have to mention, that this Chicken Caesar wrap from Nordstrom's Cafe is delicious and worth trying! 

Tip 4- Take the plunge- A lot of people tend to think that Nordstrom only carries expensive brands, but that's far from true!  They are a quality retailer with an amazing selection.  The service is great and everything is easy to find.  I recommend checking it out, especially during the sale.  The greatest thing I think they offer are free shipping and returns.  Even if I buy a piece during the sale, if I don't love it, I return it in store without any hassle!  

Here are some of my top picks:

Socialite dress
nordstrom.com

Rails button front shirt
nordstrom.com

Leith open cardigan
nordstrom.com

Socialite cross front top
nordstrom.com

Halogen over-the-knee suede boots
nordstrom.com

Nadri earrings
nordstrom.com

St Tropez sun care
nordstrom.com


Though I'm singing their praises, this post is not sponsored by Nordstrom, I'm just a huge fan!  I'll update you all on my sale finds and reviews, once my online orders come in.  Let me know what your fav finds are!  

Last Minute gifts...Home pampering

3 days until Christmas!  Are you ready?!  I'm excited and ever so slightly anxious, since there are one or two things still left for me to pick up.  When we get down to the wire, it can be stressful and we just can't think of a gift!  What do you get the person that has everything?  The minimalist?  The person you don't know all that well?  Give the gift of pampering!  The best kind, is one that doesn't require the recipient to leave their house AND they can curl up in their pajamas!

These little treats from Lush are festive, fun to gift and are a real treat to use.  I love that they offer fresh handmade items that are 100% vegetarian and that they don't test on animals!    I just finished a bubble bath myself, and forgot how rejuvenated you feel after!  I've rounded up some of my gift recommendations to help make shopping a little easier!

Holiday decoration

lushusa.com 
I actually just picked this up for my co-worker and it comes wrapped and ready to go!  I love the lip scrub and lip tint combo, because it's something that we most very often wouldn't buy for ourselves.  The scrub is an edible sugar scrub, with a fizzy-cola taste and the lip tint is made with cherries, dates, & Shea butter.

Body cleanser
lushusa.
This is my new favorite.  I actually broke this in half, so I'll get two uses from it, which is a great tip for many of their products.  I love the festive smell, so warm and wintery.  The Clove Bud Oil, Shea butter & Soy Milk powder made for a luxurious bath and soft skin straight from the tub.

Body cleanser
lushusa.com
I love Jasmine & Ylang Ylang for their relaxing scents!  The rose in the bomb adds a fun twist to it too!

Body cleanser
lushusa.com
 I grabbed this one initially only because it was Santa. What can I say?  I'm a sucker for good packaging!  This scent profile though, is right up my alley.  Bergamot, Mandarin, & Orange Flower are so invigorating.  Up close, you can also see his subtle shimmer.

Magic Wand
lushusa.com
This one is a sweeter scent than I usually go for, but I love this for kids and "big kids" alike.  The cotton-candy scent and pink water are great for girly girls.  You use the stick to swirl the star under running water and create scented bubbles.  This one is great for multiple uses!

Foot Soak And Fancy Free
lushusa.com
This foot soak is a perfect gift for both men & women.  It's also a great size to break up and use multiple times!  I'm thinking of all the moms I know that this would be perfect for!  It contains Epsom & Sea Salts & will fizz up when added to the water.  The Lavender & Jasmine will make for a relaxing experience.

Peeping Santa Bubble Bar
lushusa.com
How cute is this?!  This Bubble Bar gets crumbled up under running water to create the suds and has an amazing Strawberry smell.  The Cocoa & Shea butter will leave your skin amazingly soft and nourished.

Pop these items in to a fun box with some Easter grass (Dollar Tree has it in fun colors), a mug, or a clear gift bag with a bow and your gift is ready!  Grab a couple for yourself too, since it's only fair to know what you're giving! ;)
*This is post is not sponsored by Lush *

Sit & Shop...Cyber Monday Deals

For those of you that still have a little shopping left in you, I've rounded up some Cyber Monday deals.  I have to say, there are some great ones!  Heat up some leftovers and finish up your holiday shopping without having to fight the crowds or wait in line. ;)

Express-50% off everything (excludes gift cards, Express edition collection & featured brands) Starts Sunday at midnight; discount taken at checkout

Forever 21-21% off when you spend $21 with code: CYBER21

H&M-20% over $25 with code: 2020 + free shipping /30% off when you spend over $50 with code: 3030 +free shipping

J Crew Factory-Everything is 50% off + 15% off & free shipping with code: TODAYONLY

Macys-Free shipping over $25 & an extra 20% off with code: CYBER (They also have a ton of items on special in various online departments)

Nordstrom-Extra 25% sale items & other great deals starting Nov. 30th

Old Navy-40% off everything with code: BESTCYBER

The Impeccable Pig- 30% off with code: CYBERMONDAY

The Limited-60% off Online Exclusives, 50% off Everything Else (in store & online), extra 15% off purchases over $100 & free shipping with code: CYBER

Target-30% off clothes, shoes & accessories (discount already built in to the items)

Happy Shopping!



*This post is not sponsored and these recommendations are my own*

Cyber Monday Sale favs by ashleycole-i on polyvore.com

Nordstrom Anniversary sale picks 2015

I'm sure by now, you've heard that Nordstrom is having an Anniversary sale.  Well, I must admit, this is actually my first year hearing about it.  Crazy, I know. ;)  If you're not familiar, it's a huge deal because you get brand new Fall items at amazing discounts BEFORE the season starts.  There are deals in beauty, fashion, home, and it's for men, women, and kids!  They do have a preview of the sale for cardholders, but it's open to everyone now. After August 3rd those prices go back up!  Items sell out fast, so happy shopping and let me know  which deals you couldn't pass up!

Nordstrom Anniversary sale picks 2015 by ashleycole-i featuring black leather booties

This stunner is the only item here that isn't part of the sale, but it called to me.  The colors and print are so beautiful and I can't wait for it to arrive! 

Charles Henry crepe shirt dress
nordstrom.com

I purchased the plaid and loved it so much, (probably due to the cashmere in this patterns blend) that I went back for the blue.  I'm 5'4" and I went for the petite and love the length!  This is ideal for my lazy Fall days with a t-shirt and leggings (my weekend uniform) or I can pair it with a pencil skirt. SO soft!  Ladies, you will want to sleep in this. 

Halogen long open cardigan
nordstrom.com

This seemed like such a great staple piece and the purple was so rich.  The fabric quality was great, but I had to take this one back.  I ordered it online and it just did not lay right on me.  I know I could have worn it open, but if it doesn't lay right when buttoned, it really doesn't fit.  I'd rather hold out for pieces that make me feel like a rockstar.

Caslon long blazer
nordstrom.com
 

I was drawn to these because I wanted to pair them with the Halogen cardigan above.  They are designed as workout wear, but they have a great feel to them and are opaque, so Why not?! 

Zella pants
nordstrom.com
 

Check out all the goodies for yourself.  You only have until 8/3 before the prices go up!

Nordstrom
nordstrom.com

I had these on my wish list for a while.  My local Nordstrom doesn't stock them and I really wanted to try these on before investing.  I was worried how they would look on a shorter gal.  Well, I decided to take the leap, based on the 5 stars and positive ratings from fellow fashionistas.  I have a feeling I will love these for leggings or a dress. 

Louise et Cie black leather booties
nordstrom.com
 

These did not appeal to me online, but in person they rock!  I guess it's because I never really got in to the Valentino Rock Studs that I feel inspired these.  I went with the black Stingray print leather and they are such a unique feel! The quality is impressive!  Just a heads up, I did have to go a 1/2 size down for the ideal fit. 

Halogen studded flat
nordstrom.com

Normally I stick to places like Forever 21 for my hats and super trendy pieces, but  this beauty is ONLY $17in the sale and I'm digging the burgundy.  I went for it, since this color wouldn't be as easy to find as a classic brown or black.  Burgundy is sold out online, but they still have a luxurious Camel color (my other fav), classic black and Heather Grey.

Leith crown hat
nordstrom.com

Pallets baby!  I love a good makeup pallet because I feel like they are such a deal!!  Nars is one of my favorite brands and I know this will be ideal to travel with-bronzer, blush & highlight all in one case.  The brush itself has a huge following, so I'm excited to give it a whirl.

Nars cosmetic
nordstrom.com

My hands down favorite self tanner. I use a body mitt with it, apply in a circular motion and NEVER streak.  I've never tried the face mitt, usually I just mix a little with my moisturizer and apply with my fingers (and wash my hands right after).   It gives me the most beautiful golden tan every time! By the time I found out about this set, it was sold out online, but my store actually had 2 left.  Once you see it, you'll know what a deal this set is; you get the body applicator mitt, face mitt, 13.5 oz. mousse, & a 1.69 bronzing mousse.   An 8 oz. mousse alone sells for $42! 

St Tropez beauty product
nordstrom.com