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What I Buy at Nordstrom

Last week when the Early Access Nordstrom Sale started, I almost lost my mind. I get wanting to save money, but I was kind of disgusted by the way people (aka bloggers) were handling it. It was… a lot. I was on Nantucket the day it started, so I barely looked at my Instagram during the day, only to upload to my own Story, and then at night, I’d “catch up” on everything I missed. I wanted to delete the app. NO ONE needs that many things.

I’d say that I am on the higher end of retail consumption because of the nature of blogging, but watching the sale took it to a new, and disturbing, level. I did a disclaimer maybe last year or the year before, I can’t remember, about the sale and didn’t this time around. A bunch of people DMed me thanking me for not posting about it on Instagram or my blog.

Here’s the thing, the sale CAN be a great time to stock up on certain items. But there’s a difference between saving money on an item you’d already buy and blowing money on an item you might not really even want to “save” money. (You’re not actually saving money in that case, you’re just spending less than full price.)

I also am so, so against retail credit cards. Unless you’re spending a ton of money at one specific store, it rarely makes sense. You’re better off getting a credit card from your bank that gives you cash back on everyday purchases that you make most frequently (like gas or groceries or dining out). I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred and couldn’t recommend it enough as well as the Delta SkyMiles American Express. Credit cards can be confusing, but if you’re smart with them (i.e. use them thoughtfully and pay them on in full every month), you can end up “earning” money through them, whether it’s cash back or points to use for future travel. I know I could be more strategic with my credit card points, but figuring out the granular details isn’t worth my time right now. So, I use my different cards on what is going to get me the most points for whatever the purchase is and call it a day.

But I also didn’t want this post to make it seem like I hate Nordstrom. I love Nordstrom and find that they have a great shopping experience both in stores and online. When the Nordstrom opened up in Tampa, it was so fun and my mom, sister, and I would wander through each department all the time. This was well before online shopping so everything was done in stores! If I need something when I’m visiting my family, Nordstrom is usually my first stop. (Well, to be honest, even if I don’t need something, my sister or mom do and we end up there anyway.) I also, generally speaking, like the sale. As I said before, you can find things on sale that you would normally purchase at a discount and then it makes sense to stock up (if you’re in need, obviously).

I’ll do another post when it reopens for non-credit card holders on Friday. Don’t worry if things appear to be sold out, they hold back inventory during the pre-sale and then put it back online when it opens up to the public. But there are some things on there that would definitely be worth checking out like my favorite Patagonia Nano Puff, Asics running shoes, the best bra EVER, Hanky Panky undies, and some of my favorite Kiehl’s products.

I was thinking about how I mostly use Nordstrom, throughout the year, to stock up on specific items. I buy quite a few fashion items, but really get the same types of things over and over again.

Bras + Underwear // Nordstrom’s lingerie department is THE best. I know my favorite brands and sizes so I buy online, but if you need to get fitted for a bra, 100% recommend Nordstrom. I’ve never had a bad or awkward experience and I always walk away with a bra that fits perfectly. Once I discovered Natori bras, I have yet to buy another brand. Hanky Panky and Commando have been my go-to brands since high school.

Shoes // Next to the lingerie department, I definitely spend the most time trying on shoes. With free shipping + returns, I love buying two sizes of shoes to make sure I get the right fit. Some of my current favorite shoe purchases from Nordstrom: Hunter rain boots, Jack Rogers (I think my next Jacks purchase will be the bone color), Superga sneakers, and Soludos wedges.

Sunglasses // I didn’t realize that I had a sunglass obsession until I moved. I had sunglasses stashed everywhere, even though I typically wear the same frames over and over again. I need to come up with some kind of storage solution for them so I rotate through my collection more. Right now I wear the same pair out of convenience of it being what’s in my purse at the time. I’ve been wearing my Clubmasters the most lately (and the mirrored version!) followed by these, my classic Wayfarers, and these Kate Spade cat eyes!

Handbags // If you guys have been reading my blog for a while, you know that I don’t buy a lot of fancy designer handbags. I tend to get classic shapes that I can always wear. It’s great when a bag I bought ten years ago (like my Longchamp) is still a bag I reach for. Bags I have purchased that still remain in heavy rotation: My Longchamp, my Longchamp backpack, and this little Kate Spade bag. I also am always searching their collection of clutches for fancier occasions.

Beauty // Was it a high school dance if I didn’t go to Nordstrom’s makeup counters beforehand?! Nope! Between Sephora and Nordstrom, I pretty much can hit all of my beauty needs. I tend to buy beauty products from Nordstrom when I’m either in store (and get suckered into a new lipstick or something) or if I’m restocking something I buy all the time and placing an order anyway. I can’t tell you how many bottles of DryBar’s dry shampoo I’ve added to my cart before clicking “purchase” over the past year or so.

BRANDS I LIKE TO BUY:

BP is Nordstrom’s junior line and I’d say that 90% of things don’t fit my style, but in the 10% there are some serious gems at great prices. This scalloped tote (under $50) is definitely one of my best Nordstrom purchases– so happy to see that it’s back in stock.

Sole Society is a Nordstrom brand that has stylish shoes and other accessories for amazing prices. This faux leather weekender has gotten me too many compliments to count!

1901 is a new Nordstrom brand that has a serious J. Crew, preppy vibe. I’m obsessed with everything. If you look at one Nordstrom brand, I’d make it this one. Above is this dress (c/o).

Madewell + J. Crew are both now carried at Nordstrom. Even though I think most of the time you get better deals on J. Crew & Madewell’s website (everything is always on sale), it’s a great spot to look if something you want is sold out there. I have found some sold out items still available in all sizes at Nordstrom. The dress above is sold out at J. Crew but still available on Nordstrom’s website.

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83 Comments

Meredith

I loved how you didn’t jump on the NSale story train! I get that bloggers can make a good income from links, but it’s just overwhelming. I’ve been unfollowing bloggers on Instagram who seem to be unable to go a couple hours without mentioning it. I hate the try on sessions the most. If they don’t want to own it, why should I?

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Jessica

Thank you so much for addressing the Nordstrom sale madness. I hated opening my bloglovin’ and seeing 10 blogs all sharing “What to Buy at the Nordstrom Sale.” I didn’t buy a thing and usually don’t, so thank you for this post!

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Samantha - The Current Classic

I am so happy someone FINALLY said something about the excessiveness that is the Nordstrom sale! It is not normal to buy a completely new wardrobe each season, and I hate that it makes many people feel like they can’t re-wear clothes and have to buy more (and more and more) to stay in trend.

Thank you so much for saying something!!

xo Sam
http://www.thecurrentclassic.com

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lizabeth lopez

Thank you for saying this. I feel exactly the same way. It has turned into a not so fun event where I did not even buy anything. They need to rethink how they go about this.

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Allie

Their beauty counter is the best. They started selling the full Charlotte Tilbury line at my store and it’s the best, especially since the sales girls are so sweet and will do your makeup for you even if you are just browsing.
Happy Thursday, xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

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Kristen from Pugs & Pearls

The hype around this sale is SO annoying! I’m so happy you posted this. Nordstrom is great, and if you are saving up for a specific item-the sale is great. All the posts really turned me off. Plus! I live in Florida and it is wayyyy too hot to be thinking about fall clothes. I appreciated your take on this Carly!

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Heather

Thank you so much for penning this post. I usually put a few bloggers In the penalty box during the sale and again during Christmas. If an influencer tells me that the best way to shop the sale is with the Nordstrom credit card, I will probably unfollow them permanently. Thank you again for always using your platform in an authentic and thoughtful way.

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Lucy

THANK YOU for not pushing the Nordstrom sale like so many other bloggers. I really appreciate your responsible and thoughtful approach to shopping. Keep sharing your level headed wisdom!!

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Jessica Johnson

Adore that you didn’t jump on the N Sale train. I almost feel bad for other bloggers who have spent the past week standing in front of a mirror telling me to buy a cardigan. I don’t understand the obsession! Love your real (and responsible!) take on this madness! I’ve been a reader since 2012 and this is why!

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R

HAHA, I kept thinking the same thing. Stop lounging in your cardigan with coffee in 65 degree air conditioning when it’s 95 degrees outside. Just go outside. 🙂

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Michelle

I unfollowed at least 8 bloggers as a direct result of their Nordstrom Sale posts/push. First, I am pretty sure even they don’t keep all that stuff that they say we all “need”! Second, most of it is just regurgitated from last year (the Leith cardigan comes to mind). How many colors of the same style of cardigan can one person wear? I like mixing things up so buying the same thing in 4 or 5 colors is just so boring and redundant. And finally, seeing bloggers parading around in 80 degree weather wearing sweaters and boots just put me over the edge. I get that this is a job and this is a money-maker. But the “in your face” and “keeping up with the bloggers” mentality that is promoted (and this isn’t just during the sale) really got to me this go ’round.

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Ally R

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! People have been so crazy about this sale and it is so refreshing to hear another perspective!! I have downsizing my wardrobe so it is nice to have a break from all the craziness. People must be spending so much money on stuff they (probably) already have.

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Emily Deatherage

Thankful for you and your level headed take on the sale! I love your style because it is classic without being boring or making me feel like I need to go buy a new wardrobe every time I read a new post!

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Kristin

I truly agree with your opinion on the Nordstrom sale posts. I adore Nordstrom and will continue to shop there. With that said, I sat there wondering how some of these can afford the purchases because they really were in excess. Do they get some sort of incentive towards those purchases to then write up a post (or several)? I noticed that nothing was marked c/o on any of the blogs so maybe not. One blogger recently moved and was honest in her reasoning as they downsized and only bought what she really needed/ could use. A second blogger stated that she only bought a few items because she had a gift card (hence my thinking they are incentivized) and it’s not worth going into debt over (AGREE!!). A 3rd blogger went way overboard, had to have bought $2-3K of “stuff”. It was too much- especially when she bought so many similar items (both to this year’s purchases and previous years). Don’t get me wrong, I ordered things myself but I sat back and truly considered my purchases- what did I really need (nothing) but would like to update my wardrobe (ok, a few items) that won’t break the bank. I have adopted a very similar philosophy you did at the beginning of the year- not buying just to buy but how can I re-purpose items I already have because I won’t deny it, I have a LOT. Anyway- thanks for not deleting your IG account- I would miss Teddy & Hamilton pics 😉

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Jessica from What To Style

I couldn’t agree more with you, Carly! This NSale reminded me a lot the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie, when Rebecca Bloomwood goes to a shopping sale and thinks to herself “do I need this?” 🙂❤

Amazing pictures!

xoxo,
Jessica | whattostyle.blogspot.com

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Taylor

My favorite thing to buy from the sale are candles! And I didn’t see a single blogger I follow share the candle deals or really any home items. Love the chance to stock up on gifts while saving some money.

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

xo, Taylor

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Swapna

I second all your comments Carly. I am tired of all the Nordy posts and what’s really funny is I truly do not like any of the bloggers picks because they do not have the same classic, preppy style that you and Mackenzie exhibit. I follow several bloggers for their love of Lilly, make up tips, great deals on household decor, but very few for their fashion pics. I really have gotten to the point on want classic pieces, that are more on the trad, preppy side, but are timeless. Gingham was definitely the trend this summer and I was very happy that many of these bloggers took to it under their wing. I love the new Nordy preppy line that you mentioned and want a few pieces of it. My closest Nordstrom did not have it onsite, so that was disappointing. Love perusing the departments, especially accessories! Thank you for posting about Nantucket and giving all of us a fun escape. Do you ever go to Nantucket in the winter? I need to see a post on it during the winter. It is a fascinating island.

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Megan Davis

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your take on retail credit cards! I feel that there can be a disconnect between hyperconsumerism the actual outflow of one’s earnings. Have you ever considered going into some basic economics/how money works for a post? If so, I apologize for missing it. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders! Keep it up!

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Marlow

I totally agree with you!! That sale makes me buy things I don’t really need… I find myself looking for something I MIGHT need just to buy something.

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Kayla Michelle Pelletier

I don’t mind a post of the gems you all find and like, but I hate 2 weeks worth of posts EVERYDAY I feel like everyone I was following 2-3 y ago did that and I am glad it is simmering down for some of the gals I follow

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carly

I agree– there can be value in sorting through everything and finding things you like that you know your readers will like too!

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Vanessa

I so appreciate what you said about the deluge of sale promotions, Carly! I was feeling that way around Memorial Day this year, too. While I do enjoy buying the occasional thing, the push for constant consumption is way too much.

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Taylor M.

Amen to your take on the NSale! So refreshing to hear this – things definitely got out of hand and it was overkill!

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Grace

Wow honestly so refreshing to hear the first blogger of many that I follow say that it’s been a bit ridiculous how much stuff they are buying and the craze! I also appreciate you waiting until almost public sale because people can’t be included on the hype because of credit cards. For years you have been my favorite blogger and still prove to be!

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Darcy Van Ness

THANK YOU!!! I was only planning on buying a new pair of rainboots and some work shirts but seeing every blogger do serious hauls was making me anxious that I was missing out!

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Katie

I totally agree with being over the NSale (and I used to work for Nordstrom Corporate!) but I think this post comes in bad taste pushing hate against it and the other influencers who push it, before launching into affiliate linking tons of items- half of which aren’t even on the sale. I would much more appreciate the post to have stopped after the 4th paragraph or just to have ignored the sale totally (but I guess can’t ruin future nordstrom partnernship possibilities…)

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carly

Let me reiterate what I said in the post in case you read what you wanted to read instead of understanding what I actually said:

I have NOTHING against the sale, in fact it can be a great time to stock up on things that you want/need as they go on sale. I do have a problem with bloggers pushing credit card sign-ups (for a credit card that probably isn’t the best interest rate + reward system) and the other tactics like selling stuff they don’t even own in endless try-ons in Instagram stories. My post is to say, the sale can be great (stay tuned for my picks) AND sharing the things I have bought at Nordstrom over the years that REMAIN favorites… not just something that’s trendy that you won’t want in a year from now.

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Katie

Thanks for replying.
I did read your post, several times actually and fully understand what you said. I was just trying to point out from a reader’s perspective how it came across. I am excited to see your picks from this year’s sale

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Megan Johnson

Totally agree with Katie, here! It just comes off a bit hypocritical. Also, as someone who has a Nordstrom DEBIT card, they provide the same benefits and rewards, without any issues with interest rates. Really all the pros and none of the cons.

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carly

They unfortunately discontinued the debit card (so you can only sign up for credit now).

Andrea

Agreed! Carly, clearly your post resonated with a lot of readers (myself included). I don’t see how it’s hypocritical for you to take an opinion that is contrary to much of the blogosphere—more and more, it seems like blogs all push the same brands in the same ways (and N Sale is a great example of this), and I think the blogging world is totally suffering for it. There are SO many interesting things to post about in this world (that aren’t the N Sale), and imho the glut of N Sale posts everywhere is indicative of the fundamental lack of creativity among blogs. It honestly is one of the many reasons why I’ve all but stopped reading blogs. There’s too little free time in my day to spend it looking at a bunch of boring, repetitive advertisements!

That said, I still read Carly’s posts every single day—because it hasn’t fallen into the trap of so many others. You’re not afraid to occasionally share an opinion that’s not about “how GREAT the latest _____ is.” I think that’s what has helped your blog stay fresh, unique, and honest. Thank you!!!

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Hannah

She didn’t say at ALL about Carly being bad taste – just about what she said in her post. Katie wishing for more transparency is totally fair to ask for as a reader and her comment was respectfully written. There’s no use in putting other people down.

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Sharon

THANK YOU! I have been reading so few blogs over the last week because I am disgusted by the amount of overconsumerism I have been seeing. No one, and I mean no one, needs 5 pairs of low cut booties for the fall or a grey cardigan that looks exactly like the other 10 grey cardigans I have seen you wear over the last year. Yes, the barefoot dream cardigans are cozy but no ones needs 10 of them in 3 different lengths!

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allie

I couldn’t agree more, the Nsale hype is kinda gross. For all I know these bloggers are just posting tons of affiliate links and not actually buying the stuff, but it still implies that they think their readers can afford to breathe the air in Nordstrom. I follow fashion blogs for something resembling legitimate style advice, not to be handed a thousand dollar shopping list at a luxury store when my clothes budget is the clearance rack at Marshall’s.

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Tiffany

Hi Carly,

With all due respect, I don’t believe that was the correct tone to take to criticism. I do agree with Katie that the post should have ended at that point – your line linking what are essentially two blog posts together solidifies it “I’ll do another post when it reopens for non-credit card holders on Friday. Don’t worry if things appear to be sold out, they hold back inventory during the pre-sale and then put it back online when it opens up to the public.” So, you’re in support then?

I agree with the spirit of the post, but I think that sentence kind of eliminates the point of the post. And don’t question if I read what you wrote or not – I did, several times.

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Marie

Totally agree with this constructive criticism. I loved where the post was going when it started off, but it was pretty jarring to see it basically turn into a list of affiliate links a couple paragraphs in, plus reference a SECOND post coming with recommendations for the sale.

I’ve been a long-time reader and supporter (and will continue to be), but I have to be honest that the tone of this felt off.

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Raq

I agree with Tiffany and Marie- longtime reader who loves the blog but not the tone of this or some recent posts. I like what you have to say about the sale and store cards (and I agree) but then putting up links combined with the tone just rubs me the wrong way. Overall love reading your blog and following you on social media. I love when you are real and have been reading for 7-8 years now!

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Michelle

I agree with Tiffany here, Carly. You seem to want to have one leg on each side of the fence. I think your argument would’ve been stronger if you hadn’t linked to merchandise and then promised to come back later with more links. Doesn’t that weaken your position just a little? Whether it’s 10 links or 20, is that really the issue? Also, I will say, I do appreciate the bloggers who take the time to try on merchandise and actually show it and comment on fit, colors, etc. This is actually helpful. They don’t even have to tell me what they bought (it could be nothing for all I care). It was nice to see how things fit and how they were paired with other items. That is actually helpful for those of us who wanted to shop online for the most part.

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carly

I linked to non-sale items just point out that you don’t need a credit card to get great quality items during a one-week window. That it doesn’t have to be some kind of frenzy “get access now by signing up for a credit card” sale.

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Tiffany

But Carly, you don’t mention your disdain for the credit card until the 4th paragraph. Your issue with the sale, as presented in the first paragraph, seems to be consumption (which leads to the contradictory statement presented above and the issue with affiliate linking). Perhaps if the issue is the credit card, that’s how you should have opened.

Again, I agree – I was annoyed by the sheer volume of it. But you promise to be back with your picks, so clearly the retail consumption isn’t the problem.

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Jihyun Kim

She was the first to admit that she is at the higher side of retail consumption… I think what she was saying is that the hype of this sale went to a point that left professional blogger like herself shocked.

Tiffany

…then what was the point of the post? I think if she wanted to stay out of the frenzy she could have a) phrased her objections a lot better or b) just ignored it. As it stands, once the post goes up with “her picks” she’s doing what she complained about before. Again, I was inundated – I follow way too many bloggers and was annoyed about it too.

Michelle

This post really got me thinking about something that has bothered me lately. I miss blogs whose sole intention was to share. Whether it was a snippet of someone’s life (I love seeing how others live and what they do), a tip, a recipe, a favourite shirt, I looked forward to reading blogs every morning with my coffee. I find myself doing less and less of that as now, most bloggers won’t think of sharing anything they can’t link and most of what is shared is sponsored. I’m sick of the constant “swipe up” and “click here for my…” on blogs and instagram. I feel like the concept of more, more, more is being pushed on me every single day. I’m old enough and smart enough not to succumb but man, it is so repetitive and exhausting to watch.
Sorry, rambling here. Your post was thought-provoking!

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KT

same!! when bloggers were normal people who blogged versus now bloggers are “influencers” and that’s all they do. It was far more interesting to learn about how normal people fashion their lives for work/fun, made times for family, cooked..etc. now it’s just people who are posting for money not for connecting or sharing information which is so sad! hardly have people to follow now…

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Heather

I’ve read you for 7 years and a lot of your posts lately are getting to the point of being overly condescending. I think it is totally valid for you to have an opinion about the Nordstrom Sale, as many in your industry are pushing the sale right now. However, bashing the sale then affiliating links is just as gross as having an abundance of posts about it. I totally agree with your stance on pushing a credit card, but you also state which credit cards you have and link to them… So you are doing exactly what you said you don’t agree with. I get what you were trying to do with this post but it missed the mark totally.

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carly

I have nothing against credit cards or recommending credit cards to readers. (I have often stated in the post that EVERYONE should get one and use it thoughtfully as soon as possible to start building credit.) I shared the two that I recommend and use personally.

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Heather

Right… because when you do it it’s not an issue. It’s just an issue when other bloggers do it. Gotcha.

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carly

No, because I do believe there are good choices when it comes to credit cards and poor ones.

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Elizabeth

Heather, I couldn’t possibly agree more. I would have a lot more respect for Carly if she had simply ignored the sale altogether. The tone of this blog is becoming increasingly sanctimonious and contradictory.

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Arlene

Hi Carly,
I was going to post earlier thank you for not posting about Nordstrom, but had to after this post. I know Nordstrom is a great sale, but hearing about it all the time became depressing to someone like me who can’t afford to shop right now, I’ve been out of work for a year because I’ve been ill. I know I’ve said this before, but I feel your are my favorite blogger and one of the reasons why is because you’re not trying to sell me something all the time!
I never scroll past your posts!

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Katie

GIRL! I can understand! That crazyness of the Nordstrom sale is insaneeeee. I see people staying up 24-48 hours straight. NOTHING in my mind is worth that for a few $$$. Yes in college studying, but the next day you can sleep it off and usually are rewarded with a summer or winter break after hard tests. Thanks for being real girl!!!! And I do agree, there are items that Nordstrom is great for and I love being able to go into one when I go to Orlando for the day and feel fancy. Yet, as a style blogger, I never shop there, so I wouldn’t participate in that sale just to make $. While I’ve seen you consistently post Nordstrom purchases over the years since I first started following you, so it just works and comes off natural!

Katie | http://www.sunshinestyleblog.com

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Amber

Great post! Agree completely about the sale. I look forward to seeing your picks tomorrow!

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Mikki

Thank you so so much for this blog post. I follow a lot of bloggers and it has been absolute overload this week. Also, it makes me feel so poor because I could never spend that much, like ever lol. I love this post so much because you featured pieces you can use again and again. ❤️

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Molly

I am like-minded when it comes to consumerism, but as someone who follows fashion blogs like yours I obviously have some interest in shopping! I appreciated your lack of content on the N sale so far, it was pretty crazy at the start.

That said, I felt a bit offended by the judgement on the Nordstrom Card being a poor choice – almost as if I was made to feel judged / irresponsible for having the card. I do probably 75% of my clothes/make-up/shoes/accessories shopping on nordstrom and the rewards notes really do add up, especially choosing a single day to do extra points etc… I also have 2 other typical credit cards (one with grocery/gas rewards and the other for travel / general purchases) which fall under your “good card” judgement. Also own my home in Boston and fully fund retirement (to point to what I believe are signs of financial well-being, not to boast). Anyway, I just felt compelled to post for readers that might have taken it the same way as me, that it’s not wrong to have the card, because like you said for some of us it makes sense!

I get this is your platform to share your opinion, and you must’ve known a somewhat fiery post like this would get both positive and constructive feedback. I genuinely am hoping this was constructive, because I highly doubt you intended to offend readers who own the card but I can’t be the only one who read it that way!

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carly

That’s a fair point, but generally speaking (especially if someone isn’t well versed in credit cards), a retail card is likely not the best choice.

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Molly

Thanks, Carly. Feel free to delete my comment I didn’t realize it was so verbose and unnecessary!

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Alice

Your comment was definitely not unnecessary! It’s a great point that finances are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

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Elizabeth

When I was first building my credit at 22 years old, my bank advised me to try opening a retail credit card to extend my credit line and keep building my credit history because retail cards approve you more easily. I got a Gap card and paid it off every time I made a purchase. It’s not a bad idea to try building credit with these if you open them responsibly.

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Nicole Goldberg

Thank you for saying this. It’s just a bunch of junk. The clothes are really bad that are on sale and it’s all you see. People with the same ugly cardigan on. Nice to not see all of that.

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Meghan

I never comment on blogs or anything really, but I just wanted to say that I also noticed and appreciated last week when you weren’t hawking the sale like every other blogger. Thank you for your refreshing perspective. I love your blog!

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Samantha Spellman

I just couldn’t use Instagram for 48 hours basically. I was shocked by just how saturated my feed was!

I actually just got the Chase Sapphire card for myself! But I went with the Reserve. The fee is steep but I figure with three times the points and the travel reimbursement, it’ll basically cover itself through rewards! I am very careful with my cards. I have this one, a bank credit card, and the Red card (saving 5% on groceries is a huge bonus). And all of them are usually paid off in full every month!

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Amy

I’ve been reading this blog for over 5 years. I’ve never commented before. Carly, this post is full of contradictions, thinly based judgements, and completely unnecessary criticisms. To make things worse, you’re fighting with your readers (who you generally rely on to eat) in the comments section and are coming across as defensive and ignorant. You push stuff people don’t need for a living – just like Nordstrom and other bloggers. You also recommend credit cards and a promote range of things actively and passively that others could judge, mismanage, or disagree with. This post added zero value, aside from you getting “thanked” by strangers for not doing something you claim to despise while essentially doing the exact same thing (recommending credit cards and pushing clothes and accessories that few people need or can afford). The arguing with your readers is even more mind boggling. I love a lot of what you post about, but this was completely off the rails. That’s ok – you aren’t expected to be perfect….but have enough confidence and self-awareness to step back and reflect on this.

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Kelly

Carly – Always have and always will root for you and your success. This felt like a bait-and-switch, and you missed the mark.

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Jihyun Kim

I see your point but I also agreed with Carly. Here’s the thing. In general I don’t take issue with product promotion on blog/Insta. But some of the stuff that I’ve seen online, and also the sheer quantity of those posts, were on the level of madness, in my opinion. Perhaps you and others don’t follow as many people who posted that stuff, so you didn’t see the problem, (in which case I envy you) but I totally felt like it was something that might shock even those who do that for a living… Because I myself aspire to be an influencer and felt a little uneasy and it got me rethinking that aspiration. Not to be presumptuous, but I was thinking that Carly felt the same way. I also feel like what Carly was doing by posting product links was to share with people what she thinks is a good way to use this sale to their advantage, rather than bash the sale itself or those who participate in it.

Now that I’ve read the comments I do think that Carly could have phrased the post better, but for what it’s worth I don’t find it contradictory or unnecessary.

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Caitlin

Thank you SO much for this post! It’s been a tad bit overwhelming to see all the sale posts. Sometimes I’d prefer to just enjoy the clothes I currently have without feeling like I need to buy more! As a teacher with a limited budget, I love seeing good quality pieces I can invest in and re-wear for years. Thank you for sharing some of your favs! To me, that is totally worth it to save for.
Caitlin

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Lynn-Holly Wielenga

Yes! I too love Nordstrom for many things, but it’s so nice to see a blogger not advocated getting more for the sake of more. I’m moving to a small NYC apartment anyway; I can’t fit more! Thanks again for your thoughtful content. I love your style, and I also love hearing your thoughts on things like this. xx

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Kathy

Thank you for this post! I only follow a few bloggers, and it was intense last week. I appreciated that you stayed out of the fray.

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Laura

If I could give you a high five for your take on credit cards, I totally would!

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ms. mary m. motta

i just wanted to point out that you don’t have to sign up for a nordstrom credit card to be eligible. i got a nordstrom DEBIT card. it’s attached to my checking account, just like my normal debit card, but can only be used at nordstrom. this didn’t impact my credit rating as opening a new credit card and makes it so i can’t spend money that i don’t have. it took only a little bit to set up and granted me access to my first Nordstrom sale a couple of years back, just like the credit cards. someone might have already mentioned it, but i wanted to throw it out there, just in case. happy shopping, friends.

remember, it’s onlh a deal if you were already in the market to buy said item.

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carly

They, unfortunately, discontinued the debit card sign ups! So now people can ONLY sign up for a credit cars

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Meghan

great post Carley! I too have a million sunglasses. I keep mine in a cute tub by my door where I have a mirror and quickly pick out a pair to match my outfit before heading out (I read somewhere that Jackie Onassis did this! So clever!). Pottery barn kids or teen also has a sunglasses “display stand” from the Emily and Merrit collection that I’ve thought about buying many times. Worth checking out for sure.

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Rachel

Yes, also because here in FL it’s like a bajillion degrees and it feels so forced to buy a bunch of winter stuff when I can’t ‘wear a sweater until January. Really really not going to buy 5 cardigans right now.

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Katie

I totally agree with you! The sale is totally overdone this year. I stocked up on bras and underwear because I’d been meaning too anyway and some basics for my husband, but if you buy everything that’s on sale you are not saving money!

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