Far be it from me to suggest Nordstrom is a regular shopping destination for those of us on a budget… but twice a year, they put on a sale, and they do it up right. Starting today it’s the big women-and-kids Half-Yearly Sale, and that means it’s the right time to check ‘em out and pay Target prices on Nordstrom items.

Twice a year I shop at Nordstrom, and twice a year I come away feeling quite smug. Try it. See if you don’t feel a little smug, too.

It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays, either….

I’ve just come back from a business trip where I wished I’d brought a few more pieces of jewelry with me. I like wearing earrings and funky rings but I didn’t have a great way to carry them with me, so just brought two in a plastic bag. This jewelry case has multiple compartments so your necklaces won’t get tangled up with the earrings and it’s still small enough for travel.

$36.50 at Delight.com

Now you have no excuse for looking rumpled or wrinkled when you travel, whether you’re taking the red eye on business or hauling the kids to Grandma’s house. This water bottle-size “Go Mini” Steamer by Joy Mangano warms up within about two minutes, is much safer to use than a conventional travel iron, works on all types of fabrics. It’s also small enough to fit handily in your bag, even if you’re limiting yourself to your carry-on.

$23.95 at HSN.com

One of my favorite ways to treat myself when I am feeling completely overwhelmed is with an interesting and relatively inexpensive piece of jewelry. Lately I’m really into funky rings, like this awesome one I found on Etsy.

$75 at Etsy.com

OK, so I am on a accessories and jewelry kick , but can you blame me?

This bold, colorful necklace from Boden is a perfect accessory to brighten up your wardrobe, especially that black long sleeve T-shirt and jeans uniform we all love so much. (Not that I know anything about that…)

$64 at Boden.com

One of my favorite things about Etsy is that you can find absolutely wonderful and unique items that don’t cost a fortune. This bracelet is just interesting and subtle enough to be appropriate for work and as a great accessory to add a little something to your long sleeve T-shirt.

$15.50 at Etsy.com

I used to scoff at shapewear, but that was before I grew a couple of little people inside my body. Now, I’m back to my pre-baby weight and yet, my body does not look the same at all. Things have shifted, weight redistributed, so while the number on the scale is familiar, the landscape of my body is not. Especially right around the belly. Shape Changer’s Ultimate Shape & Support Cami reigns in the flab by flattening just the belly and supporting the bustline. The Spandex/Nylon/Cotton/Latex blend is strong but breathable and not too constricting. While I wouldn’t wear it every day, it was just what I needed to feel sleek in a suit recently — and much less expensive than a tummy tuck.

$49.99 at Shape Changers Clothing.

A scarf can make a boring outfit pretty and it’s an affordable way to spruce up your wardrobe. This floral wrap works with many colors and outfits, which is a plus.

$34.00 at Bananarepublic.com.

I’ve been seeing more and more women wear these slightly funky looking flip-flops and eventually I broke down and asked one of them what they were all about. Apparently they work your leg muscles and tone as you walk, while being very comfortable and relatively blister-free. I’m going to try a pair on this weekend, but if you don’t feel like going to the store, you can get them shipped for free from Piperlime (returns are free too.)

$50 at Piperlime

I have really curly hair. I mean really curly — poodle-in-the-rain curly. And on even mildly humid, the frizz level can get out of control, so I’m always looking for something that can help me tame and define my curls. Living Proof’s No Frizz is silicone-free, so instead of controlling frizz by weighing hair down, it tames the pouf by blocking humidity and minimizing friction. It’s lightweight and doesn’t leave my hair feeling slippery or crunchy. It comes in six formulations — straight-making or wave-shaping/curl-defining for fine to medium, medium to thick, and thick to coarse hair. So girls with all kinds of curls can feel fine instead of frizzy.

$24 for a 3.4-ounce bottle, or $14 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, at LivingProof.com.