As our country celebrates another birthday, it’s time to grill meat, drink iced beverages, and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also time for us to shop a bit.

Now, you know my rule: If you wouldn’t buy it at full price, you shouldn’t buy it on sale. But these holiday sales are a great opportunity to buy pieces that you will wear now, that will still be useful to you in the early fall and next summer. Here are five sales that fit the bill.

One. Spanx has been the most reliable retailer of the past two years for me. Comfortable sets. Well-fitted denim. Easy tops. Their summer sale is definitely worth a look. This Air Essentials Set in deep cove is awesome. This striped shirt dress is perfect for summer. Play golf or tennis? This 15″ skort is awesome.

Two. Nordstrom. Always a great end of season sale. I heart all of the pieces I see throughout the year, and then I narrow my search to the pieces I’ve already loved. I grabbed this Pact set and this affordable light therapy wand. So many great work and casual pieces in this sale — if you’re going to be on the plane for a few hours, I would block some time to window shop.

Three. Aritzia is a new-to-me retailer that I found because all of my professional 30-something girlies were singing its praises for workwear. They’re having a huge sale. This work blouse is absolutely gorgeous. I’m also intrigued by this hourglass-shaped blazer.

Fourth. J.Crew and J.Crew Factory are the place I am shopping for pieces to complete my casual summer wardrobe. The discounts are so deep. This striped sweatshirt feels like a classic summer piece. I loved the elegant pineapple print on this dress — perfect for church or work.

Fifth. Prequel is having an awesome stock up sale — 25% off $100. You know I need my Gleanser for face and body. I also stocked up on my AM/PM moisturizer (I’ll store it in the crisper drawer in a Ziploc.). Also, their Rosacea Bundle (endorsed by the Rosacea Society) saved my friend’s skin.

Bonus. All Modern has become my first stop for home decor. We recently needed a 9×12 outdoor rug, and my budget was $250 — a lift for such a large rug — but there she is. I also found this long mirror for over the fireplace, and these lamps for my office in Olympia. Overhead fluorescent lighting is really my nemesis.

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