A Case Against the Nordstrom Sale

It’s Claire. Again. And yes, I’m wearing my scarf. Again. I’ve found it’s the perfect antidote to hats over unwashed hair. But enough about my obsession with my MimuMaxi scarf. I want to talk to you today about the antidote for the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. If you enjoy shopping at all, or follow any Instagram influencers, you’ve probably noticed everyone is all about the annual anniversary sale. Bloggers post their favorite finds and write reviews. MicroCloset has been known to shop at the Anniversary Sale and drop some major money there. The year I started law school I spent over $600 in hard earned tips to beef up my professional wardrobe.

Taking a break from shopping in a Madewell chambray dress, MimuMaxi scarf, Zara bag, and Naturalizer sandals.

In past years I’ve almost purchased at least some new bras, beauty products, and shoes. This year, after a quick perusal of the sale, I decided against buying anything there. Why? I didn’t need anything in particular, nothing sparked joy, and I wanted to save money. Any of those reasons justify not shopping the sale, but with all three I knew I should abstain.

Taking a stand against the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Now I haven’t given up shopping completely. That’ll never happen. But I have found a way to enjoy shopping while stretching my hard earned money: consignment. I’ve posted about consignment shopping in the past. It’s a great way to find unique pieces and get the most out of your money. I find the most joy out of consignment shopping when I go in with no expectations and come out with a surprise.

MimuMaxi scarf, Edge of Ember pendants, and a red lip pair well with this Storm Cellar find.

A few weeks ago I was visiting friend in Moscow, Idaho and took a quick pass through my all time favorite consignment shop, the Storm Cellar. It offers up a great selection of second hand duds, funky home goods, and vintage records with an Urban Decay feel. While sifting through their selection of dresses, I came across this Madewell chambray dress. With its short sleeves and fit and flare style, it reminded me of a certain blue and white dress I had when I was four. I tried it on, it sparked joy, and $20 later it was mine.

I googled “Madewell chambray dress” in an effort to find something similar to link to this post (and you can find those similar dresses here, here, and here). Madewell has a few current options, but they all cost around $100. Even the dresses I found on sale cost over $50. I saved somewhere between 50-80% of the retail value. Nordstrom doesn’t give that big of a discount on its sale items.

The freedom of not spending a lot at the sale and finding a great dress for $20 solidified my resolve not to shop the sale and just enjoy my consignment finds. So have I been converted second hand only? Gd no. I will continue to shop retail, but it is nice to find joy and value in consignment, and it is good to have an alternative to the Anniversary Sale.