A helpful guide for the locally-minded shopper.
Hello, it’s me Beth, your resident Nordstrom addict.
O.K., O.K., I’m exaggerating just a bit. But I am a regular shopper at the department store, and it’s an especially exciting time of year right now — the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
(Well, technically it is early access time for Nordstrom credit card holders, and the sale opens to the general public on July 20, but I digress).
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the store’s biggest sale of the year. It’s not your typical retail sale, in which a store is trying to unload a bunch of its end-of-season merchandise. Rather, Nordstrom marks down items ahead of the fall season. That means you can find a variety of on-trend items — from clothes to shoes to accessories and more — that will be in style when temperatures start to drop.
It’s a fashionista’s dream.
Given that most clothing, shoes and other accessories are manufactured abroad, the bulk of the items included in the sale are imported. But have no fear, friends! I dug through the sale website while procrastinating at work to share some great finds that are made or assembled in the United States.
Allen Edmonds Shoes
While most shoe manufacturers moved production overseas, Allen Edmonds never left — it has been making men’s dress shoes in the United States since 1922. The quality is there — the company’s 212-step manufacturing process is legendary, and customers become so attached to their shoes that the Allen Edmonds factory in Wisconsin receives nearly 60,000 pairs each year to restore. You can find several pairs of American-made Allen Edmonds shoes at the Nordstrom sale, including the Strand Cap Toe Oxford and the Higgins Mill Plain Toe Boot.
Beyond Yoga Clothing
Athleisure brand Beyond Yoga says it aims to “produce our clothing locally, crafted with love in our LA offices and facilities.” As its name implies, Beyond Yoga creates stylish clothing that transitions from a workout to a night out, including items like this Cozy Convertible Fleece Pullover.
Bobbi Brown Makeup
This all-encompassing Deluxe Eye & Cheek Set from Bobbi Brown includes eye shadows, bronzers and blushes, allowing you to effortlessly transition your look from day to night. While some of the company’s makeup is imported, this particular set is labeled Made in the USA — and priced nearly $300 below value.
Cathy’s Concepts Glasses
Toast your home state with these classic glasses from Indianapolis-based Cathy’s Concepts, which also make for a great wedding or housewarming gift.
Hanky Panky Lingerie
Hanky Panky has developed somewhat of a cult following, and has been making its products in the Northeast region since 1977, arguing that doing so is better for both the environment and the workers who make its products. The Nordstrom sale is a good time to stock up on Hanky Panky gear, including the company’s colorful lace underwear and thongs.
Hart Schaffner Marx Suits
Sen. Sherrod Brown is known for sporting a Ohio-made Hart Schaffner Marx suit, and Nordstrom has marked down several of the suitmaker's classic ensembles, including the New York Classic Fit Solid Stretch Wool Suit.
iCanvas Artwork
Dozens of pieces of wall art from iCanvas — produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Morton Grove, Ill. — are marked down during the big sale, so be sure to check out the Nordstrom website if you are interested in giving your home a makeover.
Kiehl’s Beauty Products
Kiehl’s began as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village 165 years ago, and continues to manufacture its products, made from naturally-derived ingredients, in the United States. A variety of Kiehl’s shampoos, conditioners, soaps, body washes and more are on sale, including its Healthy Skin Set.
Kwiat Diamond Earrings
Sam Kwiat first opened his diamond jewelry store in 1907 in New York, and Kwiat remains a family-operated company today. Many of New York’s jewelry makers moved have overseas, but Kwiat’s designers, diamond graders, cutters, setters and polishers still operate in the city. You can find several Kwiat pieces in the sale, including these 0.25 ct diamond and platinum stud earrings. If you are willing to spend a bit more cash — perhaps as an early holiday gift — Kwiat’s 1.50ct diamond and platinum stud earrings are marked down by nearly $2,500.
Maternal America
I know not everybody is the market for maternity gear, but seeing as I am currently pregnant, I was excited to see Made in the USA maternity items included in the sale. Nordstrom has marked down several of Maternal America’s dresses, including the Short Sleeve Ruched Maternity/Nursing Dress, which can also be functional after the baby is born.
Michael Stars Clothing
You can stock up for work with items like this body-con dress or get ready for colder temps with this flowy Blouson Top from the Los Angeles-based company, which cuts and sews its garments in the City of Angels and often sources from American suppliers. Several Michael Stars pieces are featured in the sale, including these versatile Ruched Hem Jogger Pants.
Rag & Bone Jeans
Getting ready for fall with a pair of the Dre Slim Boyfriend Jeans, or pick up the Side Stripe Skinny Jeans, which feature a lighter wash that is perfect for summer.
Shinola Watches
The Detroit company is among the leaders of the maker movement, and they rose to fame for their high-quality and very stylish watches. Shinola’s Runwell Leather Strap Watch 38mm and its Canfield Chrono Leather Strap Watch 43 mm are both marked down by more than $100, making it a good time to purchase one of these investment pieces.
Zoë Chicco Jewelry
Pennsylvania-raised Zoë Chicco is known for creating “personal, classic pieces that are at the same time versatile,” all of which are handcrafted by a team of artisans at her Los Angeles studio. Several of the designer’s stylish earrings, necklaces, and rings are featured in the Nordstrom sale, including this pair of Single Emerald Open Circle Stud Earrings.
Did I miss any of your favorite Made in the USA picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Let me know on Twitter via @ebrotherton.
Message from Beth: Despite my obvious enthusiasm for all things Nordstrom, please note that the Alliance for American Manufacturing does not endorse any department store or retail product. Rather, the organization’s goal is to merely highlight companies and products that support the creation and retention of manufacturing jobs in the United States.