| Psst…Looking for details on the 2017 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? I’ve got the scoop right here. |

It’s here, friends: Early Access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts now! As always, I’m sharing my picks of the best (and the worst) from the Sale – time to start shopping!

First up, the designer goods. If you weren’t one of the lucky campers that scored the designer insert in your Sale catalog, don’t fret. There were only a few goodies worth mentioning:

A word about that MaxMara coat, before you get too excited – while it looks like an overcoat in the insert, I got a peek at it in-store. It’s actually very lightweight, more officewear than outerwear. The website is calling it a “cardigan jacket”.

For me, the best designer pieces weren’t featured in the catalog. A few of my favorites:

Other than the designer picks, I wasn’t wild about a lot of the apparel options in the Sale catalog. But as always, things change dramatically once you take a look in-store. So far, here’s what’s on my list:

Pants are always a tricky business, but I’m cautiously optimistic. There’s a 5% chance these Eileen Fisher pants will work, but if they do, hallelujah – stretchy pants for the office! (Size down, of course.) And besides the usual denim suspects from Paige and J Brand, I’m curious about this black moto jean from NYDJ, which I’m hoping will have a more reasonable rise than the Rag & Bone version tends to. And if you haven’t scored a great boyfriend yet, these from Kut have a pretty perfect fit.

Boots are always a highlight of the Sale – it’s a great time to nab Frye boots, which rarely go on sale (especially for those of you with those badass athletic calves, since Nordstrom stocks so many wide calf boots as well). And this year, there are some great options from Cole Haan and Paul Green as well, plus a Sam Edelman short boot I promise you everyone will be wearing this fall, for better or worse.

As usual, it’s slim pickings for shoes other than boots. But there are some promising Tory Burch, Coach and Cole Haan flats, and for the first time ever, I’m being swayed by a pair of AGLs. The patent/black combo is really sleek, and I love the updated take on their signature buckle, which was wearing a little thin.

In the bag department, there’s an impressive selection of work-ready totes this year. Unless you’re bold enough to go for the black & white snakeskin version, I’d skip the Rebecca Minkoff totes (which everyone will be carrying in a month). Instead, go for the Michael Kors Jet Set tote, which also comes in a gorgeous pearl grey and classic luggage tan, and is a great staple at a bargain price. And speaking of jetsetting, an expandable Longchamps tote is maybe the best idea ever!

There are always some great jewelry finds in the Sale – this year, they’ve included Lana Jewelry, a new favorite of mine. And if costume’s what you’re after, there are some impressive bargain picks that look infinitely pricier than they are.

Then of course, there’s athletic wear. I’ll be stocking up on Zella leggings as always, plus a pair or two of Nikes. These Internationalists have that old-school thing I love, but I keep meaning to try a pair of Air Max for a change. And I’m in the mood for a serious lingerie refresh, so I’ll be stocking up on Hanky Panky, perhaps a few of these Shimera boyshorts, and a few new bras. My favorite Natori Feathers bra is included in the Sale again this year, but it may be time for a change – perhaps this one from Wacoal?

And last but not least, beauty buys! I was thrilled to see my favorite Clarins UV Plus 40 sunscreen included in the sale, so I’ll be nabbing a duo of those right away. MAC has some really gorgeous sets available from $39, but for me, it’s tough to beat the Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude collection: mascara, liner, and 12 eyeshadow shades I’ll actually use.

So, that’s what’s on my list…but tell me: what are you shopping for?