With every blogger on the internet compiling Nordstrom Anniversary Sale favorites, I got the idea to compare the sale’s prices to shopping on Amazon. I chose shoes as the comparison because shoes are both something that I think Amazon excels at, and also something that I, personally, would realistically shop for at Nordstrom proper. (I’ll shop for anything at Nordstrom Rack; for regular Nordstrom, for me it has to be an item where I think price and quality are connected, and buying quality is important.)

My original intent was to pick some favorites from Nordstrom’s sale, and then compare those prices to the exact same items on Amazon. But as I got started.. I realized that I could not find my shoe picks on Amazon by searching their brands and style names. Very clever, Nordstrom – they must have anticipated comparison with Amazon and selected sale items not available on the internet monolith of undercutting.

In light of that discovery, I decided instead to pick my Nordstrom favorites, and then find stylistically similar items of the same brand on Amazon for comparison. I picked things that sparked my interest – either things that I’d personally like to wear, or things that have an interesting and distinct design.

Nordstrom:

Louise et Cie Fenn Laceup Oxford, $99.90

Amazon:

Louise et Cie Freyer Nude Loafer, $81.98

 

Winner:

Nordstrom. Amazon didn’t have a very close substitute in this case. I don’t personally care for the so-called nude of the Amazon selection, and I think the Fenn from Nordstrom is more versatile. Oh, and you’ve got to be just the right size in order to buy yours on Amazon. If you do like the nude color, the Nordstrom shoe comes in that too, but I couldn’t find one on Amazon in the metalic pattern.

 

Nordstrom:

Vince Camuto Lindgren Flat, $69.90

Amazon:

Vince Camuto Chayton Loafer, $85.98

 

Winner:

Nordstrom. It doesn’t take a math genius to see that Nordstrom wins on price here. The Amazon comp is a similar shoe, but they don’t have any interesting fashion prints, only basics. Nordstrom has two fashion prints. Also, Amazon’s sizing is limited. I used a size 8 for the price comparison here, because its near the middle of the range, but prices were higher or lower for other sizes and colors on Amazon. I do like the Chayton, but it would need to be significantly less expensive for me to choose the basic color over the multi print at Nordstrom.

 

Nordstrom:

Steve Madden Hugh Embellished Mule, $59.90

Amazon:

Steve Madden Kandi, $55.99

 

Winner:

Toss up. The price difference isn’t significant here, but the shoes are quite different aside from shape and bee motif. I think I personally lean towards Amazon, as this would be an “experimental” shoe purchase for me, so why not go all out on crazy patterns? But, the Nordstrom shoe is also appealing, and close in price.

 

Nordstrom:

Ellen DeGeneres Aviana Cap Toe Sneaker, $84.90

Amazon: 

Ellen DeGeneres Floral Ikat Oberlin, $129

 

 

Winner:

Nordstrom, by virtue of price. I love both of these shoes. Ellen has always been a style hero of mine, so I was excited to learn she had a shoe line. Both pairs here look comfortable, and have a simple masculine look, with a little bit of extra style to them. I would wear either, or even both.

 

Nordstrom:

Shelly’s London Tyra Combat Boot, $112.90

 

Amazon:

Shelly’s London Lily Combat Boot, $84.99

 

 

Winner:

Amazon. The price is a little better at Amazon, but Amazon wins here for me based on personal taste. I’m not the biggest fan of patent – to me it always looks a little fake/cheap – although I like the Tyra. So seeing an option that reminds me of that boot, but not in patent, quickly pulls my attention. But, I’ll admit that for someone without my patent hang ups, the Tyra may be the only boot that will do.

Final Score: 

Nordstrom – 3

Amazon – 1

Tie – 1

Good game Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I was skeptical, but you prevailed. I’ve accidentally sold myself on the sale – I know it won’t be as wonderful as Nordstrom Rack, but now I know it can compete with Amazon.

 

 

Disclaimer:

Amazon items are affiliate links. Nordstrom items are not; they’re just links. Much as I wish Nordstrom was giving me presents and influencing my opinions, that is sadly, not the case.