My picks - Handbags from the 2013 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My absolute favorite thing to obsess over during the lead up to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is which handbag (or handbags!) I'm going to get!

There are always some gorgeous bags for sale and this year is no exception.  Here are my top contenders!

Pour la Victoire 'Butler' large Tote
On sale $329.90, after sale $495

I am so in love with the shape of this purse!  It reminds me of the Celine luggage tote which is totally out of my budget!  I really hope it doesn't overwhelm my petite frame... I am hoping it works for me because I am totally drooling over this baby.  I love the snake embossed detail and the neutral color palette.  I really hope this works for me and that I will be able to snag one!  I suspect this one will be a really popular bag and will sell out quick!

Vince Camuto 'Max' Satchel
On sale $198.90, after sale $298

This is also a top contender and I would love to see it side by side with the Pour la Victoire bag.  I love the coloring and that flap with the embossing is really cute.  I think I'm going to have a really hard time deciding between this one and the Pour la Victoire Butler!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Flap Hobo
On sale $292.90, after sale $498

I've seen MBMJ bags the past few years and I haven't picked one up myself.... perhaps this will be the year?  I really like this grey color!  I will definitely be checking this one out.

Rebecca Minkoff '5-zip' crossbody
On sale $129.90, after sale $195

I'm on the look out for a mini bag and this one is really really cute!  I love that it's leather and the price is great.  I love the teal color and I think it would go great with both summer and fall colors.  The catalog says it also comes in port, taupe and black.  I'm not sure if the red one in the photo above is included in the sale!

Kate Spade New York 'Jeanne' Color-Blocked Tote
On sale $265.90, after sale $398

I love Kate Spade handbags and I personally own 4 and they have all held up really well.  The price is also very reasonable!  This size looks great since I'm on the smaller side.  I am not sure I'd carry it with the long strap -- it looks more like a crook of the arm purse for me.  I love the bow detailing and Kate Spade's signature gold pyramid.  This purse comes in dark grey/light smoke, black/doe, doe/black and deep emerald.  I am really curious to see what the doe/black combo looks like!

My picks - Women's Shoes - Nordstrom 2013 Anniversary Sale

Here are my picks from the Women's shoe department!  As in years past, I'm sure there will be tons more in store, but here's what is on my wish list to try on from the catalog!

Frye 'Melissa Harness' 
Sale price $265.90, after sale $397.95

These are my pick for tall boots for the Fall. I love the silhouette and the heel.  The buckle detail is also beautiful.  I don't own a pair of Frye boots yet but all of my friends recommend them.  Look for these in the BP shoe department.

Ugg Australia 'Fabrizia Studs'
Sale price $179.90, after sale $274.95

These moto inspired boots are to die for... I love the stud detailing and I think these would look killer with some skinny jeans.  I don't have any low boots in my shoe collection so I'm definitely going to be picking up these!  Look for these in the Women's Shoe department.

Cole Haan 'Cara'

Sale price $329.90, after sale $498

These Cole Haan dress boots are gorgeous... I would love to wear these with a pencil skirt!  I love the black leather and buckle details.  And because they are Cole Haan, I'm sure they will be very, very comfortable even with the high heel!  Look for these in the Women's Shoe department.

Attilio Giusti Leombruni 'Buckle Ballet Flat'
Sale price $199.90, after sale $335

Every year, Attilio Giusti Leombruni (aka "AGL") has a beautiful pair of flats to for sale during the Anniversary sale and this year is no exception.  I love the buckle detailing and the two tone body.  These are incredible Italian made shoes and are worth every penny.  You can also find them in extended sizes but make sure you hurry -- size 4 and 5 always sell out early.  AGLs are also known for being the most comfortable flats you'll own.  Look for these in the Salon shoe department.

My picks - Beauty Exclusives from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2013

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a great time to stock up on all your favorite beauty items!  Limited edition sets and sizes are available for purchase at this time of year as part of the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives.  

For instance -- a few of the items on my wish list and gift list are...

MAC face brush kit for $49.50

This brush kit looks like a great addition to my collection!  I have been in search of a foundation and concealer brush and I love the brush roll which features exclusive illustrations by witty fashion designer, Rebecca Moses.  It looks very, very cute!  This brush kit includes 4 brushes.  

• 
  The kit includes:
  - 129 Powder/Blush Brush.
  - 188 Short Duo Fibre Brush.
  - 190 Foundation Brush.
  - 195 Concealer Brush.
  

  
  

  MAC All-over brush kit for $49.50

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  • 
    

    I have the 2009 version of this brush set and it has held up well!  I love it and find that the brushes are of very high quality.  Again, it features a brush roll with illustrations by witty fashion designer, Rebecca Moses.  This brush kit includes 5 brushes.

    
    

    
    

    The kit includes:
    - 168 Large Angled Contour Brush.
    - 287 Duo Fibre Eyeshadow Brush.
    - 224 Tapered Blending Brush.
    - 219 Pencil Brush.
    - 266 Small Angle Brush.
    
    
    Clarisonic Mia 2 for $149 (a $199-$209 value)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    I have the original Clarisonic Mia and it is a fabulous tool for getting my face squeaky clean!  I love it and highly recommend it to all my friends.  I found that it has definitely improved my skin tone.

    
    

    The Mia 2 improves upon the original Mia by having both a low and high speed (the original Mia is single speed).  There are 5 fabulous colors offered during the sale and come with a few accessories.  

    
    
    Kiehl's Body Creme Set for $75 (a $107 value)
    
    
    
    
    
    A Kiehl's legend in a giant 1L size!  The Creme de Corps is a fabulous lotion that really hydrates my skin.  I love stocking up on this when its available in a larger size.  

Nordstrom 2013 Anniversary Sale Catalog

Here it is!  The Nordstrom 2013 Anniversary Sale catalog!  I'm so excited and have already started to make my wish list.  What will you be shopping for?

Rest of the catalog follows after the jump!

Anniversary Sale 101

What is the Anniversary Sale?

The Anniversary Sale is where Nordstrom puts Fall merchandise out for sale BEFORE the season starts!  All sizes are available -- this is not your normal end of season sale!  This is why its my favorite sale of the year -- you can wear your items the entire Fall season and you'll be able to find your size.  I call it Christmas in July!

Details

The sale starts July 19 and ends August 4.

Fashion Rewards Members can start shopping July 10th as part of the Early Access program!  You'll need to make an appointment with a sales associate in store or you can shop online.  Fashion Rewards Members will also earn double points on all Anniversary merchandise July 10-18.  Quantities are limited for all items.

Tips and Tricks

Every year, there are a few items that are highly sought after... one year, it was the featured jacket on the cover of the catalog, another year it was a pair of Tory Burch riding boots and another year it was a beautiful Chloe purse.  These items sold out in the first hour of the first day of the sale nationwide.

There are a certain number of items allocated to the Early Access and then there are a certain number allocated to the general sale.  So even if you aren't able to purchase during Early Access, there is still a possibility of snagging it when the sale officially starts.  If you are working with a sales associate, they might be able to locate it once the sale starts as well if it gets returned.  Remember, quantities are limited for the most sought after items.  So sometimes the item won't get restocked even after the sale is over.

Nordstrom 2013 Anniversary Sale is finally here!

The annual Nordstrom Anniversary sale catalog has arrived!  Woohoo!  Can't wait to shop the 2013 sale and share my finds.