The fact that it’s July is blowing my mind, but I am so excited because that means it’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale month!!!  They just released the catalog and I actually got to pre-shop the sale and see everything and I am so excited to share it with you guys.  I know I say this every year, but I really think it’s the best year yet.  I thought I’d put together a list of 10 things you need to know before shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 if you plan on shopping.  There’s plenty of info here whether it’s your first sale, or you are a seasoned pro I’ve included my #1 pro-tip!

1. When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is two weeks long in total, starting July 19-August 4th, but if you have a Nordstrom Card you get Early Access one week early, starting on July 12.  For the first time this year, they are giving access even earlier to the two highest levels of Nordstrom Rewards members (details below).  Here are all the dates:

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Icon Pre-Shop In Stores: July 9th

Icon & Ambassador Pre-Shop In Stores: July 10-11th

Icon & Ambassador Pre-Shop Online: July 11th (12:30pm EST)

Early Access for Nordstrom Card Holders: July 12-18

Anniversary Sale: July 19th–August 4th

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2. How to Get Early Access

In order to get Early Access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you have to have a Nordstrom Credit card.  I personally have had one for a few years and love it.  They have an option to get a Nordstrom VISA (you can use anywhere) or a Nordstrom Retail card (you can use only at Nordstrom).  I have the Nordstrom Retail card.

Here’s the truth about Early Access: if you’re excited for the sale and don’t want to miss out on items due to things selling out (they will…see below), get the card.  If you are new to shopping the sale or don’t really care too much about things selling out then there’s no need to open the card.

Another benefit to the card is that you earn points which add up until you earn Nordstrom Notes (like gift cards).  Right now if you apply for a card you get a $60 note to spend during the sale!

You can apply for a Nordstrom Card HERE.

3. Things WILL Sell Out

Okay, so the main perk of having early access is because things sell out like crazy.  Like you’ve never seen things sell out like this before.  It’s literally a frenzy and things go so fast.  I really can’t stress that point enough, but it blows my mind every year.  I will make sure to cover what’s going to sell out first, but once things are gone, they’re gone.  This is the number one perk to having the Nordstrom Card and gaining early access.  The best items usually sell out during this pre-sale week and never come back.

That being said, women’s items always sell out first every year.  If you are wanting to wait on things, wait on men’s & kids.  Those things are typically still around for a while.

4. Restocks are Few and Far Between

Counting on a restock isn’t a good strategy because unfortunately, they just don’t really happen.  Typically the most popular things sell out during Early Access, and then you never see them come back online again.  Every once in a while sizes will trickle in from returns, but they don’t actually “restock” things.

5. Buy Now, Return Later

That being said, if you see something you might possibly want, BUY IT.  Heck, buy it in multiple sizes.  In all seriousness, you don’t know if it will be in stock again and Nordstrom has free shipping & returns.  You just pop whatever you don’t want back in the box and ship it back with a label they include for you.  Might as well buy whatever you think you may want and have the chance to try it on in your home and then ship it back later.

6. The Best Way to Shop the Sale is Online

The absolute best way to shop the sale is online!  They have a ton more inventory and selection  than any store does and you don’t have to deal with the frenzy that the sale brings.  Shipping is free both ways and you can try everything on in the comfort of your home.  My favorite thing is the “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store” option if it’s available be cute you drive up and they bring it to your car that same day.  No waiting and no having to shop in-store!

7. Follow Me for All the Best Finds

I promise to cover the sale in it’s entirety for you!  I have been shopping this sale for years now and know what’s going to sell out first and what’s worth investing in.  This year I’m excited about the calendar we have and plan to do tons of try-ons on Instagram Stories for you to see the items in a more “in person” way.

Follow me HERE!

Here are some things you can expect to see from me in the coming weeks during the sale: My Top Picks, What I Bought, Best of Handbags, 5 Closet Basics You Need from the Sale, a Workwear Haul, and so much more!

8. Invest in Things that Never Go On Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a super unique sale in the fact that it’s all brand new items for the Fall season that haven’t been released yet that are put on sale.  They’re marked down just during the few weeks of the sale period, and then prices go back up to regular price after August 4th.  So, think of it as kind of a “reverse sale.”

A lot of the items that are included are staple pieces and things that never go on sale: Tory Burch handbags, designer denim, t3 curling irons, fall coats, boots, car seats & strollers, etc.  There are also lots of exclusive beauty sets put out each year during the sale that are so good and the best deals: Oribe & Living Proof hair products, Beauty Blenders, makeup brush sets, MAC lip kits, etc.  Invest in key items like these that you won’t be able to get deals on later!

9. Schedule Double Points Days When You’re Going to Shop

This is a PRO TIP!  if you are a Nordstrom Cardmember, schedule a Double Points day during the day you are going to be doing the most shopping.  You can do that online if you have an account, or just by calling the number on the card.  That way you’ll earn points twice as fast!  Try to make all of you r purchase on this day to really take advantage of it!

10. Get excited!

Some of my favorite purchases of the year each year are from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I’m so excited for this year’s!  Here’s just a little taste of some things I’ve seen that I know I’ll be grabbing.  I actually got a peek at everything and it is SO GOOD.  If you want to take a peek at the whole catalog, CLICK HERE.

Well, that’s all!  I can’t wait to shop it with you guys and am so excited for the next few weeks!  What is something you’ll be shopping for during the sale?