https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:55:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272768 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:38:02 +0000 Bijou 2272768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF - I seem to be gravitating to blue again, it is such a nice calming colour and so flattering.</p> <p>Helena - your visit to Australia is so exciting. Brooklyn, Anne and I will do our best to inform you on Australian brands and you should get some good bargains in our Summer end of year sales. I am based on the West Coast (with Anne) and Brooklyn is on the East Coast, so we have the country covered! It will probably feel weird having hot weather at Christmas time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272761 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:10:55 +0000 Helena 2272761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful coat in a beautiful colour, and sensible process! Completely agree that sometimes shipping alone makes a purchase untenable ... Better to find something closer to home for sure! (Aside - we are just in the process of booking our trip to Australia for Christmas this year and I'm excited to explore some Australian brands we can't easily get here in Canada!!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272705 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:17:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2272705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great story of knowing your goals &amp; sticking to them. Love the blue of that coat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272696 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:16:53 +0000 Bijou 2272696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I can't wait to see the new coat. I hope your holiday in Melbourne was lots of fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272673 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:32:46 +0000 Sal 2272673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great choice for you Bijou!&nbsp; I hope it works out - I feel confident it will.</p> <p>I think learning to admire pieces on others and not get them for yourself is part of the YLF journey.&nbsp; There is so much "eye candy" on the forum and sometimes it can be hard to not want it - and I imagine it is even harder for those in the US - shipping to Australia or NZ is a large barrier..........</p> <p>Brooklyn put me in the direction of a new coat too (Veronika Maine) which I purchased last week.....I love it....will post a pic this week.&nbsp; Single breasted, tailored fit on shoulders and a lovely brownish pink (they call it antique rose I think). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272481 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:08:05 +0000 slim cat 2272481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Z&amp;V jackets are a bit tricky for me - the newer ones are a bit too big and too padded in shoulders. The older style that I found in Marshall's is a bit too traditional and much less exciting ( there is only "Love" on the back and not in rainbow colors - just black letters on the very dark navy jacket ). Your strategy for shopping is solid - take what would be more of the "sure piece" with the easier option to return. The blue coat looks adorable - great choice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272468 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:23:50 +0000 Bijou 2272468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for all the comments, I know I made the right decision for me because it sat comfortably with me, as soon as I made the call.</p> <p><b>Janet</b> - I appreciate your thoughts on sizing of Z&amp;V - I know UmmLila has said that the Z&amp;V jackets can be smallish and yet oversized items are not so good for me, streamlined tailoring works best for me too. I prefer your jacket's design which softens the skull print. Your jacket is so spectacular on you which is what attracted me to this jacket. I will enjoy seeing your WIW's without needing a Z&amp;V crystal jacket myself.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b> - wow - that Cue coat is going to be gorgeous on you. I tried the Cue long hot pink coat, but it overwhelmed me - I think the cobalt would be amazing on Janet. I know you have been looking for a single breasted coat for a few years, your patience has definitely paid off.</p> <p><b>Rachy</b> - this jacket is coming from the MM Australian website and likely to be delivered from their Melbourne or Sydney stores or warehouse.</p> <p><b>ChristelJ</b> - I hope it works out too!</p> <p><b>Kathie</b> - yes the description does make it sound beautiful to wear.</p> <p><b>Janet</b> - Public Accounting firms are so conservative! I would not wear a skull motif jacket when meeting clients. The MM jacket hits the right tone for work and my slightly less dressy professional wardrobe, it has some personality without being a statement, looks luxe without being too formal.</p> <p><b>Gryffin</b> - I can see why skull motif's are not the best when working as a physician. As much as l liked the colours, the skull motif is a bit hard edge for my personal style which made me pause. I love how YLF and learning from others has made me a more considered shopper. I don't buy immediately and often think things out before pulling the trigger on a new purchase. it means that I have a more useful and wearable wardrobe.</p> <p><b>Kelly</b> - wise words, the surcharges are astounding. However I do enjoy seeing the NAS new arrivals to see where retail is heading.</p> <p><b>Suz </b>- I always think of you when I buy blue items because it is such a great colour on you. I want this to be a piece that I wear and enjoy for many years so the more classic styling is likely to add to its wardrobe longevity.</p> <p><b>Angie</b> - it is a shame with the extra costs with NAS for international shoppers. I can understand the reluctance to ship internationally given items in NAS often sell out for local buyers.</p> <p><b>Sharan</b> - returns are annoying to do full stop. I have limited my online shopping for that reason too.</p> <p><b>Irina</b> - I hope your NAS purchases work for you. Online shopping is tricky.</p> <p><b>Nikki</b> - it is so easy to get caught up in the NAS excitement. I am glad that you had a great NAS.</p> <p><b>Jaime</b> - yes tax and delivery costs are killers!</p> <p><b>Carla</b> - I am so impressed at how you get the balance right between having fun with fashion and being very clear headed and rational in building a wardrobe that suits your life. Alas, I can get caught in the "having fun" part to my detriment!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272466 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:13:12 +0000 Carla 2272466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makes complete sense. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272460 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:02:43 +0000 Jaime 2272460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous MM pick. Of course it doesn't make sense to shop a sale that costs more for shipping than the discount! And tell me about taxes - ours are bigger! Luckily I can ship my stateside purchases to my sister, but then there is a wait. Hope to see the new coat soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272362 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:15:44 +0000 Janet 2272362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn, I LOVE that, color and all, and wish it were available in the states. Everything here seems to be oversized, double-breasted, etc. Cute on some, but not for me. I am really hoping these streamlined styles come back soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272358 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 19:08:08 +0000 Anonymous 2272358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely understand passing on the sale because of shipping charges. Honestly, I never even heard of Nordstrom before joining this community and just figured out that The Rack at the mall is a discount version The only Nordstrom in New York State is in the New York City area. A four hour drive for me.</p> <p>Awesome MM coat! Keep us posted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272349 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 18:04:50 +0000 Irina 2272349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That MM coat is beautiful!<br />Here, in Canada NAS is not as great like in US. Sometimes, there are better choices in the regular sale section. This is my second NAS. Last year I returned 2 items I ordered, will see this year but I’m not too optimistic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272347 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:54:19 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2272347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't shop NAS, either, with those extra charges. I'm starting to be much more judicious about orders even here in the US, as returns have gotten more difficult for me (my closest Nordstrom closed a few years ago). The Max Mara jacket looks beautiful for you. I hope it works out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272338 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:24:55 +0000 Angie 2272338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Absolutely</i> purchase closer to home when you can get the goods and the shipping charges are affordable! It makes no sense to pay hundreds of $ for shipping with little reward.</p> <p>GORGEOUS new coat! Hope it works out </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272329 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 16:50:50 +0000 Suz 2272329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a GORGEOUS coat and a beautiful, enlivening blue. I would have snapped it up, too! It will look sensational on you. You made the right decision for sure.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272321 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 16:10:27 +0000 kellygirl 2272321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, what a beautiful coat. I love the simple, clean lines and the color is gorgeous! It doesn't really make sense to shop NAS with shipping surcharges. Glad that you found something comparable or likely, better! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272319 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 16:03:19 +0000 gryffin 2272319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou - just didn’t shop NAS the past two years. It was 3 yr ago I got the PG bobbi boots and Paige jeans. The year after I bought VB dickies and practical things, last year I bought the dyson hair dryer. And TB belt embossed navy leather. I think the MM coat looks wonderful. I also like the ZV blazers but as a physician I honestly am not comfortable with a skull motif at work either. I do think it’s all context and audience and being sensitive to the messaging. I don’t wear my McQueen scarves at work either and that’s a lot less obvious. Also nothing is a bargain if it’s not right or the right total price. Sounds like you made the perfect pick. Hope it’s amazing and perfect fit!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272303 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 14:44:50 +0000 JAileen 2272303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness - I was in public accounting - I can just imagine wearing the coat with a skull on it. &nbsp;I got chewed out once for just rolling up the sleeves of my blouse when it was warm. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>The Max Mara coat is really beautiful. &nbsp;You’ll get a lot of use out of it. &nbsp;How about a skull scarf you could wear it with on the weekend?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272300 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:58:22 +0000 Brooklyn 2272300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, single breasted longline jackets are starting to trickle in here. I also got a teal one from Portmans. It was described as a coat but it’s actually jacket weight. Not as nice as the Cue one but much cheaper and a useful colour for me. Single breasted wool coats are also starting to reappear. I’ve been waiting for those too! Hopefully more to come. </p> <p>I could see this coat from Cue on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272296 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:44:52 +0000 Kathie 2272296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's beautiful, and the description- "100% double-face wool with silk lining" speaks to the quality. I don't blame you one bit. I hope the jacket is every bit as gorgeous in person! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272295 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:23:31 +0000 ChristelJ 2272295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm very excited about the MM for you! A beautiful cut and a rich color that will look fab on you. Hope it works out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272290 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:46:34 +0000 rachylou 2272290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>… and on that note, where is the MM coming from? I like it a whole lot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272288 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:45:21 +0000 Janet 2272288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn — I LOVE the cut of that jacket! I need more of that in my life. Single-breasted, streamlined, moderate stance, not oversized, and the perfect length. It’s not easy to find here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272287 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:43:04 +0000 rachylou 2272287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I only buy international when I go straight to the source, to the designer. I think the only time I buy from another country’s store — is Amazon UK for books, when I don’t want the English ‘translated to American’. Eep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272285 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:09:17 +0000 Brooklyn 2272285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Nordstrom’s delivery costs put NAS out of reach for Australians. It’s a shame. It would be fun to be able to participate, especially as it is so big here. I’m not sure why Nordstrom charges so much more for delivery than Bloomingsdales, Saks, Anthro, FP, Shopbop, J Crew, Revolve and other American retailers. I never even look at what they have to offer. Too much of a gamble. </p> <p>I love the MM for you. I hope it works out. </p> <p>I also spent my money closer to home. On a Cue jacket! It was also on sale. And it’s single breasted, which I also prefer. It’s wonderful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272284 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 10:55:39 +0000 Janet 2272284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t blame you a bit! The cut of this Z&amp;V blazer is the same as the one I have (but mine has a different blue and white crystal skull motif, plus blue and white crystal floral touches on the arms). I think it’s pretty TTS but mine doesn’t fit me in this oversized way — I never button it up, so it’s no matter to me. I think mine is a 6 even though I’m a solid 8 these days. </p> <p>I also much prefer a single-breasted pea coat, and yes, they are hard to find. The MM is gorgeous! I am crossing fingers it works out for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-i-passed-on-nas-and-bought-closer-to-home#post-2272281 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 10:44:02 +0000 Bijou 2272281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been looking for a dressy navy pea coat because my old red Zara pea coat and my navy JCrew blazer seem to be heavily in rotation - they are still in reasonable condition, but I would love an upgrade.&nbsp;</p> <p>On reviewing the NAS Top Picks - the Z&amp;V wool navy skull blazer jumped out at me - with the skull embellishment being a fun detail. However, there are a few points that make this jacket not so great for me: </p> <ul> <li>Being an accountant, the skull detail is too out there for face to face client meetings which would limit the Z&amp;V jacket to weekends and Zoom meetings where the back is not visible to clients. </li> <li>I have never bought Z&amp;V and so could get the size wrong and perhaps the cut of the jacket would not suit my figure</li> <li>NAS for Australians means you need to add an extra $65 for delivery plus an additional 10% Australian tax - so the 'bargain buy' soon adds up and returns are an expensive and near impossible mission.</li> </ul> <p>I have been stalking a Max Mara jacket for the last couple of months. What I loved about it was: </p> <ul> <li>a rare single breasted pea coat</li> <li>lovely colour - not a dark navy (although other photos show it to be a bit darker than it looks here online which I would classify as blue rather than navy)</li> <li>Max Mara fits me well and the quality is consistently exceptional. Previous items have gone the distance being timeless and classic pieces that are beautifully tailored.</li> </ul> <p>On deliberating, I decided to pass on NAS only to find that my Max Mara jacket was reduced. With free shipping and tax included in the price, there were no expensive additional costs to consider. So whilst it still is an expensive purchase (for me), it is not much more than what I was contemplating with the Z&amp;V when taxes and delivery were added. I hope it lives up to my expectations but if it doesn't the return will not be too difficult to negotiate. </p> <p>In Finds:<br />1. the Z&amp;V jacket from NAS<br />2. the MM pea coat, supposedly 'navy'<br />3. My old Zara pea coat (about 8 years old), which I like but mainly wear done up because I am not so keen on the double breasted jacket being worn open<br />4. My much worn navy jacket from JCrew (about 7 years old) </p>