Musing...NAS as an indicator of growth.

This is more general than actual NAS...one of those "what YLF has done for me" posts that I haven't really done. But I was realizing it is a form of measurement for me over the last 3 years.

My first year, as a new member, I had to ask what it was. I had zero interest in buying for Winter in July. I thought it was insane.

My second year I had caught on a little. I thought about something I had wanted the year before and never gotten...a lightweight coat that was casual but still had a little pizzaz. Was this how it was done? I tried to find the coat, but failed. But I did score two sweaters that I wore a lot last Winter.

This year I already had a list. I had kept notes about what I was missing last Winter and what I had enough of. I was still hoping for the right coat. I knew I have a real need for lightweight knitwear and no excuses for buying any more cashmere. And I need two dresses. But...I'm also going wild! I've ordered with those needs firmly in mind. But yes, I did order one cashmere sweater. I want everything! I see wildcards everywhere. I see someone post what they love and I want it too. I want Carter's EF pants...and everyone knows I don't like skinnies! But maybe these will be the ones...the perfect 10s that look sleek but don't pinch or hurt anywhere! Maybe...maybe...maybe??

Well, I'm not worried. I'm still the pickiest, most hard to please shopper there is. Whatever doesn't thrill me goes right back. The HL Vilous hooded cardigan, that I hoped would be my dream coat, has already gone back...it just wasn't a coat. I just think it is a real change for me to be this open...to be willing to try things that are different for me. Not to force myself to wear things that aren't right for me...but to just try more things.

Now I'm wondering if 4th year will be the one where I know exactly what to order, stick with that, and love everything I buy. (If Nordstrom hasn't blacklisted me by then!)

And I seriously hope some boxes come tomorrow because the suspense is killing me!

10 years ago

Anonymous

It does seem insane to try on and make decisions about a wardrobe that you can't stand to have on your body in July and won't be able to wear for months. At least Nordstrom's great return policy makes waiting to make a decision possible.
Each year I get a few more things. Last year I went in needing a new puffer coat and boots. I found exactly what I wanted. This year I had no list, just some vague ideas of pieces I could replace or use. This was not very useful. To make matters worse, I've been put on a new-to-me med that has the side affect of weight gain. There will be things that I will be sorry that I missed out on. I think it's best to approach the sale with a plan but to be flexible if you see something that you love.

kerry

Veteran

Peri, I think this post is insightful, hilarious and true!

Jaime

(website)

Ha! Enjoyed your post. Since NAS usually occurs when I am travelling I have distinct memories associated with location. A number of years ago I found my dream bra at NAS Boca Raton. A few years ago I sat in a gorgeous apartment in Venice (air bnb) poring over Angie's list before I went on my own tour of the shops. And last year I was up early in the morning drinking coffee reading Angie's lists just hours before meeting her the first time!

(This year I broke down and got a Nordstrom card and went a little crazy because for once I am home.)

Firecracker (Sharan)

This is a fun read, Peri. I can relate to going through similar phases myself. This year I'm enjoying shopping vicariously by admiring everyone's purchases, and I'm finding myself less prone to wanting everything I see. I love your discovery of your own openness to trying new things while at the same time holding out for what you really, really like. That is so refreshing.

Classically Casual

Long before the Internet and online shopping, I recall the first day of NAS as the day we nearby office workers tried to sneak in a visit before work.
One year I strangely purchased some wooden lobster napkin rings that are still in use, not something I can say about other clothing treasures.
I can't remember when NAS started, but it's been happening for decades.

It's more of an event now with pre-selection and then the sale open to everyone. I guess I treat it as an opportunity for wild cards vs. core wardrobe items. I've never tried to use NAS as a single source for fall/winter. For one thing, I'm not that organized.

Tania

This was a fun read. I am also going through a similar process.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Maybe the ultimate stage of enlightenment is when you don't need to shop NAS at all because you've already found everything you need? That sounds zen somehow...

I do wish that NAS was a tad bit later. August instead of July would make so much sense to me. By then it's almost back to school and my mind is bending toward fall even if in my climate it's still warm for two more months. I guess with Nordstrom's return policy it's not a big deal, but you still have to pay the bill until you return something, so keeping a big pile of items in purgatory isn't free.

This year I had a lot more success with the things I bought in my first visit, in person. Most of the stuff I picked up in subsequent trips has been returned or I'm leaning toward returning. I am thinking about some additional items that are online only but generally online didn't garner any options for me this year. Lesson learned is that next year I should make an appointment for the first couple days of Early Access and then don't second-guess myself or dwell on other options. (Although the community on the forums here is pretty irresistible.)

Word Lily

Knowing what you want/need and being picky sounds good! Being OK with returning what doesn't work is smart. I think the most admirable part to me though is that you keep hunting.

I'm picky, and I hate shopping. So a few misses is all it usually takes to throw me off / send me home to deal with what I have / quit shopping for several months, even if I really do need to fill a hole. Ugh.

It sounds like you have found your personal sweet spot and are working this sale like a pro! Congratulations!!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

What an entertaining and insightful read, Peri. I echo Ryce. You have found your NAS sweet spot. Rock on.

Greyscale

I also wasn't familiar with NAS at all before I joined YLF. It feels old-fashioned in a really good way: it reminds me of back-to-school shopping as a kid, and an era when fast fashion hadn't meant we buy and discard without contemplation. I like the idea of a focused shopping period to plan out the next season, but it's honestly not how I usually do things. I haven't identified particular holes in my wardrobe so I didn't have a shopping list per se, but fall is my favorite season so it's lovely to have fall items to browse again.

But the big eureka about NAS for me: I never buy things full price. This means I'm always buying things at the end of a season after wanting them for a while (and hoping they don't sell out). NAS is a rare opportunity to get something at a real discount *ahead* of the trend/season and it feels wonderful!

Peri

Thank you everyone!

Joy, yeah it does still seem a little nuts. I had to crank up the AC today just to try things on. I'm trying on a cashmere sweater when it is 98 outside?! Ha!

Kerry, Tania, Ryce, Greyscale and Angie... thanks for the support! I am enjoying this and that in itself is a difference for me.

Shevia, that is an interesting way to remember your travels! Glad you are joining me in the crazy this year.

Firecracker and Laura, maybe that will be 5th year! I'll be all zen and just enjoy it through others.

Classically Casual, interesting! I never heard of NAS before YLF.

Word Lily, hang in there. I'm really still with you. When I joined YLF I hadn't really shopped much in about 5 years. I was at the mall Monday and after two stores just had to leave. I get tired and discouraged quickly, but online works much better for me.

re: "

I just think it is a real change for me to be this open...to be willing to try things that are different for me. Not to force myself to wear things that aren't right for me...but to just try more things."

That's me too! I am definitely trying more things on now - before I was so concerned with looking too trendy, not looking trendy enough, finding the perfect clothing item. It was all a very serious affair! Now, I'm definitely more open to random things that maybe don't look like a 10 to me immediately.

But, the idea of just trying stuff on is still not natural. I still need to give myself a little pep talk before I walk into a store, and tell myself, 'just pick up 4 things and try them on'. I think I've been able to pick clothes that are more interesting, and also have been able to figure out and evolve my style a lot faster this year.

Also, sorta OT, but I've found that the more I avoid pinterest and online shopping, the better. It's just way better to try stuff on and have the immediate contact with the clothing to know if it's me or not.

Anyway, have fun Peri!

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