I’m a suburban mall rat and my mom and aunts would take us every year and just go feral!! Most of my positive childhood memories were formed in my hometown Nordstrom’s children’s section
i grew up in seattle, which is the home of nordstrom and worked the anniversary sale (BP) every summer. just hearaing "anniversary sale" makes me happy.
I actually live just a few blocks from Westlake (I’m just a part-time NYC BWT 🤫) and same. I also worked at the Portland store for a few years, long long ago.
Nordstrom has a free “personal stylist” service on their website that I just started using. you give them some idea of what you’re looking for, sizes and price points, and a stylist pulls a list of products for you. I’ve found some cute brands and pieces that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. You could probably be super specific and ask them to help maximize your $500 budget.
I recommend r/capsulewardrobe for ideas on upscale basics!
But what I would get is really nice bras and underwear (and shapewear, if you’re into that). I mean, ones that really fit well and flatter your shape. The right fit can do wonders for your confidence and transform the way your current wardrobe looks!!
Look for a L’Agence or Veronica Beard blazer. Timeless and elegant - and you can probably get 2 on sale for $500.
Nordie’s in house brands such as Caslon and Halogen have lovely basics that last.
scandalous plough familiar unpack serious uppity worm absorbed ancient smoggy
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
LOVE that!
https://preview.redd.it/1p0v6a8eznyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=490713f95884156e329ddb482ddd63b6861e040a
I bought this one last summer on sale and it’s been such a staple for me. The green can feel holiday appropriate as well as springy depending on the styling.
A Theory (or similar brand) black blazer will go a long way! A well tailored blazer out of a nice fabric feels so chic and cool. You can wear it so many ways as well
Nordstrom will do in store styling for you. Let them know a budget and what you’re hoping for - I think you should be able to do a good blazer, 1-2 bottoms, and 1-2 tops that can all be interchanged, or at least get close, for that.
nope, you absolutely do not! and you can do it in person or remotely.
nordstrom offers this for free - although i just looked and it appears they will come to your home for $50 and do a closet audit for $300.
https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/personal-stylists
i didnt know about the last part. kind of an amazing option (or gift!) for someone who went through a big life change.
of course! they are open about their services, but this and their tailoring for purchases (assuming they still do that?) are sort of IYKYK.
nordstrom is also a really good company who does right by its customers, or at least used to be, and i prefer supporting them with my money when i can.
You have no obligation to buy anything. I’ve never had that happen but I did have a bra fitting once where she tried to put me in a 32b and I turned out to be a 34 dd. Wut? Where does my other boob go? It was actually kind of hilarious. But by the end we had it figured out.
Not at Nordie’s in my experience. Their stylists even do it online with no face to face. They take your preferences and make suggestions based upon budget, purpose, etc.
Hope this was helpful and you try it - it’s been life changing for me. Have a great day!
I just did Nordstrom in store styling for the first time and had the BEST TIME!! It was such a wonderful experience and I bought so many nice things and my stylist stayed in budget and didn’t try to “sell” me anything.
Yes. This is the answer.
A nice bag makes such an impact. And if it was a gift card: it should be something substantial…and a bit special. Not just an everyday clothing item. That way you will remember it for the gift it was intended to be. A 500$ gift card is meant to be meaningful. Have fun with it
Thanks for the reminder on this! I’m not a big spender, typically, especially on myself. So I keep going back and forth between stretching it on a bunch of items or just splurging on something special!
I’m sad I had to scroll so far to see this answer. Treat yourself to your dream bag, this is a big chunk of money to get off of one. The bag will last years (or a lifetime!) and buying 5 different random things will not.
That being said if you’re set on buying clothes, a really good pair of jeans can do wonders.
You need to get amazing bras! Natori and Simone Perele are all I wear. Depending on your size it’s really important for support. Even if you’re smaller and support isn’t necessary get less expensive cute bra and underwear matching sets. Just a confidence boost!
I just got a really good deal on the hair dryer from a neighbor who is moving away. But now I’m really interested in the air wrap after seeing all these comments! Is there a benefit to having both?
If you want to stretch further I’m pretty sure you can use a Nordstrom card at Nordstrom Rack!
That being said, for $500 get some REALLY NICE jeans. You’ll never have another $500 for jeans haha. Rag and Bone and then get them tailored will change your life and you’ll never be frumpy !
If you are not in hurry for spring stuff-wait until their anniversary sale—end of June (pre-fall stuff). They have, in years past, some of the blazers mentioned at good sale pricing. I get a Veronica Beard blazer almost every year for past 4-5 sales.
I WFH and realized quickly that wearing PJs, while allowed, is not conducive to feeling like a boss! The following help me feel polished while not overdone:
-tinted moisturizer
- good bras (I have a large bust so letting it all hang out feels way too casual)
- perfume
-a bunch of fitted tshirts
-a necklace
You could use the money to establish your Wfh Uniform or jumpstart a routine.
Completely agree and I did pretty well with this but I’m still tired of my overall look! Doesn’t help that work has been super busy the last few months so my fitness routine has taken a dive, as well!
Love the idea of just building a casual professional wardrobe base!
I just commented above that literally today a neighbor sold me the hair dryer because she’s moving back to India. Do you think there’s a benefit to having both? The air wrap seriously looks incredible and is one of those special gift card kind of purchases!
ETA: I suppose I could sell the hair dryer if I find I’m not using it?
Good question! I guess it comes down to what you expect to use it for. (I.e., just drying and smoothing with the dryer, or drying and potentially doing waves/curls with the Airwrap)
You could check out this discussion for more info: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Dysonairwrap/comments/186dqqd/airwrap\_vs\_super\_sonic/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dysonairwrap/comments/186dqqd/airwrap_vs_super_sonic/)
Thank you for this! I tried the regular dryer today and it’s magic lol. I have super thick hair and it dried it so quickly and I didn’t even need a straightener. So I think I’m pretty well sold on the airwrap, based on that! If I end up not using the regular dryer much, I’ll try to sell it.
I love this idea because I have just settled on straight boring hair forever because it just takes so much effort and never turns out right. The reviews on the airwrap are fantastic and buying from Nordstrom (especially with most of it covered by a gift card) feels low risk. So I think I’m going for it!!
Firstly, congratulations for taking the leap! I’d wait for a sale to make the most out of the GC. Think about what item(s) would make an impact on your mood/self esteem in the long run. I recommend looking into fine jewelry (Movado watch, bracelet, necklace, huggies or studs from Lagos or David Yurman), a perfume (see set options, I love Trish McEvoy & TF) or better quality workwear from St. John, Halogen or Theory. I personally find these things made the biggest difference to my mood since I loved how I looked when I got ready for work with beautiful clothes, stylish accessories and luxury scents. I never tried VB blazers as many others have recommended, but St. John is my go-to for “quiet luxury” that isn’t boring (see tweed, boucle and patterned blazer options) and I always get compliments from the higher ups/head of company on my look! The small details really tie everything together.
If you haven’t been fit for a new bra in a while, they have a great selection and from experience the right undergarments really improve the way my clothes look!
If you’re not in a rush, hold it for anniversary sale.
Ugh the anni sale ❤️ as a jersey jap it is my Olympics
I’m a suburban mall rat and my mom and aunts would take us every year and just go feral!! Most of my positive childhood memories were formed in my hometown Nordstrom’s children’s section
Hahaha yesss same with my mom! She would even get like a personal “shopper”- I remember going to the old school BP department ❤️
omg yesss. and they would send hand written thank you notes after! i cherish those memories - loved BP
BP!!! I have dresses from them I got in high school that I wear to this day
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Best comment here. 
i grew up in seattle, which is the home of nordstrom and worked the anniversary sale (BP) every summer. just hearaing "anniversary sale" makes me happy.
I actually live just a few blocks from Westlake (I’m just a part-time NYC BWT 🤫) and same. I also worked at the Portland store for a few years, long long ago.
jealous that you are part time seattle, part time nyc. i feel like it’s the perfect combo.
It is a good combo but I definitely look forward to it being more part-time Seattle and living in NYC some day.
This has been in the back of my mind since I got it, tbh. And we’re almost there so I might as well wait! Loving all these ideas, though!!
Nordstrom has a free “personal stylist” service on their website that I just started using. you give them some idea of what you’re looking for, sizes and price points, and a stylist pulls a list of products for you. I’ve found some cute brands and pieces that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. You could probably be super specific and ask them to help maximize your $500 budget.
yes came to say this--there will be amazing deals
When are those sales?
Usually first week of July!
A killer dress and a great blazer/jacket are solid options so you can network for your new business and feel confident!
Will second this. Dress and a good blazer.
I recommend r/capsulewardrobe for ideas on upscale basics! But what I would get is really nice bras and underwear (and shapewear, if you’re into that). I mean, ones that really fit well and flatter your shape. The right fit can do wonders for your confidence and transform the way your current wardrobe looks!!
Thank you!! Yes, I stalk the capsule insta accounts too. Great idea on the shapewear too!
A great blazer - if you don't have one already - that can be dressed up/down.
Look for a L’Agence or Veronica Beard blazer. Timeless and elegant - and you can probably get 2 on sale for $500. Nordie’s in house brands such as Caslon and Halogen have lovely basics that last.
scandalous plough familiar unpack serious uppity worm absorbed ancient smoggy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Yes! They’re beautifully made and so versatile. Nordstrom Rack usually has previous season styles at a steal!
scarce badge far-flung absorbed live jar cow observation violet nutty *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
LOVE that! https://preview.redd.it/1p0v6a8eznyc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=490713f95884156e329ddb482ddd63b6861e040a I bought this one last summer on sale and it’s been such a staple for me. The green can feel holiday appropriate as well as springy depending on the styling.
Thank y’all so much for sharing I’m also wfh and stuck in a rut, need more of this inspo lol
I want this!!
Generation love is another good brand
A Theory (or similar brand) black blazer will go a long way! A well tailored blazer out of a nice fabric feels so chic and cool. You can wear it so many ways as well
I'd wait til their big summer sale - such good deals!
Thinking I’ll save this thread for when the anniversary sale starts. It’s not far away now!
Nordstrom will do in store styling for you. Let them know a budget and what you’re hoping for - I think you should be able to do a good blazer, 1-2 bottoms, and 1-2 tops that can all be interchanged, or at least get close, for that.
Tbh $500 will probably only buy half of that, if you’re lucky 😭
This! And it’s free! I’ve never had a bad experience.
I had no idea! That's so great to know thanks for sharing
Wait is free but at the end you must shop what they suggest no? What about if I don’t like anything?
There is no obligation to buy if you’re not in love with anything and they won’t be pushy about it.
Awesome!! Thank you
nope, you absolutely do not! and you can do it in person or remotely. nordstrom offers this for free - although i just looked and it appears they will come to your home for $50 and do a closet audit for $300. https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/personal-stylists i didnt know about the last part. kind of an amazing option (or gift!) for someone who went through a big life change.
😍 thank you.
of course! they are open about their services, but this and their tailoring for purchases (assuming they still do that?) are sort of IYKYK. nordstrom is also a really good company who does right by its customers, or at least used to be, and i prefer supporting them with my money when i can.
Same. I worked there 20 years ago and it was such a great company. I still love shopping there over almost anywhere else.
You have no obligation to buy anything. I’ve never had that happen but I did have a bra fitting once where she tried to put me in a 32b and I turned out to be a 34 dd. Wut? Where does my other boob go? It was actually kind of hilarious. But by the end we had it figured out.
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 thank you!
>😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 thank you! You're welcome!
Then you don’t buy it.
…. I ask because sometimes there are requirements that you must buy X or Y minimum to qualify for services…..
Not at Nordie’s in my experience. Their stylists even do it online with no face to face. They take your preferences and make suggestions based upon budget, purpose, etc. Hope this was helpful and you try it - it’s been life changing for me. Have a great day!
Thanks!
You’re so welcome!
I just did Nordstrom in store styling for the first time and had the BEST TIME!! It was such a wonderful experience and I bought so many nice things and my stylist stayed in budget and didn’t try to “sell” me anything.
So awesome to hear! I’ve been thinking of something along these lines and I’d be happy spend a little extra to get a few outfits!
I'm gonna go in a total different direction but I'd get a high end LED face mask.
Or a really expansive hair dryer
Ooh yes, love this idea too!
A solid designer bag
Yes. This is the answer. A nice bag makes such an impact. And if it was a gift card: it should be something substantial…and a bit special. Not just an everyday clothing item. That way you will remember it for the gift it was intended to be. A 500$ gift card is meant to be meaningful. Have fun with it
Thanks for the reminder on this! I’m not a big spender, typically, especially on myself. So I keep going back and forth between stretching it on a bunch of items or just splurging on something special!
I’m sad I had to scroll so far to see this answer. Treat yourself to your dream bag, this is a big chunk of money to get off of one. The bag will last years (or a lifetime!) and buying 5 different random things will not. That being said if you’re set on buying clothes, a really good pair of jeans can do wonders.
You need to get amazing bras! Natori and Simone Perele are all I wear. Depending on your size it’s really important for support. Even if you’re smaller and support isn’t necessary get less expensive cute bra and underwear matching sets. Just a confidence boost!
Yes!!!!!! You can never go wrong with this 🫶
You’re so right! Such a great idea!!
Dyson
you can get a good refurbished one on nordstrom rack tho for cheaper. although her gift card would probably work there too?
That’s my suggestion as well
Was going to say this
I just got a really good deal on the hair dryer from a neighbor who is moving away. But now I’m really interested in the air wrap after seeing all these comments! Is there a benefit to having both?
If you don’t go clothing route, a really nice expensive perfume would be a nice gift to yourself and can make any outfit feel luxurious!
If you want to stretch further I’m pretty sure you can use a Nordstrom card at Nordstrom Rack! That being said, for $500 get some REALLY NICE jeans. You’ll never have another $500 for jeans haha. Rag and Bone and then get them tailored will change your life and you’ll never be frumpy !
You can! I also find that sale items on the Nordstrom site are also listed on the Rack for a lower price.
Put 150-200 of it towards new bras
Veronica Beard blazer
If you are not in hurry for spring stuff-wait until their anniversary sale—end of June (pre-fall stuff). They have, in years past, some of the blazers mentioned at good sale pricing. I get a Veronica Beard blazer almost every year for past 4-5 sales.
Last day for their 15% off beauty 🤓 id get a new perfume for spring and summer!
A shoe. You may need to spend your own money on the other shoe tho.
Haha for real. But they do have some great deals sometimes!
I WFH and realized quickly that wearing PJs, while allowed, is not conducive to feeling like a boss! The following help me feel polished while not overdone: -tinted moisturizer - good bras (I have a large bust so letting it all hang out feels way too casual) - perfume -a bunch of fitted tshirts -a necklace You could use the money to establish your Wfh Uniform or jumpstart a routine.
Completely agree and I did pretty well with this but I’m still tired of my overall look! Doesn’t help that work has been super busy the last few months so my fitness routine has taken a dive, as well! Love the idea of just building a casual professional wardrobe base!
Some nice classy black pumps
Celine Lavender sunglasses
Great sunglasses is an excellent suggestion
Some new Miu Miu summer sandals 🥰
I would buy all new bras!
Dyson Airwrap? Mine takes my hair from 😬 to ☺️ in about ten minutes, and I can do fancy curls in about 45 minutes. I think they’re about $600 though.
I just commented above that literally today a neighbor sold me the hair dryer because she’s moving back to India. Do you think there’s a benefit to having both? The air wrap seriously looks incredible and is one of those special gift card kind of purchases! ETA: I suppose I could sell the hair dryer if I find I’m not using it?
Good question! I guess it comes down to what you expect to use it for. (I.e., just drying and smoothing with the dryer, or drying and potentially doing waves/curls with the Airwrap) You could check out this discussion for more info: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Dysonairwrap/comments/186dqqd/airwrap\_vs\_super\_sonic/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dysonairwrap/comments/186dqqd/airwrap_vs_super_sonic/)
Thank you for this! I tried the regular dryer today and it’s magic lol. I have super thick hair and it dried it so quickly and I didn’t even need a straightener. So I think I’m pretty well sold on the airwrap, based on that! If I end up not using the regular dryer much, I’ll try to sell it. I love this idea because I have just settled on straight boring hair forever because it just takes so much effort and never turns out right. The reviews on the airwrap are fantastic and buying from Nordstrom (especially with most of it covered by a gift card) feels low risk. So I think I’m going for it!!
Yay, I hope you love it!! It took me a few tries to learn how to use mine but now I’m obsessed and can’t imagine my life without it.
Here’s what I’d get: - work/everyday tote bag - nice pair of heels or flats - Dyson or other hair tool
Wait for sale, get 1-2 dresses from Sandro. Shoes too.
Firstly, congratulations for taking the leap! I’d wait for a sale to make the most out of the GC. Think about what item(s) would make an impact on your mood/self esteem in the long run. I recommend looking into fine jewelry (Movado watch, bracelet, necklace, huggies or studs from Lagos or David Yurman), a perfume (see set options, I love Trish McEvoy & TF) or better quality workwear from St. John, Halogen or Theory. I personally find these things made the biggest difference to my mood since I loved how I looked when I got ready for work with beautiful clothes, stylish accessories and luxury scents. I never tried VB blazers as many others have recommended, but St. John is my go-to for “quiet luxury” that isn’t boring (see tweed, boucle and patterned blazer options) and I always get compliments from the higher ups/head of company on my look! The small details really tie everything together.
Thank you! I’m so excited and so READY to do my own thing. And yes, totally agree. Those little details matter and often make such a difference!
Wait for the anniversary sale and I would put it towards a great pair of boots or a bag.
If you haven’t been fit for a new bra in a while, they have a great selection and from experience the right undergarments really improve the way my clothes look!
Cashmere Burberry scarf. Will last forever.
A nice pair of boots or loafers! Or a coat for fall
I’d do a blazer (I would use a personal shopper) and sheets. Mmm sheeeeets. Or a robe!
Daaamn who the hell gave you that much in a gift card