BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Without a Brand Credit Card

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How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Without a Brand Credit Card

With the onslaught of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts going up, I’m not going to add to the clutter with another roundup of “must-have” items. (Personally, I’m already tired of seeing the same 25 items gracing everyone’s wish lists.) However, I am going to share how you can shop the early-access sale without being a credit card or debit card holder with the brand.

After logging into your Nordstrom account, head to an item you’d like to purchase and click “Confirm Your Card & Add to Bag.” See below.

How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Without a Brand Credit Card

You will then be prompted to enter the last four digits of your card number, your last name, and your billing ZIP code. Use the following information in these fields:

  • Last Four Digits: 3012
  • Last Name: NORDPRD
  • Billing ZIP Code: 80111

This should allow you to add the item to your bag and continue the check-out process with whatever method of payment you’d prefer. While I can’t promise this will work for everyone, I was able to complete my transaction for this darling dress (it’s so “me,” isn’t it?) and some Smartwool loafer socks (exciting, I know).

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15 Must-Have Spring Bags Under $150

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Cult Gaia Ark Bag

I know I keep saying it, but I just can’t believe that spring is right around the corner! I’m thrilled to pack away the heavy winter clothing and accessories, and start fresh with breezy dresses and playful purses. I’ve been scouting out budget-friendly bags this week. Here are 15 of my favorites that all come in under $150.

  1. The Cult Gaia bag above has reached, well, cult status. I was lucky enough to buy mine before it gained popularity (and a couple of price hikes to go along with its newfound fame). At the time, I was hesitant to recommend it at its current price, but I’ve changed my tune after reaching for it more often than I thought I would. It’s just so darn fun to use! I either throw in a cosmetic case (as seen above) to wrangle items or tie a silk scarf around smaller items to keep them from slipping through the cracks.
  2. I mentioned the woven totes from this Etsy shop in Saturday’s post. I ordered the market tote, but I’m also crazy about this mini bag at $55.
  3. A leather half-moon clutch with scallop-trim detail that comes in white and blush for just $95.
  4. A cheerful striped clutch. I prefer it in yellow, but it’s also available in blue and red.
  5. You’ll bring a Mar Y Sol tote everywhere this summer.
  6. A beaded pineapple bucket bag?! Yes, please!
  7. This flat clutch has the feel of a Clare V. piece, but comes in at just $25.
  8. With layers of seagrass, this clutch feels like the handheld version of a grass skirt.
  9. It may be small in size, but this pouch packs a big punch with perforated leather and pom poms.
  10. A ladylike mini satchel that comes in pastel pink and cobalt blue for $50. I actually have this one on my wish list. The sleek shape looks more expensive than it actually is.
  11. The most unique leather woven tote I’ve come across yet. I love the pretty turquoise color.
  12. A mini basket with bright tassel details.
  13. I can’t believe this straw bucket bag is only $30. It has the cutest pink pom poms!
  14. This beaded turquoise clutch is a steal at $78.
  15. Even if you don’t have a tropical vacation on the books, this $38 clutch will make you feel like you’ve escaped the cold with a rainbow of pom poms across the flap.

It’s also worth doing an eBay search for vintage straw clutches for unique spring bags. Plus, you get to smugly tell everyone it’s vintage when they ask where to snag one of their own. 😉

 

My Black Friday Damage + 7 Sales You Can’t Miss

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Black Friday Sale Shopping

Yesterday, I insisted that there was just one item I wanted to buy this weekend: a metallic silver Rebecca Minkoff bag. At the time I scheduled that post to go live on Friday, I didn’t know if the bag would even go on sale. Well, it did. And I ordered it. And then I shopped a few additional sales. :: blush :: Seriously, I have zero willpower when it comes to holiday shopping for myself! I purchased a Rachel Roy sequin dress to wear to Dave’s company holiday party in a couple of weeks. (It’s also available here and in plus sizes here and here.) I also ordered a pair of jeans since I only have one pair that I actually wear and it seems practical to own a second. And, finally, a set of floral pajamas by Ted Baker. It’s surprisingly difficult to find short and cami sets with a triangle top. I like having the seam under the bust for a bit of support and shaping.

7 SALES TO SHOP TODAY

  1. Anthropologie – 30% off sitewide with code LETSGO – Buy a full skirt for yourself, unicorn booties for a baby girl, and a bronze French press for your most caffeinated friend.
  2. Jenny Bird – 30% off sitewide with code THEBIG30 – My favorite jeweler of the moment is having an incredible sale. Buy the oversize earrings that I have and love, dainty ear jackets that still pack a punch, and an eye-catching mod cocktail ring.
  3. J.Crew – 40% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY – I’ve managed to avoid this sale so far, but I’m not sure if my resolve will last. I love this striped v-neck sweater for weekend wear and this pajama set for Christmas morning. Shopping for others? These socks were a hit last year and you can’t go wrong with a plaid scarf for men or women.
  4. Crate & Barrel – 15% off full-price items with code SAVE15 – I received four of these bowls last year and they’re our most often used kitchen item. The size is perfect for pasta and rice dishes. These sleek Moscow mule mugs are great for your cocktailing friend and I love this rustic serving board and cheese knives for the hostess.
  5. Truffle – 25% off full-price items with code GETGIFTING – I’ve been toying with the idea of getting this TSA-approved pouch for flights and I love this leather-trimmed version for keeping things organized in a tote bag.
  6. Lele Sadoughi – 20% off sitewide with code GETITNOW – It’s almost impossible to narrow down Lele’s incredible gems to just a few favorites! I love these earrings (I have them in white), this oversize ring, and this tassel necklace which will get a ton of wear next summer.
  7. Ann Taylor – 50% off sitewide with code CELEBRATE – This blouse! This dress! This faux fur stole!

Thoughts on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Best of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016

ONE | TWO  | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, or #NSale as you’ll see on social media for the next few weeks, is touted as the best sale event of the year. And, on its face, it is an enticing event with fall merchandise on sale before the season even begins. However, I don’t think the hype around the event is justified. I muddled through all 96 pages of the women’s sale and struggled to come up with a list of my favorites. Many items are inexpensive pieces from lower-end brands, others are just ugly (who is wearing this or, worse, this?), and some pieces are simply lackluster. I don’t know how many people are waking up today thrilled to discover a surprisingly high number of socks at discounted prices. I just don’t think the sale is as great as bloggers make it out to be.

Eventually I did find a few pieces I could get behind (listed above) and I’ve even added a couple to my wish list to revisit after the early access portion of the sale ends on July 22 and opens up to everyone. While there’s an option to sign up for a Nordstrom credit card or a debit card that pulls from your bank account, I’m not doing that. I’ll roll the dice and see if anything is available in a week. By then, I suspect some of the sale sparkle will have worn off anyway.

You can browse the sale merchandise here, and if — unlike me — you do spot something you can’t live without, snag it before the sale ends on Aug. 7.

The Best of the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

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Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale 2016

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT

Nordstrom’s anticipated Half-Yearly Sale is back with up to 40% off select styles through June 5, making it the perfect time to scoop up your spring and summer favorites just as the season kicks off. As you might expect, the selection of home goods has also captured my attention with our house hunt in full swing. (We see another house on Sunday that seems to have potential. Here’s hoping it’s the one! I purchased this doormat for our eventual home.) On the sartorial front, I’m beyond enamored with this clutch. Below, you’ll find my top ten picks in a few additional categories that I’m scouting out for summer:

DAY DRESSES

FLAT SANDALS

BAGS

SWIMSUITS & COVER-UPS

SUNGLASSES