Shiny:
My experience is that it is worth it. My friend and I had to make an appointment to participate at a specified time -- can't say what the optimal time would be. We were taken to a special area that had been curtained off that had samples of all the sale items (purses, jewelry and shoes were in other areas). We were able to pick, try and purchase in advance what we wanted, then come back when the sale started to collect our goods. The advantage is that you get the good deals for the items you like before they are picked over. If you decide to go, I hope you find it worthwhile!

I go every year too. I'm booked to preselect on 8th July. You have to be invited to preselect for the sale, unfortunately. But I also shop online at midnight to cover ALL my bases.

I spend most of the day preselecting because I look for all my clients too. Definitely worth while.

Wow, that's so nice, Shiny! Patience is going to the pre-sale and Sarah and I are tagging along. When Patience asked if it's okay if we come with her, the salesperson seemed very adamant that since Sarah and I are not card holders, we couldn't go into the room where they have the merchandise displayed (I guess it is very small), and we couldn't pre-purchase anything or try anything on, either. That's okay with me. We're going to help Patience pick some stuff out, which will be fun! :D

The salesperson you are working with must be super nice to invite you! :)

I think you go and try stuff on and you can buy things there, and they will hold them for you until the first day of the sale, so you can beat the crowds and just go and pick your stuff up. How exciting!

I went last year and didn't care for it at all because there was no trying anything on. It went like this, she asks me if I like this and that and I say yes so she writes it down. I come back later at the date she tells me to and I pay the bill which is $2000. This almost makes me sick to my stomach. I carry out so much stuff I can hardly carry it all and feel like an idiot. I get home with a bunch of stuff I feel no relationship with, I have never tried on, and now I have to explain to my husband that I just spent $2000. Not a good experience but I learned my lesson about sales people. Excuse me I should say some sales people.
I ended up making an appt and packing it all back into the store after fretting over it for several weeks. The same sales woman talked me into taking it all home again, plus some extra.
I eventually got most of it returned behind her back.
It's funny, she has not called to invite me this year. She was calling me to tell me about every little event Nordstrom had over the year. It is possible that my DH answered the phone once when I was not home and told her I gave up shopping, or something like that.
I have heard many people say that they have had a good experience with the pre sale though. In my case I was a novice shopper and the sales lady was a pro.

Ooh, how awesome shiny! Hope you can make and that it is worthwhile

Pre sale is the way to go! I have dropped by and if they aren't slammed with customers the sales people in my favorite store will often presell to non-invitees. I have even had them give me items early at sale price - think it depends on how much they need the business? Maybe in the "outer burroughs" away from Seattle HQ it is more liberal?

San, have you been invited to preselect this year? Would you like to go together? You are in a much better position to know what you like and what you don’t like this year – your style has evolved. I'm seeing my favourite sales person who is an absolute honey. Let me know!

Angie, does it make sense to target NAS for a men's suit? I never paid attention to what is available for men, and a suit is quickly becoming a high priority item. Sorry for hijacking!

Ooooh, Shiny, sounds great! I may stop by that week just to see if someone can fit me in.

A very good time to target a mens suit, Marianne!

Thanks Angie! We'll work on it. Sorry again about OT.

San-I just want to give you a hug after your bad experience. That could so happen to me because I am susceptible to salesperson complements and encouragement. I also can imagine the sick feeling when you "come to" and realize what you have done ....and ....worrying over the returns. If I were you, I would jump at the chance to attend with Angie. What fun!

Hmmm, they don't let you try the clothes on during the pre-sale period? That sucks! This salesperson knows that for me it's all about the fit, and that I'm super picky about fit. Hmm.

What Ana said. But I do want to add that the salesperson who called me specifically said that Ana and Sarah could help me pick things out "when I try things on." I suspect that all these issues vary by store. San, that sounds like a terrible experience and a terrible salesperson. Lucky you to get to go with Angie!

I have *always* tried on the NAS clothes at preselection time. The shoes too. How can you not? I think it depends on your salesperson.

Susan, thankyou for the hug, I needed it. I have needed a hug over that situation for a year and I accept it with open arms!!! Smiles!

I am trying to work it out so I can attend with dear Angie.

I realized you had a bad experience Sandy, which is why I'm determined to make it a fabulous one for you this time round :0). The lasses at Nordies have just called and they are setting up our dual preselection app right now!

Hope every one has a great experiece. Be selective!!!

Alright, great. Thankyou Angie you have an amazingly kind heart. I am so excited to have a good experience with you at the pre select sale.
I love your sage advice "Be selective".

I haven't been invited to a pre-sale; I haven't really shopped at Nordstrom that much before YLF! I have a feeling I am going to be so lost at the NAS. I plan on relying very heavily on all of you for advice and feedback :-)

Niva, I am in the same boat as you. But I imagine we will do very well at NAS, even for newbies. :)

I will also be a newbie going to the sale! I hope I can find at least a couple of the things I am looking for. San you are so lucky you get to go with Angie! Good luck to everyone! Can't wait to see pics and read stories! :)

I know I am lucky Devin. I really do count my blessings to be close in proximity to Angie so we can spend time together. She is as wonderful in person as you'd expect, and then some.
For everyone interested in the NAS, there is a booklet coming out before it starts showing some of the merchandise. I do not know if it goes to only people who have been invited to the pre sale but I think it goes out to anyone who wants one. Call Nordy's and ask to be put on their mailing list. It's always an artistically done booklet.

So nice for you two to be able to go together!

I think I'm going to try to go Monday morning, before my new boss gets into work on the west coast. I have no idea what next week is going to be like, and I'd rather not go on the weekend.

San, Angie, everyone: what is on your fall wish list for NAS?

One thing that is not on my list anymore is a boyfriend jacket, because I just scored one at Filene's Basement! I'm so thrilled. It's Theory and I had tried this same exact one on last Fall, but $375 was hard to swallow, for something trendy. Then it went on sale at $175, but my size was sold out. Today I found my size AND it was only $60. It has the contrasting sleeves, it's charcoal (not black - I have too much black), and is boyfriend-inspired without being overwhelming on me. Woo hoo!

(Yes I have been saving my pennies for NAS, but I'm on vacation this week and we are having such dreary weather. The house can't be cleaned or decluttered anymore than I have already done. I'm bored silly!!!! But rest assured I'm being very picky with what I buy!)

Oooh your jacket sounds very nice. I can't wait to see it.
Hmm, I haven't thought of what I might want to get at NAS. I better start doing a little wardrobe planning.
I am interested to see what is new for fall as I'm sure is true for most.

San, that sounds like great fun! Will you report back from presale?
The only thing I have on my list, aside from the aforementioned suit, are narrow calf boots. I don't have my hopes very high but I'd be interested in any possibilities.

Okay...I have an appointment to pre-select on 7/5. This will be my first time doing this...should be interesting. I am focusing on shoes, since that is the "thorn in my flesh." If I can score some shoes, then I'll build outfits around them.

If anyone has specific ideas/suggestions on what I should target, let me know.

Lesley, for fall, I am targeting light-colored booties, and I'll bet booties would be practical for Phoenix too. Just a thought.

No Nordies here, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you all scoop up!

For fall, I'll be looking for a motorcycle jacket (preferably grey or maybe black), a trench, perfect knee-high black boots (and possibly one other pair--I live in boots for around 7-8 months of the year), and a bag large enough to use as a diaper bag.