There is nothing like a good Friends & Family sale to make giddy.  20-percent-off nearly everything in the store…yes, please.  These sales offer an opportunity to make strategic purchases.  You can replace staple pieces, pick up a better brand for a bit less money, or splurge on something you’ve been craving, but not buying, for a while.  The following are a few of the items that caught my eye.

Cole Haan Carlyle Boots ($398)

Shoes. These boots are the primary reason why my stomach fluttered a bit when I found out about the sale.  I put them in my cart at least six times before buying them.  Because while they are beautiful, simple, elegant, and possess a 2.5 heel height, four-bills is a lot of money to spend on one pair of shoes.  A decent discount and free shipping makes the purchase a bit more palatable (hello, PBJ, my old friend).

The Carlyle boots also come in extended calf sizes.  And if you have the means, these Cole Haan Arlington boots look like the perfect riding boot.  Need a less-expensive version?  This Steve Madden Sady flat boot is a nice option (also in extended calf).

Want pumps? This MK Flex heel is a great $99 option.  If you want to splurge on versatile basics, LK Bennett is where I’d go.  Want animal print?  Ivanka Trump has a gorgeous pump and a cool flat (the sizes can run a little big).

Vince Camuto Faux Leather Detail Dress ($99)

Dresses. Cute, stylish, under-$100?  Very nice.  This Vince Camuto dress is great for after work, or wear it on casual Friday with tights, flat boots, and a long necklace.

I also found this bold cobalt dress from Bailey 44.  This JNY sleeveless sheath in charcoal grey is also a good choice.  And if you want to pick up one of my favorites at a discount, there’s always the 3/4-sleeve Black Halo Jackie dress.

Plus-size? I love this plum Melissa Masse dress.  Petite? I like this burgundy v-neck dress from Ralph Lauren.

Theory Drate Tee ($160)

Tops. This blouse is awesome.  I’m smitten with the gorgeous jewel tone (perfect for fall).  This style isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I think it looks great with denim or tucked into a skirt (use a shaper to smooth it out).

Another top high on my list?  This Cooper & Ella blouse with an open back and eyelet details, its modern, feminine and interesting. For silky work tops under-$100, I like this short sleeve AQUA top and this NYDJ blouse in eggplant (also in plus-size).  For a casual sweater, I love this hooded Dakota Collective number.

Plus-size? This MYNT blouse is a great basic.  Petite? Sorry, I didn’t see anything on the site that I would have bought for myself.

Miscellaneous. Nothing here that you can’t live without?  The Wear-to-Work shop is always worth a look, it has a great selection of pieces.  I’d also hit their Fall Trend Shop, and sort through their new Curated and Coveted collection, which features pieces made just for them by fabulous designers.