YouLookFab Forum » Topic: NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: NAS by the numbers. Wildcard! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:49:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Cerinda on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1705694 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 17:21:40 +0000 Cerinda 1705694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dakotacheryl, please let me know how your search for mid-tone tan bottoms goes; a HEWI for sure. And I'm beginning to think that (under $500, LOL) wool trous are a thing of the past. I hope the top works for you (I wear medium, large, and extra large EF tops depending; this one in large). Ack! Gotta find a day to edit before I switch closets, too! I intended to buy items I could wear immediately, but most of these, though generally lightweight, are the darker neutrals I prefer for after Labor Day. And I just recognized another lesson: I really need help to shop wisely! A thousand blessings on Angie, the forum, and my SA! I, too, tend to buy clothes, especially trousers and jeans, way too big. Another case of body dysmorphia, perhaps. ETA I had some time to grab the camera and try my goodies on, but only with that portion of my wardrobe that isn’t in storage. Returning three more of the supposed keepers. <ul> <li>The duplicate EF culottes/trous/whatevers: The charcoal is visibly smaller, works in only one outfit better than the black, and does my grey leather jacket no favors: fail, return, keep looking.</li> <li>Olive Kut skinnies:bI’m kind of over skinny jeans and need the color a little less than the grey Jen7s and the fit is the same: near miss, return, keep looking.</li> <li>Halogen burgundy blouse: the fabulous sleeve detail makes it a bad replacement piece: fail, return, keep looking.</li> </ul> dakotacheryl on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1705619 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 14:11:13 +0000 dakotacheryl 1705619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did pull the plug and order your wild card top...it will just work with so much of my wardrobe. There are two reviews on the Nordstrom website and both say it runs small LOL.  I just ordered my usual size and will keep fingers crossed. So in the end I have ordered 8 new items which includes two shoes and a scarf. Did not add any bottoms.  I am on the lookout for a fabulous pair of wool slacks or skirt in an oatmeal/tan color.  I just did a quick closet edit and pulled out 16 garments, two shoes, two scarves and one purse to donate. So I am keeping with my one in/one to two out philosophy as I continue to get my closet into "clothes I love and wear" shape. When I move my warm weather only clothes downstairs and move up cold weather only clothes, I am sure there will be a further culling. I also do one big shop per season (which includes NAS), and add the odd piece here and there (eBay mostly). AZBeth on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1705040 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 16:55:33 +0000 AZBeth 1705040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ HI Cerinds, That black no and camel skinny scarf is cool!! Looks like it's sold out now but I'll keep checking!! Beth Keix on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1705005 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 15:52:34 +0000 Keix 1705005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So far I've kept 5 NAS items, although this month I've also picked up a few non-Nordstrom pieces that I love and were budgetary contributors. I'm still waiting on 3 additional NAS items to arrive, 2 of which are backordered until August, and 1 of which is the very pricey Trina Turk coat. I just recently remembered that I can get an edgy black coat custom-made on Etsy for less than half the price, so there might be a theory-vs-reality showdown in a few weeks when the coat arrives, depending on how it fits. dakotacheryl on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704871 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:19:55 +0000 dakotacheryl 1704871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cerinda you wrote a great analysis!! I have been on the fence about this EF top...still deciding. Cerinda on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704820 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 06:00:10 +0000 Cerinda 1704820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I have an annual clothing budget. Period. Full stop. It usually works quite well for me, except when it doesn’t (One year the whole wad went to NAS: see your thread <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-the-nas-highs-and-lows">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-and-lows</a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-the-nas-highs-and-lows/page/20"></a>  I guess I intuit how to allocate the budget in response to my inventory spreadsheets and my running wishlists. This year I put half my budget into the summer/fall transition bucket.  I aim to shop twice a year and enjoy shopping my closet. But, yes, stuff wears out and friends get married... Viva, last year’s failed wildcard was a long black vest. Failed because it was pretty darn dull without a lot of (arm) skin, I “saved” it for colder weather, and because I didn’t have the right raincoat (mild, wet climate here). Your plaid one is WAY more interesting to begin with. And with the forum hot with ideas for styling the R&B gillet, we’ll both discover lots of ways to wearthem both ALOT. Keepers: such an embarassing number because I had essentials to replace, am consciously shifting my palette (when will the industry turn back to camel and taupe?), and getting tired of my characteristic silhouette. Two updated bottoms (the EF culottes/cropped wide-legs/whatever you call them, one charcoal, one black) and three jeans/pontes (grey, olive, burgundy); a cropped sweater (update), a replacement camel cashmere sweater; a replacement burgundy top; high-shaft booties and pointy-toed skimmers (update); one bag (HEWI + update); and two skinny scarves (palette, update). Finds below (some items seem to be AWOL); massive outfit creation session will just have to wait until work lets up.  Did anybody notice this old school PIB didn't buy any?  Well, ok, a pair of black trousers and a pair of black boots.  A visibly textured bag. And three prints, one of them a floral.  Sailing into uncharted waters here... Thanks, everyone, for sharing your strategies and successes:  I gain so much from the forum's collective wisdom! CocoLion on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704814 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 05:43:15 +0000 CocoLion 1704814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cerinda I can totally see you in the EF tank.  I missed you last weekend in Seattle. DonnaF on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704793 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 04:11:12 +0000 DonnaF 1704793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cerinda, that EF top is so gorgeous!  So tempting.  And totally for my imaginary life. I've never bought better end/investment pieces at NAS or any other time for that matter.  Partly, it's because I've never seen anything that called my name that would fit me, especially in a Petite size, and that I would wear a lot in the life I actually live.  I have almost no need for coats or tall boots because my climate is so mild. NAS seems to be adding additional colors in their T-shirts so I ordered the same color in slub knit that I previously ordered in regular knit as well as vice versa so I can compare.  How boring. I am listening to you re ambivalence.  This year I ordered a TON of leggings and I still have four more pairs on the way.  I have never worn, much less bought, leggings but I thought they might be nice to have to wear under dresses and longer tops.  Of the six or eight today, two were the best but didn't thrill me.  I think I should try them on again in the cool of the morning and see if I should return the lot.  Gotta spark joy, right?  Could be a reason I've never worn leggings. . . BrieN on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704762 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 02:52:11 +0000 BrieN 1704762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  Cerinda: I love the idea of that feather-weight silk chiffon top. Sounds (and looks) lovely!  I am impressed with your purchasing list--phew that's a lot of decisions! I think my NAS is going well. At this point I have purchased, along with some foundation essentials:  Burgundy The Dre jeans Burgundy Jojo loafers CH ocelot skimmers  Halogen cropped flares (which I think I am returning) Now this list looks neat and tidy, but the purchasing and returning machine was in top gear trying to keep up with my whims.  I also purchased a dress at the Rack - a Vince burgundy with sheer long sleeves and a cuff at the wrist. It may or may not pass the "is it realistic for my life" test. It was fun and odd buying for Fall when everyone else was scooping up the super marked down florals. But I really like shopping ahead of the coming season.  Jaime on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704758 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 02:45:24 +0000 Jaime 1704758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This year I decided to focus on fundamentals, realizing my closet is full of statements. I found a new bra I like at NAS, bought a set of makeup brushes and spent most of my budget at Sephora and the drugstore, because I decided I am all about my skin this year. (Ok, I did find a couple of shoes at second hand stores, to be posted.)  Firecracker (Sharan) on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704726 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 01:55:45 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1704726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That top sounds magical for you! Glad you stumbled onto it! I think my sale went well. My splurges are typically shoes--which makes sense, because I can't make those. This year I went to the sale, knowing that I didn't have any real wants or needs. I had my eye out for some general updates or fun refreshers. I didn't splurge as much as I have in some years, and I feel good about that. Cerinda on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704686 Fri, 29 Jul 2016 00:58:01 +0000 Cerinda 1704686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Quick response from phone: the top is feather weight silk chiffon, has to have volume, runs quite big and long; jersey tank unsnaps via lingerie straps. Suz on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704634 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 23:28:21 +0000 Suz 1704634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Angie. Duly noted. I might pass on it this time for budgetary reasons but may continue to deliberate and snatch up a bit later on.  I think I am in between many of your clients then, in shopping frequency. Because I do one to two shops per main season, vs. two per year.  So...in the last few years -- I have bought most of my new fall things at NAS....but filled in the odd item sometime in late September/ early October. (Often this is when I will find an "extra" fun pair of shoes -- on sale -- and/ or tops to complete my outfits. And I might refresh my knits in January if that seems needed and there is anything I like available.  For spring, I shop for footwear in March as it comes in, and then usually buy any clothing that I need to refresh/ update in late May/ early June. I know that seems late, but spring/ summer is really just starting here at that time, and although my size in certain spring items is often gone, that isn't true for true summer merchandise, which is what I chiefly need -- true spring being such a short season here. I didn't buy a lot this year -- a few tops, a skirt, a few knits that are trans-seasonal. And I bought cropped blue and white jeans and a navy cashmere sweater on sale in advance for fall. Since I often like J. Crew Collection and Club Monaco, I find I can pick up a few bargains there in between seasons. Angie on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704592 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:43:16 +0000 Angie 1704592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, the EF top runs big. You should be okay in an XS. It is NOT fitted and it must drape with volume. The fabric is very delicate. My 5ft 4 client wears a size 2 and bought a regular size XS. You have a long rise so I am not in favour of you getting the petite. (THERE. How bossy am I).  YES. Two BIG shops and some fill-ins. That's how my clients shop - but that does exclude the NAS.  Jenn on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704587 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:35:05 +0000 Jenn 1704587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, it sounds like you did well this year! I'd love to see your final set of keepers. I saw that EF blouse in the store this week, and the photo really doesn't do it justice. Actually, I find that true of a lot of the EF... it often looks too conservative for me in photos, when they're actually just really well-made chameleon-esque pieces that can slot into a lot of different styles. Since the sale began, I've ordered 8 items, 2 of which weren't in the sale. 4 have arrived so far, and the only definite keeper was one of the non-sale items. The top item on my wishlist hasn't been in stock in my size since the sale opened to non-cardholders, so I don't know if I'll be able to try it. If I had to guess, I would bet I end up with a blouse (maybe two) and a leather jacket (I hope) as my only sale purchases, which is fine. I don't need it to be a shopping frenzy, but I'm glad to have the opportunity to add a few solid items to my wardrobe at a discounted price. Suz on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704586 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:33:32 +0000 Suz 1704586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, you mean the two big shops a season? Yes. It really seems to work for me, and allows me to focus on other things at other times. It also helps me stay within my budget (uh, more or less). Of course I DO shop in between times if I need socks or my favourite t-neck wears out or I have to replace my snow boots or I am so sick of my scarves and need another to perk me up. That kind of thing.  Suz on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704583 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:31:40 +0000 Suz 1704583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I just love your enthusiasm. And you have certainly helped the rest of us with our choices. I do get tempted to go overboard with ordering and sometimes do, but then again I return quite a lot also. And buying essentials like undies at the sale just makes sense, although it adds to the total expenditure, of course.  How would you say that EF top fits? Would I be better to try a Petite in that if I tried it? I find it even more appealing knowing that the tank is built in. The little Kenzie top that LisaP and I have is a sort of version of that with the overlay and I am gobsmacked by how lovely that thing is to have on a hot day. It's its own 3rd piece.  Angie on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704580 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:27:44 +0000 Angie 1704580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, you shop like many of my clients. Angie on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704572 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:19:26 +0000 Angie 1704572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOOOHOOOO. GREAT analysis, Cerinda. Love your thinking. It's great to have you back. I missed you. That EF blouse is gorgeous. A little finicky to pull on and off with the matching cami - but worth it. (I will make it a top pick next week). I bet it looks stunning on you. ENJOY. What else did you keep?  I always have a wonderful time at the NAS, and enjoy my items and the actual sale tremendously. It's absolutely my favourite sale of the year - (probably because I'm not an end of sale shopper). Some items become unbelievable work horses (like my Current Eliiot flared cropped jeans), and others are just nice-to-haves (like my DVF jumpsuit).  My NAS shopping strategy is always the same: <ul> <li>Try to tick off the items on my shopping list (but you can't buy something that isn't there!). </li> <li>Keep an open mind. </li> <li>Stick to better-end items. </li> <li>Forgot basics but not essentials. </li> <li>Stick to my budget. (Thus far, I have never been over). </li> </ul> This is what I got this year. The first 4 items scream my name. The Adidas twinset is a very nostalgic item for me (Adidas was the first sports brand I recognized as a child). Modern Retro and very '70s - a fun wild card. The puffer is to wear to and from walking to yoga in the colder months since my very old parka has died a death.  What can I say. I LOVE the NAS.  Lisa on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704543 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:43:41 +0000 Lisa 1704543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore number crunching posts and do this often <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/">on my blog</a>.  I haven't received all my NAS items yet, so I haven't been able to crunch yet.  But I will say, I ordered 35 items, so I will have plenty of decisions to make very soon! viva on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704532 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:36:15 +0000 viva 1704532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am very tempted by that top, Cerinda. It's exactly the kind of thing I don't have but feel I could really use and would wear. I may have to order it and try it. You're also making me rethink my wild card purchase a bit (long plaid vest) - it's the whole likely infrequent wear thing. Although I do like the item... Gah, so hard!  I'd be interested in the items you decided to keep, too. Please share! Barbara Diane on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704522 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:18:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 1704522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love my watch and one of my dresses. And I purchased my first pair of leggings, which will hopefully make something I already own work. I tried on a lot of clothes this year. Some were picked initially by an SA without talking to me, some were ordered by the SA once I told her what I was looking for, and some I've ordered based on Angie's picks- items that I wouldn't have chosen myself, but am curious about. The later arrive next week, along with a size up on a skirt the SA told me not to size up on, but I still want to try. So, I've tried on a lot of clothes. Some looked good but weren't needed, some are amazing, and some I have to decide. Knowing Nordstrom's amazing return possibility, I was willing to bring home some items that I might return later in the year if I don't wear them. In general, these are dressier items. I haven't played dress up yet at home. The heat makes it unappealing and making decisions makes me tired. And some items might work better once I have the items on order. I also have a bag,a scarf, and a necklace I picked up on day 1 that I am undecided about. This is my first year purchasing clothes at NAS. My local store doesn't carry my size. In the past I've purchased shoes, a purse, and jewelry. Suz on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704520 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:14:22 +0000 Suz 1704520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA I would completely agree with your comment that ambivalence = do not keep. I was smart about most of my "maybes" last year and sent them back. The one "maybe" I kept turned out to be a loser. It was nice, it looked good, was high quality, etc. and I did wear it about 6 or 7 times, but in the end I just didn't love it so I gave it to my stepdaughter.  Suz on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704518 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:10:17 +0000 Suz 1704518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great analysis, Cerinda. Question: How do you set your NAS budget? Is it a proportion of your yearly budget or fall budget or the whole fall budget, or how do you figure it?  I really like your wildcard find. And am super tempted by it myself. I can see it being really useful across seasons with a black tank.  Which other items are you keeping? Can you show us the Finds? I am so nosy.  :)  I also want to go back and read your earlier post.  My strategy, such as it is, is a bit seat-of-the-pants. Each year I have a rough budget in mind but sometimes exceed it. (Gulp). However, on balance this usually works out overall because I simply spend less elsewhere. More and more I am reverting to the style of shopping I used to prefer when I lived in the city -- one or two big shops per season. Now I do it mostly online, but it's still the same approach. The exception is for items that wear out or need replacement during the season. Or for extreme HEWIs that I notice.  This year, I'm doing some of the shopping by phone in Canada. I used the presale to find what I wanted, called a Canadian store to reserve it, and they shipped when the sale began. Not all the stuff has arrived yet. My main items (booties, gilet, bag, jeans) are all Angie picks. I was preparing to buy 3 of them on my own and Angie personally suggested the 4th (the gilet).  I'm also ordering a whack of less expensive items from the US site online (e.g. underwear, workout stuff, a lounge sweater). We'll see how this works out. I had Notes that I could only use in the US, so I wanted to take advantage of that.  carter on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704500 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:42:26 +0000 carter 1704500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis! The jury's still out for me. So far, 16 items (other than bras) have arrived. 1 item has just shipped, and I have ordered additional sizes in one item to compare. 8 are on their way back. Of the 8 I'm holding, 1 is waiting for smaller/petite sizes to compare, 1 is waiting for the item that just shipped in order to compare, the remaining 6 still need to pass the killer outfit creation test (likely this weekend). catgirl on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704494 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:24:47 +0000 catgirl 1704494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice find!  My satisfaction will depend on how well I like my one big splurge, the Burberry jacket I'm picking up from the store today.  Fingers crossed! Cerinda on "NAS by the numbers. Wildcard!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers-wildcard#post-1704475 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:59:00 +0000 Cerinda 1704475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had 21 items on my list including 2 HEWIs (an espresso bag and a black silk collarless blouse). Used 89% of my budget to get 17 of them (and one a two-fer: espresso AND metallic bag) and 5 items off-script (panties, socks, summer tank on clearance, and the wildcard I found in-store). 3 items were Angie’s picks (coincidentally, also my SA’s), and 1 my SA’s. There are lessons for me here… I have yet to find a true investment piece on NAS. Some bags come pretty close, though. Fence-sitting? Listen to Angie. Historically, items I was undecided about and that Angie picked turned out to be workhorses. Ambivalent? Don’t keep it. Do. Not. Keep. It. Shopping online? Not my long suit. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-by-the-numbers">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....he-numbers</a>. Apparently, I succeed shopping on-line only with Angie’s picks –oh, those fit and body-type comments! For example, I fell in love with a wildcard online last year, and kept it despite reservations about how I’d style it; enjoyed it, but wore it seldom. This year, I utterly dismissed a top online as too ordinary to provide value-for-dollar. Not at all as pictured. When I tried it in-store on a lark, it just sparked joy. I’ve only done a preliminary try-on, but man, it works with everything! Seasonless, fine with or without a third piece, rescues a beloved hard-to-style leather jacket, elevates jeans, contributes to my minuscule dressy capsule (where’s Angie’s recent post about dressy clothes for us smart casual types?), and may serve in place of that other HEWI, a black silk collarless blouse.   I’m sorted. I’m satisfied. Satiated, even. Nothing remains but a leisurely search for updated denim. Back to you. How satisfied are you with the sale this year? Is your strategy working for you?