NAS vs. Regular/Sale Shopping - YouLookFab Forum

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NAS vs. Regular/Sale Shopping

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

As you'll recall, I have some fun money for wardrobe spending this summer (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....a-bit-long) and I'd like to use it for fall items.

I've applied for my Nordstrom card (have not received it yet) but am wondering now about participating in NAS. I don't like "pressure" shopping where I need to make my mind up quickly or else my size will be gone and I have some concerns about getting caught up in some sort of shopping frenzy. I'm actually more concerned about making poor choices with NAS then through regular shopping. Plus I'm back at work tomorrow so difficult to buy on July 11th from work.

Plus charging to the Nordie's card in order to participate in the pre-select and then going to the bank to get a bank draft to pay it as they will not allow payment via Canadian cheque seems like a bit of a hassle to me. If I wait until the sale goes public on July 20th, chances are my sizes will be gone. I experienced this last year when I thought of participating.

As well, returning items to Nordstrom's is pricey for us Canadians so I need to be pretty sure about what I'm ordering and keep my returns to a minimum.

And finally, although I have this money and don't need to be particularly frugal in what I choose, I can't help myself - I want to get the most bang for my buck and ensure I maximize every dollar.

This has led me to wonder if it would be smarter for me to buy from the regular and sale portion of the Nordstrom website where I can still find wonderful items for fall, at good prices, and get a variety of additions to my wardrobe.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this - am I over thinking things? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to the whole NAS process?

Here are some items I've popped onto my wish list that would fill wardrobe holes and a few fun things for fall. What do you think of these particular items?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/su.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/re.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sa.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ma.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....n=wishlist

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

Kari

Veteran

Dang, that is a great list! I have the short sleeved version of that first dress and have ordered the longer sleeved version in that pretty real color because I love the one I have so much.

I think you need to come to Seattle for NAS since our tastes run to such similar items!

I love that Maggy London black and white wrap dress. That one is on my wish list too.

Okay. Regarding the sale, I think the main thing is that since returning items is a hassle for you, be choosy in what you buy. Think of wardrobe holes and items you have that fit similarly so that you can estimate whether a brand or a particular cut is likely to work for you.

And also remember that your existing wardrobe is totally fab, so if you don't find an item that tugs on your heart strings during NAS, it's not like you will be unfashionably dressed! That might take some pressure off.

What are the biggest wardrobe holes right now? I see dresses and shoes are mainly on your wish list.

MsMaven

Veteran

My thoughts: Even in the US paying Nordstrom is a hassle. I can't pay online with our regular software and have to schedule each payment individually. The last time they changed their billing method we missed the date, but they were good enough to reverse the charges after calling and having a chat with them. They should really make their billing simpler and more consistent with other retailers.

I resisted a Nordstrom charge account for years until I wanted to buy a piece of fine jewelry on sale and was advised that the Nordstorm Notes rewards makes it worth it. Yes, now I am hooked. The program works just like it should. I save up for double and triple points days and probably spend more than I would otherwise.

Last year was the first year I went to pre-sale and I didn't like it--too many people, too many crowds, and the SA was clueless as to the merchandise. I returned several of the things I bought and wish I had returned the leather jacket that I have seldom worn. In the last year or two I've noticed that the sales staff are much pushier than they used to be.

On the other hand, there are those triple points days.

Because of wearing a difficult to find bra and shoe size I like to shop online for those items. The items are easy for me to return because I live close to a store. If you buy on a free shipping offer, do you still get free returns from Canada?

I have bought more from Nordstrom in the past couple of years mainly because the quality of former favorite stores such as BR, JCrew and Ann Taylor has dropped or else the styles offered are not appealing.

I've already had two phone calls from different departments to sign up for pre-sale. I will be away during that period and may just skip the whole sale thing this year. Nothing in the catalogue calls to me. I plan on cutting way down on my Nordstrom spending the rest of the year.

Long, but I hope this helps.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, what you can do is to follow Dianthus example and register for parcel pick up. You live pretty close from the border, right? Then you can order everything to that place, drive there on Saturday, try everything on and post back what you don't like right away. I think it will be the most economical way for you to participate in NAS without paying all these shipping and duty fees.
As for the shopping online on 11th: regular sale starts on midnight by Seattle time - maybe pre-sale starts at this time too? If this is the case you can shop early in the morning - this is what I did last year.
What I like about Nordstom is their outstanding return policy. I bought a pair of flats from them in March. I walked in them once, got bloody blisters and decided I cannot wear them. I am going to return them to the store when I am in the States next time - they will take them back even a year later. I really don't mind to pay a bit more when I have this "insurance'!
As for your links - I like them all! I would wait until NAS and see if anything there speaks to you. As Angie said NAS is all about getting a few high quality items from the new season! If nothing catches your eye on 11th you can go back to normal shopping.
Oh, another thought for you "fun" money: if NAS does not work for you how about making a mini-vacation to Las Vegas as Dianthus suggested? You cna go on vacation by yourself, you know That should be fun and you can shop there to your heart content!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Kari - maybe next year I should plan to come to Seattle for NAS. You and I would have a BLAST! I'm glad you like my list. As for wardrobe holes, I need a pair of practical winter boots to wear with dresses and skinnies alike (hence the Report boots - I like the dimensions of these for my short shaft/thick calves); I'm always looking to add a couple of dresses to my wardrobe; and I'm wanting to add some flats as I don't have any other than my two summer pair. The one thing not on this list which I'm thinking about is a leather jacket that could double as a blazer indoors, a fab leather handbag or a fabulous blazer. Of course there's always booties too...

Thank you so much for your comments and input MsMaven.

Sveta - as much as I like the idea of what Dianthus does with shipping to the border, I just don't have the time for doing that right now with my Dad here, us helping my Mom-in-law clean out her house and prepare for her moving in next week. Unfortunately that kind of applies to Vegas too. I do think you're right about finding one or two high quality items to add to the new season.

Nadya

Veteran

Remember the only rule of YLF: Have Fun! Years ago I started collected Barbie dolls, when they were very much in demand and certain dolls were hard to get. I realized one day that I starting to worry about finding a certain doll and then and there decided that if collecting ever became stressful, I would stop. That really reset my attitude: while I enjoyed the hunt, if I missed a doll, I was fine with it. Periodically I would check in with myself and make sure I was still having fun. (After slowing down my collecting for a few years, I stopped buying dolls last year when I realized I'd rather have the money for clothes.) I try to follow this now for all my hobbies, including fashion: there are enough things to stress over!

My two cents: If you see something you love now, go for it. But why not save a bit of budget for the NAS in case something you love IS available in your size? And then, if the NAS doesn't hold anything for you, there will be other lovely things out there waiting for you. I have to remind myself sometimes that there will be fall clothes available after NAS

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I've added a few more things to my Nordie's wish list:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/br.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/br.....n=wishlist

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fo.....n=wishlist

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, You've assembled a beautiful list and I'm drooling over a few of them, including the first SC faux wrap dress in that pretty color along with the gorgeous Sam Edelman Aster flats (what color?) and the snakeskin flats.

Hope you find that fab leather jacket, because I think that item would go so well with your already amazing wardrobe.

Nadya

Veteran

Yummy handbags! And yndont have to worry about what size to order

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I echo what others have said; wait and see if there's anything really special in the sale. Not much in the catalog is calling to me either; I have spent my budget for July anyway, but I do have $120 in gift cards/nord notes that I'm saving for the sale. I need boots, but I am picky and specific, and am not sure I will find just the right thing..

Another thing to keep in mind; the percent off is about 33%. Prices go back up to regular retail immediately after the sale (assuming they're not sold out) but then often go on clearance in the weeks after that for MORE than 33% off. So, it's a bit of a gamble; if it's a super popular item (ie. in the catalog, or a big name brand) and they don't re-stock it you're better off snapping it up. Otherwise sometimes it pays to wait...

Jjsloane

Veteran

You've chosen some very nice items (my favorite is actually that Fossil bag), but the sale items are most often not items already listed. I found some items in the catalog I'm interested in, but really I'm with Nadya in that if I miss one there are always more to come. I purchased several things last year at NAS, but in the end returned them all (but I can do that free at store near my house) and later found my favorites at the Rack or online for much less. Last year they sent a code to view the catalog online to card members as I recall and that might help you decide if you want to jump in or wait. The only item in my sale catalog I'm interested in that is showing online is this one
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....enumsearch
Oh and this
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....enumsearch

Kim

Veteran

Remember how we managed to live WITHOUT Nordstrom's before YLF? I think you'll be fine without ordering anything if you want. You do so well on your own! I'm like you, I don't want high pressure during my shopping, so I'm not even looking at Nordie's sale. (Plus the hassle of cross border shopping.) That may all change when they come to my city (I've heard that will be happening NEXT year!) Then you can take a trip to the Nations Capital, and come shopping with ME (and Freckles and Suz and quite a few others!)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thank you Nadya, Vicki, Jenava, Jeanne and Kim!

Kim - your comments in particular really speak to me. I'd never even heard of Nordstrom pre YLF and now I look at their site regularly for my shopping needs. It's interesting to me that you mention this because I was just thinking like 15 minutes ago that maybe I should just take my fun money and spend it all in my stores at home, where I can try things on and return hassle free. That way I also get to spend ALL of it on actual items - if I'm spending $700 at Nordstrom, I can count on having to add another $140 for shipping and duty charges and that doesn't include additional charges for any return shipping. Unfortunately MsMaven, there's no such thing as free shipping or free returns for Canadians.

That having been said, there is a much wider selection of brands and styles on the Nordstrom website than I can get in Winnipeg, so there are some items that make sense to order. For example, I'm loving that two-toned Fossil handbag on my wish list. I think it would look brilliant paired with my animal print Doc Danielle's. This would be worthwhile ordering as I can't get that exact bag here at that price, even factoring in duty and shipping.

And I think for a leather jacket, I would be smarter to go to Danier Leather here where I can try on and get alterations done (sleeve shortening for example) - much like my purple leather jacket DH got me for my birthday.

Hmmmm....seems like I'm doing a lot of thinking out loud here...

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I wanted to chime in before on leather jacket too - and this is exactly what I wanted to propose. Danier has beautiful and unique designs, outstanding quality and super sales! For that reason I never looked for leather jackets on NAS - I can do as well or even better at home. You know that I am a huge Danier fan, don't you?
I think I may not be doing NAS at all if not for a dismal shoe selection in my size at home. For me it worth a drive over border and additional hassle. For you it may be very different. A beautiful bag seems like a good thing to shop online as there is no sizing issues here.
In any case don't overstress it: stress was never a good companion for clear thinking.
Hugs, Shannon!

Kari

Veteran

Shannon, I think you're going about this in a very wise way.

Maybe just only pull the trigger if you see an item that you think you'll have a hard time finding at stores nearby.

I wish international shipping wasnt such a royal pain for my Canadian friends.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

If I were you, I'd consider some of those fabulous handbags during the NAS and/or waiting until several weeks later for them to go on sale again (sometimes for even more of a discount). I don't know that I would risk something not fitting right or me not liking it and having gone through a lot of hassle to get it shipped, not to mention customs/duties etc, plus not being able to return it all that easily either. GAH!

While I realize you can't do it this year, I would highly recommend just planning on a shopping trip next year.

For this year - I don't think I'd spend the bulk of my 'fun fall fashion fund' ordering online during the NAS due to hassles with shipping/returning etc. I'd keep my eye open and would certainly consider a fab bag, a beautiful scarf (there were some gorgeous ones the year before last), or possibly shoes/boots on the condition that you know the brand and how it fits you.

I think it's wise to be thinking (writing) aloud about all of this. Hang in there - it's supposed to be FUN, and it still will be - just focus on things that are more likely to 'fit' - bags, scarves, accessories, maybe shoes/boots.

Anonymous

Forget it Shannon, for leather, you guys have the good stuff. I drool over Danier, Roots and Soia & Kyo.
As far as NAS, I can't shop so early in the season. I need to get my bearings first, that's why I have never put the effort into NAS. I might buy a fresh pair of these black, flat riding boots I already have. That's it.
All of your selections are lovely. I love that fossil bag.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thanks again Sveta and Kari - great insights as usual!
Thank you too VC and Zapotee!

I decided in the meantime, I really love that Fossil handbag and decided to pull the trigger on it. I go to move it from my Wish List to my Cart to buy and when I get to checkout, I get a message that this is item is not available for international shipping. Does anyone know why that would be? It can't be because it's leather as I have ordered leather items from Nordstrom before.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes it's due to the agreement with the manufacturer. I suspect Fossil has a separate exporter to Canada.

ETA This site ships to Canada

http://www.ebags.com/brand/fossil

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Right you are Anna - I just checked with Nordstrom on Live Chat and she indicated that Fossil has requested Nordstrom not ship its products internationally. Thanks for the link.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, I get wrapped up in NAS fever and I don't shop there at all! I could order to a relative for reshipment, but the beauty of the sale - in my eyes at least- is the return policy and that would be a major pain in the neck from Israel. I think you should focus on bags (expensive so the discount is substantial and less size issues), and to a lesser extent other expensive items that are really great deals. Things like dresses, although nice, are less expensive, more likely to have fit issues, and more likely to go on sale or be found elsewhere. I do love vicariously shopping though, so I look forward to seeing Angie's picks and everyone's finds.

Charmian

Veteran

Darn you, Shannon, the Fossil bag is now in my Nordies wishlist because of you!

I love the idea of spending your hard-earned money on retailers where you touch-and-feel the item before you buy.

But I really support the idea of spending your funds on an accessory (like the perfect leather jacket or bag or shoes). If I recall my research correctly, we humans derive the most happiness from frequent-but-intermittent positive feedback (eg, pulling that bag out whenever it matches an outfit), and I think that's a great way to "deploy" the funds that make you so proud to have accumulated: on happiness!

ManidipaM

Veteran

Shannon, this entire situation is so literally 'foreign' to me that I hesitated to comment earlier. But re-reading your original post again, what strikes me again is that the issue is not so much whether NAS is worth the extra hassle for you but...
(a) how much do you *need* NAS, given the home-grown alternatives you have
(b) how much *you* are feeling hassled by the processes necessary to participate in NAS at what is sounding like an especially busy time in your own life

The latter especially seems to me to be the crux of the situation --- and you do sound a little put upon and maybe a tad overwhelmed. Under the circumstances, may be this year's NAS is not the best time for you to participate unless something positively fantastic jumps right out at you (you'll know when you don't need to ask 'is it worth it?') --- or you see an item on your wishlist or a basic you need at a great price that compensates for shipping costs (less likely).

I love all the dresses you linked to, especially the Adrianna Papell and the LBD; but you can possibly find equally spectacular dresses (or even these) later on at good prices, with your skills and the lovely Cleo. Likewise shoes, where being able to return easily might be key. (Wonderwoman can alter a dress; a shoe's not so easy.) If it's harder to find the bags you crave, those are certainly lower-risk purchases if you find The One, especially bags.

And as for the first question, only you can really know the answer -- but you always look spectacular enough that if I were to venture an opinion, I'd say you had no need to be desperate for Nordies, though their selection is positively yummy (and I'll vouch for browsing the site for long periods myself, though I'll never ever encounter most of that merchandise in real life!).

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Bummer about the Fossil shipping, Shannon. I can vouch for that Fossil satchel--I have it in the floral fabric and it's one of my favorite bags! Let me know if you still want to get it--I can order it and ship it to you in Canada--I did that for another YLF'ers Fossil bag too! Considering Angie called me Queen Fossil bag, I have to promote them whenever I can!

As for the sale, I wouldn't get too stressed about it especially if returns are hard. I found that a lot of the stuff that was at NAS last year did go up in price after the sale, but then about a month later was marked down even further to sale or Rack prices. I got a bunch of stuff last year but I'm planning to be much more judicious this year.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

*hugs floral Fossil satchel bag* Tee hee hee. I love mine.

I got its twin in the "weekender" size off eBay as well, Shannon; you can always check it out! They sometimes can have awesome deals. Mine came all the way from the UK.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Just wanted to say "thanks" to everyone for chiming in here. I don't know why I'm "wigging out" over this and over analyzing everything. I suspect Manidipa has hit the nail on the head - I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with home life right now and so am a bit scatterbrained as a result.

I've decided to sit back and relax. If something in NAS jumps out at me, fine, if not also fine. Sweet Anna gave me a link to the Fossil bag I love that delivers in Canada so I may order that. I'm also going to look for a short black leather jacket at my local Danier Leather. Those will be two items from my fun money.

Thanks again everyone - luv y'all!

Anonymous

A lot of the NAS stuff goes on sale afterwards. There's a flurry of activity and sold-out sizes, then it calms down. I've participated in the sale flurry the last 2 years and guess what? They aren't my favorite purchases and I rarely wear them. I'll warn you, though ... it's hard to resist. People will be posting K/Rs and you'll be tempted. It's fun, but you're right to keep a level head. As others have pointed out, it helps if you feel good about your wardrobe in general and just have specific holes to fill. I'm finally to that point with NAS this year and am hoping not to be pulled in by the excitement.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There you go, Shannon! I was going to suggest thinking about the NAS along the lines of your last comment. That's the way to handle it! Just have fun along the way

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Shannon, as for Danier jacket: have you looked at their website? They have more selection there than in the store and you may be able to see something you like which your store does not have!