Standing in front of my closet this morning, Daniel called out that I was doing ‘that thing’ again β hovering over three pairs of boots for eight minutes before the kids needed breakfast. I told him it is not a thing. It is editing.
Shoes are the fastest shortcut to an outfit that reads intentional rather than thrown together. And if you buy them at the right time, they pay you back in cost-per-wear all season long.
The Edit: Boots
I always tell my clients to shop for shoes early β not because you need them now, but because the extra months of wearing time make every pair worth more. Here are the five boots on this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that I actually reach for.
Vince low-heel boot β everyday workhorse, still in stock across all three colors. The kind you grab without thinking.
Veronica Beard pointy-toe with block heel β one of my top picks this year. Pointed toe, stable heel, works with jeans or a midi dress.
La Canadienne waterproof boot β for those cold, gray days when comfort is the only thing that matters.
Aquatalia waterproof knee boot β same weatherproof logic, just taller. Slim jeans or a long dress, either works.
Margaux knee boot β low heel, clean silhouette. This brand consistently reads more expensive than it is.
The Edit: Flats and Loafers
This category gets overlooked during sales but honestly, a great flat is the piece you wear most often. My five picks:
Margaux cap-toe flat β looks designer, wears year-round. The kind of shoe that belongs in a capsule closet.
Vince loafer β sharp lines, minimal hardware. Gives me YSL vibes without the price tag.
Veronica Beard snake-print heel β if you want one patterned shoe this season, make it this one. Goes with nearly everything.
Stuart Weitzman ballet flat β subtle stud detail adds just enough sparkle for evenings out.
Rag & Bone slingback β easy heel height and a color that works across seasons.
Bonus: Sneakers Worth the Sale Price
The sneaker picks on this sale include Veja, Vince, Veronica Beard, Cole Haan, Adidas, Frankie4, and Rag & Bone. I keep it simple β neutral tones, clean lines, something you can throw on when the morning rush gets away from you.
The Daily Edit
If you only buy one pair this sale, make it boots in a color your closet already has. Shoes in a new shade end up sitting on the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatβs the best category to shop first during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
Shoes, because early-season purchases give you the longest wearing window. A pair bought in July easily lasts through spring of next year if it fits your rotation.
Should I buy boots now even though it is summer?
Yes β that is exactly why the Anniversary Sale exists. You are buying ahead, and the extra months matter when you calculate cost-per-wear.
Which brands consistently deliver good value on sale?
Margaux and Vince both read more expensive than they are. The Margaux cap-toe flat is a repeat favorite of mine every year.
A note from Margot: I once bought a pair of statement boots in a shade my closet did not have. They sat for two seasons until Daniel started wearing them to the garage. Lesson learned β edit first, shop second.
