It’s Here. No, not Memorial Day! SALE SEASON.

That’s right, people. Read it and weep. This week marks the start of not just summer, but the real reason for the season: SALES. I’m proud to report that markdowns are juicy, the sizes are still aplenty, and yes, it is only the beginning, my fellow shopaholics!

For those who have never experienced summer as it relates to sales, welcome to my world. You don’t plan your vacations for the 4th of July or concert appearances. Nope, you plan everything around when Chanel is going 40% off (which is not yet – don’t worry, I’ll let you know). Why on earth would you go camping – that so-called form of fun involving tents that blow over, food that is burnt, and scratchy sleeping bags – when you could find the piece from Spring runway you have been eying since the fashion show more than six months ago? And, it’s at a discount and in your size? Camping, schmamping! Summer is all about fabulous bargains and the highlights that come along with finding them.

Now, let’s talk lineup. We really need to hit the ground running here. Just because there are lots of sales throughout the summer, that does not – BY ANY MEANS – suggest you wait until the last ones to shop. That would be an absolute amateur move. Don’t be disappointed in yourself if that was your plan though; that’s why I’m here to help. There is serious strategy to sale season. In all honesty, teaching you could be detrimental to my own shopping, because before I know it, you’re going to be snatching up all my favorite things. But, since the eeeeevil husband says I can’t buy anything this sale, that means I am more than willing to share the wealth with you.

That’s another thing – I thought everything was fine after the Chanel handbag PURCHASE OF A LIFETIME, but that was definitely just an act. Mr.-I-buy-$20-piece-of-crap-shoes-at-Big-5 has recently decided he would like to live in the lap of luxury and buy himself something nice. “Alright,” I think, “Good for him. He could use a nice new pair of shoes.” Oh no, by upping the ante in his pathetic excuse for spending, he means he plans to PURCHASE A GUN. The postage-stamp size closet in the slightly larger-than-a-postage-stamp apartment is now supposed to house the redneck-rifle-king’s gun collection and the princess’ prized possessions (my clothes – duh!) That closet was supposed to be for ME and it’s bad enough I already had to loan him a little space. Now what – my beautiful pieces have to be, God forbid, SQUISHED to accommodate a gun cabinet?

But back to sale strategy - first things first – get yourself to the Nordstrom Women’s and Children’s Half Yearly Sale – going on NOW. Every women’s department (including shoes) is offering something for this event, so it’s a sure go. For the kiddies, there is plenty too. This all includes primarily early spring arrival markdowns – pieces that are totally buy-now, wear-now. At least 1/3 of each department has been marked down to 30-40% off, so if you hurry, there will be lots to choose from.

In Designer land, the big call out is that Dolce and Gabbana was marked, plus some Marni, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Armani, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, RM, and more. And, it keeps getting better. Come May 27th, more markdowns will hit on selected Designer shoes, handbags, and apparel as well at Nordstrom.

So, on your mark, get set, go! But wait! Don’t spend the whole wad at once, girls. We still have the rest of the season, which includes the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Designer Finale, and other savings opportunities. Oh, sweet sweet summer. How happy am I to welcome you back!