Summary of my first NAS experience

As I finished modeling my new NAS purchases (there is still underwear and hosiery but I will spare you those :-)) I decided to wirte up a summary on my first combined Nordstrom and NAS experience ever.
Cons:
- 2.5 hour drive one way with border crossing;
- outrageous treatment on the Canadien border with my purchases - do I look like smuggler or what?
- substantial dent in my budget.
Pros:
- amazing experiense in the store! I have booked an appointment with the fashion stylist and that was perfect. She spent almost 3 hours with me - most of these I was in the dressing room and she was bringing me stuff to try. I think my trip would not be that successful (nothing to return!!!) if not for this appointment. Of course I was armed with Angie's list but it was so easy to get overwhelmed in the store. Also she was giving me a feedback on the fit and look and I felt that I can trust her. I felt very intimidated first to have that appointment but it worked out great. If I ever going to NAS again I will definitely book an appoinment too!
- I was prepared well. I did some closet purge and even though it was not complete I had a very good idea what my main gaps were and had a list. I have decided to concentrate on the basics first and was able to stick to my list in all but one purchase. Because I was focused I was able to fill most of my wardrobe holes with things I love.
- last but not least - I had a bra fitting there! It comes as no surprise (hello, Maya) that I came in as size 36B and walked away as size 34C. Just getting to be a size C for the first time in my life was worth all the trouble of that trip!

All in all I am pretty happy with my first NAS experience even though 13 hours dedicated to the shopping trip were tiring. I am definitely considering to do it again next year - maybe combined with the weekend getaway with my hubby so I can avoid all this custom hassle.

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Svetlana, as one who's done it the strictly online way, I can say without hesitation that your approach is better! You had all the fun of trying things on and knew right off the bat that the dent in your budget was going to be worth it. You weren't rolling the dice on any purchases, and you came away feeling great right away! Plus, as discussed before, the hassle you encountered at the border is worth it when you factor in the lower duties and taxes you pay. Plus you save money on shipping as well.
I'm so glad you had such a great experience! Some year I plan to emulate you and go down to do this in person.

Sveta

Michelle, we can do it together! That would be fun - SW Ontario YLF meeting at NAS!

Louise

Sounds like a great experience. We are bra size twins! Though I think if I understand Maya correct 36B and 34C are the same size? But I totally know that feeling to be a C cup for the first time in your life x

Queen Mum

so sveta, do you have to pay a tax on everything that you bring over the border? What if you're wearing it?

Melissa

Active Member

Hah, Kim, now I can just picture Sveta all bundled up in layers and layers of her NAS goodies to avoid the extra fees!

Sveta, I am so impressed by the way you managed to stay focused and plug so many hole successfully! All of your NAS Loot posts were fantastic, and I was amazed that everything fit and suited you so well. You've got me thinking that maybe someday I need to book a stylist.

kellygirl

Lol! I was thinking the same thing. Great haul, Sveta. I really enjoyed seeing fabulous you in your NAS goodies!

Kim, yes if you were abroad for less than 24 hours you pay tax on everything. I wish it was winter so I could wear cots, jackets and boots but it was a hot summer day

ah, I see.. now I understand why combining your trip with a weekend getaway would save you the customs $$
well, you did great! I love everything you got

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I was very impressed with your NAS shopping plan, Sveta. I'm glad that the pros weighed out the cons! You bought KILLER stuff for sure.

I *hope* that you and Michelle get to shop the sale together next year. Wouldn't that be grand :0)

Theresa

Great write up Sveta!

I've loved seeing all your photo's, and I think it sounds like it was definitely a worthwhile adventure!

I wish we had something like that here!

Angie, that would be totally grand. I am sure we can come up with some plan.
I had to plan well for NAS as I had to accomplish everything in one trip and returns would be a pain - driving back again and trying to get back tax from customs - BRRR!
You helped a lot: your post came out 0.5 hour before I had to hit the road - that was really lucky for me. Thank you Angie!

Lisa

Sveta-I loved every single one of your NAS posts. You did not purchase one bad item. Everything looks fabulous on you. And I am very impressed with both your closet purge and ability to create and stick to your shopping list. My NAS purchases are all over the place and I have no idea what I will keep at this point. Just floundering around trying to figure out what to keep and continue my slow closet purge.

Category