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OMG, I just realized...

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

...that there are 3 days left only until an Early Access for NAS! Where did the time go, it seemed ages until it still...
This is my 4th NAS and I think I am changing how I shop it.

The 1st one was a wild ride: I bought a lot of stuff because I was excited and fashion-deprived for so long, it was like a therapy. Unfortunately just a few items survived the following purges, really I was not thinking clearly in all my excitement.
The 2nd one was a mixed bag. I still got a lot of stuff but I was more selective and thoughtful so it worked out much better. However some stuff was not of the quality I prefer so I have trouble enjoying them.
The 3rd one was the smallest haul so far but everything I kept became a workhorse. I got and kept one pair of booties (SE python), one pair of Kut BF jeans (my very first one) and one pair of straight leg Paige jeans.

Now what do I plan for my 4th NAS? I don't want to get many things but I want them to be real workhorses for me. My budget is smaller this year and I cannot afford costly mistakes. I know what are my wardrobe holes so I would look for those but other than that what should I look for? I would like to get one or two what Angie calls "landscape changers" but I have no idea what to look for?
I am definitely going to focus on footwear again as it is a real pain to find anything interesting in my size. I would like to focus on flat and low heel footwear (under 2") because my feet are the happiest in them but judging from the NAS catalogue they are going to be scarce.
Do you have any suggestions for "landscape changers" for me? Do you have any thoughts for yours you would like to share?

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

rae

(website)

Veteran

NAS is certainly barreling toward us! I am both excited and terrified of the heavy store traffic, lol. And it's crazy because I have not even shopped NAS early access before. Yikes!

Hm, as for your question, a lot of what I saw in stock looks like you - purple/burgundy, leather, illusion sheath dresses... but if you're looking for a landscape change... Maybe check out the tweed jackets. There will be a good range of collar styles (a la Angie's collarless jacket post). The Vince line also has some really beautiful things that are soft and drapey.

For footwear, I know I saw some really pretty AGL boots. They have kept the shoes and accessories locked up for now (so no one can hide them away for customers!), so I have not examined the calf width situation, but I know there is more footwear selection than the catalog shows.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'll be posting throughout my preselections with clients, so keep checking back in!

It's quite fun to NOT have anything planned on my shopping list. I'm a clean slate and will focus on better end stuff. Perhaps that will be the same for you, Sveta.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Do you have the link to the catalogue? Even though I have a card now, I can't figure out how to view that. Help!

As for your ideas, Sveta, the footwear is a no-brainer for you.

You have already made a "landscape change" with your conversion to trousers and unstructured structure this season. So perhaps asking yourself if you want to continue in this vein or if you need to switch it up again to some beloved dresses and skirts. You mentioned before that you really want a great longer jacket -- so that is worth considering.

suzyq

Not capable of helping you with your style goals but curious if your spending less or more each year? If your buying fewer items of better quality as opossed to getting lots of less expensive items does the cost work out to be the same?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Rae, is this you first NAS experience in your job? That must be really exciting and scaring for you but I am sure you would do great! Thanks for confirming that a lot of stuff looks like me, there is a hope then - as well as more footwear selection than in the catalog. I am really looking forward to add more purple and not-muddy burgundy to my wardrobe.
Angie, the problem is I make more mistakes in freestyle NAS flying which are not that easy to remedy when you have one shot at the sale. I will be ordering on the 10th without your amazing list to help me so if I have at least a focus it might help...
Suz, I got a catalog in the mail last week, I did not see it online. Long(er) jacket is really on the list and I hope I can find one there. Looks like they have some in military style which I like but it is not present in my wardrobe at all.
suzyq, for me it went down but I did not buy anything REALLY expensive yet. I have SW boots on order last year but they did not work out- that would be a major splurge for me.

Thistle

Veteran

So excited for my first NAS!!

I remember reading Angie's posts on it last year, and my first thought was "NASA is having a sales?!?" I hadn't heard the NAS acronym last year, and couldn't figure out the excitement. I understand it this year.

Parsley

Veteran

I think you're wise to want to avoid getting caught up in the excitement and make shopping mistakes, Sveta.
Last year was my first real NAS, and I was in total wardrobe revamp mode, but I'm embarrassed to say that I made a ton of shopping mistakes and wasted a lot of money.
I've gotten a little wiser (I hope!) and more focused, and this year I don't plan to buy too much at all. I have my eye on a military coat, and there's a white leather jacket I want to at least look at, and then maybe a few boring things like underwear.
For you, shoes are an obvious choice, of course. "Landscape changers" are a little harder to plan for, I think. Sometimes you just have to recognize them when you see them.

Cindy

Okay, I give up. What does NAS stand for?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hear you, Sveta. Your style instincts are excellent, and my advice is to listen to them! Pop things into your cart and I will try to help you along the way. I am on my feet from 8 till 8 on Monday the 10th, but hope to guide you as best I can. I can at least let you know if the footwear is comfy because I will be trying it all onto my fussy feet!

NAS = Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Anonymous

Great advice given already Sveta and as Angie said it's also nice to have a clean slate too. Nothing much to add exept I am getting excited for you and other YLFers and I'll be going through it vicariously with you all!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thistle, the first NAS can be really exciting, good luck!
Parsley, you and me both! Here is to a bit more wisdom than before! Which military coat you have your eye on? I liked Trina Turk one but I don't want black. If it was navy or ink it would be a dream!
Cindy, I see Angie has already replied to your question.
Angie, you are a darling! This sounds like an exhausting day and I don't want to add any more stress to it...but if - just if - you see something you think should work for me and let me know I would be ecstatic and ever so thankful!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course, Sveta! All my days from the 10th to the 16th will be like this - 12 hours on my feet. No rest for the wicked

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Diane - thanks!
Angie, I see A LOT of tea and cakes in these 7 days to get you through! Sending you a lot of strength to get through this

Parsley

Veteran

It is the Trina Turk one, Sveta. I wouldn't mind navy, either, but I do like to have a good basic but stylish black coat, so black is OK with me, too. I have a ton of scarves that go well with black.

Here's to no more mistakes! Tchin-tchin! Or maybe I should say to fewer mistakes (just being realistic!).

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

This coat will look AWESOME on you! I cannot wear black as outerwear in winter, it is too gloomy for me, I need either lightness or color!:-)
Fewer mistakes sounds about right!

Cindy

Okay. No wonder it didn't ring any bells for me. There is no Nordstroms in Grand Rapids. I suppose I could check online to see if there is anything worth taking a chance on. My size 12 shoulders and size 18 bust make it very difficult to buy without trying things on.

deb

Veteran

Angie, the 10th is Wednesday. Do you mean Monday the 8th?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I mean Wed the 10th! Thanks for that catch, Deb. Clearly Sveta, I need to start the tea and cake energy inducing marathon sooner. I can't even get my days of the week right :(.

Parsley, the TT coat looks fab! I wish the front wasn't so open cut though. Coats must close properly! I'll be trying on the white moto with you

Diana

Veteran

Exciting! I am not a huge NAS Shopper (as I'm not really excited by buying things I have to wait to wear) so I generally only get one or two things, but I love seeing everyone's purchases! So post what you're thinking about here and I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful advice!

For me, like I said I am not a big NAS shopper, but I am going to try to find some comfy low heel pumps with ankle strap or sling back. I really desperately need to update my pair. I'm hoping those halogen wedge ones I posted about earlier in the week show up in plain black at NAS!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Good luck to ALL the NAS shoppers - and Angie, definitely keep up your cake and tea consumption to help you get through it all.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Footwear is always a game changer for me - no faster way to change a look imo. I am always on the lookout for great quality jackets on sale too

Deborah

Veteran

I agree with Caro, shoes and jackets and statement accessories!

Joy

Veteran

I hope that you find something you just love at NAS. I'm going for specific needs like a new winter coat and a dress, especially a great sweater dress. I'd also love to find a beautiful bra in my size on sale.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I did not make a pre-sale appointment. I honestly think I'm going to sit this sale out. I think it would add more stress to my life right now, which I do not need.

Debbie

Veteran

I want a statement piece. I have no idea what.
Angie-have a great time and I hope you find great things!

Nadya

Veteran

Sveta, I'm also thinking of just buying a few special things. I have my eye on the AGL flats. I tried on a pair a year or two ago and they were so comfortable! But I'm lucky enough to be shop on reason so who knows what I'll really find. My appointment is on Wednesday!

Lisa

Veteran

My NAS experiences were similar to yours Sveta! My first NAS I went nuts and then I barely kept anything. My second NAS I kept more, but wasn't thrilled with everything. Both times I tried to shop for 2 seasons in one shot and that just doesn't work for me. With my 4 season climate I need the heavier/lighter items as they rotate in the stores. And I apparently like to dress seasonally, which means rotating my colors as the seasons change. Plus I realized I like to "freshen up" my wardrobe every month or so with even just one new piece. Trying to shop all at once was just too overwhelming.

My third NAS I also got picky and purchased less but had very few returns. My goal this year is my staples (every NAS I pick up bras, PJ's and laundry wash) and one or two statement pieces. Items that fit my budget just because they are priced for NAS. No more try to shop for the rest of the year in a day shopping for me.