Depending on how long you’ve been following by blogger journey, you may know that I used to be a Nordstrom personal stylist a few years back. With the insider knowledge I learned, I wanted to share some strategies for working the #nsale to your advantage.

1. Decide what’s most important. Are you wanting to find some key Fall trends before the season hits? Do you want to invest in a few designer pieces to add to your collection? Maybe beauty is your thing. Do you need to restock on some staples like workout gear or undergarments that are never on sale? Are you wanting a little bit of everything? Figure out what is most important to you, and prioritize that first over everything else because there’s a limited budget (at least for most of us) and inventory does sell out, especially those designer pieces.

2. Form a relationship with a stylist and keep it. If you are a regular Nordstrom shopper, even if it’s for beauty items, find your person and remain loyal. This is a relationship, which means it’s a two-way street. And remember them throughout the year. If there are MAC, Free People, or Madewell items they carry at Nordstrom, get them there with your stylist. Not only does this work to your advantage for points on your card (yes you need the Nordstrom card, if for nothing else than to get Early Access before everything is sold out. Just be responsible and pay it off right away, ok?), but they will also remind you about triple points weekends, Mascara Madness, etc. When it comes time for the Nordy sale, make an appointment. They may even be able to help you get that item that’s only left at one store that you really really want (a zigga zig ah).

3. Speaking of points, use your personal triple points day. This is also the time to work your budget to stock up on things you use regularly like beauty, skincare, undergarments or workout gear.

4. Review early and make a list. Prioritize, pick the items you really want, and be strategic. Allow a little wiggle room to also shop the store and walk through the tents to see what peeks your interest, but refer back to point number one. There is a lot going on, so it can be really overwhelming, but if you make a list, you'll be more likely to stick to your priorities, and again, the earlier you shop the better.

5. Don’t forget beauty. You’re already using a triple points day, so take the opportunity to try something new or invest in something you’ve had your eye on, i.e. that DryBar styling wand, the Trish planner, a PMD, or find an anniversary deal for a spendy perfume in a pen spray like this one). Again, also stock up on your everyday items and look for special deals on things you already use or with brands you love.

6. Get a leg up on that Fall/Winter wardrobe. This is a great time to get a fresh coat or some warm boots before they cost a lot more.

7. After the sale has cycled through the first couple weeks, come back later before it ends for some items you may have missed or that are less likely to sell out like Zella leggings, undergarments, or accessories. This can also be a good time to buy beauty staples if you have multiple triple points days to use and you feel more comfortable spreading the love on your wallet. You may even already have notes if you shopped early to come back and spend later (but don't use those in conjunction with a triple points day -- it totally defeats the purpose).

8. Have fun! No other retailers put their best Fall product on sale before it goes to full price. This is a special time to treat yourself a little, and take advantage of the great deals for the best fashion of the year!

Below I am sharing some of my must-haves I picked up or highly recommend, but over the next couple weeks I will be featuring top picks for different classes, so be sure to check back!