https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:11:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364445 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:58:48 +0000 Angie 2364445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your meaningful thoughts and comments, everyone! - especially <b>Suz</b> - who went above and beyond with insightful info and kind words. THANK YOU!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carol,</b> the NAS is a crapshoot. Go in with low expectations and a good attitude. If you score some treasures - BONUS! If you don't - next :)</p> <p>This is my 20th NAS! I've scored MANY, MANY of my best wardrobe items at this sale - which is an institution in Seattle (Nordstrom is a Seattle company).&nbsp;</p> <p>Some NAS's are better than others. Sometimes you find exactly what you need - and sometimes there is little you like. Sometimes, it's the best time to get a wildcard or statement piece - and sometimes it's all about replenishing wardrobe basics. Go with what works that year.</p> <p>No, the NAS is not a must!</p> <p>Yes, it can be a very fun shopping experience that keeps on giving!</p> <p>Personally, I love the thrill of it all. &nbsp;You never know what you're going to end up with. I LOVE that part best of all :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364401 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:49:11 +0000 Suntiger 2364401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't always shop NAS, and my purchases have definitely been hit and miss. </p> <p>I really wish it happened later in the year, cause I'm loathe to even try on winter clothes in summer. I prefer to shop when I can wear (or know I have to return) the things straightaway. I don't start my seasonal changeover until late October, so I can't really do outfit labs. </p> <p>Plus there were a lot of issues with orders getting canceled, which made me not want to bother. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364329 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:31:05 +0000 JAileen 2364329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had never shopped at Nordstrom until I stumbled onto YLF, and didn’t even know what NAS stood for. &nbsp;I got a card and enthusiastically bought lots of things the first year. &nbsp;My best buys since 2016 have been coats, and a few became workhorses, such as a North Face Thermoball parka. &nbsp;I’ve gradually bought less and less each year. &nbsp;My wardrobe has few holes to fill, and since I’m not a super shopper, by the time I could participate many of the things I was interested in had sold out. Last year I only bought one item. &nbsp;That’s not to say I don’t shop, because I do. &nbsp;Macy’s is a favorite, for example, and I’ve bought things from Nordstrom, just not part of NAS, and I’ve also bought things on Poshmark. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364275 Sat, 06 Jul 2024 19:43:10 +0000 MaryH 2364275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Bijou- At Angie's suggestion, I also bought that same jacket. I agree that it has stood the test of time. I still love it.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364247 Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:08:27 +0000 Bijou 2364247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, I am in Australia, so I look at the Anniversary Sale as a great barometer of what my retail landscape may be like in 6 months' time. It is fun to see other's delight in getting some great items.</p> <p>Having said that, about 8 years ago I bought an Angie top pick black tweed jacket and wow it truly has stood the test of time. So never say never! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do/page/2#post-2364206 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:09:42 +0000 Anonymous 2364206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only Nordstroms has my size in underwear so that is the first place I look, especially at colors. The really small stuff is usually either black or white. I have been happy with what I have bought at the sale following Angie’s advice. Most I still am wearing.<br /> What I am not I bought too small. Usually I find it on sale at the Rack after the sale. Our nearest Nordstrom’s has closed and that makes it harder to shop and try on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364191 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 02:03:43 +0000 April 2364191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, I must admit it was a "no buy NEW items" year and not a "buy nothing" year. Except for footwear and undergarments, I bought everything from Poshmark, The Real Real, or the consignment shop here in town.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes, Jaime is the queen of thrift and I often say she and my son could have an amazing day in any of the five boroughs of NYC - he knows every location of every thrift and which ones are best for books, outerwear, menswear, furniture, and so on. Tokio 7 is a favorite.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364188 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:31:38 +0000 Jaime 2364188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Carol, by devoted I mean that I spend a lot of time both working in a charity shop and also going to other thrift shops. And devoted in that I rarely buy anything retail anymore. And of course I am delighted to thrift designer vintage, but that is a whole other story . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364186 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 23:20:03 +0000 Sal 2364186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't shop the sale due to being international, and the risk with shipping and returns.</p> <p>I find it interesting though to see forum members trying pieces that I would not have picked from the website, and look awesome in them.&nbsp; I also like seeing Angie's picks and what she chooses.&nbsp; I often struggle with online shopping by looking at the photos provided and imagining the item on me, with my other pieces.&nbsp; I do much better in store.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess with any sale or shopping you need to think about your own needs and not get carried away with the hype. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364182 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 22:16:03 +0000 Carla 2364182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve shopped the NAS once, when Nordstroms still had a B&amp;aM presence in Canada. &nbsp;My experience was mixed.</p> <p>I like to follow the sale posts that are shared here (Blog and Forum) to get an idea what real life folks are adopting from the merch that is available and how they are styling what they get. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>It’s all grist for the mill!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364170 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 19:47:18 +0000 Suz 2364170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carol, Angie</b> offers advice and guidance in both sections (blog and forum). On the blog, she does several comprehensive posts about her top picks in all areas from the sale: footwear, outerwear, bottoms, tops, accessories and miscellaneous. Her descriptions are very helpful and even if you don't shop the sale itself, if you see something you like, you could keep that info tucked away for your thrifting/ online second-hand shopping. Some of those items will turn up there.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the forum, people will often post what they are considering and <b>Angie </b>may weigh in. People also post items they've decided on, yes or no, and say why, and again, <b>Angie</b> often joins the conversation. She sometimes makes specific recommendations to individuals and people also ask if she has seen this or that item in person and if so, can she comment.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364162 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:20:59 +0000 VintageDawn 2364162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have so enjoyed the NAS in past years, it was a very helpful in 2019 when I needed work attire and it was much needed distraction in 2020.&nbsp; But the truth is I end up returning much of what I purchase and the last few years I've needed less and less, between not needing work clothes and many of the staples are still kicking.&nbsp; I did enjoy going through the catalog last week when I couldn't get motivated to work (in hindsight I was getting sick), and I added quite a few items to my wishlist to think about.&nbsp; It's hard to say how much I will buy and keep but it was a fun exercise and gave me time to think about the holes in my wardrobe (and go home and declutter much of my closet).&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364159 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:06:49 +0000 Carol 2364159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>delurked--Poshmark is my primary thrifting, and also my primary shopping, in general. I will keep in mind a few trusty brands, but I generally go in with an open mind and a deep faith in my intuition.&nbsp; Most of my stuff I keep--it's only when I buy aimlessly that I fail.&nbsp; Check out these vintage Italian champagne glasses--for a ridiculously affordable price.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364151 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:09:53 +0000 Carol 2364151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime--I, too, am a big secondhand shopper. But I am curious what you mean by "devoted--," do you seek out designer pieces? Or consciously seek out secondhand when it's easier to buy a version at Target? etc? I am also glad to hear what people say about Angie's involvement with the sale as a writer/stylist. I will be paying more attention to her NAS posts than in years past.</p> <p>April--sometimes you win, sometimes not. You're right. It is funny that sometimes we really don't need anything. Marie Kondo says that such items, when we buy them, are to teach us to become more particular.&nbsp; I am impressed you did a "no-buy" year.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364150 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:07:32 +0000 delurked 2364150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure if you consider online shopping at Poshmark as thrifting. This year I purchased something I'd tried and returned from a NAS 3 years ago. It became at a price point and condition I was satisfied with. I do better with second hand shopping online when I already am familiar with the cut and fit of a garment, and try ons and past purchases help me hunt down some new to me deals on things that are no longer for purchase at retail.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364149 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:59:26 +0000 Carol 2364149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz--thanks for sharing those photos. I can see the first 9 are still in style. I particularly like the shirtdress in #2. Although women are forever told to highlight their waist, I do love a loose dress that shows off legs.</p> <p>Rachylou--ha ha. I think, though I'm no expert, that it hasn't started yet. Although maybe members can get early access? I do not know if membership costs money. Probably.</p> <p>Donna F--great point. Like if you're not a super fan, or hounding something in demand, you can just use better sales throughout the year.</p> <p>delurked--thanks for the breakdown.</p> <p>Ms. Maven--isn't it sad when we buy dress-up items we don't use? I still have a black sequin dress that needs a "home" in the form of an event. Maybe we need to make occasions to wear these things.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364146 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:36:44 +0000 Carol 2364146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>delurked--Good tips about the flexibility of sales. I like the idea of "hunting" a certain piece until the price is right--I think Angie has talked about this, as well as others. Certainly I was pleasantly surprised when my favorite pants went on sale half off several months later.</p> <p>delurked--there is an ease to all those items in your closet. I really did love that floral tee, and meant to showcase that one in my post. Anyway, I think all but xsmall or something is gone now.</p> <p>Firecracker--"If I'm not completely smitten with a sale item..."such a good reminder. It's so easy to say...oh, but the fabric is only a little off, or I like the cut, but not the graphic.&nbsp; But it's on sale.&nbsp; I try and remember Marie Kondo's advice of "only buy if it brings joy," but it's hard to remember. Too bad about the loss of pastries and coffee!!</p> <p>Suz--great to know, thanks! Yes, I tend to not always directly use the info I get on this forum, mostly because I thrift instead of buying current items. I enjoy the forum for general wisdom and innovation.</p> <p>kkards--yeah, those items are great. Two years ago, those would have seemed like very specific items to me, but I would absolutely "workhorse" them today, mixing and matching them all over the place. Good finds.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364145 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:23:31 +0000 Carol 2364145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenny H--thanks for catching that. Yes, I thought the anniversary tab was highlighted when I was looking--turned out to be that the highlight was just a design enticing you to click on that. So I will have to go back and look at that.&nbsp;</p> <p>Roberta--at least those are good examples of how one might use the sale. I never thought, for instance, of looking for beauty products.</p> <p>Suz--that is great to know about Angie's involvement. I don't think I paid close attention to that in past years. Would her advice be given mostly on the blog? Or in forum posts?</p> <p>Slim Cat-- "Fun to check out." I like that. Like, just dabble with no expectations. And I could, I'm sure, go in with a definite list ahead of time.</p> <p>Cat2--thanks for the advice. Particularly "Clear the Rack," as I do not lead a lifestyle where I need super-nice things.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364141 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:25:30 +0000 April 2364141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience, the NAS is sometimes for me a dazzling time to add some fabulous things to my wardrobe, and sometimes a serious disappointment. Last year, when I had resolved to buy nothing new, I gave myself an exception for the NAS, but of the three items I bought, none were right for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Two sizes of Wit and Wisdom pants didn't quite fit&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-2nd-size-ww-pants-arrived-yesterday">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-yesterday</a>&nbsp;and a Barbour coat also didn't work for a reason I don't recall.</p> <p>Sometimes you win, sometimes not.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364134 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:49:14 +0000 Jaime 2364134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to everything above. I have a lot of nostalgia for the NAS although I don't really shop it anymore. I absolutely love going through Angie's picks, because I learn a lot from her descriptions of quality and functionality. Over my years on the forum I have evolved from someone that enjoys thrifting to a pretty devoted second hand first shopper.&nbsp; But I have memories: waking up in a beautiful Venetian airbnb to go over Angie's list, actually being in Florida during the sale one year and shocking everyone by the number of boxes that arrived (most to be returned) and the ultimate - meeting Angie in Seattle after she had stayed up late to post about the sale. She was stunning and fresh as a daisy . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364126 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:27:41 +0000 MsMaven 2364126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NAS is when I buy the more expensive underwear I prefer and basics. That out of the way, I look at my favorite brands of shoes, check accessories, (don't need a belt this year and I don't see any scarves I want to add.) I also buy my favorite but expensive brands of jeans--Joe's and Paige. Again, I don't see much I want here. I do better looking at the Rack.</p> <p>Usually, later in the sale I see something I can't resist in one of the more expensive lines. Often this is a mistake, especially in the last few years when there are few, if any, occasions to dress up.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364122 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:44:47 +0000 delurked 2364122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy - the sale starts on July 9 for Icon level. July 10 for Ambassador level.</p> <p>Influencer level (which my understanding is anyone with a Nordstrom card) - July 11&nbsp;</p> <p>Non card holder level - July 15</p> <p>Most people will be able to shop either the 11th or the 15th.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364119 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:09:23 +0000 DonnaF 2364119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep in mind that NAS is not a super sale; items tend to be marked down about 30%. Normal markdowns at Nordstrom tend to be 40%, and this year I’ve picked up quite a few items at 60% off. Maybe I’m wrong, but I see fewer basics this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364117 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:05:43 +0000 rachylou 2364117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh heck. I’m so snowed under. Is it NAS? Did I miss the big post? What’s happening?! At this point in life, it’s my big check-in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364114 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:52:27 +0000 Suz 2364114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, the WORKHORSES I have picked up at the sale!! Some of them entirely unexpected.&nbsp;</p> <p>The first 9 photos are of the ones still in my closet purchased 2019 and prior, i.e. these are older items that are still doing hard duty in the closet.&nbsp;</p> <p>Next 7 photos are items purchased more recently that are also proving their worth.&nbsp;</p> <p>And that's just what is still currently in the closet. Going back to my first sale, I don't know how many workhorse items I found there -- it's shocking, the number, really, that set the tone for an entire season or two.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364112 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:01:56 +0000 kkards 2364112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what Suz said, both times<br />i will say,that my 1st NAS's on the forum i get a little ahead of myself, and probably bought more than what i needed/wanted and if i would have waited until later in the actual season, would have bought different items. but that being said, i have picked some some real workhorses at a great value, when my size was still available&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364106 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:39:59 +0000 Suz 2364106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One reason it is great to shop the NAS is also forum members' reviews! <b>Delurked </b>does brilliant reviews (like those above) every season!&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>Also, as we try things on, we usually post and so you can see the thing on real people, which is also useful, especially for those of us who do most of our shopping online by necessity.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364105 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:37:16 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2364105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Nodding along with everyone's responses. Suz gave a particularly great run-down.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I first became aware of Nordstrom in the early 2000s, when I moved and worked near a store. I loved the anniversary sale there, though I didn't quite understand what it was about at the time (e.g., that it was a pre-season sale). The store would open early on NAS days, and had complimentary pastries and coffee. So I loved going in on my way to work! I'd let Nordstrom treat me to breakfast while I shopped.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I feel like a bit of a curmudgeon, as I lament that those days are long gone. No free treats during the sale, no early opening of the store. Lots of things about NAS have changed, but I do still shop the sale. I like to go in person as well as shop online. There are three Nordstrom stores fairly close to me (used to be four, but the closest one to me closed a few years back). I like to refresh my favorite undies and bras. I love Nordstrom's hydrocotton towels, so I get those if we are ready for new ones. And I get whatever strikes my fancy for the coming season. I've learned to also check the non-sale offerings, to see if there are versions of the sale items that I like better. And also: if I'm not completely smitten with a sale item, I will wait. Often NAS items that are still left go on deeper discount around September.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364104 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:11:43 +0000 delurked 2364104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Specifically about your linked items,&nbsp; we must have some overlapping shopping interests. I can speak to a couple of them because I own the Zella travel dress and can give you my own review on it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do well in a shift dress. The Zella dress is soft and has a substantial enough weight to it that it won't show VPL and such. The best part about it is the side pockets that hold a phone well. Even the slit is not problematic, and I don't feel I would need to hold down the dress in event of wind either. I wore this dress earlier in the summer when I went to NYC and it was perfect for my needs. I've personally avoided the lighter colors as I do not think they would have suited me, but if it had been available in other, richer colors, I would have duplicated. Prob better on non petites.</p> <p>The Sanctuary tees are really nice patterns. I have a couple of them, and you need to size up. They run small, They aren't super long, which works well for skirts for me. These tops can be found at many other retailers, including Sanctuary's own website.</p> <p>I've also worn Wit &amp; Wisdom jeans for at least a decade. I personally prefer jeans that have stretch and are soft. I don't want 100% cotton feeling in jeans. I find the waist to be non constricting, which is important to me. I don't own the specific jeans you referenced, but they always have several pairs of Wit jeans in NAS. This brand usually runs generously, and sometimes requires a size down from normal. Wit jeans also get marked down with regularity, or can be found marked down on the N. Rack site. Although Wit &amp; Wisdom is a Nordstrom exclusive brand, the Democracy brand is not. They are the same as far as I can tell, and Democracy is sold at a lot of other retailers, and is also regularly marked down on some of their styles.&nbsp;</p> <p>The finds below are what I personally own of what you were looking at.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-nas-a-must-havemust-do#post-2364103 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:00:43 +0000 delurked 2364103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple thoughts - the items you have mentioned above are not actually anniversary sale items. The price points at Nordstrom run the gamut. It can be helpful to eliminate whatever is out of your price range when you sort and look online. That's what I do because I don't need to see a tee shirt that's hundreds of dollars, for example.&nbsp;</p> <p>The NAS can be fun to shop when the YLF community is in the spirit of the sale. In part, Nordstrom has a free ship/free return that makes trying on at home more accessible. I don't have a Nordstrom nearby to me, and I shorten returns by making them to my local Nordstrom rack. I do think the hype of the sale has waned significantly in the last few years. But I've also found a few items I have really liked during NAS. It is important to keep in mind your climate and lifestyle, as with any shopping. It's not a "must do", but there's many who like shopping it annually. Sometimes things sell out so quickly you can't purchase what you put on a wish list. Oftentimes things come back into stock as the sale continues (and afterward). Sometimes something goes on a bigger sale a month after NAS. So it's a sale to shop if you keep an open mind to what you might find and enjoy it for what it is.&nbsp;</p>