Thank you! It was hard to be disciplined about it. And I giggled at "restraint" given how much I ended up spending. Haha, there were a lot of good pieces! But I really was strategic about everything. Nothing came home unless it was a 10 and I had a definite need for it. I think this truly fills my shopping for the year except on the raincoat front.

Oh Kari....you're so so gorgeous in the dress in #6. It's beyond gorgeous on you!!! I love the other dress too...and all the tops, pants and jackets too. I would say money well invested on NAS! Enjoy your new wardrobe! You look so lovely

Fab! The Classiques jacket almost came home with me but I didn't know how much actual use I would get from it. It's so nicely made and I could almost wear it as a dress. Love your color palette.

Kari -- it was really fun to share this experience with you. I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures and descriptions. First I thought your goals were admirable. You definitely succeeded.

Second, you say you don't wear drop waist dresses well, but WOW. It is as if those two dresses were hand made for you. You actually inspired me to think about trying on dresses.

I love the "ski" pants. I will be purchasing them as well if Nordstrom still has my size. Oh, and I own that Halogen tie blouse in a black floral. It gets constant complements and has become a workhorse of my wardrobe.

Finally, I had an interest in the Zella items you purchased. Zella always looks so great in pictures, but they fit me funny. I'm not sure why they never work for me, but once again, you inspired me to at least give them one more try.

Oh, wait. One question. I used to buy Shimera and loved them. It seems to me that the Nordstroms brand is "cheaper," less well made. Have you experienced that or is it just my imagination?

Best wishes.

i'm glad you ended up with the burgundy dress, the color and the cut seem like the dress was made for you.
and yeah for finding pants that work for you!
and it funny but over the long haul, the zella pieces i got 2 years ago turned out to be some of my best NAS pieces, they seemed to get better with age….

All beautiful choices as always. I am glad you got the burgundy dress also.

RE: Shimera vs. Nordstrom brand, I hope not. I had no idea Shimera had been discontinued until yesterday. At first feel quality seemed the same but I haven't worn the undies yet.

Yes, Zella is awesome! I have a bright blue jacket similar to that purple one and some pants; they hold up brilliantly. My sister stocks up on Zella every year. I have really needed a bigger capsule for loungewear and running around with my dog, and these will fit the bill nicely.

Wow, you did really well, judging by the pics.
I'm so impressed with how well you pick colours and shapes that suit you.

Great choices! The dresses you got really do look like they needed to come home with you. Really like the tie-neck blouses too. And I'm impressed with your discipline in leaving the long-sleeved silk dress in the store. That one and the Eliza J one are definitely on my list of things I'm at least idly considering.

I'm also really thinking about the burgundy booties, too. I'm encouraged by you getting them because I always have a hard time judging whether booties look good with skirts and dresses (which is what I'd mostly be wearing them with) without seeing them on someone else, and I know you also have a dress-centric wardrobe.

Aubergine, I wear booties with skirts/dresses a lot. I try to keep the contrast somewhat low, with dark rights or leggings, but sometimes I don't mind sacrificing a little ankle flattery to show off a great pair of shoes. I've also started mixing jeans into my wardrobe more often this year, which is why the pants selection and fit at this year's NAS excited me so.

I'm definitely with you on trading off a little flattery for great shoes! I think I was wondering if the very short shaft and the "lip" might look funny with skirt and dresses, but that might be an issue that's just in my head.

And now you're making me want to check out the NAS pant options!

You picked up some great items. I have a few of those tie blouses in my cart. I am hoping they work out for me too.

Wow. You had a great sale, Karie - and quite a few of the items are top picks. Hope that Lucy is feeling tip top again.

Wow. Too much good stuff. #6, tho, is a particular standout in my mind.

Thank you! Yes, the Eliza J. dress in #6 is a particular favorite. It is so hourglass friendly.

Angie, I was nodding my head reading along with your pics this morning. A lot of my "yes" or "almost" items were on your best of the sale lists. I'm SO thrilled at the dress and pants options this year.

Wow, I've just joined and had to wait for a few days to see your pics but I love them. You look great in so many of the things and I love your choices. It is very helpful for me to see them on a body somewhat closer to my own - thanks for taking such care with your pics and descriptions!