The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts tomorrow for everyone, but if you’re like me and (possibly) shop too much, you will have taken advantage of Early Access a few days prior. I was always a Nordy Girl at heart, but I didn’t really pay attention to the sales until I became a cardholder. Now, I’m thinking about how to maximize my points and orchestrating a detailed search for coveted items possibly on sale. To no one’s surprise, the items I wanted most were not on sale, but that didn’t stop me from picking up a few pieces. One thing to note (if you’re not already on the Anniversary Sale bandwagon) is that this sale is not about buying discounted, seasons-past items. It’s about NEW TO MARKET pieces and customer favorites at discounted prices. I’ve shopped online and in-store, and it’s not even the 20th yet (that’s the day the sale starts for everyone, in case that wasn’t clear). I can see how people easily spend more than they anticipated because you start with a piece or two, then you find that those boots you stalked for six months are also a part of the sale, then you need a new jacket or coat to complete the outfit, and lastly, you decide you need some new makeup just because it’s all such a great price. If you ask me, I followed a well-thought out strategy and didn’t do that much damage. Here’s how:

1. I purchased items from previous seasons I would have otherwise missed out on: I know I said this sale is all about new items, but purchases like the Jo Malone Orange Bitters limited edition candle are the exception. I was in London when this Holiday collection launched in 2016 and I loved all of the packaging. I’ve heard repeatedly that this was the first collection that Jo Malone created a specific Christmas scent for, as the seasons before had the specialty wrapping but were only available with the standard collection of products. Last year’s holiday collection was fun and quirky, yet I couldn’t get the harlequin packaging from 2016 out of my head. I picked up a few of the boxed sets that year to give to friends and family, but I didn’t think I needed the candle. For almost two year now, whenever I saw the candle on Nordstrom.com, it pained me not to buy it. All of this is to say, when the early access sale started, there was some sort of glitch and I was given extra points as a cardmember, so I took advantage of the opportunity to buy this almost-completely-sold-out candle, and bit the bullet—even though it’s technically not part of the sale.It’s now out of stock completely and I can only find an eBay option, however Jo Malone re-released the scent the following year in different packaging. It’s still a limited-quantity item, but it’s available at Sephora for those interested. (Link: perfume)

2. I purchased easy pieces for the office that I would normally buy full price: I buy probably 80% of my wardrobe from J. Crew, but I’ve never bought a J. Crew piece at Nordstrom. I saw that the Dover Blazer was on sale and I bought two — one in black and one in navy. I love blazers because they’re so easy to style, and whether you wear a pantsuit, or just layer it over a sweater with jeans, you always look put together. I’m still considering the pink one, but I’ll wait to see if I feel the same way in a few days. (Link: Dover (pink / black / navy) Dots)

3. I purchased beauty products I already know I love: While technically not a sale item, Nordstrom creates these packages where products are grouped together and then discounted. Normally, you end up paying either full price for one and get the second item free, or slightly above full price for one and the other item is like a bonus (as is the case here). Brands like Mac and La Mer have some great sets, but I was more focused on replacing an old favorite. I purchased a slip pillow case a few years ago, and have used it religiously ever since. It’s past its prime now, though, and I was already thinking of purchasing a new one when I saw this set of two. I currently have the charcoal color, but the set comes in white. (Link: slip Pillowcase Set)

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs from July 20 until August 5.

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*This post contains affiliate links. Image via Nordstrom.