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The Truth About Nordstrom

[Disclosure: This post was started by Katie 2, because we (read "she") wanted to be real with you. Katie 1 and Elizabeth disagreed- not about the being real part, but rather the opinions contained herein. Katie 2 wrote it anyway, and Katie 1 and Elizabeth edited and added their own thoughts.]

Nordstrom sucks. (Nordstrom People: Please do not take offense. We would love some free stuff! Keep reading! It gets better- I promise!!) The corporate fashion bloggers want you to think that it is THE PLACE TO GO for all your clothing needs. This. Is. A. Lie. (Please see the rest of this blog for proof.) The store is big. It's expensive. You can never find what you're looking for. "I just need a great black tank to replace one of my ten plain black tanks, to wear with my dozens of patterned pencil skirts and black cardigans" said every Working Girl ever.

I will not go so far as to say I'm a convert, but I will admit I'm coming around (a little). It's happening in stages, and I will walk you through:
  1. They have a bar.

  2. And food. Didn't know this? Neither did I. Enter the other Real Working Girls who opened by eyes to the glory that is the Nordstrom meatball. Seriously guys. The meatball game has been changed with the Nordstrom meatball. Plus, they come with garlic toast points to scoop up that yummy sauce. Also worth trying: Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos and Polenta fries.  
  3. They price match on make-up. I just like that I don't have to pay as much and don't have to do any work. #lazyshopper
  4. SALES! Nordstrom has their semiannual sale that every blogger (and basic bitch) raves about. The bloggers then put up their top 75,000 picks of the things they can't live without but because of their "real life budgets" they just had to wait. But navigating this monster on your own, without relying on unrealistic bloggers to tell you what you should buy? If I told you how to do it here, then we couldn't make a separate blog post about it... stay tuned.
Katie 1's thoughts on Nordstrom
  1. Ditto on the bar and food. Seriously the meatballs...
  2. Their return policy. It's universally loved for a reason.
  3. At least in Chicago, their shoe selection is amazing and the staff is super helpful. I also like the Louis Vuitton boutique located in Nordstrom more than the standalone on Michigan Avenue. Staff is much nicer and it's not full of gawking tourists and teenagers.
  4. The staff. With the exception of the men's department at the Chicago location, the staff at Nordstrom is really hard to beat. They are knowledgeable, helpful without being pushy and generally pleasant.
  5. The Men's Department. While the customer service in the men's department at the Chicago store leaves a lot to be desired, their section of men's suits is second to none. My husband is a difficult-to-find size and Nordstrom has the best selection in his size. Plus their tailors do a really good job.
  6. The SALES! Nordstrom puts things on sale that other retailers do not. What's not to love when I can get my shampoo for almost half price?
  7. I will agree that for workwear needs, Nordstrom can be overwhelming. However, once you understand the lay of the land, it just becomes whelming. Once you're just whelmed it can be a great place for workwear shopping (especially for higher end brands like Hugo Boss).
Elizabeth's thoughts on Nordstrom
  1. While the bar may only be at the Chicago location that we all frequent, it is fabulous. If you are in Chicago or if other locations do have one, then definitely go.
  2. The app... I would say 90% of my Nordstrom shopping is done online. If online shopping scares you, see Katie 1's comment regarding the return policy. If I don't order through the app, I  do do an initial review of all the black tank tops or whatever I am looking for there to see what I want to check out in person. The search feature allows filtering to narrow down the options, and there are often helpful reviews from fellow shoppers. Then the app will tell you if the item is in your store (including what department so you know generally where to go) or the nearest store where you can find it. I agree that just walking into the store sans game plan when you have something specific in mind is overwhelming, but you can't beat the variety of both options and price points. Either go with a wandering adventurous spirit or take the time to look around pre-shopping trip if you want to find something specific. What are lunch breaks for?
  3. The points/Nordstrom notes. I love cash back. The Nordstrom credit card gives you just that with notes that can be used in store. You may complain that they are only good in store, but I am a Nordstrom shopper, so I have no trouble finding a use for them. With triple points days and the Holiday 10x point days, I have been able to get quite a bit of cash back on things I was going to buy anyway.
  4. The events. I enjoy drinking prosecco and exploring the store. There are events throughout the year where I get to do just that. Trend Show in the spring and fall is a fun way to see what's new in beauty at the store with door prizes, giveaways, and gifts with purchase. Fun!
  5. I won't go so far as to call it Mecca, but it is among my top 5 favorite stores.
So there you have it, folks. There is a reason fashion bloggers love this store. Katie 2 hasn't gotten there quite yet, but having someone there to guide her and some advice she got right here from this blog post (seriously! Who knew about the app?), it is at least manageable. Maybe some day soon, she might go in there alone for more than just a cocktail and dinner.

(Can you tell we like the meatballs?)

(Just so you never question our dedication to this blog, we made a special trip to Nordstrom just to shoot some pictures. It's not our fault we only made it to the bar.)
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