The Nordy sale snuck on me this year…I briefly saw the preview a few days before the launch of the infamous sale. Last year I stocked up on high quality coats so my focus for this year was on everyday basics. Below I’m sharing exactly what I purchased myself…a few high-end accessories, my go-to jeans, a few beautiful knits, the perfect chestnut suede booties, and that’s a wrap. From my experience, its helpful to pick one thing that I use regularly and buy at least one annually and over the span of a few Nordy sales, you will have an ample mini-collection (for me, its Mother denim). For others, it might be one quality coat each year or a new pair of black boots. Last year, I splurged on two Reiss coats, so this year, a coat splurge isn’t necessary. Instead I bought 3 different pairs of Mother denim. a few pairs of designer sunglasses, a cardigan, a few sleeveless knits, and two pairs of shoes…very capsule collection inspired.

My online order from midnight shown above: Mother Jeans, Nordstrom grey marl cardigan. Nordstrom cashmere scarf, Celine and Prada sunglasses

I knew that one of my favorite pieces across the entire sale were these stunning pale, first-of-summer-blue slight flare jeans from Mother in the color way, Your Turn. I immediately ordered the Mother Hustler bootcut jeans in No Promises, a beautiful medium wash classic with a raw hem, as well as the bootcut jeans in Just One More, a perfect medium gray wash with minimal distressing. I have a beloved black denim jacket and a few favorite grey denim items that I wear regularly, so the grey color way just seemed like an obvious selection.

I price shopped all the designer sunglasses with the Nordstrom website, compared to another retailers. These two remained to be the best value I could find and also matched my own style. I think they are a standout, and my picks amongst all the shades offered. If I could only pick one…Prada…classic aviators with the Prada logo in a gorgeous titanium look.

Now for the knits.. I’ll keep it simple and classic. I selected a few sleeveless variations which will transition beautifully into Fall and layer easily during Winter. I have always been a fan or the marl mixed texture and charcoal hues. I think they are more versatile than bright colored and prints you may see across the span of the sale. I fell in love instantly with the Nordstrool grey wool and cashmere cardigan. It is a beautiful silhouette, in a lovely textured mid-grey marl. If I could recommend one knit from the sale, it would be this. The beauty of simplistic pieces like this is that you can wear it often, to the office, even for a casual dinner with a slim jean. lace cami and stiletto.

Nordstrom Wool & Cashmere Cardigan

Nordstrom Marled Sweater Vest

Nordstrom Textured Mock Neck Sweater

Halogen Terry Button Up Shirt

Other accessories…This Nordstrom grey plaid cashmere scarf is a lovely addition to any neutral coat. While I selectively choose black, I think softer shades in the winter can be refreshing. There is something stunning about winter white…which is why I chose this ivory belt with the molten gold buckle. It’s also a lovely choice for the heat of summer with light-wash cut off shorts.

Now for the shoes…the boots section during this sale can be overwhelming, so focus on something versatile that will add something different to your wardrobe. My top 2 picks were these rich chestnut brown shoes, one in a heel, one in a bootie, both from the Nordstrom brand. I tried on the booties in person and can attest that they are a super soft suede bootie, and as someone who has injured my foot in the past, comfort is a priority.

Last but not least…pajamas. Nordstrom is known for their super soft jammies, and though there are quite an assortment of options, I would recommend 2 types. The ribbed knit pajamas in the short or pants version is always my top pick, for comfort and versatility. The top it comes with is a basic in my wardrobe and works well under any jacket or blazer. The second suggestion is the cotton shorts set, which is a potential casual outfit for summer (also a cute swim cover-up if you get in oversized), and the top would definitely work as a button up shirt on its own.

Nordstrom Oversize Stripe Pajamas, Chambray

I hope you enjoyed this edit…I still plan on purchasing a pair of Miu Miu sunglasses, a Nordstrom suede dress and possibly the croc top handle Veronica Beard handbag. Other than that, I think my shopping is complete!

Quick update…I decided against the Miu Miu sunglasses because I actually found them at Fashion Eyewear for $269 versus the Nordstrom sale price of $324. When it comes to sales, even one highly covered such as this, take everything with a grain of salt and do your own research. If you do happen to find the item cheaper after the fact, Nordstrom has one of the best return policies I have ever found.

The suede Nordstrom dress is now sold out, as well the as the croc bag so I included two other recommendations, very simple easy to style items at an accessible price point.

Nordtsrom Polo Sweater Dress

Nordstrom Ponte T-Shirt

These pieces look basic, but it is their design that makes them something special. The polo dress has a split hem, monotone black buttons, and a knitted texture that makes it look luxe and easy to style with any accessories. The boxy t-shirt has a zipper at the neck and sleeves to the elbows that make it flattering and not your average t-shirt. I would pair this with distressed black jeans and my favorite Fall booties.

Negotiating On Your Size

Last year, I bought a pair of Alexander Wang Jeans, as well as a pair of pearl-studded Jonathan Simkhai jeans, both from The Outnet. While the quality of both pairs of jeans were impeccable, the sizing was all wrong (which is 100% my own fault.) I got swept away in the item being 60-70% off, and purchased jeans from brands I had never tried on before.

Sales Shopping from New Brands

As a rule of thumb, try on the item from that brand that you anticipate you will purchase, or stick to brands that you know well. This helps with sizing, as well as quality. It doesn’t matter how good a sale is, if the item doesn’t fit and flatter you, and the quality isn’t there. You don’t know the quality of brands until you try them, but I recommend trying before the sales and making sure that the brand offers free returns, in case the item is a total fail. Also, many brands have a district vibe, so often our go-to brands are the safest choice.

Spreading Your Money In Too Many Places

While I realize that one single website may not offer everything that you are looking for, I do think that you should have a focused approach to Black Friday shopping. There are only a select few websites I purchase from because these sites offer free returns, and I am confident in the quality and style of what they offer.

Not Prioritizing Your Spending

This year, I am in need of a great winter coat. Next year, my priority will be accessories. Based on your closet needs and what you already own, yours may be very different. Whatever you need the most is what you should focus on during the sales. This is the importance of a small, curated Black Friday wishlist.

Not Cleansing Your Closet

How do we know what we need to add to our wardobe if we don’t go through it? Spend a day (or two or three) examining the basics in your closet. I recommend putting a week of outfits together. It will quickly become becomes obvious if your lacking a basic white tee, or the perfect pair of jeans. As you notice what is missing in your closet, make a list of what you need. Use your list to decide where to spend your money this Black Friday.

This is the fun part! You get to decide what exact basics fit in with your signature style and retailers to turn to, when the sales hit. When we don’t clean out our closet regularly, we tend to over-shop and just make fun and sporadic purchases. More often than not, these become our regret purchases. By planning ahead and realizing what you have and what you lack, you can be a conscious consumer and make the most of your money.