Courtney shops the 2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Well guys, it’s that time of year again. That’s right… it’s Anniversary Sale time.

I’ve always been a fan of Nordstrom (I even worked there for 2 years during college) and their anniversary sale only gets better and better every year. When I worked there, they didn’t have any of this “early access” business, so at 8:00 a.m. the day the sale started (typically a Wednesday), the place turned into a madhouse that didn’t let up until well after the weekend was through. And for good reason… deals and steals abound and for me anyway, it really gets me in the mood for fall, even though it is still sweltering outside.

Anyway. I know what you’re really here for. Let’s get to the good stuff.

Disclaimer: Because the hot items sell out fast, some of these links may not work. Also, I did not purchase all of the items below. I have put a * by the items that are on their way to my doorstep.

Women’s clothing picks

Kut from the Kloth Catherine Boyfriend Jeans*

I’ve been looking for a new pair of cute jeans and these have that perfect, worn-in look that isn’t too light, along with cuffed ankles. They’ll look so cute either dressed up with a knit blazer for work or dressed down with a t-shirt for the weekend.

Halogen Lace Detail Cold Shoulder Sweater (in pink smoke)

I haven’t really been a fan of the cold-shoulder trend but this sweater could convince me to try it. Pretty lace details by the shoulders add daintiness.

Caslon(R) Space Dye Tunic Sweatshirt*

This peppy sweatshirt in a “streaky” pattern just makes me smile. The tunic length will be perfect paired with leggings.

Zella Live In Slim Fit Leggings*

My hands-down pick for preferred activewear brand is Zella (especially their leggings). Mind you, I don’t actually “do” active, but these will be perfect paired with the sweatshirt above for a lazy Sunday.

Milly Coco A-Line Tweed Dress

Tweed has always been one of my favorite fabrics for fall. This dress takes a menswear staple and adds color to it, resulting in a tailored, sleeveless dress that can easily transition from workday to date night.

Women’s shoes, handbags, and accessory picks

Halogen Oliver Ankle Wrap Flat* (in pewter leather)

Once upon a time, Stitch Fix sent me a pair of shoes that looked exactly like these, but they were a pale teal color (which pairs well with NOTHING, at least nothing in my closet anyway) that I had to regretfully return. I had a hard time choosing a color (burgundy suede? giraffe print haircalf?) but ultimately went with pewter because pewter goes with everything and my current pair of silver shoes should probably have a meet and greet with the garbage bin.

Halogen(R) Cardigan Stitch Cashmere Wrap

If you’re looking for solid basics that won’t break the bank, I really recommend Nordstrom’s Halogen brand. They always have some kind of cashmere wrap on Anniversary Sale, and I’m always tempted to buy one since wraps come in handy when the office A/C decides to work. I do wish they had one that didn’t have so much texture though. But if that doesn’t bother you, at $99 for 100% cashmere, this is a steal.

Frye Melissa Suede & Whipstitch Leather Hobo

This bag is an amazing taupey color on the bottom and green on the top, and it is slouchy, soft suede. If I didn’t have something similar to it already, it would be on it’s way here, $285 price-tag-be-damned.

Tory Burch Frida Zip Around Leather Wallet

Like the bag above, if I didn’t already have a beautiful leather wallet, I’d be buying this one. It comes in a pretty pale pink color that reminds me of the Halogen bag that I missed out on during last year’s Anniversary Sale (lesson learned: if you like it, buy it NOW or it will disappear!). It also reminds me of the first $100-plus leather wallet I ever bought, which was coincidentally during Anniversary 10+ years ago (Isabella Fiore, purple, said Princess on the front, anyone remember this one? I still have it!).

Women’s beauty picks

MAC Look in a Box Advanced Brush Kit*

I’ve been looking for a new set of brushes (preferably MAC) for awhile, but didn’t want to pay full retail prices since I hardly ever wear makeup. Last year’s brush set failed to impress me but this year’s has the perfect combination of brushes for what I need.

Kiehls Ultra Healthy Skin Favorites Collection

As you will soon learn, I am obsessed with Kiehls. Obsessed. To the point where, if Kiehls were a business with consultants like Mary Kay, I would sign up 100 times over and harass my friends and family non-stop to try the product (wait a second, I already do that). Their stuff is amazing. This is a great little kit to get started and is a great deal too. And, if you spend enough, you get free samples (which will get you well on your way to being as hooked as I am)!

Favorites for the Home

Thirtystone Round Extra Large Marble & Acacia Wood Serving Board

Everyone needs a beautiful serving board and this one is a beautiful blend of marble and wood. A great gift idea (hint hint).

Fringe Studio Blush Marble 17-Month Agenda

A beautiful agenda for that person like me who just can’t fathom using the calendar on their phone. In pink (because if you haven’t figured this out yet, I love pink)!

Nordstrom at Home Cable Knit Tassel Throw Blanket

If you want your home to look like something out of a magazine, this blanket instantly adds that cozy feel. However, if you have dogs, you can’t have this (or anything nice, for that matter).

Cathy’s Concepts ‘Home State’ Glass Coasters

These glass coasters with an outline of your state and the word ‘home’ make the perfect gift for that person (or couple) who loves or misses their state.

*If you missed my earlier disclaimer because you were too excited to see what goodies I found, the asterisk denotes things I actually bought from the sale. I hope you enjoyed my finds!