My NAS picks - and possible buys? ETA: updated

So, I have a deadline in a few hours and need to stop looking at NAS!!! Reminder to self: next year, prepare prepare prepare!

Anyway, based on last year's success, I find it best for me to look at NAS as a chance to get a wild card or a high-ticket item at a good price. My hopes for the TT coat were dashed this morning when I saw the back flare, but I did find several other things that have caught my eye. However, it's unlikely I'll pull the trigger on any of these because of price or because -- as of yet -- the desire is just not strong enough.

How do you feel about these pieces?

Vince suede scuba jacket, $632: Luscious. And pricey. ETA: A top pick. Would have to be my birthday gift this year.

M Missoni Abito dress, $394: Something about this 70s retro look really appeals to me, and I love the sleeves. ETA: Tanya suggests wearing this with the suede jacket, an idea I find quite appealing -- but will this dress grab at my midsection?

Helene Berman long plaid fringe vest/coat, $198: Absolutely the wild card here. I LOVE the print and it would be so fun over my fall uniform of skinnies and booties. But, is it too crazy?

Paul Green booties, $266: I like the higher shaft, the close ankle, and the color -- plus I'd love to use NAS to snag a pair of PGs. But my bootie collection feels pretty full.

DECIDED AGAINST:

T by Alexander Wang scuba bomber, $299: I love the shape of this. Seems like high utility for fall. ETA: Angie's comments on fit have killed this item.

Nordstrom

T By Alexander Wang Scuba Knit Neoprene Bomber Jacket

$450.00 $144.97

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Nordstrom

M Missoni 'Abito' Elbow Sleeve Knit Fit & Flare Dress

$595.00 $237.98

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Nordstrom

Vince Suede Scuba Jacket

$945.00 $377.98

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Nordstrom

Helene Berman Fringe Long Plaid Vest

$298.00 $119.98

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Nordstrom

Paul Green 'Jules' Block Heel Chelsea Bootie (Women)

$399.00 $199.49

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8 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Oh, these are such fun picks Viva and I could totally see you in all of them.
The Helene Berman vest is lots of fun and I would totally go for it if you think you would wear it often enough. The Vince suede jacket is incredible and would be something you would love and have for many years if the price is not a deal breaker. I would pass on the bomber as it is a look that is really trending right now and thus I think you could find something similar at much lower price point. The dress is very pretty, and I see with the suede jacket to edge it up a little.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The Alexander Wang jacket has a weird fit on the arms and waist. I had it on all my clients yesterday - not good.

The Vince scuba jacket is AMAZING and a top pick. runs small.

Fringe vest is stunning. Paul Greens are good.

viva

Ah - Angie!!! Thank you for commenting! Such an unexpected gift.

And thanks to Tanya and Angie, the Wang jacket is no longer in contention.

So, wondering if I should ask for the Vince jacket for my birthday this year? I don't own a single suede item. Hmmmm.

Still pondering the PGs and vest.

Elizabeth P

LOVE that vest! What fun.
Also love the Vince jacket, seems to have great drape.

pil

I love that vest for you!

Author Linda

Oh, I love all of these! The ONLY reason I haven't bought the jacket is fit. If it runs even a little small (thank you, Angie), it won't work. But it's beautiful, and with that dress...to die for. The vest looks like such fun!

tulle

The Vince jacket is dreamy for those who look good in tawny colors. I could see it on you, over that long black tank dress as well as jeans, pencil skirts, etc. etc. The vest is very cool, too. And the boots look like potential workhorses.

Suz

I could see you in the dress for sure, Vivian. The Vince jacket is gorgeous.

Anonymous

I love the cool factor of the suede jacket. I might be distracted by how they've styled it though, with the arms scrunched, and I wonder if the picture is making this jacket look cooler than it actually is. I think the suede and warm colour would be great in your wardrobe.

I wonder if you'd be able to achieve a similar look to the plaid with a scarf. I love the bold plaid though.

I think the dress is very nice and is very much in line with your seventies looks. I like the sleeve length. No clue whether it would clingy but I saw you wearing a clingy tank dress the other day and you looked fab. I think it's worth a shot.

I like the boots (beautiful colour) but wonder whether a straighter heel would be trendier.

Muffin

Really like your picks and I think you're right about wild card higher end items. I love the suede jacket! I have the Vince leather scuba and I sized up to a Medium (usually a 4 for tops) and had the sleeves shortened- really happy with the fit and style. The dress is great and I love Tanya suggestion with the jacket. I have a MMissoni dress that is sleeveless but cut with skirt similar to this (their straight up & downs are not for my pear shape). Mine is definitely defined at the waist but doesn't pull. I bought in my usual 4 (I think 40 European). I did try one size larger but then the body was overall too long. Don't know if any of this helps...

Beth Ann

Love the dress and vest -- both are distinctive and fab.

I love Smittie's comment, about the jacket looking "cooler" due to styling. That's pretty much the story of my life!

Thanks for the comments. Smittie, I appreciate your comments about the jacket. I am with you on the scrunched sleeves - I don;t usually end up wearing scrunched sleeves for long, and I wonder how great the jacket would look un-scrunched. Muffin's idea of shortening the sleeves is interesting -- I likely would not need to do it for fit (my arms are very long) but I could do it to make the arms a bracelet length; I just don't know that I would ... I'm going to think long and hard before trying the jacket. I do know DH would love it, though, and would be really happy with that as a birthday gift. So, we'll see.

I just ordered the plaid vest. It's too fun not to try.

kkards

so bummed re the scuba bomber...i ordered it, but I'm guessing its going back

i looked at, and came back to, and ultimately did not order the plaid vest...it's stunning, and i can totally see you in it! glad to see that you did end up ordering it.

kkards, maybe you will be the lucky one the scuba bomber actually works for!

I really like all of these of you, and it's too bad about the Alexander Wang jacket. I actually like it better than the Vince one! (not that I don't like the Vince, but I first thought the suede Vince was the bomber and immediately lusted after the idea). Love the boots - I am into that subtle western heel for fall and definitely going in that direction myself. Curious to see if the whole block heel look is going to have lasting power.

Jenn

I love how clearly everyone's individual style comes through in their NAS picks. I don't think it's a huge loss that you're not ordering the scuba jacket, as that seems the least "viva" item on this list. The plaid vest is a brilliant idea, though. Take off your jacket, replace it with the long vest, and your work outfits are instantly more casual. It'll work great with jeans, too. I can see it with those Chelsea booties and cropped flares, for sure.

I also like the suede jacket and knit dress for you. Such good picks!

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