My favorite sale of the entire year is here!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to the public!  I look forward to this sale because rather than a typical end-of-season clearance, they actually reduce the new fall stuff in advance and then prices go back up to normal later.  I pour over the catalog when it arrives in the mail and always pre-shop in advance of the “Early Access” I get as a cardholder.  There’s always fabulous deals in all the departments so I make sure to look at everything, from shoes to cosmetics.  Here are a few of the things I purchased from this year’s sale and why:

(clockwise from top left)

1.  Kendra Scott “Elle” Drop Earrings:  The smaller, lighter, (and in my opinion, more wearable) little sister to Kendra Scott’s original “Danielle” style, these earrings give you that classic KS silhouette in the bold colors we all love.  Because I’m wearing a lot of melon (pastel orange) this summer and that I always wear a ton of both bright & burnt orange in the fall, I chose them in Orange Cat’s Eye but they come in a handful of other beautiful fall colors, too.  Sale: $33.90 — After Sale: $52.00

2.  rag & bone “Newbury Bootie:  Footwear favorites of Jessica Alba & Reese Witherspoon, I’ve had my eye on these boots for awhile now.  However, the $500+ price tag has kept me watching & waiting for them to go on sale.  Once I saw them –for nearly $200 off!– in the preview catalog, I immediately put them on my shopping list!  This style from rag & bone has been around for a few years now, but that just proves classic reliability and that they’ll be stylish for years to come.  They’ve got a heel to ’em but are so comfortable AND are featured in a cool distressed/crackled suede.  This is my most exciting find from the sale.  Sale: $359.90 — After Sale: $550.00

3.  Nike “Free TR Connect 2” Training Shoe:  If you need new gym shoes, this is the perfect time to nab some fresh new kicks at a great price.  I usually wait to get my athletic shows at Nordstrom Rack, but I had to jump on this super-fun color pattern.  They call it “Black/Grey” but I call it Snow Leopard.  I’m loving all the latest leopard print shoes popping up in various styles but also feeling a more subtle, classic black & white footwear look.  –These shoes are the prefect combination of both.  Besides looking cute in the gym, I’ll also be pairing them with black leggings & a long cardi to run errands around town.  Sale: $72.90 — After Sale: $110.00

4.  Chantelle Intimates “Basic Invisible” Memory Foam T-Shirt Bra:  Two things:  1.) I’m getting crazy irritated noticing bra lines under my shirts and 2.) I really need full coverage these days, rather than my old demi push-ups.  I had an Oprah-like ‘ah-ha’ moment during my first visit to Nordstrom’s Bra Specialists:  she found I was wearing the wrong size all around…both the cup size and my measurement number was off!  These comfy, full coverage bras by Chantelle are a dream to wear — no nip slips here!  I usually don’t buy two of the same bra at once, but I couldn’t help but take home the Light Pink and Toffee colors.  Sale: $45.90 — After Sale: $69.00

5.  Lush ‘Perfect’ Tunic Henley (Juniors):  This simple tunic top has an ultra-flattering cut while still providing booty coverage.  Perfect with leggings & boots in the Fall!  Sale: $28.90 — After Sale: $44.00

6.  The Honest Company Baby Arrival Gift Set:  These Honest Co. products seem to be all-the-rage in babyland, no?  This gift set is a good value at the Anniversary Sale price and is an economical way to try-out the product line-up.  Plus, I feel like gift sets are an easy way to make sure Mom has a nice selection of what she needs, all wrapped up in a nice bundle package.  –The perfect Baby Shower gift!  Sale: $32.90 — After Sale: $49.95

7.  BP. High Waist Seamed Moto Leggings (Juniors):  These bottoms boast an interesting ‘moto’ gathering on the front thigh and an extra seaming detail around the knee.  These textural elements, combined with their unique washed-out coloring, sets this pair apart from your regular everyday leggings.  They are cut for teens (translation:  they run small) so if you don’t get to try them on in-person, I recommend sizing-up.  Sale: $24.90 — After Sale: $38.00