Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks for the Everyday Minimalist

Sharing my thoughts on this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, plus the best beauty exclusives.

The last few years I’ve had mixed feelings about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. A sale is supposed to be exciting and save you money. I’ll be honest though – the last few years have been pretty stale.

Nordstrom changed their early access program among cardmembers, which means depending on your spend level determines how early you can shop as a cardholder. Early access begins July 11 for cardholders with Icon status. The sale is open to the public July 17th.

If you don’t currently have a Nordstrom credit card, you can visit this link to apply. I will say there are a lot of great perks to being a Nordy cardholder, early access to the sale being one of them. I also get good use out of the alterations credit, double point days and bonus notes.

As an everyday minimalist, I’m aiming to buy fewer, better things. Things I will use season after season and making sure I wear and use everything I buy. You won’t see me post multiple shopping guides on the blog. Too overwhelming!

I will say there are definitely a few gems in this year’s sale. Brands like Madewell, Barefoot Dreams, Sam Edelman, and Good American are long-time favorites included in this year’s sale. When it comes to beauty exclusives, I’m looking forward to Laura Mercier, NARS, L’Occitane, and Charlotte Tilbury. I will be shopping, pending everything is still available by the time I have access. My wish list this year is a mix of beauty, jewelry, and hacjets.

Below is a breakdown of cardmember early access and sale dates.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 Shopping Dates

If you’re like me and you want to shop the sale but grow tired of the endless consumerism that comes with it, here are a few tips:

  • Comb through the digital catalog and add the must-have pieces you want to your wish list.
  • When you shop the sale (whether you have early access or are waiting until it’s open to the public), checkout quickly. Try and avoid multiple orders unless you’re worried about an item selling out fast.
  • Once you’ve ordered everything you want, unsubscribe from the Nordstrom Sale marketing emails, mute any IG accounts covering it, avoid stepping in an Nordstrom at all costs.

If you’re in the market to shop this year’s sale, I’ve compiled my top 10 favorite items for the everyday minimalist:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 top picks for the everyday miniamlist

Hoop Earrings

I love the simplicity of these gold huggie hoops (also available in silver) and the price is reasonable.

Comfortable denim

One of my favorite things to purchase during the sale is new denim, particularly because I never like to spend money on full-price designer denim. Last year I purchased a pair of bootcut jeans from Wit & Wisdom and I love how comfortable they are. Great for casual work day attire!

Skincare favorites 

I’m obsessed with this luxe almond shower oil from L’Occitane on sale for $49, which includes a refill ($80 value). My skin feels incredibly soft after using this and works great as a body wash or for a moisturizing bath soak.

I’m a huge fan of Kopari coconut deodorant and this year there’s a set of three for $33 ($48 value). The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is one of my favorite luxury cleansers. I like the cucumber scent and how my skin always feels soft, nourished and clean after using. I usually stray from buying beauty products in bulk but this duo gives you full and travel-size options.

Minimalist makeup essentials

I love pigmented creamy eye colors for one-and-done eyeshadow looks from Bobbi Brown. I love that these are double-ended sticks so you’re basically get 2-4 eyeshadow looks. You can scoop these up during the sale for $38.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Lip Kit is the quintessential nude-pink lip color that will be on sale ($92 value). All three products are full-size so you get the most bang for your buck!

A “naturally glowing” Dior makeup exclusive wasn’t on my Bingo card for the NSale but if you love minimal luxury, then this may be worth adding to your cart. A lash primer, lip balm and mascara all come with a cute pink cosmetic bag.

Handbags

I’m not impressed with the handbag selection this year. Nevertheless, there are some classic buys from Longchamp and Coach. This mini nylon top handle bag will fit all the essentials. For affordable leather options, I’ll always recommend Madewell bags. This medium tote comes in a beautiful light brown colorway, perfect for fall outfits!

Apparel

Bodysuits, cardigans and faux suede jackets have all caught my eye this year. If you’re not a leather jacket type of gal, then this faux suede bomber jacket may be a good alternative.

You can shop these everyday minimalist sale picks below or you can check out everything that’s on sale here.

This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you make a purchase when you shop the sale through my affiliate links. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra! Thank you for supporting my small business.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks