This year, NAS opens to the public Friday, July 15 and ends Sunday, July 31. The pre-sale (for cardholders to shop the sale items first) is going on right now - so if you have a card (either a Nordstrom credit card or a "MOD" card, which is a debit card) you can just make an appointment.
Angie had some great tips on this thread about shopping strategies, and how to avoid getting overwhelmed by the vast options available: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....s-shoppers
For me, I try to think strategically about what items I'm likely to need the best deals in. Last year, I really needed an all-weather rain coat, and knew that the Gallery trench coats are usually included in the sale, so that was part of my focus. Two years ago, a great, high quality sheath dress was at the top of my list.
I also wear pencil skirts frequently and am drawn to the seamed knit Halogen skirt. I know that my favorite Chantelle bra (which normally retails for $88) is usually included on the sale for about $30 less, so I've been planning to scoop up another pair.
Last year, my sister wanted a leather jacket, so we scoped out that section. This year so far she focused on tall cognac boots, and managed to find two pairs to choose from that were in a good sale price range, were high enough quality to meet her expectations.
The items in the catalogue don't represent *all* of the sale items available, but still provide a good guide. I've been marking up a hardcopy of the catalogue with items I'm interested in for when I shop the pre-sale. http://global.syndeca.com/nord.....=anniv2011
