It’s your last chance to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Prices go back up on Monday 4 August. Remember to re-check sizes and items that were sold out before. Loads of items get returned throughout the sale period. Hope you enjoyed the sale as much as I did. My treasures are awaiting their Autumn debut.

A quick note on several big sales that are happening online right now. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale continues until 4 August (we’ve had a lot of fun with this one on the forum). Liz Claiborne is running their Cyber Sidewalk Sale until 25 July. you can get a 25% saving off a different category every day. Macy’s is on the final day of an Extra 25% Fashion Clearance Sale.

Don’t feel pressured to buy. Summer sale season here in America will continue through to the end of the month and markdowns will get even better over the next week.

Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).

You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:

• Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
• Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
• Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
• Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
• Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
• Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
• Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.

Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.

Red, white and blue is a winning outfit combination. Throw in some yellow or green and you’ve kicked it up a notch. How many of you will make the effort of wearing these colours today? I’ll bite. I’m in skinny jeans, ink blue tunic with huge white buttons, red chunky necklace and cami, yellow ballet flats and yellow tote. My white skinnies are in the wash but my white watch completes the palette. I feel a little more American today.

Be sure to check out the online sales this weekend:

• Boden: Summer Collection Sale: Save up to 50%
• Macy’s: July 4th Sale: Free Shipping with $100 purchase
• Lucky Brand Jeans: Twice Yearly Sale: 50% Off Select Items

Most retailers are on sale and there are bargains to be had. If you’re short on warm weather clothing and your Summers are long, now is the time to stock up. I’d start off at Banana Republic and head over to Macy’s if you can brave the crowds.

You can also do end-of season shopping from the comfort of your keyboard. Here are some online sales to check out:

• Boden: Summer Collection Sale: Save up to 50%
• Macy’s: Summer Choice Sale: Save 10-50%
• Liz Claiborne: Beyond Summer Sale: Up to 75% off
• Piperlime: Lime Tag Sale: Up to 40% off
• Old Navy: Summer Loving Sale: Up to 50% off

Remember that it’s all too easy to waste money sale shopping. If you have everything you need, or if you’re on a shopping ban, give it a rest and wait for Autumn lines to hit the shelves.

As an affiliate to the brands in the YLF store (the rightmost column of the site), we get notified about new sales and promotions. Here are three sales going on this weekend:

• Piperlime’s Secret Sale (aff): For today and tomorrow you can save 15% off women’s final sale shoes that are already 70% off. Enter “TOPSECRET” at checkout.
• Layne Bryant Sale (aff): Save 40% on all of Layne Bryant’s online merchandise for today and tomorrow. Use the promo code “000403870″ at checkout.
• Old Navy Full ON Sale (aff): Save up to 50% on Old Navy shorts, swimwear and polos until May 1.

Note that these are affiliate links. We don’t use them in blog entries because it is important that the opinions expressed or recommendations made are free from any perceived conflict of interest.