Why I’m NOT Shopping The Anniversary Sale

Records skip…”Whaaaaaat??” “Are you ok?” “Are you sure?” “Yeah, right?!” and “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

These are just a small smattering of reactions from friends, readers, and followers as I have shared that I am NOT shopping the annual Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  In fact, allow me to first apologize if you have visited this site earlier in the week hoping to find my sale picks (which has been consistent content since I began writing this blog 4 years ago!)

Let me begin by saying that this quintessential fall sale (always scheduled in July) is an excellent opportunity to update your fall wardrobe.  Year-after-year, you can expect amazing deals on yummy cashmere, rich fall booties, cozy outerwear, and select (and limited) designer pieces.  This is also a great time to update your work wear, undergarments, and exercise gear.

I Need NOTHING
However, I personally don’t need to do any of those things.  And this is reason #1 that I am not shopping the sale this year.  I have a closet full of clothes (as you can only imagine!).  Recently I cleaned out my over-stuffed wardrobe and hosted a closet sale with three other fashionistas.  Aside from being able to better use and wear the clothes I already own, a more organized wardrobe has also helped me to see the clothes that I have and make wiser purchasing decisions because I actually know what’s in there!

I’m Prioritizing Family Time
Reason #2 for not shopping this sale this year is that I spend far too much time on this sale year-after-year.  And while, yes, I do make some money shopping with clients and posting my picks here on the blog, the money I spend shopping and the time I spend thinking, shopping, posting about the sale far outweighs what I end up taking home with me.  Not-to-mention, July is the nicest time of year here in Seattle and I prioritized spending time with my kids and being outdoors.  I must admit, I’m feeling much more fulfilled doing these things this year.

I’m Changing My Business Model
Yep, you heard it here first.  Well, you’ve actually already heard some of it.  Reason #3 that I’m not shopping the Anniversary Sale is that I am focusing on bringing you more unique, personalized content.  The Anniversary Sale seems to be everywhere these days.  Even with my commitment to ignoring the catalogs, invitations from my favorite salespeople, and enticing Nordstrom emails promising 10 points per dollar, I’m seeing sale picks, dressing room selfies, and shopping links all over my social media.  And, while I definitely have participated in this in the past, I’ve decided to go a different direction with my social channels and blog.  Don’t get me wrong, I love sharing my shopping finds with you and will continue to do so.  However, I’m feeling like the sale content on social media is over-saturated with everyone either sharing their picks via “Like To Know It” (which I use as well) or some other type of influencer platform.  In a sea of perfectly styled bloggers and fashionistas, I want to bring you different content – more real life, less like everyone else.  Does this make sense?  I swear I’m not being snotty.

I Continue to Shop During the Fall
Truth-be-told, I rarely end up wearing my sale pieces come fall.  My final reason (reason #4) for not shopping this sale, is that often times I don’t reach for these pieces when it’s finally time to wear them.  Again, this is a function of me being a fashionista and a stylist.  I continue shopping throughout the fall and winter (ok…spring and summer too); therefore, I’m not as excited to pull these fall pieces from the back of my wardrobe by the time the weather finally cools off enough to wear them.  I’ve moved on and am lusting over another piece.  Or, I’ve bought something I want more.  I don’t want to continue to buy things simply because they are seemingly good deals.  Because I’m a savvy shopper (and consider this sport), I can seek out or save for things that I really want in the moment.

{outfit details} dress: Anthropologie | sandals: Tkees | clutch: made by artisans in Guatamala | sunnies: found at Queen Anne Frame

So there you have it, I’m ok.  In fact, I’m great!  And, while I have researched one single, little coat…I’m continuing to hold strong and haven’t bought anything.  Well, from the sale.  I must admit that I did add to my bag a full-price pair of jeans I have been eyeing for awhile.  Because, you know, I “need” more jeans…some things won’t change.

Happy Friday friends!  Thanks for reading and caring about what I am up to.  And, if you are shopping the sale, I’m sure that you will score some amazing finds! ~Jenn