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The Nordstrom anniversary sale is here, and it's kind of a big deal. if you follow any fashion blogger in the USA then you've heard about it. There is a reason for it, It's a good sale.

This blog post will share with you everything you need to know about the Nordstrom anniversary sale for 2020, including the dates, my top picks, and why I shop it every single year.

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in 2020?

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is open to the public on Wednesday, August 19th, and ends on Sunday, August 30th. If you’re a cardholder you get early access.

For cardholders, your shopper status determines when you can start shopping. There are four different statuses, depending on how much money you spend per year at the retailer, and the higher your status, the earlier you get to shop. 

  • Icons: Tuesday, August 4th
  • Ambassadors: Friday, August 7th
  • Influencers: Monday, August 10th
  • Insiders: Thursday, August 13th

Early access for all cardholders ends on Tuesday, August 18th, the day before the sale opens up to everyone. But after early access ends, cardholders can continue shopping as they please until the sale is officially over.

Nordstrom is launching a sneak peek of all sale items on Friday, July 24th, 2020.

Why shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

I am not one to shell out a ton of money on fashion, but I will spend a little more when I know something is quality that will last. And that's why I always shop the Nordstrom sale. I've decided to share what I will purchase this year as a traveler. These are the items I know hold up, pack well, and are a good deal, especially if you're on the go.

I've rounded up the items that are a staple in my closet and are great picks for the #NSale.

Nordstrom card members get access starting August 4th to brand new merchandise (usually Fall themed) and staples. Then on August 19th the sale opens to the public. Prices go back up on August 5th. So it's quick.

Some of my favorite brands go on sale like Zella, Madewell, Topshop, Dior, Charlotte Tillbury, Sam Edelman, and more.

Your best bet for shopping the sale are finding pieces you know you need, make a list, and then see what they have. I tend to buy a few things throughout the sale so I'll be sure to update this guide with anything I buy. Here is what I recommend.

What A Frequent Traveler is Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Best #NSALE Tops

Topshop Ribbed Open front Cardigan – Originally $68 on sale for $44.90. Great length, colors, and perfect for layering. I'm getting the cream (umm and the gray too.) Oh, and there's a cable knit version too!

BP Fitted Crewneck Tee, originally $17 on sale for $10.90. I need basic tees. I wear them with jeans, shorts, under dresses, etc. These are some of the best and hold up so well. I'm restocking my closet after 3 years! I'm also buying a few colors in the long-sleeve version.

Kut from the Kloth Quilted Panel Faux Suede Moto Jacket, originally $118 on sale for $76.90. This jacket is just lovely. It's perfect for Fall, cold planes, or the chilly weather in Scotland. or Ohio. Wherever you are this jacket makes any outfit look chic. Including the tee above and the leggings below.

Treasure & Bond Crewneck Pullover, originally $69, on sale for $45.90. Classic sweater, great color. Also comes in cowl neck which I ordered last year!

Dreamers By Debut Oversize Sweater, originally $49, on sale for $31.90. The colors of this are so beautiful, the orchid (lavender) and teal are lovely. Plus oversize? I'm in.

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover, originally $99 on sale for $83.90. I am obsessed with this half-zip pullover. I have it in white and I am buying it in black and grey. I wear it constantly. I've had my original one for 5 years so decided to treat myself and get a new one. It's something I wear for everything: hiking, walking, lounging.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan Barefoot Dreamsoriginally $116, on sale for $76.90. People have been talking about this cardigan every single sale, so I'm FINALLY caving in. Comes in 3 colors but I love this green one!

Free People My Only Sunshine Sweater was $108.00, on sale for $69.90. A chunky sweater is just my all time favorite. This one isn't cheap but it's well made, Free People always lasts.

Nordstrom Signature Colorblock Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweater – originally $299.00 on sale for $178.90. This sweater isn't cheap but it's cashmere! It holds up so well and is so soft and comfy.

The North Face Cragmont Fleece Jacket – originally $149.00, on sale $104.90. I love this contrast trim and North Face is the best brand.

Topshop Patch Cable Stitch Crow Sweater, originally $68, on sale for $39.90. I have got get this because I wore the absolute shit out of my other one. That's how often I wear it. This one is super thick and a good length. See my Instagram for proof. Also this is cheaper than it was last year, so scoop it up!

Thread & Supply Wubby Fleece Pullover, originally $78, now $45.90. Fun story. I tried ordering this fleece last year during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. But the thing is, I live in Germany. I ordered it, and Germany sent it. But I wasn't here. So they sent it back. Horrified, I called Nordstrom. They immediately refunded me, then offered to try and resend. At that point it was a lost cause. BUT, I am getting it now. Thank you.

I also love this colorblock one!

Long Sleeve Thermal Henley original $38, on sale for $24.90. I know, this is a lot of tops. But this is the last one (promise!) and I adore henleys. So comfy and cute. Also thinking about this henley too!

Best #NSALE Bottoms

Zella Live-In leggings, originally $59, on sale for $38.90. These are the best leggings in the WORLD. After 3 years I'm finally buying a new pair. The only reason is because I went hiking and a stick scraped my leg and I have a small hole. I wear these for lounging, working out, hiking, walking around, LIVING. They are the best. Buy 8. They are comfortable, high waist, and moisture wicking. I also wear them with sweaters and dress them up with boots.

Zella Live-In Leggings Pocket 7/8 – originally $65 on sale for $42.90. What I really REALLY love are the 7/8 pocket legging because they are a bit shorter (and I'm pretty short) AND they also have pockets. I will be buying these in every color offered.

The other leggings I always love are the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings (originally $98, on sale for $64.90). They look SO good and are the perfect (comfy) way to dress up your outfits.

Levi's 501 Ripped High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans – originally $98, on sale for $63.90. I've had my eye on a pair of Levi's jeans for a while so I'm thrilled about them being on sale. I love their jean shorts so I'm pumped to buy the jeans! These jeans are not cheap, but they will last you a very long time. They are a staple. There's also a skinny jean version of the Levi's here. Also thinking of buying the Madewell Jeans, because I adore this brand. Originally $128 but marked down to $84.90 during the sale.

Nike Dry Tempo Running Shorts, originally $25 on sale for $17.90. These are the perfect shorts for running around in, or in my case, running around the airport.

Good American Good Waist Ripped High Waist Crop Jeans, originally $175, on sale for $116. I currently have a hole in my black jeans and I've ALWAYS wanted to try the Good American jeans. I've heard they are not only comfortable but flattering so I'm in.

Best #NSALE Shoes

Vince Camuto Gradina Block Heel Bootie – Originally $149.95, on sale for $99.90. Such a great standard bootie that goes with everything. EVERYTHING! I have these in tan and I've had these for years.

Steve Madden Nifty Pointed Toe Over the Knee Boot, originally $79.90 on sale for $129.95. I hate to admit it, but I adore over the knee boots. They are so cute in the fall with an oversized sweater. Call me basic, I do not care. These have a short heel, not too high, and go with everything. These are great shoes for a night out, no matter the weather. I do love a good pair of booties that can go with everything. If I'm not wearing white Superstar Adidas that means I probably had to dress a bit nicer. These are a great pick.

Madewell Remi Mule, originally $88, on sale for $44.90. Because that price is just too dang good and these are adorable. Do not sleep on these!

Nike Blazer Low SE Sneaker, was $75, on sale for $49.90. There are many sneakers in the sale but I'm so particular when it comes to these! 9 times out of 10 I'm wearing white Adidas superstars, but I decided to switch it up and get these. These are the highest rated in the sale and are super comfortable and cute!

Timberland Ellendale Water Resistant Hiker Boot, was $119.95, on sale for $79.90. I recently just got back from a month long trip in Wyoming and Montana where we did tons of hiking. I've had the same hiking boots (these!) for 7 years! I'm shopping the sale for Hiking boots and my requirements are: waterproof, sturdy, and super comfortable. So I'm ordering these.

Best #NSALE Beauty

Neulash Lash Enhancing Serum Duo, originally $190, on sale for $97. If you indulge yourself in one thing, may it be the Neulash enhancing serum. It works. I've had 3 tubes over 4 years. I don't use it daily but every couple days. It lengthens and strengthens your lashes. I'm obsessed.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set – $68 for a $98 value. THIS WILL SELL OUT. This is one of the most popular lip colors in the world! And there's a reason – it's so pretty and universal. I'm buying.

Olaplex Jumbo Bond Maintenance System Set AND Thirsty Hair Oil & Leave-In Conditioner Kit. These are both on sale and Olaplex just works. I adore the bond conditioner and I love it, it's a hair saver. Also, if I don't use leave in conditioner my hair will break off, so this is a lifesaver.

Laura Mercier Prime & Perfect Collection, originally $75, on sale for $49. I watch a lot of beauty on YouTube. Everyone swears by the Laura Mercier translucent powder. I finally caved and bought this last year and it lives up to the hype!

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Set, $144 value for $72. I've been wanting to try this hair line for so long and I'm finally doing it now that it's on sale.

Giorgio Armani Glow Set – $112 value for $75. Lately I'm all about minimal makeup. The kind that just heightens your overall look. I wanted to buy one set (because I'm a sucker for cute little sets) and this one is just perfect.

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 Sunscreen Set, $58 value for $39. I'm proud to say I've become religious about sunscreen. I put it on every single day without fail on my face and hands. This brand is one of the best. Very lightweight and high SPF. No greasy residue.

MAC Brush With The Best Set on sale for $42.50. I need a few new brushes and this is the perfect little set.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Duo – $42, and $81 value. I will buy this once and this will be my entire supply for the year. I keep the smaller in my travel kit. It REALLY works to lock in makeup.

Best #NSALE Extras

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw, originally $147 but marked down to $97.90 during the sale. This will sell fast! Everyone and their mom freaks out about this blanket. So I am getting one. I think this would be perfect on the plane, road trips, or draped over my couch that I need to purchase because I currently have no furniture.

Dermaflash ONE Lilac Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal Device, value of $139 on sale for $99. Okay, I'm sick of the peach fuzzy on my face. I've had it. So this device that instantly removes dead skin cells, built-up debris and pesky peach fuzz.

Anthropologie Salt & Sand Scented Candle, $34 on sale for $19.90. The Anthropologie candles make such great gifts and candles are kind of necessary for life. The coastal scent is a good one but volcano is super popular.

RayBan 51mm Hexagonal Flat Lens Sunglasses – I love RayBans. But only when they're on sale. They are expensive, but so classic. You can wear these FOREVER.

Allsaints Captain Round Leather Crossbody Bag, originally $298 now $179.90. I only carry a crossbody bags. They are safer when you travel, easier on your back, and give you both hands. I love this pretty green color of this bag and like the size. It holds everything I need and isn't too bulky. It's really hard to find the right size bag, but this one is perfect! Also like this Coach one, similar price too.

Brixton ‘Wesley' Wool Fedora, originally $59 on sale for $38.90. Are you even a travel blogger if you don't have a hat? 4 years ago I bought a felt hat from the sale. Now, I need a new one. Also this one is great from Treasure & Bond.

TUMI V4 International 22-Inch Expandable Wheeled Carry-On, was $595, on sale for $349.90. Lastly, luggage! I you want a lightweight suitcase that is durable, Tumi is the best. It's awesome and can go wherever you go.

What I'm NOT Buying

These are the items that, in my opinion, are overly hyped and not worth the price.

Ugg Cozette Genuine Shearling Slide. Maybe I'm just not cool, but why, why do these have 4.5 reviews on nearly 500 reviews? Did the Kardashians wear these? Either way, I don't get it.

Halogen Pleated Midi Skirt, originally $119, on sale for $78.90. I love a good skirt but this price is still WAY too high. You can find similar for much cheaper here.

Georgina 57mm Gradient Lens Square Sunglasses, originally $295 on sale for $263.90. Before purchasing these sunglasses PLEASE ask yourself: do these really look good? And is paying nearly $200 a good price? And do you need gradient sunglasses? No, no and no.

And there you have it! My picks for the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Will you be shopping?