2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale | What I Own On Sale & How to Shop It

Are you shopping the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? This was the sale we’d shop when I was younger for back-to-school clothes, so I’ve literally grown up waiting for it each year. This year the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is slightly different; you can now preview online what’s going to be on sale and add to your wish list for easier shopping come sale time.

I’ve gone through every single page of the online preview and I’m sharing my top picks for the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale below, a breakdown of the shopping dates, and other info you need to know.


What you Need to Know About the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

In retail, most sales are at the end of the season to make room for the next one. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has always been “special” in the sense that you’re shopping at the start of the season, AKA fall. That’s why you’ll notice that the majority of clothing/shoes in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are sweaters, jeans, booties, etc.

How Do I Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Anyone can shop this sale, and public access begins on August 19.

However, if you’re a Nordstrom cardmember (retail card or credit card) you’re able to shop the sale early. There are different levels within their card program, and the higher up you are on the loyalty tier, the earlier you can shop. 

Here are the different early access start dates:

2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Key Dates | Charmed by Camille

If you’re a cardmember and unsure of your early access start date:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click “Your Account” from the drop down in the top right where it says “Hi, YOUR NAME”
  3. Click “Nordy Club” on the left side of the screen to find your loyalty tier level

Preview the Sale Now, Save Time Later

Anyone, even those who don’t have a Nordstrom card, can preview the sale right now and add items to their wish list.

This is new this year for the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and a great update to the sale, in my opinion. For the past few years, shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with early access has been a mess. The website would crash constantly, things wouldn’t update fast enough, orders wouldn’t go through or they’d double, etc. I think this new sale experience will cut down lots of previous issues!

Once you have everything you want in your wish list, then you can just add to cart come shopping day. 


My Top Picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I’m breaking this section into three categories for you:

  1. What’s on my wish list and what I plan to buy
  2. Things I already own/use that I love, that will be on sale – I can vouch for these!
  3. Smart sale picks, which are things that I think are closet staples or great prices but that I don’t personally need and therefore aren’t on my wish list

What’s on My Wish List

This year I’m keeping things pretty minimal. Here’s what’s on my wish list to buy:

  1. A new Rails plaid shirt (more below)
  2. Navy Alo leggings and matching sweatshirt (more below)
  3. New workout socks and no-show socks
  4. Lounge shorts
  5. A new pair of pajamas
  6. Gray rag & bone skinny jeans
  7. Nécessaire body wash and lotion duo
  8. Barefoot Dreams doggy sweater for Audrey (more below)

Things I Own and Love in the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale


Skin Care

Lancer’s The Polish has changed the texture of my skin for the better. It’s gentle enough to use daily, and I can see a difference when I don’t use it. My tube has lasted me over a year, so don’t let the price deter you. (If you’re curious about multiple Lancer products, you can also try this kit.)

Sunday Riley Good Genes is another skin texture savior. I use it when I need a little something extra on congested skin. Lactic acids sloughs off dead skin cells.

Once a week I use these Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads. They are like a mini facial and the individual packets are great for travel (if we can ever do that again).

Hair Care

I’m a dry shampoo junkie. I like to use Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo and Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo.

The Drybar dry shampoo provides more volume and texture, but the Living Proof dry shampoo actually cleans your hair. I’ll use the Drybar one when I want that volume, but the Living Proof one is great for basic oil-absorption for everyday.

I’m always excited to see Oribe as part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because they’re one of my favorite hair care brands. The Dry Texturizing Spray is a cult classic and best seller! This gives my hair texture without weighing it down or making it crunchy.

I use this ghd flat iron to wave/curl my hair. (See the video tutorial here). It heats up in about 20 seconds and chimes to let you know it’s ready. This flat iron has built-in technology that measures the speed of your styling, then adjusts the temperature of the plates so it maintains optimal heat levels without burning your hair.

Charlotte Tilbury Makeup

There’s a ton of Charlotte Tilbury included in this sale. This is one of my favorite makeup brands.

I’ve used Legendary Lashes mascara for a couple of years now. It makes lashes black and bold, and gives them length and volume with NO clumping. No matter what I use I come back to this mascara.

Eyes to Mesmerize cream shadows are so pretty. It’s a cream to shadow formula, so the color stays all day. I have like 5 different shades; they are all different nude tones to add dimension to your eyes.

You can also save on my favorite nude lipstick shade, Pillow Talk. It comes in a trio with lip liner and gloss, so you’ll be set to get the perfect pout! This color brings out the natural pink undertone of lips, and doesn’t leave you looking dead.


Nike Sneakers

Nike Arimax 270 sneakers are stylish and functional. They’re very light and super bouncy; I’d wear these to boxing back when the gym was open. I don’t run in them, but they’re great for training.

I LOVE the cream/blush color that’s available for this sale so much, I wish I didn’t already have a pair of my own!

SIZE NOTE: Some reviews online say to size up, but I think you should take your regular size.

Blondo Waterproof Booties

There is nothing worse than indecisive weather and getting stuck in the rain with cute shoes. Blondo makes fashionable, waterproof booties so you never have to have this problem again.

I worked with Blondo last year and wore my black booties all over NYC; zero breaking in time required.

They have an almost identical version as part of the sale, and I couldn’t recommend them enough! The only difference between the booties is that the sale version has elastic goring at the ankles (my pair has ribbed leather).

SIZE NOTE: These run TTS.

Veja Sneakers

I LOVE Veja sneakers. These velcro ones are my second pair.

My first pair were the classic white lace up sneakers, and I wore them until I couldn’t anymore. I was going to get the exact pair because I liked them so much, but ultimately got this velcro version just to have something a little different.

The all-white lace up version is part of this sale, and the velcro version on sale has cute pink/rd contrast!

SIZE NOTE: These only come in full sizes so if you are in between sizes, size up.


Black Leggings

There are three leggings I own that are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I like them for different reasons.

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings (middle): These are your basic black leggings. I wear this around the house. They’re super comfy and the black stays a true black even after lots of washing. SIZE NOTE: Runs TTS.

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings (top right): These have a subtle coating on on them, and slightly more elevated than the Zella leggings. I wear these running errands or with longer, oversized sweaters. I like the cute of these because there is no center seam, AKA no camel toe. (Sorry if that’s TMI but I feel like I needed to pass along this info.) SIZE NOTE: Runs TTS.

Commando Faux Leather Leggings (bottom left): These are the most “fashion” of the three, and look the most like real leather pants. There’s an interior waistband, so you are held in SO well with these. SIZE NOTE: These run TTS, but beware that when you first put them on, they’re going to be tight. Very tight. I promise they’ll mold to you’d body and be fine.

Rails Plaid Shirt

This is a totally random pick but I love Rails’ plaid shirts. They’re made from a drapey material that hangs just right. I’m usually not a huge fan of traditional plaid shirts because they’re often times so stiff. However, this fabric makes these plaid shirts modern and effortless.

SIZE NOTE: I prefer to size up to a medium so that it’s not as tight around the chest or upper arms. If you have a decent sized chest I’d also recommend this so the buttons don’t gape.

Alo Workout Leggings

There are very few workout leggings that are fashionable and functional. I can’t speak to other Alo fabrics, but if you want something for high impact training then these Alo Airlift leggings are great. I run and box in these.

They run a little long and so I get them hemmed because I don’t like my workout leggings to bunch; my ankles get hot otherwise. The wide waistband and high rise also make them flattering without digging in anywhere.

SIZE NOTE: It really depends how tight you like workout leggings. I like mine pretty tight. I’m a solid size 4 and usually a small in leggings, but in these I go with an XS.

Bernardo Cold Weather Coat

You know the cold is coming, so why not be prepared?

A shorter version of this Bernardo coat is available as part of this sale. It has everything you need: warmth, pockets, and a hood, while also having a flattering cut.

The insulation is made from 100% recycled, post-consumer plastic bottles, and it folds down to be completely packable when needed.


Diptyque Mini Candles

Diptyque usually has a set of mini candles during the holidays and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and this year is no different. I personally love these for our guest bathroom.

Bigger diptyque candles are quite pricey, so this is a great way to have “a lot” of them without paying full price for five larger candles.

These minis also make great gifts! I like to buy these and then give a tiny candle individually with other items. It’s a little box of luxury!

Barefoot Dreams Blanket

The hype of the Barefoot Dreams blanket is real. I’m actually wrapped in it right now. I even have a Barefoot Dreams robe. Sadly, the robe isn’t on sale, but the blanket is, and it’s available in multiple colors!

It’s so snuggly and warm. I never thought I’d care about a throw blanket this much, but here we are. (Also, every dog owner who has this blanket will attest that their dog loves it, too.)


Smart Sale Picks

These items below are things that I personally don’t need right now, but still great finds. A leather jacket, a pair of suede booties, and and oversized sweater are great fall basics. I also love the tie dye sweat set. I already have one, but it’s so cute and affordable I may have to buy it after all.

Nice to Meet You

Hi, I'm Camille! I'm a bi-coastal blogger splitting my time between LA and NYC and sharing elevated, yet relatable ideas so that you can achieve your most stylish life.

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