I Shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale IRL to Find the Best Deals Still Available — and They Start at $46

From Free People to Lancôme, these markdowns impressed me the most

NEED TO KNOW

• The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends on Sunday, August 3, which means there’s less than one week left to shop! 
• Don’t know where to start? Check out all the deals our Nordstrom expert found in person, including Levi’s jeans, Lancôme skincare, and more. 

I am not one to break tradition, big or small. 

So when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale began again a few weeks ago, I knew I would be heading to the store I used to look forward to shopping at every birthday, holiday, and, well, sale. This year was especially special since I got to go see all the yellow-label deals in real life, and at the very store where the tradition began with my mom and sister so many years ago. 

I was blown away (and a little bit overwhelmed, if I’m being honest), but there was so much goodness, I couldn’t not share. From Madewell to Free People to Lancôme, I didn’t know where to start, so if that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds to Shop Now

• Fall-Ready: Madewell Kensington Cardigan, $79 (orig. $118)
• Free People It's On Rib Cardigan, $50 (orig. $78)
• Levi’s 501 '90s Lightweight Straight-Leg Jeans, $64 (orig. $98)
• Free People Good Luck Barrel Leg Pants, $85 (orig. $128)
• $10 Apiece: BaubleBar Classic Pisa Set of 5 Bracelets, $48 (orig. $72)
• Le Creuset Traditional 4.5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven, $251 (orig. $375)
• Bobbi Brown Swipe & Go Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Trio, $54 ($102 value)
• Béis The Commuter Backpack, $95 (orig. $128)
• Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream Refill Duo Gift Set, $330 ($547 value)
• Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Rib Throw Blanket, $112 (orig. $168)
• Estée Lauder Hydration Station Soft Clean Skincare Set, $46 ($75 value)

Related: Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lawrence, and More Stars Have Deemed Flip-Flops the Comfy 'It' Shoe Style of Summer

Madewell Kensington Cardigan 

$118

$79 at Nordstrom

This teddy bear-like cardigan was the very first thing I picked up while browsing the totally stacked-full clothing racks. The catchy pattern was what initially drew me in, while its extremely soft-to-the-touch fabric is what kept me interested. When I went to try it on, in all honesty, I did not want to take it off. I was shocked at how much I loved it with even my track pants, which showcased its versatility from the get-go.  

Free People It's On Rib Cardigan

$78

$50 at Nordstrom

And because one cardigan isn’t enough — as evidenced by the slew of celebrities wearing them — I also wanted to see what this Free People cardigan would look like on my body. It was way lighter than the last and slightly sheer, making it a nice summer-to-fall sweater that I could wear alone or layer up. I personally thought this one was a little too small, so I’d size up if you have a larger chest like I do. 

Levi’s 501 '90s Lightweight Straight-Leg Jeans

$98

$64 at Nordstrom

When I was trying on these Levi’s jeans in the store, I thought they looked tighter than Harry Styles’ skinny jeans, but now I really wish I bought them. They were a nice length for my ballet flats but could pair well with boots in the fall. The straight-leg cut also looks really flattering in person and apparently in photos, too — my mom saw them on my phone and went, “Oh, those are cute!” 

Free People Good Luck Barrel Leg Pants

$128

$85 at Nordstrom

I tried on three different sizes of these barrel leg pants from Free People to find the “perfect” fit. My favorites were one size up from my usual since they fit best on my waist while still adding volume on the bottom (remember: clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way around). I’d usually avoid pants like this, but I feel like the volume made my waist look as snatched as ever, so optical illusion or not, sign me up! 

BaubleBar Classic Pisa Set of 5 Bracelets

$72

$48 at Nordstrom

I must have seen 50 pieces of discounted BaubleBar jewelery, a brand Khloé Kardashian, Jennifer Garner, and more celebrities wear. So many of them were the popular Pisa Bracelets, I couldn’t miss them even if I tried. 

I picked up a few to try on, but they were not the most organized and hard to separate from one another. So take it from me: Skip out on buying these in person and just add them to your virtual cart instead. 

Le Creuset Traditional 4.5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven

$375

$251 at Nordstrom

I’ve written about Le Creuset Dutch ovens so many times — thank you, Sarah Jessica Parker — but have never actually had one in my hands until the other day. I could immediately tell it was as good as everyone says it is since the lid felt heavy and indestructible. Meanwhile, the vibrant colors looked pretty enough to sit on the counter long after the cooking was over. 

Bobbi Brown Swipe & Go Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Trio

$102

$54 at Nordstrom

I’m entering my eyeshadow phase again, which I love, but also hate. I love the way peaches, pinks, and champagnes make my blue-green eyes pop, but I hate the time, effort, and brushes needed to do so. Thankfully, with these Bobbi Brown sticks, I don’t need any of that. They glide on well and are long-lasting, according to one shopper: “Applied at 5 a.m. and still looking good at 7 p.m.,” they noted. 

Béis The Commuter Backpack 

$128

$95 at Nordstrom

I used a Béis weekender bag from Shay Mitchell’s brand for many years, so whenever I see markdowns on styles, I always take a look. I liked this bigger option at first, but it almost seemed too big. The backpack, on the other hand, which I didn’t get a picture of, was more of that happy-medium I always search for. It seems roomy enough for all my in-flight essentials but still sleek enough to slide under the airplane seat. 

Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream Refill Duo Gift Set

$547

$330 at Nordstrom

I’m not sure I’d ever spend $547 on face cream, but I am sure that $217 off is an exceptional deal for anyone. This kit comes with two full-size creams, plus a sample of eye cream, so you’re 100 percent getting your money’s worth if you like to splurge on skincare. 

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Rib Throw Blanket

$168

$112 at Nordstrom

As I write this very story, I have a Barefoot Dreams blanket draped over my legs. I’ve had it for at least four years now and it’s still so soft and warm. A few of my coworkers are fans, too, as are many Nordstrom shoppers. Now’s the time to get one since they’re more than $50 off. 

Estée Lauder Hydration Station Soft Clean Skincare Set 

$75

$46 at Nordstrom

I wasn’t familiar with Estée Lauder’s skincare game until very recently when my mom gifted me its Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foaming Cleanser. I’m usually pretty picky with face washes, but it made my skin feel squeaky clean even after wearing a full face of makeup. Next I’m thinking of trying this hydrating formula, which my dry skin could always use, particularly in the fall and winter. 

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.