(((HUGS))).

Barbara, may I suggest that you browse yourself and take note of my top picks. Ask the forum and me questions about items and looks, and we will help you. Don't feel bad about doing that. I would love to give you some NAS TLC. I am always on YOUR side, and not on the side of the retailer.

As Suz mentioned, everything is returnable and no one will make you feel bad for returning items. Nordstrom absolutely expects a high volume of returns.

And last, despite the ongoing weight loss, you always dress the body you have now. Purchase fewer things - that's all.

Thank you so much Angie, for the hugs and the offer of help, from you and the other YLFabbers. I have really appreciated everyone's support and advice.

I am looking forward to your picks.

I have learned a lot from this, especially that some of this was self-inflicted. And that I go into scarcity mode. (If I don't buy first thing the first day everything will be gone and I will have nothing.) I can see that now, but couldn't on the 14th. But without the forum the thoughts would still have been swirling in my head. It was so useful to write them down here, and share them, and the feedback has been heart-warming.

One of the most important things I realized was that I will not be naked if I don't find what I want during NAS. It is just one store, and just the start of the fall/winter shopping season.

And I'm so pleased with my watch, necklace and comfy sneakers.

Thanks Angie! Thanks everyone! I will post any keepers or questions in a new post.

I love that. "I will not be naked if I don't find what I want during the NAS." I need to remind myself of that.

I just wanted to chime in and say that I'm so sorry you had an awful experience. I'm happy to know that you're feeling better about it now. And "I will not be naked if I don't find what I want at NAS", should be made into a slogan tee.

"I love that. "I will not be naked if I don't find what I want during the NAS." I need to remind myself of that."

Yup. This is brilliant. Wise words Barbara, and hugs to you.:)

You've gotten lots of good responses here already, and I've picked up a few tips by reading! I shopped with an SA last year and this year whom I really like. One of the remarkable things about her is how low-pressure she is, and how she really helps me find the bargains. Like a good friend, she will steer me away from over-spending on an item that just isn't worth it, for me. (As in, it might be very well worth it on someone else!) So they are out there, and this one, unfortunately, is moving away before next NAS. It will be hard to find a successor to her.

WOW, alright great suggestions from the family. May I include taking a break from the sales associate. Buyers remorse can be a real thing.

Lots of excellent advice here.

I can totally relate to your story Barbara Diane because I too had a negative experience with a Nordstrom Shopper a couple of years ago (not during NAS).

To be fair, I gave her very little idea of what I was looking for because I didn't really know, but she also didn't ask me any questions. She brought me a bunch of stuff that fit reasonably well in styles that she liked. The worst part was when she said I was going to have to wait for an hour to get my stuff rung up, and asked me to go have lunch while I waited.

I was shell shocked like you were and took a whole lot of it back. I ended up with a few good things and a couple more that I didn't really like that much. And I ended up redoing some alterations because they were not quite right.

I'm glad I did it overall, it was quite an experience! I think I learned a lot (sort of the hard way) about being picky about what you want.

If I wanted to go this route again I agree with the advice here that if you want an SA to work with you the relationship needs to be built over time and not just at NAS. And of course like any other profession, some of the shopper/stylist people are really good at what they do and others are not.

And ...what Angie said...!!!

Gosh, I have nothing to add to the brilliant advice you've already received, except to reiterate that we're here for you!

Suz, Colette, Beth I'm glad you liked that line :). And thanks for the commiseration.
Firecracker, I hope you find another really good SA.
Ledonna N., Thanks for the advice. One good thing is that Nordstrom has the MOST amazing return policy.
Chris987, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad I'm not the only one who experienced it the way I did, although I wish you hadn't. It is a learning experience, isn't it.
Amy, thanks for being here for me.