that’s right, it’s time for my favorite holiday of the year:  the nordstrom anniversary sale!  ignore the half-yearly…this is the sale to watch for.  for those that aren’t familiar, this is the sale in which nordstrom orders in mass quantities of select pieces from the fall collections, and marks them down (usually 25-40%) for about two weeks – then, the prices go back up to regular retail.  here are a few of my faves that are well worth picking up while they’re a steal:

this taupey grey color is going to be the hit of the fall season – it’s a much warmer, more flattering shade of grey than we saw last year, and it will be everywhere.  normally i advocate bright colors for overcoats, but the tailoring on this was too pretty to pass up.  calvin klein wrap coat, $248 down to $159.90. 

if you want a look at the sculptural tailoring trend that’s going to be so hot this fall, check out this gorgeous boiled wool coat from alice+olivia ($365 down to $219) – zoom in and notice all of that stunning detail.

and another trend i’m looking forward to this fall is tonal texture – things like jacquard and lace overlays to give substance to traditional dark fall colors.  if you’re in the market for an evening coat, this jacquard version from milly ($675 down to $399) will round out your fall wardrobe beautifully. 

speaking of sculptural detail, this drape sleeve tee by 3.1 philip lim is about as on-trend as you can get for fall.  go classic with the black, or branch out a little with that gorgeous lagoon shade – but either way, less than $100 (down from $175) for a current-season philip lim tee is a deal not to be missed.

i’m also oddly excited about this puff-sleeve cardigan from a brand called fever (never heard of it, can’t vouch for it, but it’s $50).  it’s kind of odd in the black and “treetop” colors, but that sweet potato shade is just what the doctor ordered.  again with the sculptural detail, this is a piece i’ll be wearing all winter long.

i think i’ve just been sucked in by the fabulous electric blue color and that gorge pleating at the neckline on this classiques sweater ($158 down to $99.90).  but that’s enough – i have a feeling this will be on major closet rotation when the weather cools off.

can’t explain it, but i’m gaga for this daytripper bag from see by chloe (okay, and the matching wallet).  this is another one you should take a close look at – i love the edgy styling, and the bowler/satchel hybrid.  and that little detail on the front?  i was shocked, but it’s just zipper teeth of different colors.  i love it when designers surprise me, and chloe has done it…especially in lambskin and for $500.

as long as we’re talking handbags, the pic on the website would have had me totally passing by this nordstrom brand pleated tote.  fortunately, i got a sneak preview of this one in person, and i can tell you it’s well worth another look.  purple is oh-so-hot for fall, and the styling on this bag will keep it on-trend for years to come.  plus, it’s not often i suggest a bag under $250.

the shoe department has a tradition of lackluster options for the sale, and this year’s no exception.  but if you were in love with those flat loeffler randall matilde boots from last year (i’m still kicking myself for missing out!), but couldn’t stomach the $700 pricetag, never fear:  steve madden has actually managed two very similar versions, both under $150.  naturally, i’m going for the higher-end (a term i use loosely here), priced at $129.90 for the sale. 

last but not least, remember those extra-long scarves i was just talking about yesterday?  you won’t find another chance to scoop up an 8-foot piece of cashmere for $60…time to pounce!

so, what did you all end up buying??