The Sunday Brief | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale | the must-have pieces for classic style

there are sales and then there’s the nordstrom anniversary sale. so what is this sale all about? and why all the hullabaloo surrounding it? well, i’m here to guide you through the Queen of all sales and give my perspective. first off, last year was my first year to participate. seeing as i was a full-time blogger and was privileged to listen to all the hype weeks before it arrived i thought it was only fair to dip one toe into those nordstrom waters. and i have to admit i came away from the experience a believer. the number one reason? because hundreds of new fall clothes are on sale before the season starts. all-new arrivals at super-sale prices. and we all know autumn is our favorite season to shop for clothes. the air is crisp the temps are cool and sweaters, leggings, coats, and boots are simply scrumptious to slip into. not only are clothes on sale for men, women, and children but home goods, beauty products, lingerie, handbags, and shoes. the works. as a department store Nordstrom has it all. so here’s a rundown of the key dates:

Important Dates

Early access begins July 13th

why shop early access? This puts you at the head of the line and gives you a jump start before the sale opens to the general public. and, yes, items do sell out and may or may not be restocked. I so appreciate brands that give preference to their loyal customers and early access is just that.

There is only one way to shop early access.

A) become a Nordstrom cardholder. There are all sorts of benefits to the Nordstrom card like accumulating points to use towards purchases or notes. if you presently don’t have a card and decide to sign up by July 9th and make a purchase Nordstrom will give you a $20 note you can spend during the sale from July 21 – August 6th

it’s that easy to shop early access.

sign up for a Credit Card

okay, now that you know what it takes to gain early access let’s review the sale dates.

July 13th | early access begins

July 20th | last day early access

this is the last day cardholders can shop the sale before it opens up to the general public

July 21st | sale open to everyone

August | Sale ends

so who wants to take a peek at the catalog? i’m also sharing a few of my favorite picks with you today. but from a unique classic perspective. because if you are like me and love items that channel a classic stylish vibe like trenches, wrap dresses, blazers, pea coats, straight leg jeans, kitten heels, and hobo handbags then you will have lots of choices during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. so what are my must-have classic items? well, i’m glad you asked because i’m sharing ten.

let’s start with a leather moto-jacket similar here and here. ‘cuz my beloved faux leather jacket is showing signs of wear and tear. but i have my eye on this one for a replacement.

we all know i love blazers. they are so darn versatile and go with pencil skirts or denim with ease. i particularly liked this striped blazer with a removable dickie. it’s like two jackets in one. but i also liked this houndstooth blazer from j.crew and this tweed peplum by rebecca taylor.

loafers are classic, stylish, and practical. it’s a win/win. any one of these looks mighty fine like this pair or this one. but i may be partial to the top left pair.

diamond stud earrings are not only classic but they go with everything and last a lifetime. a watch is also on my must-have list. there are so many cute and affordable styles these days. mr. style’s first gift on our wedding day was a movado watch that i still treasure after all these years.

a clutch gives a little sass and class to any outfit and is perfect for date night. the clutch below is metallic and quilted. it’s details like this that set it apart. 

initial necklace. monograms and initials are timeless elegance. i also liked this pendant necklace that will layer nicely due to its longer length.

anorak jacket. perfect for chasing the winter chill away in style. it never goes out of style. that’s right, never. this double face cashmere coat by Vince is tres chic. if you don’t have a classic pea coat in your closet then check this one out by French Connection. but don’t forget to add a military coat into the mix.

one of my favorite classic handbag silhouettes is the mighty hobo bag. frye makes a very nice bag. but i fell in love with this rebecca minkoff velvet backpack. and i would be remiss if i didn’t mention that every handbag closet should include a tote

ballet flats soared to popularity thanks in large part to audrey hepburn and her starring role in the movie funny face. i always have at least one pair in my closet. i loved thi scalloped pair by louis et cie that is a dead ringer for luxury brand chloe. but you can always count on tory burch  for a solid ballet flat. 

okay, ladies. are you ready to shop the super bowl of sales? it starts this thursday. stay tuned as i’ll share all of my picks and favorites then. and i’m offering one lucky YouTube subscriber a $250 Nordstrom gift card. winner to be announced July 31st with six days left to shop the Anniversary Sale. to be eligible to win the gift card subscribe to my YouTube channel. it’s that easy. this is my way of saying Thank You and sending a little love to all my lovely readers that tune in day after day.

happy sunday!

p.s. take a look at this ootd. can you name the classic items i’m wearing? hint: there are four.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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