Sylvie's first time pre-saling at NAS (a novella now with photos)

I had an appointment but didn't really need one since they weren't restricting who could go into the tents and my SA wasn't even there! P, an SA who had just started that day ended up helping me out. I went through the Petite Focus tent first and P ran over the store with a printout of my wish list trying to find things for me. Once I was done with trying on items from the Petite section, I went through the rest of the tents on my own, periodically stopping back in the Petite Focus area to hand over items to P.

I'm really glad that I took the time to look through the catalog online because it helped me zero in on things in store. However, there is no substitute for seeing things in person because some things caught my eye that hadn't online and some things I'd ordered online beforehand turned out to be duds and will be returned immediately when they arrive. C'est la vie.

Opinionated reviews below. YMMV.

Halogen Girlfriend cardigan: Ordered one in red, and picked up the blue ocean and green gold in store. I don't like the pocket bulk at my hips but I haven't found a better alternative v-neck cardigan.
https://secure.nordstrom.com/w.....view=guest

Vince Camuto Bandage Tops: These are AWESOME. This is the thickest fabric I've seen in a long sleeved top in a while. I took home one in Ocean Teal. I would have taken home the "Red Hot" version if it came in petites.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....n=wishlist
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....n=wishlist

Halogen Pintuck Pleat Chiffon Blouse: This was amazing and I ordered it in both colors because I couldn't pick one on the spot. Went to regular sizes in this because the petite sleeves were too short for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....n=wishlist

Vince Camuto Contrast Trim Houndstooth Blouse: If this is the one Angie bought, then I understand why. Beautiful fabric and fit. Brought it home but it may go back if I can't fit it into the wardrobe.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....n=wishlist

Nexx Contrast Trim Blouse: This is gorgeous but it was too long for me and I don't think I could work it into my current style comfortably.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ne.....n=wishlist

Halogen Knot Front Sweater: Neckline was too low for me and the body was too long.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....n=wishlist

Classiques Entier Seta Drape Neck Sweater: I liked this one except the body was too long for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cl.....n=wishlist

Sandra Ingrish Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt: Nice lightweight fabric. Shaping didn't work for my short torso.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sa.....rt/3360703

Classiques Entier Nouveau Print Jersey Top: Too much cleavage for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cl.....n=wishlist

Classiques Entier Nouveau Drape Neck Jersey Top: Liked the print but not the fabric/fit on me. YMMV.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cl.....n=wishlist

Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique Print Chiffon Faux Wrap Dress: I didn't end up able to try this on in my size (smaller size would not zip) but it had potential. May try ordering this one.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/su.....n=wishlist

Halogen Pleated Chiffon Dress: Didn't try this on since it is on order but it is more purple than red, as mentioned in one of the other threads. Will probably end up returning.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....ss/3271550

Halogen Pleat Front Plaid Skirt: Neutral on this one. I felt too "schoolgirl" in it. Between the length, volume and exposed zipper, this was a pass for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....rt/3271548?

Halogen Plaid Pencil Skirt: I liked this one but I knew I'd have nowhere to wear it.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....rt/3282146

Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt: I have the Red Rococo and Green Gold on order. Blue Ocean is a beautiful color. I tried the black/storm color block version but it made me feel frumpy. I might try the purple nectar/black color block version instead.

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

Wit & Wisdom Plaid Print Skinny Jeans: Didn't try this on since it is on order but think I will end up returning. The fabric/printing didn't wow me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/wi.....ve/3313867

Rich and Skinny Legacy Print Skinny Jeans: I couldn't try this on because they didn't have my size in store but the fabric/print was nice. Will order this to try at home.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ri.....ns/3307753?

Olivia Moon Ruched Sleeve Jacket: It fit me well but was unlined and the specific one I tried on had dangling threads, etc. Not impressed.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....n=wishlist

Trouve Quilted Leather Biker Jacket: I LOVED this in the Burgundy and left unzipped, it loved me too (well, except for the longish sleeves). Unfortunately, I couldn't zip it over my hips because it wasn't a petite. If you tell me it doesn't need to zip closed, it has potential.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tr.....n=wishlist

Bod & Christensen Quilted Leather Moto Jacket: Beautiful color, beautiful leather but the waist shaping wasn't in the right place for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bo.....n=wishlist

Bernardo Topstitch Leather Jacket: I think this one was boxy on me. The leather was nice.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....et/3300731?

Halogen Seamed Leather Jacket: Like Sunita, this jacket fit my short waisted, curvaceous-of-hip self. That flap at the back? Filled out by my rear. I didn't like the collar on me though and I really had my heart set on burgundy/plum/maroon.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....et/3271555

Caslon Leather Jacket: Fit me but I didn't like the chest pockets and the leather wasn't as nice as comparably priced jackets.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....n=wishlist

Whew, that was long! I wish I had photos but my camera went missing a few weeks ago. Hopefully I'd find it or have a replacement by the time *all* the NAS loot comes in and I can do a keep/return.

I will probably order a few more things online as well as making a second trip when Angie's list comes out.

Updated with photos

1) Houndstooth shirt - maybe this is too big on me?
2) Bandage shirt - hides my avoirdupois from the front, although it can't from the side.
3&4) Halogen cardigans - don't love the pockets but I can live with them.

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13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

So exciting... did you feel overwhelmed or calm...just looking at Angies photos I am feeling very overwhelmed....i would go nuts or buy nothing!

Anonymous

I don't have time to look at all the pictures but will look forward to seeing them in the future on you. It sounds like you did great for your first time.

Sunita

Wow! What a great and lengthy list of items. Thanks for the feedback on the Bod & Christensen leather jacket...I did not try it and was left wondering about the fit. Sounds like you and I have similar fit issues with leather jackets! I hope you'll find one you love.

Janet

(website)

Very thoughtful list!

I tried the W&W plaid jeans and they were an almost-there for me. The thing that bothered me was how the pattern sat on the rear end. The way the lines went out and down seemed to draw the eye right to my saddlebags. They were also a little short on me. I bet they would be adorable on someone who does not have the width of thigh that I do!

Sylvie

@Jayne: Pretty calm. I've been reminding myself that although participating in NAS is fun, it's not like these will be the last clothes I'll ever buy. I already have a functional wardrobe, so there is no need to overbuy (which I have done in the past)

@Mary. Thanks! Was it you who mentioned having a small Nordstorm in your area and no card so you couldn't preshop? I believe you could still go into the Nordstrom, sign up for the card and preshop online.

@Sunita: Now that I know you're also short waisted, I'm going to be stalking your clothing purchases. I know the right jacket will eventually come my way. The express moto fit perfectly but the fabric at the side let the wind right in.

@Janet: Thanks for the additional info on the W&W plaid jeans. Umm, you don't have width of thigh. Really. I am Queen Thigh on this forum.

Added photos to the first post
I want you to know that I'm so dedicated to the YLF cause, I balanced my laptop on its side on the edge of the sink and took these with the webcam.

Kari

The houstooth shirt looks GREAT on you! And it appears I'll have a twin with the chiffon Halogen blouse, yay!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I like the stripey top. I am personally not in love with the shape of the houndstooth blouse on you. I know it's supposed to be floaty and big but I don't think it does you any favors.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Nice write up, Sylvie!

Is the houndstooth blouse a petite, Sylvie?

The Halogen seamed leather jacket sounds like I would have liked it on you! (great on short waisted ladies). Personally, I have no problem with the back leather "flap" on a leather jacket. All my cropped leather jackets do that actually

Thanks for the pics Sylvie! I missed the houndstooth blouse in the store, but it's now on order. Is it a bit long in the sleeves for you? But the shoulder seams look like they are in the right place.

I love the color of the striped bandage shirt, but honestly I would go crazy adjusting and re-adjusting the flaps each time! It drives me batty that there are small gapes here and there...yes, I know I have a touch of OCD!

The cardis will be very versatile items....I don't have those, but use similar ones all the time!

Thanks for your kind comments ladies.

Kari: Yay blouse twins!

Laura: You're absolutely right. I didn't notice it until I posted the photos and then your comment made me go check the tag. I accidentally bought a normal size and will need to swap for the petite.

Angie: Thanks for your eagle eyes. Somehow the shirt looked just fine in the Nordstrom mirrors. Re: jacket, I meant that my curves fill out the flap, so it is fitted. On the model picture, she has empty space there.

Sunita: Definitely try the blouse - I bet it will be stunning on you. You'll definitely want the petite. I can be a little picky about ruffles on my clothes too but I decided to push my boundaries with the bandage shirt.

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