You might know her as one of the most-snapped style stars stars during fashion week, or from her awesomely addictive, endlessly outfit-inspiring Instagram feed. But there's no question that Bermuda-born editor-turned-super-stylist Shiona Turini knows the art of shopping—and makes the best possible partner in crime for the ultimate sale of the season.
There's a reason insiders love Nordstrom's annual Anniversary sale (7/22-8/7): You score brand-new fall merch just hitting stores on a discount. No, really. So we challenged Turini to a one-stop shopping mission at the mega retailer's Chicago store to snag a head-to-toe lewk for a last-minute event. She accepted our challenge—and nailed it. Here, the tips she used to do it.
Shopping Tip #1: Know what you want before you go.
"I'm not a browser, I always have an idea of what I'm looking for when I shop. Because I have my wish list edited down, I can make a beeline to the exact pieces I've been lusting after all season."
Shopping Tip #2: Relax.
"When you feel rushed shopping—and big sales can definitely create a frenzied feeling—that's when you're more likely to make bad decisions. So take a little time for yourself to walk around or sit down and grab a coffee to review your purchase plan."
Shopping Tip #3: Always, always, always try it on.
"I'm curvier on the bottom and all sizes are not created equal, so I never skip the dressing room (no matter how scary it seems). Also, I'm totally fine with buying things that are not my size. I rarely put on a pair of pants that fit me perfectly, so I always go up two sizes in pants and get them tailored."
Shopping Tip #4: Be mindful of where to splurge and where to save.
"Sales [especially the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale] doesn't just mean the leftovers. They're the best time to invest in those aspirational pieces you wouldn't necessarily have bought at full price. That said, don't buy something just because it's on sale. For an expensive 'bargain' (read: investment) piece, I follow the rule of threes and try to visualize at least three items in my closet that I could wear it with."
Her shoes here (from left): Valentino 'Rockstud' T-Strap Pump; Jimmy Choo 'Abel' Pointy Toe Pump; SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker 'Tartt' Embellished Mary Jane Pump. Shop the sale at nordstrom.com.
Shopping Tip #5: Don't fear the beauty counter.
"I'll pop into a store when I'm running around the city and need my makeup done for an event or going out. In fact, I got my makeup done the day my sister went into labor. Just like with clothes, you need to be specific about what you want. I don't do lipstick or any color, and stick to smooth foundation with liquid eyeliner and mascara."
Shopping Tip #6: Go it alone.
"I love shopping with friends, but it really depends on the friend. You have to be at the same pace. You have to be willing to divide and conquer. You have to trust that they will see your vision, yet be be brutally honest. But I've also had well-intentioned friends talk me into buying something I later regretted, so I usually prefer shopping solo."
On Shiona throughout: Opening Ceremony "Corey" V-Neck Crop Top; Altuzarra "Tom" Textured Wide Leg Pants; Elizabeth and James 'Heritage' Single Button Crepe Blazer; Fendi clutch. Shiona's cafe look: Turini's own top; Altuzarra 'Ronin' Contrast Stitch Linen Skirt. Shop the sale at nordstrom.com.