Here are my picks of the footwear and handbags. There is lots of brown footwear, which looks quite fresh to my eye, so those get my top vote. Note that items do come back into stock over the course of the two week sale so keep checking the items for your size.

Footwear

• Rag & Bone Waxed Calfskin Suede Moto Boot (Women): Ruggedly refined. Very comfy and beautifully made. It doesn't look as simple on the foot as I thought it would, but it's a gorgeous boot nonetheless.
• Attilio Giusti Leombruni 'City' Ankle Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): Extremely comfortable and well made. The opening tapers snugly around a narrow ankle so no gaping. The brown is especially fab.
• Blondo 'Elenor' Riding Boot (Women): Extremely comfortable. A puddle proof boot that works on a narrow AND wider calf because of the elaborate back stretch panel. Works quite well for a high volume foot.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. Aquatalia by Marvin K .'Obsession' Tall Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): A repeat style that needs no introduction. A stunningly beautiful puddle proof riding boot that is PERFECT on a narrow calf. Extremely comfortable and beautifully made. I have had these for years and love them. Might need to size up half a size. The brown is exquisite.
• Donald J Pliner 'Mynne' Peep Toe Wedge Pump (Women): Super comfy, lightweight and funky. Gorgeous in the brown.
• Michael 'Guiliana' Moccasin Flat (Women): As comfy as a slipper and works extremely well on a high volume foot.
• Louise Et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat (Women): A pretty ballet flat with a dear little wedge heel. Soft and cushioning.
• Louise Et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat (Women): I preferred this version of the Azalya flat because the cream bow is striking. Soft, dainty and comfy.
• Paul Green 'Ally' Belted Leather Moto Boot (Women): A beautifully made casual bootie that is extra chic in richly textured brown leather. It's very comfortable but not for high volume feet.
• Munro 'Abby' Slingback Bootie (Women): Probably THE most comfy pair of sandals I've had on my feet. The rust colour option is unique and bookends red hair to perfection. It looks much better on the foot than in the photo, and is available in varying widths. Not frumpy.
• Munro 'Kara' Suede Boot (Online Only)(Women): A super comfy lace-up bootie for casual days. Fun in burgundy.
• DV By Dolce Vita 'Ferin' Buckle Boot (Women): Not all that well made, but it IS comfortable, cute and divine in the olive green.
• Munro 'Taylor' Leopard Print Bootie (Women): Super comfy and looks better on the foot. Great with career wear trousers. I love that the animal print is dark. Available in varying widths.
• PIKOLINOS 'Brujas' Ankle Boot (Women): Super comfy and works for high volume feet. I vote grey or brown all the way.
• Paul Green 'Allison' Suede Boot (Women): Sleek, simple and comfy. The outside diagonal zipper is flattering. Will probably not work for a high volume foot. I vote grey all the way.
• Børn 'Kyndra' Boot (Women): Extra cushioning and great on high volume feet. I love the richness of the two-toned brown leather.
• Ecco 'Sullivan' Leather Boot (Women): Very comfortable and can work for high volume feet. Does not work on petites or narrow calves. I vote grey or brown.
• Rockport 'Total Motion' Suede Boot (Women): These boots are WOW comfortable and amongst my favourites at the sale. But they are high in the shaft, which means that they worked on petites with relatively long legs.
• Stuart Weitzman 'Dashing' Nappa Leather Oxford (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): Elegantly boyish. The texture of the leather is sublime. Comfortable and impeccable quality. If I needed flat black oxfords, these would be them.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. 'Sweetie' Short Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): I vote this darling best bootie at the sale. Exquisitely made, fun quilting, puddle proof, and very comfortable.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. 'Riley' Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive)(Women): A repeat style that is brilliant for the office. Weatherproof, versatile and sleek. If you can manage the heel, they're very comfortable. I vote grey, navy and brown.
• Hinge 'Sheldon' Boot (Women): Rugged, fun and quite comfortable. Read the rave reviews.
• Vince Camuto 'Vala' Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): The style looks awfully elegant and dressy on the foot. Gorgeous. I don't think it's comfortable, but some of my clients thought so. Give it a bash if your feet aren't fussy like mine.
• Vince 'Yarmon' Almond Toe Calfskin Leather Chelsea Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): I vote this second best bootie at the sale. Beautifully sleek, simple and modern. I love the pointy toe. Some of my clients passed because the tops cut into their shins. I did not have that challenge - so for a change - my fussy feet reigned supreme.
• Frye 'Anna - Shortie' Leather Boot (Women): The best casual cognac bootie at the sale if you're into flat Fryes. It's comfortable, but problematic to pull on with high insteps.

Handbags

• Rebecca Minkoff 'Medium M.A.B.' Tote: I call this colour "Donkey", which is a very grey brown. Good for those who look best in cool colours. Versatile and structured. It's large, but not bulky.
• See By Chloé 'Harriet' Hobo: A tiffany blue tote is a rare find. Buttery soft and semi-structured.
• French Connection 'Saddle' Crossbody Bag: An excellent crossbody bag to wear over a puffer coat.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: Chic and fashionable. Fits more than you might expect.
• MZ Wallace 'Bedford - Mia' Nylon Crossbody Bag: Shiny nylon bags remind me of the '90s. I love that this one is NOT black. Weatherproof, practical and well made.
• Loeffler Randall 'Work' Tote: Elegant and angular.
• Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn 'Wythe' Leather Satchel: This satchel is a great size, and fits very comfortably in the crook of your arm. I vote navy.
• French Connection 'Saddle' Crossbody Bag: Another fun crossbody to fit over a wool or puffer coat. Great colour.
• Furla 'B & T' Tote: Modern classic and structured. All colours are fab.
• Frye 'Artisan Foldover' Leather Crossbody Bag: Fashionably boho with just enough polish. Lightweight.
• Danielle Nicole 'Adeline' Satchel: An inexpensive non-leather satchel that is structured and holds the kitchen sink.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: A magical shade of gold that is subtle yet sparkly. I love its straight lines and crisp integrity. Versatile and dressy. Fun to pair with faded jeans. The pet almost followed me home, and I am still thinking about her.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: The crisp, versatile and dressy angular design of the 'Rider' clutch in colour blocked burgundy, black and animal print.
• Michael 'Medium Jet Set' Work Tote: I love the colour palette of this bag. It's extra fun if your initials are MK.
• Dooney & Bourke 'Chelsea' Nubuck Leather Tote: An earthy classic that's particularly nice in the red and brown.

Feel free to ask questions about my picks in the comments section. Of course, there is lots more to shop on the sale, like underwear, sleepwear, menswear, kidswear and jewellery, so do browse those sections too. Prices go back up on August 4.

Also at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2014

• Dresses and Activewear
• Tops
• Bottoms
• Jackets and Coats