Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
As your friendly neighborhood deals editor, I know it can be difficult to tell the difference between all the sales Nordstrom has over the year. The retailer just had a Spring Sale last month, and the Anniversary Sale (arguably the most anticipated) will happen in July. But today marks the start of Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale, so allow me to break it down for you.
Unlike most of its sales, in which the focus is on new and in-season products, the Half-Yearly Sale features thousands of items that were apparently already in the sales sections and have now been further marked down. But that doesn’t mean these are castoffs: In fact, I was surprised to see how actually good a lot of the deals are this year. The home section is especially robust, which often isn’t the case for Nordstrom sales, and features a lot of home décor from the MoMA Design Store and indie brands. And it’s shoe central over in the women’s section, making it a great time to stock up on sandals and slip-ons.
Scroll on to see the best deals I’ve found so far, and click here to see everything that’s on sale.
These floaty wide-leg pants that are perfect for going from beach to dinner come in sizes XXS through XL and in both standard and petite fits.
Actually comfortable wooden clogs from Dr. Scholl’s.
These pillowy slides from Toms — yes, the canvas slip-ons guys — are over 50 percent off.
Several Skims products made a surprise showing in the sale section. Sizing and color options are up in the air for the brand’s bras and tank tops, but I spotted this wrap robe still in stock in all sizes and three colors.
This supremely slinky maxi dress is also half off in gray and beige.
A polo that toes the line between preppy and grungy.
And here’s a polo for working in your overly air-conditioned office.
Don’t get caught desperately Googling “last-minute Father’s Day gifts” — just get him this candle and pair it with a wick trimmer or reusable lighter.
Stylishly packaged vitamins are nothing new, but if you’ve been looking to round out your wellness routine without spending a small fortune, Asystem’s 30-day supply is 40 percent off.
You’ll find a lot of Clinique products on sale. We recommend this lightweight, medium-coverage foundation (with SPF 15) to even out and protect your skin.
Since we’re already fans of Disco’s sweatproof sunscreen and bodywash, I have my eye on the DTC skin-care brand’s hydrating moisturizer. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty free, and it contains hero ingredients like vitamin C and macadamia oil.
If, like me, you tend to get burned along the part in your hair every time you step outside, this sunscreen (from a brand co-founded by Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown) offers sun protection for face and scalp. It’s gentle enough for sensitive-skin types and won’t leave any white cast.
We’ve featured Utility Ceramics in our roundup of the best Black-owned ceramics studios, so it was delightful to spot this speckled tumbler for half off.
Nordstrom stocks a lot of home décor from the MoMA Design Store, and thankfully plenty of it is part of this sale. Save your coffee table from Aperol spritz–induced stains with these colorful silicone coasters.
Or you can cover the water rings that are already there with this 512-page coffee-table book on David Hockney’s artistic career.
A centerpiece and potential fidget toy all in one.
If you constantly forget to water your plants, get this self-watering planter in a neutral shade from NYC-based nursery and design store Greenery Unlimited.
I particularly like the beachy Whitby candle from L’or de Seraphine, which has notes of sea salt, violet, and vetiver.
The perfect candle. No notes.
Okay, maybe just one note: You can buy this smaller red version for much cheaper.
I loitered at PacSun through my middle- and high-school years, and it brings me joy to see Quiksilver back en vogue. And with these cutie flip-flops, you too can push the surfer-chic agenda on the next generation.
A long-sleeved swimsuit will add an extra layer of UV protection, while the ruffles and tropical-bird print will ensure your baby is the best dressed on the beach.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.