Girlawhirl has been trying to save as well. Well, to her it's more of a lack of spending, resulting in smaller credit card bills. She'd already cancelled her vacation and has managed to stay far away from all the summer clearance sales – with their additional 40 and 50% off offers. Truth be told, she always seems to find something she thinks she can't live without when it's been discounted so deeply, but nine times out of 10, she finds that she really doesn't need it.

But with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale beginning today, Girlawhirl is loosening up the tight grip with which she's been clutching her wallet. This sale is all about what's new for fall. Through August 3^rd, substantial discounts – well into the 30-40% range – are being offered on everything on her gotta-have-it list for fall.

High waisted, wide leg pants? Lafayette 148 New York has a pair in a fabulous olive color for $169.90. (They'll be back to $258 after the sale). There's also a tweedy pair from house brand Semantiks for $64.90 ($98 on Aug. 4^th). Major labels are participating: from Theory – which has a fabulous black suit with pencil skirt – to 3.1 Phillip Lim, Juicy Couture, Jessica Simpson and more, so there's something for everyone in the family.

And if the clothes and handbags – yes, handbags from the likes of Kate Spade, Tulah Ray, Elliot Lucca, L.A.M.B., Kenneth Cole are also part of the marked-down-mix – it's the makeup that's got Girlawhirl even more excited. Special exclusive kits from all the big names, including a limited edition from MAC with amazing color palettes for eyes, and lips in warm and cool color combinations and a set of downsized brushes she can't wait to order.

Of course there are shoes – and boots – too…

Editor's note: For home and bedding Garnet Hill's Semi-Annual Summer Sale and Bedding Basics Sale is running through August 5^th. With savings from 20% to 60% on hundreds of items at the Semi Annual Sale and Summer Clearance and 20% off all bedding basics like pillows, mattress pads and duvets, Girlawhirl's stocking up.