https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 17:46:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-186460 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:13:55 +0000 Frances 186460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, considering what you went through just to get to that sale, I am just humbled by you! It sounds like you had a plan, knew what you needed to focus on, and did amazingly well for yourself. And no judgements--everyone is bound to be in a different place with their wardrobe needs and shopping plans/styles. If you love that flyaway cardigan you bought on impulse, I'd say that's exactly the right kind of impulse purchase--the kind you don't regret! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-186453 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:10 +0000 Sveta 186453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, I think our shoping styles are very much alike. I too did my wardrobe review before NAS and made a list of my gaps. The problem was that my gap list was very long! I ended up spending more than I planned for however all but one item were from my list and really were filling my gaps so i think I was good. The only impulse purchase was flyaway cardi: I did not plan to buy any cardigans on NAS! However it fils a gap in my wardrobe too and I love it so I hope I was not too bad </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-186391 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:56:46 +0000 anne 186391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, just wanted to say that your thoughts were really interesting and that the thread has led to some more interesting thoughts - thanks to everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-186328 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:50:04 +0000 Frances 186328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a great dialogue this has been! I just got back to reading through all these responses, and though you're all very kind, I do not have it all figured out for myself by any means! I even bought a suit tonight that I realized was a dud once I tried it on at home. I will have to return it. How do we manage to fool ourselves as often as we do? I think I was so enamored of the color and the way the suit fit on the AT website model that I was blinded to the fact that the drape of the trouser fabric was poor and the collar was not flattering with my broad shoulders. </p> <p>It's so interesting to me because it's not that anyone's particular shopping style is right or wrong, but more that we're all doing this delicate dance in trying to make wise choices with our different styles and budgets to derive the maximum benefit from our purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185845 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:16:11 +0000 Rosie 185845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, I am so happy to have found you as a shopping partner, because I NEED to shop the way you do. I am exactly like Lisa - I probably could not have described my shopping any better myself. I WANT and NEED to shop the way you do, first after a completely thorough closet cleanout. </p> <p>What a thoughtful and insightful post. Plus, I'm thrilled you still love the lime green belt. It is awesome and looked Killer with the navy and white you had on!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185815 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:28:12 +0000 Carole 185815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such disipline, Frances. You make me realize that I need to be much more organized. It seems that purging my closet is in order. I've been a little confused in this regard, watching others here and other sites mixing up, accessorizing and using articles of clothing in lots of different ways makes me hesitant to get rid of anything. But I would rather have a more streamlined wardrobe. I want to develop your shopping style: </p> <p>prudent, budget-savvy shopper who demands decent quality at a reasonable price and above all, versatility, long life and multiple wears for my investment.</p> <p>You are my new role model! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185787 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:36:41 +0000 Lisa 185787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a great post. I enjoyed reading about the shopping insight of others. I have not had a lot of success shopping in general. Often when by myself, I impulse shop. I am working on that, at least now I have YLF to help me determine if something is a return or keep item. When I shop with others, I tend to get caught in the moment and buy what they like, not considering if I also really love it AND if it fills a need in my wardrobe. I think part of my problem is not having a clear sense of style yet. I tend to buy things I like, not always considering how they really look on me. I am hoping as my style solidifies my shopping will become more focused. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185651 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:14:29 +0000 whirledpeasclothing 185651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, once i figured out that NAS was Nordstrom Anniversary Sale....duh! i ask them to hold items for 15 minutes and then i leave the store. it's amazing how you can remove yourself from the impulse to buy something! (and i don't need anything but really liked those embellished Sam Edelaman flats and heels....sigh no where to wear them!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185630 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:49:27 +0000 MNsara 185630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances - I am impressed with your insightfulness into your shopping self and I'm impressed with your self-discipline! I wish I could shop with someone like you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185624 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:28:45 +0000 whirledpeasclothing 185624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, once i figured out that NAS was Nordstrom Anniversary Sale....duh! i ask them to hold items for 15 minutes and then i leave the store. it's amazing how you can remove yourself from the impulse to buy something! (and i don't need anything but really liked those embellished Sam Edelaman flats and heels....sigh no where to wear them!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185586 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:42:03 +0000 Vix 185586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading about your epiphanies!</p> <p>And how lucky were you to have Rosie and Melissa giving such constructive advice/opinions.</p> <p>I have become much more of a "plan ahead" but it runs very counter to my nature...wayward things call my name very loudly when I'm in a store. Sounds like I could stand to have you there reminding me to stay on track, ha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185585 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:31:28 +0000 Tanya 185585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great post Frances! I love your insight!</p> <p>I am somewhere half-in-between. I plan most of my purchases in a similar manner, but I always leave room for one or two unplanned extras. I have gotten some of my best pieces that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185570 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:17:12 +0000 Kate 185570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, my shopping style sounds a lot like yours. I really like to plan ahead, and love the online tools that allow me to sort by color, price, etc. It takes a lot for me to get to the point where I think an item is even worth trying on. I've also become much more focused on knowing how an item will fit with my wardrobe.</p> <p>So far my mom is the best shopping partner I've had, but we haven't shopped together in at least 5 years I still sometimes will send her pictures to ask for her advice, and actually my boyfriend give surprisingly good fashion advice (and knows when he doesn't have the knowledge necessary to give advice), but isn't a big fan of shopping. He'll come along when I have a very focused mission in one store, but beyond that I need to buy things and bring them home to get his advice. Shopping with a YLF buddy would be so amazing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185545 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:27:45 +0000 Melissa 185545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, I loved this post. I love that you've taken the time to think about this. One of the things I admired most about your style when we were shopping was that you really seem to have a handle on where your wardrobe is at as well as a more overall view of what your style is and what clothes work for your lifestyle, which appeared to let you be very targeted with your browsing. I admire your restraint in passing on the CK jacket, and applaud you for sticking to your guns--on a major purchase like that, I agree that it must work in many outfits many times. Also, yay for enjoying shopping with us! I hope we'll be able to do it again--I too have a hard time finding clothes at Nordstrom, so we should check out someplace else.</p> <p>I think I am sadly at a much less developed point with my wardrobe than you. I definitely aspire to get to a place where I know my sense of style, know what my go-to basics are, etc, and can fill in gaps as needed. But I am really not there yet. Between weight loss and going back to work, my closet is close to threadbare, and because I have not yet developed a sense for what works for me (I am working hard on this), it's very difficult for me to make a list of items I know I need.</p> <p>I actually did expend a bunch of effort before NAS making such a list based on my best guesses about what I'll need, but then I wound up (other than my awesome shoe haul) coming away almost empty-handed. I couldn't find any of the things on my list, and am already having second thoughts about the two white button downs I did buy. </p> <p>Thanks so much for posting your well thought-out musings about the NAS. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of where I'd like to be when shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185532 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:53:57 +0000 Beth 185532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an insightful post! I tend to shop with my mom if she's around but the best shopping partner is my sister, who sadly lives too far away to go NAS-ing with me. My friends have an even less developed sense of style than I do, so they're not much help :O</p> <p>I tend to go in with a plan and I try very hard to ask myself where and how often I'll wear the pieces I buy. That said, much of the shopping fun for me is the unexpected find. You never know what treasure might be lurking somewhere </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185503 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:52:23 +0000 Sihaya 185503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances - good for you! I try to go shopping with a plan or at least one thing that I need to add to my wardrobe. I also find it immensely helpful to go shopping w/friends who have a similar approach to shopping and fit. There is no substitute for it. Else, I second guess myself, do more returns, take longer to decide, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185496 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:15:52 +0000 cciele 185496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting your insights, Frances! It made me look at my shopping habits more closely.</p> <p>I typically hate shopping at the mall because I get overwhelmed easily, so I do a ton of shopping online (which has its negatives). At NAS, I went in with a list of 3 things I wanted to check out. I got two of the 3 things, plus a whole bunch more! That's the danger for me, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. I always go in with a list and ofter stray away from it. Then again, I try to shop at places with good returns policies. And having been around YLF and Angie has helped immensely to narrow down the misses.</p> <p>Of course, it would be even better to shop with real-life YLFers than those talking in my head! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185488 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:59:07 +0000 taylor 185488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, that would be super fun!!</p> <p>I loved hearing about your shopping with Rosie, and seeing the photos.<br /> I am sure she will be posting her experiences in the next day or so!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185487 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:57:50 +0000 Jenava 185487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I knew the brands I fit into well, and my size, so I didn't even have to try them on! Oh, and I also got the matching undies...LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185486 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:55:27 +0000 Frances 185486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! Maya, I'm not a Nordstrom's gal either, but I always thought it was the layout of the San Francisco store that bothered me. (I'm oversensitive to the physical layout of stores.) But I'm beginning to think that the majority of the selection just doesn't quite mesh with my style, lifestyle, and sizing needs. I can usually find something in the accessories or shoe departments, but almost never find clothing there.</p> <p>Jenava, it sounds like we have very similar shopping styles. I don't know why I didn't think to browse the lingerie department. For some reason, I stopped in at Macy's lingerie department instead on the way home and couldn't find what I needed at all. I'll have to circle back to Nordstrom's one more time before the sale ends and see how I do with their lingerie department. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185481 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:49:37 +0000 Jenava 185481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, FWIW (sorry to hi-jack the thread) Trouve is a Nordstrom brand so I think it has a better chance of coming back in stock than other brands...maybe...(-: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185473 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:32:48 +0000 Maya 185473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're so lucky you had shopping partners! And what self control you have. I don't think I could pass something up if 2 very stylish YLFers were raving about it on me..</p> <p>I'm like you in a few ways. I absolutely need a plan. I can't just go shopping as a hobby just hoping to be surprised. I, too, am very aware of the dangers of impulse buying and prefer to be more systematic. My favorite way to shop in general is to look online, find what I like, and go to the store to check it out. Or sometimes when I feel a void in my closet, I just think of the stores that are most likely to have what I need. </p> <p>At NAS that is difficult because the entire stock isn't online, things sell out quickly, etc. My Nordstrom is very small and does not carry a lot of stock I see online. It didn't take me long to walk through the few departments that are possibly affordable for me, and I didn't find a single thing that jumped at me. I'm going again to return those blasted turquoise beads, so maybe I'll take another look and find something. I'm not closed to it, but I'm not holding my breath either.</p> <p>I am starting to wonder if perhaps I let the collective enthusiasm for NAS get to me too much. When I really think about it, there wasn't a whole lot that really felt exclusive to NAS that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere for less money later in the season. Being a bit of a bargain shopper, the prices weren't even that compelling. Sure $199 is great compared to $300, but it's still really expensive for someone who generally keeps her purchases under $100 (boots and coats being notable exceptions). I also made the realization that I am just not a Nordstrom gal. The clothing and prices are too much for my taste, age, and lifestyle. The bulk of my clothing seems to come from Urban Outfitters and H&amp;M. What was I thinking? </p> <p>I also realized I tend to go overboard on things that are hard to fit: namely boots and shoes. I have major buyers remorse and will be returning the SW boots. I know my legs are hard to fit as far as boots go, and my feet are even harder to fit, but that doesn't justify the price tag. I know my mom made it easy for me, but I'm an adult and shouldn't have let her do that. I guess I lost my head a little, which is not a good thing, and something I need to work on.</p> <p>I'm still keeping an eye out for the Trouvé boots, but if they dont come back in stock, I'll be at peace knowing all I got was some hosiery and a blanket for my kitty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185470 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:26:18 +0000 Jenava 185470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, I was more constrained in my budget this year than previous sales years, so I also make a few plans. Plan A, plan B, etc. contingent on trying things on in the store. I also try to be open minded...sometimes, as you mentioned, impulse purchases end up being the catalyst for a great new style revolution! In the end the only think I bought that was outside of my original plans were a few more bras. I didn't realize the selection would be as good as it was, and it was something I really needed. I ended up with 3 bras, two pair of shoes and a skirt (oh, and a pair of socks!). That's a pretty small haul for me, considering previous years when I would buy several dresses, a winter coat, boots, etc. I think everything I got will fill holes or replace things that are wearing out. In fact, I have already taken some things to the goodwill that I replaced with new purchases! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185469 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:25:47 +0000 Frances 185469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, we will have to figure out this Northern California thing and find an opportunity to shop together someday--I'll bet we would be able to ground each other and walk away with some great purchases. I hope you and Rosie had a great time shopping the Sacramento NAS this weekend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185463 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:17:32 +0000 taylor 185463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances,</p> <p>It seems like you know exactly what fits into your wardrobe and how to purchase those!! also Your love of quality items and reality checks along the way are good rules for me to follow , as I am too much an impulse buyer. It seems like I always need someone like you for that " voice of reason"</p> <p>I do love shopping with other people:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185462 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:17:05 +0000 crazyone 185462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer to shop by myself too, but it doesn't surprise me that it could be really fun and helpful with the right people...glad to hear you enjoyed yourself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185461 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:14:33 +0000 April 185461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frances, this is such valuable information you've gained about yourself! Well done. </p> <p>I haven't actually been to NAS yet, but am planning to go tomorrow and will pay attention to what I'm doing and thinking while I'm there. I know that thanks to YLF, I have become better about assessing the gaps in my wardrobe and actually filling them in a deliberate way, rather than wandering stores aimlessly, looking for something pretty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/nas-lessons-learned#post-185459 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:11:15 +0000 Frances 185459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please pardon this long-winded post, but I thought I’d share something about the lessons I’ve learned about my personal shopping style as a result of this NAS opening weekend frenzy. I benefitted from doing a closet purge the past two weekends and making a list of wardrobe gap items to be on the lookout for, in addition to browsing the NAS catalog beforehand. This preparation helped keep me on track so I didn’t lose focus and start impulse-buying too far outside of my needs and budget. I did pick up a couple items I hadn’t planned on, like belts and the Me Too Lightning wedges, but I also scored a great white button-down shirt, which was one of the items on my list of wardrobe gaps.</p> <p>What’s interesting to me is that this whole NAS was a catalyst for becoming more conscious of my own shopping habits and what works best for me. I know everyone’s shopping style is different, and here’s mine: I am a prudent, budget-savvy shopper who demands decent quality at a reasonable price and above all, versatility, long life and multiple wears for my investment. I spend the majority of my life working in a professional environment, so it’s rare for me to invest precious dollars from my clothing budget on casual wear. I passed on the boot selection at the NAS because although I saw many boots that I liked, they were mostly too casual to double as both office and weekend wear, which is a must for me. </p> <p>I finally realized what works best for me personally is to identify a need/wardrobe gap, search online to identify potential items that fulfill that need, then try them on in a bricks &amp; mortar store to see what they’re like in person. In general, I don't enjoy shopping without an objective in mind and I don't like to impulse-buy. I like to mull over potential purchases and sleep on them, rather than snap them up outright. While there’s the risk that the item might sell out while I’m thinking it over, if I buy it and bring it home immediately, there’s little chance that I’ll return it if I’m over 50% in love with it. I impulsively bought a couple belts while shopping with Rosie and Melissa on Friday night, and only one of them really fills a wardrobe gap for me; however, I’m 100% in love with the other two and won’t be able to bring myself to return them, even though neither fills a wardrobe niche. But for me, an impulse buy is okay in the case of a lower-priced item like a belt. Sometimes an impulse buy like a lime green belt can shake my wardrobe out of a rut and inspire me to experiment in a different direction. I also picked up the Me Too Lightning wedges in bordeaux when I stopped back in at Nordstrom’s last night, and though I feel I have plenty of shoes and don’t really NEED them, I don’t regret the purchase, as they were a very reasonable $60, are amazingly comfortable, and will be extremely versatile in my wardrobe this fall and winter.</p> <p>I also tried on a Calvin Klein brown leather moto jacket that got the thumbs up from Rosie and Melissa, but decided not to purchase it immediately, but sleep on it instead. I don’t really NEED a leather moto jacket. I know it’s a great classic piece, but it would only get occasional weekend wear due to the constraints of my lifestyle and I already own a wonderful gray wool moto jacket that I adore. So I’m glad I approached the decision about the Calvin Klein jacket this way, because I stopped back in at Nordstrom’s last night to try the jacket on again and decided that, although it’s a great jacket, it isn’t quite right for my particular style. </p> <p>Finally, I think my biggest revelation was that I enjoy shopping with other people--YLF people, that is. Ordinarily, I prefer to shop alone because most of my friends either do not have a very developed sense of style and resort to blanket criticism of everything I pick up, or they are unable to see beyond their own particular style in order to be especially helpful to me. But it was a delight to shop with Rosie and Melissa because I knew these were two extremely stylish women whose advice I could rely on. They were open-minded, and when I asked for their opinions, they were able to see beyond the question of “Would I buy this for myself?” and instead consider whether an item really fit me well, whether the coloring worked on me, whether the item would be versatile, etc. </p> <p>Are any of you having similar revelations as you shop this sale? </p>