Ask Angie: NAS plan of action - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: NAS plan of action

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Angie,
I am going to my very first preselection this year - on Friday - and I was wondering if you had any tips.
From what to wear to make it easier on the stylist to should I bring the catalog marked with items I like?
I plan to be very open and try on everything that appeals to either me or her and see what happens.
I plan to spend more energy in the accessories and shoes departments.
Thank you!

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No need to bring the catologue! Just make sure that you get to preselect behind all the curtains and don't let the sales rep talk you into anything. You have a good handle on your style - trust your instincts and report back to us.

After preselections, you can still shop the sale and return! There is always stuff that I miss out on or leave till later like Menswear and hosiery.

Remember to shop for your dominant season. No more dresses unless you'll wear them to death

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I promise! I'm going to limit my clothing purchases since I'm still losing weight. But I have my eye on that purple Halogen pencil skirt. Accessories, bags, shoes, and any clothing items that I can wear now or by August to September. I want to get boots but I'll probably have to pass on those because I won't have my entire fall wardrobe planned until October or November.
I remember last year that a lot of these items stuck around to go back on sale eventually, too.
I will also take photos for everyone's opinions too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good strategy!

The LAMB bags will make your heart skip a beat.

There is a long black V-neck studded drapey T-shirt by BCBG that has your name on it.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Hehe, I bet. I already spoke to my personal shopper on the phone and told her that I didn't want to invest a lot in the clothing so at least she knows what I need/want ahead of time.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I added to my comment!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Oh I just saw your comment on the BCBG top. I will most certainly look! There's another drapey top in the extended catalog that I want to try.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

PS: And the MK zipper belt is already on hold for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Woohoo! I'm excited for you :0). My favourite sale of the year. It's not for everyone, but definitely for me. I was very selective yesterday. 5 KILLER pieces and that's it. I might reduce it to 4. And that's the bulk of my Autumn done.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

That's great, Angie! I want whatever I get to work for me for years to come, too. I can't wait for my clothes to work for me past just one season!! It would make higher price tags easier to swallow.
The nice thing about where I am, is that the fall clothes don't sell out too quickly. So I'll always find some on sale when I'm ready.
I love fall clothing SO much more than summer wear, isn't that ironic.

Rosie

Veteran

I wish I hadn't torn up the letter I got from someone to presale... lol. I thought it would be a way to save myself money, but after reading Angie and Sarah's wisdom on this thread I'm thinking it would be wiser to buy a few great things and have that be my shopping for the next few months.

Sarah, you mentioned you haven't planned your wardrobe for Fall. How do you plan? I'm sure you've talked about it before, but this is what I need to do. Do you see the holes and fill them then be done?

What page is the MK belt on? I'm thinking about it and haven't even seen it!

Can't wait to see the results of your pre-sale!!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Rosie, the belt is on page 8. It's actually over a trench which makes it harder to spot, I think.
Well, instead of just going out and buying everything I like, I like to take inventory of what I currently have, figure out what the holes are (which are a lot for me this fall, unfortunately) and fill them as wisely as I can.
I already have black boots, and while I do want a second pair, I want to figure out what apparel I end up with before I buy them.
I'd rather get fewer statement pieces with this sale, and fill in with sale or clearance items as I can. I'd rather splurge on statement accessories or clothing with really unique details.

Rosie

Veteran

Thanks, Sarah. Makes a lot of sense!!

Lisa

Veteran

Angie-Did you say 5 pieces and that's IT for your fall wardrobe?! Wow! I need to get my wardrobe in gear, I typically walk out of ONE store with 5 pieces. I appear to like my trunk full of bags at the end of the day. Hmm...

April

Veteran

So, Angie -- as your 5 or 4 new pieces come in the door, what 5 or 4 pieces are going out the window?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lisa, I've had a little more shopping practice :0)

April, I passed on 3 jackets, 3 dresses, 3 pullovers, all my knitted tops bar one, a pair of boots and jeans. I'm cleaned out and paving the way for new things!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I have really tried to take Angie's strategies to heart when shopping. I'm an over shopper. I never have wishlists because if I like something I buy it. Not only does that not make sense financially (hehe) but it really clogs my wardrobe and cramps my creativity. If I look at the current work horses in my closet, it's not the black dress pants or basic white button downs, it's the black skinny pants with a faint check, a white cumberbund style button down, etc. It's those well made pieces with unique, stand alone detailing that I reach for constantly.
This past year I've focused more on building accessories and shoes and it surprises me how one great bag can transform a lifeless wardrobe.
The Anniversary Sale is a chance for me to get just a few great pieces (at a great price). I'll leave the bulk of the apparel shopping till later in the fall...probably at Nordstrom Rack.
My appointment is in 2.5 hours and I'm so jittery I can't stand it! Great therapy...I was rear ended AGAIN yesterday. I'm fine, but am really sore, tired, and emotionally worn out. This is great timing.

Rosie

Veteran

Sarah, I'm excited and nervous for you! I can't wait for your report!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This has been a very interesting read. Thanks for linking to the article, Medusa.

Greg has said it all, but special thanks to Rosie and Julie for your encouragement.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Debbie reminded me that I didn't post after my pre selection appointment. I have been so busy and stressed with accident business, that I haven't taken the time to reflect on my shopping day.
I had a great time. My shopper was very tuned in to what I needed and was very understanding of my likes and dislikes. I did however try on everything that she recommended because I wanted to have an open mind.
She put me in a crisp BCBG white button down, Trina Turk cropped pleated pants, and a Classiques Entier vest with some smashing heels. I loved it, can you believe it?! I didn't get any of the pieces, but I was inspired to think more outside the box.
I really think that allowed me to purchase things that will take my wardrobe to a new level, and allow me to be more creative with different pieces. I'm most excited about incorporating my new green olive colored pencil skirt!
I didn't get any boots. The ones I loved I couldn't get past the arch on my foot.
I got one pair of brown peeptoe MK booties.
I didn't get a bag. I went in fairly set on the LAMB bag, but when I held it and tried it, I just didn't love it. The bag I DID fall in love with was double the price so I didn't get it.
And now I'm having second thoughts. I think I may order the bag and return an item of clothing if I have to. I've never had a great fall/winter bag.
But I'm excited about the clothing pieces I did get. I think they'll be a great foundation to a fun fall wardrobe. Everything I got is office appropriate, which is what I really needed anyway. I was excited to see that some of the NAS must haves were already in my wardrobe from previous years.
Now that I have a good base, I plan on supplementing apparel closer to our real fall. I do hope to find another pair of boots eventually, but I'm dreading it since only about 1/4 of boots can get past my foot.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great stuff Sarah! I'm excited :0)

Please ignore my last comment. I posted it on the wrong thread. Sorry