Insider Access (that’s me!) for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens on Thursday this week, so I’m filling up my wishlist and getting ready to go! All week I’ll be posting my favorite sale picks in different categories, so whether you can already shop or your day is coming up soon, you can come to the blog and reference my picks if you’re looking for sale inspiration!

Shoes are one of my favorite categories of all time, and the majority of the good boots and heels in my closet have been purchased during past years’ Anniversary Sales. Over the years, the amount I’m willing to invest in shoes has risen because you realize nobody has time for their feet to be killing you (not to mention wanting your feet to last you for a while). Good shoes also last so much longer than more cheaply-made ones, and give you years of use for your investment. NSale is really the perfect time to buy high-quality shoes that might be a little above your normal shopping price point.

Suede Pointed-Toe Bootie– This is the classic bootie style will go with almost everything in your fall/winter wardrobe including jeans, leggings, or tights with skirts and dresses. Note: the reviews do say this runs a little tight, so I would definitely recommend sizing up at least a half size. You would rather have booties a little looser rather than tight, but remember that real leather will stretch!

Open-toe bootie– If you live in a warmer climate that stays mild through much of the fall/winter, the open-toe bootie can be your best shoe friend! It gives you the classic fall look, which keeping your feet cool and breathable. This will go perfectly with both jeans and skirts/dresses, and they’re great quality. I have the version from two years ago, and they’re still going strong!

Pointed-toe dress bootie– This style is my go-to for dressing up when it’s cold. They still look dressy and a little sexy, while keeping your feet and ankles warm and snug. They’re beautiful and slimming, and you’ll be so glad you have these when winter occasions or date nights roll around, and even for professional work outfits with black pants or a dress. Bonus: they also come in a lovely soft white which is very on trend for fall!

Waterproof Chelsea bootie– I choose this one to show, but really anything by the Blondo brand in the Sale is worth looking at! If you live in a place with snow, ice or lots of rain, having waterproof shoes is a must. Blondo makes a range of great styles which are all waterproof and weather-ready. This is a cute casual pair perfect with jeans or leggings and a great puffer or rain coat!

Suede knee-high boots– If you’ve never tried on knee-high boots, you might be surprised how much you love them! They instantly make even a simple outfit have that extra element of style and glamour, but they’re much easier to wear than the over-knee boots. I personally would love to wear these with a shorter dress or skinny jeans or leggings. They do look fairly pointed, so I would plan to size up at least a half size! The uppers are real leather, so they will also and stretch and mold to your feet.

Low top sneaker– If you had told me a few years ago I would like cool sneakers as much as I do now, I probably wouldn’t have believed you! But I love these sleek sneakers, which would go with anything from a t-shirt dress to wide-leg jeans or “dad” jeans!

Flared block heel pump– I just adore this understated feminine style of pump that goes perfectly with almost any style I can think of. They’re trendy and cool without “trying”, and would add the perfect modern touch throughout your fall style. I’m going to have a hard time passing up these! Now to decide which color…my personal favorites are the Summer Tan, Dark Glaze or Candy Red!

Strappy Slide Sandal– These are also super cool and fun and definitely fall into the “wear now” category! These are a great transition item that you can this month and as long as weather stays in the 60s. There are a couple of pretty colors, but I think my choice would be the tortoiseshell color. These would look especially cool with wide leg pants or crop flare jeans!

Hunter rain boots– If you’re looking for classy and stylish rain boots that up your outfit on messy days, look no further than Hunter boots! Mine are a light eggplant color, and always brighten the gray days and get so many compliments. The only thing I would say is that they are not for walking on icy surfaces. There are seriously so many good options in the NSale this year, but I think my favorites have to be this fun leopard print or one of the quilted gloss styles! If you’re petite like me, I discovered the Original Tall style is too tall for my calves, so these Tour Short (or this quilted glossy) and Chelsea boot options are perfect!