This post should be titled: “Better Late Than Never”…I have been shopping the sale nearly non-stop for the past 5 days.  Sadly, I haven’t had a moment to share my favorite finds (until now) but, the plus side is that I am confident that I have seen, felt and tried nearly every item in this year’s sale.

Before I get ahead of myself, I’m talking about The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – an annual holiday for die-hard shoppers such as myself.  No really…when I had a 9-5 job, I used to take the day off, or at least the morning of the sale.  Back in “the good ole’ days,” the doors opened the first morning of the sale at 7am and eager shoppers would run through the store, willing to go “to the ropes” over designer denim and fall boots.  Now, in the more civilized world of internet shopping, Nordstrom card holders are allowed to “pre-shop” both in the stores and online a week prior to the sale opening to the general public.

Although “pre-select” shopping began nearly a week ago, there are still deals-a-plenty.  Your favorite sales person may tell you otherwise, but they restock nearly everything in preparation for the public sale opening – which is this Friday, July 18th.

Before sharing my favorite picks, let’s talk sale shopping strategy.  A huge sale, such as the Anniversary Sale, can be overwhelming (even for a seasoned shopper such as myself).  I first focus my attention on fall staples such as boots, handbags and coats, and head straight to those sections (or sort online).  I also use this sale as an opportunity to splurge on brands I wouldn’t ordinarily consider at full-price.  Again, knowing YOUR brands can help you refine your search.  Finally, the Anniversary Sale is a particularly great time to refresh your basics – for example, this is the only time of year that I purchase bras and underwear.

Shoes A great opportunity to snap up some fall boots at discounted prices.  These 3 shoes are but a small sampling; however, I was so impressed with this year’s selection that I couldn’t choose just one pair.  If you only have time or budget to shop one section of the sale, peruse the shoes!

Frye ‘Molly’ Boot

A solid tall boot with elastic back for an easy, classic and sleek look.  For most, these hit right under the knee and don’t have the gap issue some may experience with a zippered closure.

Joie Suede Open-Toe Bootie

The sale offers several peep-toe bootie styles and they are all pretty awesome.  I ended up taking these home because once they were on, they were differentiated as the. sexiest. shoe. ever. (period).

Nike ‘Internationalist’ Sneaker

I can’t believe these are on sale – particularly since I just bought a red pair full-price about 30 days ago! I cannot take mine off because, surprisingly, they go with everything! Don’t just stick to athletic apparel, try them with boyfriend jeans and a slouchy tee or even skinnies and an oversized sweater.  I’ve even seen chic women pairing sneakers with dresses and skirts – go for it!

Denim The Anniversary Sale generally offers great deals on designer denim.  This year’s sale brands include AG, Paige, J Brand, Mother, Rag & Bone, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity and several others.  Skinny is still a huge trend; however, there were also several boyfriend and mini-bootcut pairs to choose from as well.

 J Brand Dark Plum Skinnies

These burgundy skinny jeans can be paired with everything – black, brown, grey, taupe, chambray, and even fall’s berry tones.  I bought a similar colored pair 2 years ago and they are still one of my go-to’s.  And, so easy tucked into the Frye boot above or worn cuffed with these Steve Madden Booties.  Better yet, pair with these Leopard d’Orsay Pumps…meow!

Handbags The choices were plentiful here too.  Handbags is the one area of the sale where shopping early can be really important, if you are in the market for a designer handbag.  This year’s “It Bag” was the Chloe Marcie Bag offered in 3 colors.  Unfortunately, these were mostly snapped up the first day.  However, many great bags remain from such brands as Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, Frye, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade…to name only a few.

Loeffler Randall ‘Rider’ Clutch

I am obsessed – I have been eyeing these clutches for several months, often pulling them for many of my clients.  Such a unique yet classic look.  As you can imagine, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered it among the sale handbags this year – and for $100 less than their normal retail price!

Accessories Always worth it to browse here – beautiful sunglasses, scarves and belts at great prices.

Michael by Michael Kors Sunglasses

Another item I have had in my shopping bag…grateful I hadn’t pulled the trigger! I am a tried-and-true aviator fan but these seemed to give me the best of both worlds – the frame of a larger pair of glasses with the sleek metal sides that make the glasses lighter and don’t take up as much real estate on my face.

Nordstrom Abstract Scarf

A sale favorite – these scarves are absolutely beautiful.  The abstract colors add interest and all 4 colors offered are amazing (and a terrific deal at $32).

Sweaters There were so many great choices here – from designer brands such as Vince and Autumn Cashmere to the house brands like Trouvé and Halogen.  Although you won’t be wearing these for several more months, this sale offers cozy, luxury-feeling knits at a fraction of the cost!

Halogen Embellished Shoulder Sweater

The studs on the shoulders toughen up an otherwise classic cashmere sweater.  The taupe is lovely but for my fellow fair-skinned friends, they also offer black.  This is so easy paired with the J Brand burgundy jeans above or a chic way to add some edge to a classic pencil skirt.

Coats Last year I bought 2 winter coats at the Anniversary Sale, so I had to restrain myself.  Prices range from expensive (Burberry and Mackage) to affordable (BCBGenration and Steve Madden).  Whether you’re in the market for a lady-like car coat or an edgy quilted anorak with leather detailing, you can surely find something fabulous among the sale offerings.

Trouvé Leather Moto Jacket

This jacket is very similar in design to a much more expensive Vince leather jacket.  It is so simple and beautiful on, yet the leather is so on-trend.  I look at the leather jackets each sale because Nordstrom never disappoints.  If you are in the market for leather this fall, DO NOT miss this sale!

Professional Attire Great offerings from classics like Vince, Joie, Theory, Equipment and DVF.  This is an area where I may splurge on a finer piece that I wouldn’t ordinarily consider at full-price.  However, Halogen has many terrific items on sale this year too, including this Leather Pencil Skirt and Embellished Sweater.

Theory Silk Top

The fit is so flattering on this top with a tailored detail in the back giving the silk blouse a fabulous drape  And while a demure cut, the zippered detail adds interest and intrigue.  So easy to pair with a classic slim trouser – skip the necklace, simply add a pair of earrings and your out the door!

A few final considerations…

Hanky Panky Low-Rise Thong

A staple – try them. Enough said.

Hue Ultra Suede Leggings

The Hue Leatherette Leggings have been a sale favorite for a number of years.  The suede are a more tame version, yet equally as chic paired with booties and a tunic.  The black are classic but I bought a pair in the rich, brown color, which I plan on pairing with jewel-tone knits as the temperatures dip.

Voluspa Two-Wick Tin Candles

These make great hostess gifts – such a great deal at $10 a piece!

What are you “lovin'”? And what’s on your list for fall? I would love your feedback…have you shopped the sale? Let me know what you bought!

Thanks for reading!