a public service announcement about the #nsale

If you’ve been online in the past 24 hours, you know there’s a certain big sale going on. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. How do you know this? Because every single blogger is talking about it.

Consequently, it’s time for a public service announcement. We could use some perspective, since it will likely be a hot topic from now through the first week in August – with the pre-sale post! The early access post! The open-to-the-public sale post! And finally, the don’t-miss-the-last-few-days post!

First, some background. I’m a bit of a deal hound, as you might know. And I love to shop. In college and beyond, I’d get whatever was the most discounted that still looked fairly stylish.

And then usually I’d wear it once, and back in the donation pile it would go.

But within the past few years, I’ve been honing in on my style, on mix and match pieces that work together, and on pieces that will last longer than a month or so. I’m trying not to give in to “fast fashion” –  trends that last a week, or clothes I toss after a short amount of time.

The #nsale has the potential to work completely against that system.

Simply because there is So. Much. Hype. around this sale. It leaves you scrambling to fill your cart so that amazing jacket doesn’t sell out before you get it at that price you’ll never see again OH MY GOSH.

It makes you that much more willing to apply for a credit card you don’t need so that you can get that pair of shoes that don’t ever get discounted that low OH WOW.

I’m not knocking bloggers, because I am one, and I get it. This is just one way to continue earning an income to do what you love. (Totally use those affiliate links, by the way! It’s helping a blogger continue their biz.)

And I’m not hating on Nordstrom, because even if I can’t afford most of what they have, they make their stores beautiful and they offer amazing facilities for nursing moms. That qualifies them as a winner in my book.

But shop smart, friends.

• Be conscious of your budget. A $160 dress at 40% off is still over $100. Even though it’s a great deal, I don’t usually spend over $100 for a dress. If you take out the sale hype, the price becomes a lot more realistic and less “wow!”
• Stick to your guns. If you’re in debt, it doesn’t make sense to open another credit card. We don’t use credit cards in our family, so it’s an easy no for me. (But don’t think I wasn’t tempted in years past just to go for it with Nordstrom.)
• Look at your closet. Figure out what you actually need, and what works with what you have. Would you really wear that bold pattern? Does it match anything else in your closet? And will you actually use the same sweater in five colors?
• Don’t give in to the pressure. I have felt that stress of wondering if I’d ever see a price that low again, or if it would still be in stock later. This is just one sale. Of many. There will be more deals, more discounts, more chances to buy. I like to buy secondhand, and can often get great deals on hardly worn pieces. Just remember this isn’t the end-all, be-all.

I mean this with lots of love and a grain of salt. Also, don’t think I’ll be completely sitting this out. I will be looking into Zella leggings (they are legit awesome) and kids’ shoes at the #nsale. I’m not immune, friends.

How do you put together your closet? How do you shop smart?