Ladies, the moment we’ve waited nearly 365 days for is HERE.  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale aka the sale. of. all. sales. starts TODAY and I’m telling you, it’s the best yet. I carbo-loaded last night and went to bed at 8pm like a baby marathon runner just so I could be up at the crack of dawn on Nordstrom’s website, ready to unleash the beast.

Here’s the deal:  This sale is all brand new Pre-Fall items that are extremely marked down. It’s not the junk that’s no longer in style or just plain isn’t selling from seasons past. This is brand spankin’ new, latest and greatest fall GOODNESS that hasn’t even hit most retailers.  Trust me, come September you’re going to want those perfect over-the-knee boots, but—plot twist—they’re back to full price.  So, let’s plan ahead and thank ourselves later.

Nordstrom card-holders will have Early Access to everything starting today through July 21st when it opens up to the public. If you’re not a Nordstrom card-holder, you can still preview everything, but won’t be able to buy until July 21st when the sale is open to the public. Things do sell-out (and quick), so act fast… I still wake up in the middle of the night thinking about the leather jacket I didn’t buy in 2012.  #regrets

All right, no more time for chit-chatting.  Here are five tips to help you navigate:

 1. SPLURGE ON STAPLES.

Your favorite wear-everyday fall pieces from last year probably aren’t looking so hot.  Go for staples from lust-worthy brands at crazy discounted prices that you’ll wear constantly: that versatile, wear-everywhere tote bag, a timeless blazer, crisp sheath dress for work, dark jeans, black or brown boots, a fresh fall everyday coat (how gorgeous is this one?!!)… you get me.

PS – It’s worth noting that the sale includes these over-the-knee boots that I wore constantly last year which have been made again this season in GORGEOUS new colors, AND these Stuart Weitzman gems have been included in the sale as well!

2. TRY NEW TRENDS.

Under normal circumstances, those cool, trendy pieces you’ve been lusting over may not always make sense at full price.  Right now is the perfect time to dip your toe into slides (literally), bell sleeves, trendy jeans and statement earrings… while they’re on major sale.

3. ACT ON ACCESSORIES.

Aside from perusing the shoe and handbag section of this killer sale, I often forget to check out other accessory categories like jewelry, sunglasses, scarves, belts, watches, etc.  Whether it’s getting a head start on Christmas shopping by snatching up that belt for your man, or taking this opportunity to grab a pair of massively discounted Gucci sunglasses (WHAT?!), don’t forget about these little details that can transform your outfit.

4. EMBRACE ALL THE BEAUTY BARGAINS.

Beauty is yet another department I often forget about during this sale and I’m telling you, the selection this year is IN. SANE.  I often wait until I’ve run out of something before perusing the beauty aisle, and don’t experiment nearly enough when staring at those full-price products I want to try.  Wrong mentality, my friends.  Now’s the time to stock up on the products you know you love like a Laura Mercier’s Primer (!!), the best hairdryer in the game (this is the one I use every morning!), or this crazy good Clarins serum but also test the waters on those neuLash or Mario Badescu products you’ve heard so much about.  No better feeling than fresh beauty products.

5. DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER CUTE THINGS LIKE DECOR, DUDES AND BABIES.

Rich needs some fresh pieces for fall like his favorite Bonobos chinos; I’m snatching up this baby gift that every mom is obsessed with; I’m 100% hoarding buying my favorite Diptyque candles for our home; and I’m snagging this marble serving tray for my kitchen.  You have until August 8th before prices go up, so breathe deep, attack in stages, and don’t miss out!

I will be posting sale outfits and more of my picks throughout the sale period so stay tuned and happy shopping!