So this is my first installment of “Sunday’s Shopahalic Showdown.”  I’m going to take two competing “things” – stores, brands, topics, etc – and debate what’s worth our time, energy and most importantly, money!!!  Let me know what you think, this could be the last installment as well if necessary.

This weeks topic – to stock up on the huge summer savings out there or to begin the decent into winterdom clothing?  Based on my prior posts, I may seem fairly biased – but that’s mostly because I live in the snow capital of the country and this warm weather is very short lived.  But still, I’m as tempted as any when I see the words 50-70% off flashing in my inbox (that would be from Lord & Taylor in case you’re wondering)!  If you’re like me, though, it’s easy to get caught in the *deal* and forget to pay attention to the bigger picture – like when and how often you’ll actually wear that *deal.*  But for fall, it’s only the beginning – it’s hard to be competely practical about what we really want/need until we need to wear it. 

So what’s my answer to this week’s showdown?  Balance!  Use the summer sale to buy things that will transition nicely into fall and undoubtedly still be useful next summer.  Like this Free People Ruffle Hem Tunic ($29, Freepeople.com) that can be worn on the cooler summer evenings, but definitely get some play throughout the fall!  Or try something simple like this Splendid Racerback tank that you could easily throw a blazer or cardi over in the fall ($26 from Southmoondunder.com).  On the flip side, if you’re just drawn to something for the fall – you can probably afford to think it over a little bit (a day would be a miracle for me) – and if you’re still needing it, chances are that you’ll find a way to wear it before fall.  For me – well, you’ve seen the fall finds that I just had to have – mostly jackets, leggings, and boots.  I’m currently crushing on the two tops below (both available from piperlime.com) – the first Patterson J. Kincaid and the second Kensie. 

So the winner of this week’s showdown….is….YOU (and me)!  Use the sales to stock up on quality, seasonless style and begin conjuring up images of how you see yourself fitting into this fall’s latest trends.  I’m already loving the *urban ballerina* look and need to get my hands on some of the casual chic pieces.

Have a wonderful week and come see me often…shops love!

This wouldn’t be much of a shopping blog if I didn’t at least mention the Nordstrom Anniversary sale that is going on now through August 2nd!  For those of you (us I should say) that have  a Nordstrom credit card account, you will earn double points on all purchases made during the Anniversary sale!  Nordstrom doesn’t have many sales throughout the year, but this is the one to shop.  The Anniversary sale actually puts brand new FALL items on sale; on August 2nd the prices will increase to the actual price.  Time to start thinking about boots, jackets, jeans, and all things fall.  I know it’s hard to think about when it’s hot outside, but you can thank me later when the chill hits the air and you’re wearing something fabulously fall.  See my personal favorite item of the Nordies Anniversary sale…my new Doma black leather jacket with a hoody (thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law who feels me on the shopping)!

shops love