as usual, shopbop’s seasonal markdowns have me lunging wildly for my credit card.  i didn’t find quite as much as i normally do, but there are still plenty of pieces i’m sure i can’t live without.  plus, these would all stroll seamlessly into my fall wardrobe, which is really all i care about these days.

the dkny cozy ($137): i’ll admit, it baffles me a little.  but there’s a whole iphone app dedicated to sharing the thousand ways there are to wear it, and i dig the camel shade for fall.  i haven’t seen these marked down before, so if you’re already loving the look, this might be the time to jump.

geren ford paneled sweater ($125):  i know, i know, i said no more stripes.  but old habits die hard, and this is such a classic! i’d love to see this layered under a tweed blazer for fall.

james jeans humphrey high rise flare ($126):  rises are on their way back up, and trouser jeans are finally, finally becoming a bit easier to find.  pounce on this classic pair now, and your style problems for fall are solved.

joie martine blouse ($139):  these floaty silk blouses will be everywhere this fall – add them to those trouser jeans above and throw on a cozy scarf in a contrasting pattern for a perfectly chic fall look.  the pattern choices are virtually endless, but i love the soft, ethereal quality of the grey and cream here, and the pleated placket is just a bonus.  this bolder version from patterson j kincaid was a close second, though, and half the price!

as for my buys, i can’t even believe i’m saying this, but i think i’m going to make a full-price splurge on this alexander wang tee.  it’s utterly ridiculous, i know, but his knits are just unbearably soft, and they drape so well!  i’m not even a white tee girl, and i know i’ll be wearing this one to death.

i know it’s hard to think about sweaters in all of this heat, but believe me – this is just the time for it.  there’s a pretty sweet sale going on at inhabit ny right now, and i couldn’t resist sharing.  there are some deep discounts on classic pieces, including cotton and cashmere, with several choices in the $48-68 range, and plenty in the under-$175 market.

from left: cotton essential v-neck cardigan, $248 down to $48; chunky pointelle pullover, $268 down to $108; cashmere v-neck sweater, $278 down to $138.

plus, if you spend $200, you can take an additional $40 off with code 40JULY.  oh, and a $200 purchase also qualifies you for free shipping. you see how this could get out of hand quickly.

i just picked up a handful of cardigans for fall…as often as i wear them, i thought it was time to bring in a new string of starters to replace some of my very hard-working team from the last several years.

i’ve been coveting this z spoke by zac posen skirt since i first laid eyes on it.  at $355, it was easy to remind myself that those side panels would be utterly unflattering on a girl with hips (like me, for example).

but now, at 70% off and just over $100, it’s getting harder and harder to stick to what i know to be true.

if you happen to be one of those lucky hip-less girls, please indulge on my behalf.

{editor’s note: don’t forget to enter our fab summer giveaway – a whole year’s worth of gorgeous stationery from hi, friend design, and all you have to do is leave a comment!}

it’s time to resurrect our annual guide to the nordstrom anniversary sale, after requests from a few of our dear readers.  i was lucky enough to shop the preview of the sale a couple of weeks ago, so i’ll be able to give much more guidance on fit and choices this year, which is fabulous.

for those that don’t freakishly stalk the nordstrom anniversary sale, it actually doesn’t start until tomorrow…but it’s best to check out the sale catalog in advance and order on day 1, before all of the best pieces are gone.  since nothing’s actually available for purchase until tomorrow morning (midnight EDT PDT, technically), we’ll be using the online catalog as our hymnal for today, which you can access here.  i’ll post page numbers of every item, where possible, so you can read along with me in your book.

now, on to the show!  in general, i was overwhelmed by the great apparel choices, and thoroughly underwhelmed by shoes, bags and accessories…so we’ll be spending more time on what to wear than on what to wear with it.

outerwear: for me, the best buy of the sale was a DKNY trench, down to under $100 (check it out at left, or on page 8 of the preview catalog).  i tried on the same style in a classic black burberry trench (also on sale, for $549), and the DKNY was actually a better fit for me.  so, at 1/6 the price, i didn’t have to think long.  but if you are in the market for the tried-and-true classic, this is definitely the perfect time to nab that burberry trench (right, page 15b, $549)!

jackets: blazers were another amazing find at the sale this year.  my picks are the black rag & bone knit blazer (left, page 9), which fits beautifully (though beware – there are leather elbow patches that don’t suit everyone’s style…mine included), and two by elizabeth and james, which aren’t online yet – one in a grey flannel with beautiful pleating on the placket and shoulders (see crap iphone pic below, right), and the other is a classic black boyfriend blazer with ruched 3/4 sleeves.  both are instant classics.  all three ring in right around the $300 mark, but these are workhorse blazers you’ll pair with everything from suits to jeans, so they’re definitely worthy investment pieces.

the best bargain blazer is this red tweed cropped version from hinge (page 13, $89), which is just begging to be layered for fall.  but i would warn that this needs more than just a tee and jeans to work – you’ll want to add more texture in the way of necklaces, scarves, and maybe a contrasting tank over the tee, or you’ll look more barbara bush than kate moss.

if it’s a leather blazer you’re after, i like the two black options from kenna-t (page 15f, $299).  the military style (at left) is impeccably on-trend, but there’s something about that asymmetrical version (right) that’s just a little more offbeat, and original, making it my personal favorite.

cardigans: the ruby autumn cashmere ribbed cardi (left, page 9a, $159) felt like a no-brainer initially – it’s one of my favorite cashmere lines, and the price is a steal.  but the fit across the back wasn’t perfect…i felt like it bunched at the shoulder seam.  but if you have narrower shoulder than i (not a hard bar to clear), the lines of this one are really beautiful on, and the color is a great foil for both grey and camel, which will be huge this fall.  but the classic i’m buying in at least two colors (grey and nude) is this long-ish halogen cardigan with just a bit of sheer fabric at the lapel (pages 28-29, $49).  i’m a little worried i’m not the only one who will stock up on it, but it’s just a perfectly classic cardigan, and i’m due for a few new staples.

denim: it’s all so subjective, of course, when it comes to denim.  but i’m steering clear of skinnies for fall – i have a feeling wider legs are the future.  so, my favorite was the hudson straight-leg (page 21g, $119) – a great fit, just a bit lower rise than i typically go for.  if your waist isn’t absurdly high (like mine), these would be a great addition to your closet.

shoes: the only shoes i really fell for in the sale were the vera wang lavender rhinestone ballerina flats, in blue nubuck (page 10, $189) – but only if you’re a size 9 or smaller (in larger sizes, the rhinestone accent doesn’t cover enough of the top of the shoe).  it’s tempting to recommend the steven by steve madden covered wedge boots (page 40), but trust me, you’re going to be seeing those on every third girl you pass on the street for the next year.

accessories: all i’m after on this front is the michael kors men’s style chronograph watch, in silver (pages 16-17, $149).  still a bit of an investment, but one you’ll definitely get years of mileage out of.

cosmetics: we all have our favorite brands, of course, and nearly all have stellar offerings for this sale, if you like buying pre-packaged sets.  i’m not a huge fan as a rule, but i will say that if you haven’t tried kate somerville’s exfolikate yet, pick up the set on page 57b – you’ll never look back.

so, that’s my take.  but i’m even more interested to hear what you’re excited to nab tomorrow.  share your favorite finds in the comments, won’t you?

i can’t even begin to get into all of the sale wonderfulness going on across the web this weekend – it is, after all, the holiday weekend during which we celebrate our forefathers’ dedication to bargain shoe shopping for all.

right?

anyway.  first up, sigerson morrison (and it’s baby sister, belle) are now down to 50% off online.  this translates to $200-300 shoes from sigerson, and a big pile of under-$100 options from belle.  too good to pass up?  unquestionably.  now if only they’d mark down my booties already!  (a little tip: their sale page is quite temperamental, but if you plug in your preferred size, it seems to calm down dramatically.)  the styles below are all from belle, and all under $125:

and the next most exciting sale on my list is allsaints, who i’ve raved about before.  those sale-shopping geniuses over at racked pointed out that their styles are now up to 50% off online, *and* you get free shipping in the US – a very exciting thing indeed, since they’re based in the UK.  in particular, the luna dress and, though it’s a little out of character, the devanna skirt, are both high on my list, as is the suesha cardigan, though i’m more than a little scared i couldn’t actually figure out how to wear it.

other sales and steals of note include:

• le train bleu:  25% off sitewide this weekend with code onefourth
• basic boutique:  40% off sitewide (excluding final sale items) through monday with code CELEBRATE40
• blue bee:  a big ol’ sale section up to 70% off for the next few days, priced as marked.
• shopbop:  a whole new batch of markdowns hit the site in celebration of the 4th, and there are some goodies to be had!

if other deals cross my path, i’ll most likely be too lazy to update this page.  so, i’ll throw them up on my twitter feed – in case you needed more incentive to follow me.

neiman marcus is having a spring sale so good, it’s making me reconsider my longstanding boycott of their online store (a very long story involving a dispute over some ill-fitting prada shoes which had not been worn, i don’t care what they say.  but i digress…).  anyway, the sale is fabulous, especially with regard to spring shoes.  you get to take an additional 25% off the discounted price of everything that’s already on sale, plus free shipping at any price (with code SHOPNM).

if you haven’t splurged yet this season, may i suggest:

from left to right:  michael kors bristol wedge, $118 from $225; antik batik gladiator sandal, $108 from $215; loeffler randall brynn thong, $163 from $325; cole haan air phoebe woven rope sandal, $84 from $168; prada espadrille wedge, $193 from $385; stuart weitzman leather wedge espadrille, $163 from $325; tory burch lizard-print reva flat, $118 from $235; tory burch espadrille flat, $58 from $115;  joie wingtip flat, $149 from $198.

not to mention all of the lovely, lovely loefflers on sale, and some elizabeth and james stacking rings i’m seriously considering.

just don’t test out your new shoes on a hardwood floor…trust me on this one.

oh, it’s one of my favorite days of the year, dear readers. the saks friends & family event has begun, and you can take 20% off nearly everything (10% off beauty)!   the event starts online today and in-store on thursday (though most sales reps will be happy to presale items for you), and it will be over on sunday, 4/25. so, if there’s a little something you’ve been lusting after, now’s the time to pounce!  use code FRIEND3 to score the discount, plus get free shipping on orders of $200+ with code SFASHIP.

naturally, i thought i’d share a few things on my “i really should take advantage of this” list.

i’ve been wanting a little mini-crossbody bag for the summer, and i utterly love this one by olivia harris.  it’s edgy enough to counteract the overly sweet style a tiny bag can sometimes have, fun enough for summer but will transition perfectly to fall.  plus, i love the chain detail on the strap.  at 20% off $299, it’s sorely tempting.

i’m still on the hunt for a new spring shoe, and you know my love for sigerson morrison runs deep.  at first, i wasn’t sure about these cagey mini-wedges ($225, plus 20% off), but they’ve really grown on me – something about the ultra-feminine silhouette blended with the edgy strap details.  especially in the oak color, i think these are going to be amazing on.

spring isn’t exactly the time to be looking for black pencil skirts, but this elie tahari version is officially one of the best i’ve seen (that draping in front is gorgeous and an ingenious way to hide a tummy).  it’s already on sale for $78, so with the discount, you’re looking at about $63 for a really fantastic piece that will love you for years to come.

last but not least, well, any piece from zac posen’s new diffusion line – z spoke – would be oh so welcome in my closet.  i’m not as excited about his target collection as some, but z spoke is definitely, definitely speaking my language.  i’ll take the whole beautiful outfit, please…especially that gorgeous green skirt  sadly, i think these pieces are staying on the wish list for now…but i’m crossing my fingers for bigger spring markdowns in a few weeks!

is it really possible that it’s time for spring sales already?  shopbop usually leads the pack in these matters, but still!  not that i’m one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and this sale is definitely, definitely a gift horse.  loads of pretty spring dresses, including my favorite buy of the season: my alexander wang cowl neck dress – at 50% off, no less (a little tip: size down on this one)!

from left: marc by marc jacobs splish splash dress, $208; t by alexander wang cowl dress, $46; free people striped shirtdress, $75.

and of course, don’t forget the staples.  i’ve been dying to try the citizens of humanity morrison jean – i love the narrow boot cut, and more forgiving rise – and i may finally have found my excuse:  30% off!  i’m also pretty crazy about this mike & chris moto jacket, which would be perfect for pattern mixing…after all, what wouldn’t match that chic marled fabric?  (though, if you happen to be a size 6, please, please take advantage of this amazing rag & bone tuxedo jacket, marked down 70%!)  the jewelry is also especially nice this time around…i’m sorely tempted to splurge on a bold new necklace (or three).

from left: citizens of humanity morrison slim boot, $144; mike & chris dede moto jacket, $157; cc skye devin necklace, $136.

but i’d really like to know what you’re splurging on…even if it’s only in your head!  leave your picks in the comments, and we’ll have ourselves a little virtual shopping marathon!

i always love this time of year for bargains.  casual shoppers are worn out by the holidays, and the after-christmas crowds are gone, but this is prime time for my favorite local boutiques to induce mega markdowns in advance of spring arrivals.  fall’s pieces are always more versatile and, typically, more expensive than spring styles, so i really relish the winter sales.  i thought i’d share a few of my favorite sale finds of late, both online and off.

i picked up the minidress version of this utterly wonderful cowl neck tank from t by alexander wang (isn’t that blue gorgeous?) from frances may, a local boutique that gets loads of love from the fashion world (check out their feature in lucky this month!).  if i hadn’t been set on a tunic-length, i’d have picked up this tank version instead, as i’d probably wear it more.  $62 is as close to a steal as this line gets, and i can tell you, the cut is *un*believable.  divinely drapey, flowing, but curve-skimming…it’s sheer layering perfection, and can you imagine it with shorts this spring?  (sizing note: i’d say it runs a smidge big…i think going down a size would be totally appropriate here.)

sadly, my latest completely awesome bargain find – a military-style jacket at anthropologie yesterday for $9.95(!) – isn’t online.  but i will say in general, their (in-store) selection of coats is excellent right now – i fell hard for a buttery leather cropped moto jacket in burnt caramel, for $124.  as for online finds, this striped michael stars tee is right on trend for spring, and definitely a steal at $29.  i was utterly shocked by the flattering styling of these joe’s knit chelsea leggings (leggings, not jeans…don’t let the pockets fool you), and they’re maybe the most comfortable thing i’ve ever worn. they’re $78 for now…i’m holding out for one more markdown.

those of you on the east coast are lucky enough to be near one of my favorite shops.  CUSP is a spinoff from neiman marcus, and they’re one of my must-shops when i hit the east coast.  but don’t fret – if you’re not nearby, there are some serious steals at their online sale right now, especially in the “under $100″ section.  the fillmore moto jacket ($81) is maybe the best version i’ve seen of the classic moto – the asymmetrical styling makes it infinitely more hip, and infinitely more wearable for those of us over the age of 25. plus, that bright indigo shade will be fabulous layered over your spring floral dresses (or that striped michael stars top!).  and, if you’ve been wanting to try the sequin trend, i love their version from MK2K (i have a feeling this one’s more sleek than it appears – those microsequins never photog well).

have you been braving the weather to hit up the winter sales in your ‘hood?  i’d love to know what steals you’re scoring these days!

oh, i was going to be lazy and not post today…but then i started browsing shopbop’s latest batch of markdowns, and i just think it’s too good not to share.  definitely worth slacking off at work a bit this morning to browse, but i’ll show off a few of my favorites to get you started:

i’ve finally caved and admitted that the short boot may have a place in my closet after all. this grey suede pair from antik batik (down 50% to $236) might just be the one. i love the low-ish stacked heel, and the low-cut angle at the top of the boot just might get me to try these with a skirt.  maybe.

and as for the green suede pumps?  well, they’re stuart weitzman, they’re 70% off (making them $89), and i can tell you that my own green suede pumps, though they happen to be sigerson morrison, are probably the shoes i’d grab first if my house were on fire.  such a great, happy color, and they’re so much more versatile than you’d think.

if you happen to be after that blazer look, i love this version from seven for all mankind.  the length is infinitely more forgiving than cropped styles, it’s lacking the shoulderpad-and-rolled-sleeves combo that reminds me all too painfully of junior high, and there’s a little spandex in there for the comfort factor.  it’s 30% off now, making it $192 – not a steal, but definitely a worthy buy.

this ella moss dress is a 70% find (just $60!), and just believe me when i say it will be your spring staple.  these abstracted prints (this one’s actually a snakeskin print) are going to be everywhere!  the ruching makes it figure-flattering, and the length is actually presentable!  for now, add a jewel-toned cardi (yellow, emerald or a bright red would be fab!), black tights and yes, maybe a little pair of booties.  perfect!

personally, i’m hoping to take the plunge on a new pair of boots and a few tees i wouldn’t have bought at full price.  these versions from kain, monrow and rachel pally all come with excellent references from the fashion powers that be, in terms of fit and longevity.  they’re so much more chic than anything you’ll find at old navy, and the sale price keeps me from having to cover my eyes when i click “purchase.”

what are you excited to scoop up in this fabulous sale?  (fictional purchases are welcome too!)