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November 2023 Update: Curious about the next big Nordstrom sale? We don’t know when the 2024 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will be, but the next big sale will be their Half-Yearly Sale around Dec. 24. Unfamiliar with the NAS? Check out this page for more info on why it’s the best sale of the year.) Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the major workwear sales, or check out our roundup of the latest sales on workwear!
The below content is about the 2013 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
As promised, here are a few of my top picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I still have to go through shoes and bags, so stay tuned for that (maybe on the Weekend Open Thread). A few quick notes:
– Reader favorite (so much so that it’s known as “The Skirt ’round these here parts) Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt is on sale for generally $45. Lots of colors, and available in plus and petite sizes.
– There are lots of great work-appropriate pieces from Diane von Furstenberg, BOSS Black, Classiques Entier (ooh, including this lovely suit, which I love but didn’t include below), Theory, Tahari, Trina Turk, and Halogen — lots of affordable suiting in particular from Halogen.
– Another reader favorite: Shimera tanks and camis are on sale — seamless, machine washable, available in lots of colors in regular and plus sizes, and reversible (scoop or V-neck)
– More lingerie favorites in the sale: Spanx, Hanky Panky, Le Mystere, Chantelle, and Yummie Tummie.
Now that we’ve done the broad strokes, here are my top 12 individual pieces. Note that the pictures generally go in order of lowest prices to highest price, and there is more info (usually at least name/price/colors) if you hover over the picture. Happy shopping, ladies!
SFBayA
I feel so slick for ordering some of Kat’s picks. I ordered the Halogen red top, the Ivy & Blu dress, and the Classiques dress. Only the classiques dress has arrived so far and it’s too big in the bust for very small chested me, but k-padi says her/our Nordie’s personal shopper told her it could be altered. I really liked that dress (nice thick fabric, good neckline) so I may do that.
Be advised, Boss Black dresses run at least one size large.
What does everyone think of the vertical flap that runs down the right side of the torso of the Adrianna Papell dress?
Miss Behaved
I just bought the red Halogen top based on Kat’s recommendation. I love the blue, but I have another similar blue print Halogen top. I also love the black, but I have many black and white tops.
NYC
Is that true for Boss skirts, as well?
SFBayA
No, I wear my usual size in Boss in everything except the dresses. I have two of their skirt suits, and I take my usual Classiques size. But for some reason, the fit block for their dresses is completely different.
pencil skirts
Has anyone who has tried them on comment on how the Halogen seamed pencil skirt is different from the non-seamed one (the second picture from left on Kat’s top row)? If it matters, the old seamed pencil skirt was more a winner for me than last winter’s version of it.
roses
Petite ladies – can anyone comment on how high the Spanx tummy shapers go on a shorter lady? I’m looking at something like this to wear under my wedding dress: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-in-power-line-super-higher-power-tummy-control-shaper-3-for-75/3079985?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=Nude&resultback=218&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_C
The back of my dress dips just below where you would normally see the band of my bra. Trying to figure out if this would peek from the back or not!
mascot
5″2″ short waisted, I can tuck this under the band of my bra (which really helped hold it up)
anonette
So exited! I just bought the Skirt (in the bright blue color) and this top in navy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pleione-mixed-media-roll-sleeve-top/3438286?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=60132038&fashionColor=&resultback=200&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_A
anon
I don’t see your picks, Kat.
Kat G
They’re after the jump… What browser are you using?
Jules
Kat, FYI, the picks didn’t show up for me in IE but did when I switched to Chrome.
Senior Attorney
I can’t see ’em in IE, either!
SAlit-a-gator
Ditto – can’t see them in IE.
Kat G
Which version of IE? I vaguely remember this being a problem with an easy/ish fix, but I can see them in my version of IE (meaning I can’t recreate the problem to troubleshoot). Thank you for more information!
NYC
I just got a box of stuff that I ordered during the presale.
I got the Shimera briefs and LOVE them. Also got more hanky panky retro thongs. Love those.
I ordered the Halogen “New Taylor” pants, and am happy with them. I loved the old curvy fit ones but am between sizes. This new version runs a bit smaller so they are a better fit (sizing up).
I think I am going to place a second order. I have a Nordy’s problem, I think. Just so much good stuff!
BigMed
I have a Nordies problem also. Turns out it is contagious. My DH went there during the lunch hour and while i was paying bills online from my office, a $750 charge from Nordies popped up in our checking acct!!!!
NOLA
Oh, that’s funny. I had my box of returns to take to the post office this morning and my colleagues were upset that I had already sealed the box. They wanted the opportunity to take things off my hands before I sent them back!
Emily
They’re sold out of the kate spade watch i wanted :(
downstream
I would keep checking, there are sure to be returns.
grump
Am I the only one who is unimpressed by Halogen?
fellow grump
Totally agree. I think of it as the same quality level and fit as most juniors pieces or what you would find cheaper at your local Express or Limited.
MH
I just went and tried on the Skirt. It’s definitely a good purchase for $42, but I just don’t think it’s nice enough for me to wear at work.
It doesn’t help that I have a lot of junk in my trunk and the material is pretty clingy. I feel like because of my body type–pretty curvy, size 12-14 plus I’m 6 feet tall–I have to wear nicer material than smaller women because anything that is too thin/clingy/not cut as well just highlights problem areas. Ugh. I’m so bummed. I wanted that skirt.
grump
The skirt doesn’t work on me either. I’m a very curvy size 8 and The Skirt does not do it for me. I need structure. I need waistbands!
Emily
Same. I have a few Halogen brand sweaters or I’ve tried them on but they were underwhelming quality for the price. You could get an Ann Taylor skirt for a reasonable price through one of their many sales.
Jeans anon
For anyone who has a pair of Paige Manhattan baby boot cut jeans, can you wear them with riding boots without weird knee wrinkling? It seems like a great pair of jeans for versatility if you can wear them with boots or regular shoes (as I can’t wear real skinnies without boots, thanks hips) but it seems too good to be true.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/paige-denim-manhattan-baby-bootcut-jeans-elyse/3499201?origin=fashionresultspreview
lauren
I bought the Paige Manhattan and am really happy with them but i don’t think you could get them in a boot. I also bought the Paige skinny ones they have for boots. You might want to try them, i find i don’t like the way they look without boots, but once i put the boots on it balances out…..i should note though that another reviewer on the website said she like the Manhattan because she could get them in a boot (I must have huge calves, wouldn’t work for me)
anon
Question: All of you who have experience with The Skirt: I wear a size 10 in No. 2 pencil at JCrew. Do you have an opinion on what size I should get in The Skirt?
NYC
I am a size 10 in both, although The Skirt (recent versions) is a smidge bigger.
Susie
I’m trying to not go too crazy with the sale, but I think I will get my first Skirt (thinking the purple or green, I have about 10 black skirts and need more color) and maybe these booties: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clarks-rosepoint-dew-bootie/3457282?origin=shoppingbag
hellskitchen
How does the Classiques Entier suiting line work? I bought this dress but would like to get a coordinating blazer/jacket… can I get any of the CE jackets in a contrasting color like black to go with the dress? Is this brand TTS? I have never tried it but just bought a big haul of suits and dresses because I have heard it praised on this forum.