2 years in the making, and it's finally done... for now!! Excited to share our master bedroom with you guys today. Home decor has been the number one request amongst my readers lately, and I'm hoping to deliver on that, one project at a time. I'm including the links to everything in our room at the bottom of this post!
I wanted our bedroom to be a place of serenity; somewhere we wanted to retreat too. I find so often that people love to travel to luxurious hotels because it feels nicer than their own home, but you spend the most time in your home - so why not make it equally as luxurious!? While I love all things bright and vibrant in my clothing, I like my home to be neutral. Neutrals represent a calming effect for me, and the light and airy tones make me feel awake and energized. While I still don't think it's "perfect" (because let's be honest, decorating is expensive), I'm getting there! I'd love to rip up the carpet and lay hardwoods in here in the future, and I'd also like to switch out the shag rug for something with a little pattern. With that said, here is where we are at with it right now!
Where in the world did this summer go?! I feel like it's still just getting started, but the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale launches THIS week, and today I'm sharing everything you need to know to navigate the sale successfully. This guide will give you early access dates, benefits of being a credit card holder, access to the catalog, my favorite buys from last years sale, your favorite buys from last years sale and the 6 items I think are most worth purchasing during the sale after 3 years of shopping it as an influencer.
Just like last year, I will be shopping the sale in person on launch day so that I can provide you with the most optimal in-store shopping experience! This means I will be taking you along with me throughout the store via stories in real time, so if you don't already follow me over on Instagram click here to do so. I will break down my favorite items from women's wear, shoes, handbags, and beauty products and will be updating this post as I go (so be sure to bookmark it so you can easily refer back).
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, nicknamed #Nsale on social media, is Nordstroms biggest sale of the year. For a limited period of time, Nordstrom offers brand new fall styles at deeply discounted prices. During the #Nsale, no promo code is needed - you will see the original price listed under the item of interest online, as well as the Nordstrom sale price below it.
Nordy Club Icon and Ambassador level card holders can shop the sale starting July 9-11 in stores only! Early access for Nordstrom card holders begins July 12 -18 at 12:30 EST on the 12th. If you're not a card holder, but would like to be, you can apply for the Nordstrom Credit card here until July 11th to still receive early access! The sale opens to everyone (non cardholders included) on July 19, 2018 and ends on August 4, 2019.
Why is early access beneficial?
Early access is beneficial because the hottest items sell out first. Access for card holders starts (July 9th depending on your status level) a full week before the general public (July 19th) can shop the sale, so sizes and selections are still fully stocked. In addition, the day you sign up for a Nordstrom credit card, you get a $60 Nordstrom note that can be used towards you purchase. Other perks of the card include personal triple points days where you have the opportunity to accrue additional $20 notes. I had early access last year, and was able to shop the sale from the flagship store in Seattle, Washington on the very first day it started - and items were already sold out within the first hour of it being live in the store! The good stuff sells out insanely fast, so it's important to take advantage of being a card holder if you want to ensure size availability and selection.
What kind of deals can I expect?
A preview of sale items for both women and men can be found in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog here. Some of the most popular discounted items include shoes (my personal favorite), tops and blouses, cardigans and sweaters, jeans, jackets, undergarments, purses, and dresses. You can expect discounts of 25-30% off, and in some cases more. I usually stock up on pricier/designer items during this time as they traditionally either don't go on sale at all, or not with these types of discounts. Items like Tory Burch flats and Stuart Weitzman boots have been a few of the most popular finds in years past.
What were the top 6 most popular items amongst my readers last year?
What I got the most use out of/What I think is worth buying most? Gucci 57MM Sunglasses
(I've worn these nonstop since the sale, got them for $100 off!) BlankNYC Boyfriend Jeans
Still wearing these a year later! Madewell 10-inch High Waist Skinny Jeans
Still wearing these a year later too! The most comfortable fit, especially at a super decent price point. Steve Madden Reece Sock Bootie
Wore these all fall/winter, and plan on wearing them again this year! Held up fantastic + super comfortable to walk in. Spanx Faux Leather Moto Leggings
So worth it! My most worn legging year after year. BP Raw Edge V-Neck
I stock up on these during the sale every year! Great closet basic.
How should I shop the sale?
I recommend previewing the sale products via the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Catalog prior to the sale date, and starring items you are interested in. I also tend to shop for staple items first. Last year, I had the most success, and got the most use out of staple items I purchased like jeans, sunglasses, athleisure and leggings! I also really recommend shopping for these online. Most Nordstroms have an "in-store pickup" option, so if you're worried about fit, you have the opportunity to scoop up the most desirable items and sizes via their website (vs risking availability in store), and going to the store when it's convenient to try them on. If they don't fit, you can return them right there.
To see my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks from last year, click here.
The first question I am always asked when I tell people I am a full time blogger, is how I make money. It actually kind of happens like word vomit seeing as the second it rolls out of someones mouth they almost immediately retract the question realizing it's a rather taboo topic to ask about in most industries. Regardless, I think it's important to educate people on how this all works rather than keeping it hush hush. At the end of the day, it's the new age form of marketing in an ever evolving world and there's nothing to hide!
There are several ways a blogger can make a living from blogging, but I'd say the most common form of this is via sponsored content. Essentially, brands have shifted from traditional marketing strategies like billboard ads, commercials on television, and magazine placement to using social media to promote their brand or product. This is a natural shift, seeing as social media is the new age way of consuming content. Think about it, do you remember the last commercial you saw on television? Or the last billboard ad you passed on the highway? Probably not. But you probably do remember that amazing product your favorite influencer or celebrity was most recently raving about right? Why? Because you spend more time on social media, consuming content you choose to follow, than you do in front of a television or on the road. If you're not the driver in a car, you are likely looking at Instagram or Facebook on your phone rather than sight seeing. If there is a commercial break on television, you are probably opening your phone vs watching the commercials. I know I do!
For whatever reason sponsored content has a weird stigma around it on social media when people see the #ad or #sponsored tags being used. I've never understood the stigma around this because it's no different than a magazine editor being paid to write about a product she tried in a national publication, or a network being paid to run a commercial during prime time television. Influencers get paid to talk about those very same things, but on their social media platforms. I think the biggest difference is that any notable influencer typically only partners with a brand they truly stand by, and often times turns down amazing opportunities if they aren't the right fit.
The communication between brands and influencers goes both ways. Often times the brand will reach out to the influencer and suggest a partnership, and other times the influencer will reach out to the brand. If there is a brand I really want to work with, I will send a pitch email to them outlining who I am, why I want to work with them, and what value add my brand can bring to the table for them. It's similar to anyone in a sales position who cold calls in the hopes of drumming up new business, but on a more personal level. If I am reaching out to a brand, it's because I really like their product, use it regularly, and want to create a story around it for my readers. I only promote or talk about things on TCB that I can 100% stand behind and truly respect in my every day life - that's also why you see me talk about the same brands and companies regularly.
Rates for posts like these range greatly depending on a number of factors. Audience size, engagement rates (what percentage of your audience is liking and commenting on your photos), quality of the content, the overall ask etc. When you are actively engaging with your favorite influencers, you are providing support to them not only from a business standpoint, but also from an emotional standpoint in letting them know you are interested in their content -- I know I can speak for many when I say it is extremely motivating to continue to create when it is well respected. Nothing feels worse than spending a ton of time and effort into creating something you truly love, only for your readers to scroll right past it.
Speaking of time, posts like these can take hours to create. I personally take great pride in my content, and never want to put anything on my platform that I don't love myself. Each post you see has had a planning session behind it which is where the creativity begins. I come up with a theme for the post, source a location to shoot it, research an outfit to go along with it, photograph it, edit it, and then put the actual post together and hit publish. Most magazines or broadcast stations have an entire team dedicated to doing this - one person does location scouting, a stylist handles the outfits for models, a photographer shoots and edits the images, an editor writes the actual post, and the publisher puts it together for publishing. Most influencers, unless you are super established or mega big, are doing all of these tasks alone - or in some cases with the help of one assistant who a lot of times, is a family member (shout out to all the Insta hubbies out there) or good friend.
At the end of the day, the goal behind this little space of mine is to empower you to look and feel your best by bringing you fresh new ideas for styling outfits, healthy recipes, different workouts, and feeding your wanderlust with travel. These are all things that inspire me, that resonate with me, and that have helped me on the journey of self love throughout my twenties. Your trust and support are my number one priority so that I can continue to grow and publish content for you to consume.
