I relate with Mo and Peri's comments. If I had to sit out NAS for some reason, I wouldn't be upset. I might lust after particular items I see featured here, but the sale in itself is just a fun thing I get to participate in. I never got to do that until the last couple of years, and I'm getting smarter about what I acquire and keep from it.

Yeah, I think it's natural to want something if you feel denied in any way (budget, geography, etc.). Just human nature.

Whether I participate in the NAS or not, I love this time of year - because as Mona said, there are excellent recommendations from Angie right around the NAS. I also really like seeing what others are getting, what they think of fit and style of items and so on.

I don't feel pressure to buy - I feel like I'm being treated to the best 'inside look' at the latest styles.

Hmm...hard to explain, but you know what? I would feel the same way if it was another sale or another store - seeing Angie's recommendations, seeing all kinds of YLF'ers try things out and report back - is invaluable! To me, this is the best part

If it was Target, or Ann Taylor or Club Monaco or even Canadian Tire (!) - it would still be a real pleasure to have Angie suss out the best of the best, and further - it's made even better by YLF'ers trying things out and writing about it here. That's what makes the NAS so much fun.

I live in Seattle (Nordies headquarters!) and while I plan on purchasing a few things as part of the sale, they're likely to be uninteresting-to-YLF basics (like bras). So I'm sort-of, and yet sort-of-not, participating in NAS.

I think many of the ladies hit on the bones of the issue: wanting to see/touch/own/wear beautiful things. After all, isn't that why we're all here? But I would also point out that it's plain ol' human nature too: if you see a group of friends doing something exciting and fun, you're going to want to be part of it. For some, "being part of it" can be simply popping the popcorn and cheering; for others, it's going to be the desire to shop.

Well, I ordered $400 bucks of stuff from the NAS website last night (hopefully most of it won't work and will go back, because I can't afford it all!) so I didn't do a particularly good job of restraining myself.

To be honest, this is why I don't come to YLF all the time; sometimes I need a break from the urge to shop and I need to reinforce my restraint and not reinstate bad habits. It is fun to participate with WIWs and K/Rs and WIBs, and a collective event like NAS makes it even more communal. So yeah, I get the impulse to participate and to be part of the group, even though no one here is "must buy!" to other folks.

I also really enjoy finding good deals, so NAS is fun as are other sales and clearances - I feel like I've achieved something when I get something good for cheap.

I have not even looked at the offerings so far but honestly, my last years Nordstrom sale purchases were hit and miss. I am being pretty moderate and so picky on adding things that I am not adding anything at the moment. Focusing on the "need" vs. the "want" in most things lately - partially because DH health has caused a work slowdown for him and I am budgeting for that and partially due to lack of decisiveness!
It's natural for the bandwagon to roll on and for people to be excited though. And natural for some to feel left out or that their focuses are lost in the wagon dust.

When I fist joined the site, I felt left out of NAS and felt like I should try hard to participate the next year. And I did and got a great leather jacket out of the deal. But at this point, NAS just isn't for me. So I'm glad others are getting good deals but Nordstrom is mostly out of my price range. It's all good.

I wish I could participate in the group effort that is NAS - I think it's like a big shopping party!

I don't think my shopping $ is best spent there though - I have been plunking most of it down at Anthropologie (or Anthro-like) items that are really helping me expand my wardrobe.

It is very fun to see everyone else with their wonderful purchases (which work into their lifestyles, not mine).

Oh, it isn't a 'left out' feeling for my part - I rarely shop at Nordstrom's, unless there is something specific I am looking for, such as a pair of killer black shoes for a formal event, etc.

But there is a sense of communal fun, excitement and shopping adventure that comes across on the forums. To see everyone with their gorgeous clothes, and the creative stylings... yes, it does make me want to shop, and it makes me want to share that experience.

That feeling generally goes away when I walk away from my laptop but I have to admit, when I see a particularly darling pair of boots posted, or a military coat, or that perfectly gorgeous dress... I find myself starting to weaken.

Even though I have many pairs of darling boots, a military-ish coat, and a month's worth of perfectly gorgeous dresses already hanging in my closet.

No. I have been purchasing from the Nordies Anniversary Sale for about 15 or 16 years now. This blog just makes it a lot more fun because I hate to shop.

No one should ever feel left out of a sale, or pressurized to purchase. That is precisely not the YLF mantra.

I like what Janet said about this being a really fun sale to participate in - that's one of the reason's it's my favourite sale of the year. Suz, also hit the nail on the head about it being fun to try on stuff that's brand new in season with the best customer service.

Nordstrom is a Seattle company, and in Seattle, the NAS is legendary. So it makes sense that as a fashion stylist I have lots of client-interest in the sale. And we all have a ball along the way!

OMG - No! I don't feel any "psychic pressure" to buy! If I did, I'd feel miserable. People, not only here on the forum, but all around me, are buying all of the time (I live in a very materialistic and upper-income area.) When I was younger however, I believe that I did feel some type of "peer pressure" to join in on whatever the activity might be - shopping, plastic surgery, etc. - Now, not so much. Part of that is due to maturity I'm sure - and part of it is my lifestyle and income drastically changed several years ago, and I wouldn't be able to "keep up" with the forum members or people in my neighborhood even if I wanted to. Also, it used to be much easier to jump on the shopping bandwagon because I had the money to do so and so I didn't really have to be very disciplined about how/when I spent my money. I just started shopping (just a little bit) again, after SYC for almost 3 years and now I find that I'm just the opposite. If people all around me are buying, I tend to not want to buy - I want to just sit back and watch - and really enjoy living vicariously through others!

Angie, I hope I didn't offend. I do wonder why seeing someone else shop triggers the urge to do it yourself. So it's more of a global/emotional query than fingerpointing(if that makes sense).

As a lover of fashion I love seeing others. purchases and reading why they like something and the happiness factor surrounding it all. Not envious nor do I want to shop the NAS sale... like calmer,quieter shopping atmophere due to my ADD,unless it's black friday,but then I'm not shopping for clothes....

I hate to admit it but well... yes... I do! My weird hard to find size will sell out and it will never come back in stock again. I have to BBQ if there is to be any hope of finding what I want in my size.

What a thought provoking question.....I have to say I am not participating in the NAS this year. Particularly, because I have bought a lot of things recently and really don't NEED anything right now. Having said that, there is almost always something I WANT!
I certainly enjoy the camaraderie that resonates here and the joy of ogling everyone else's purchases.

I have a hard time with NAS. For the last couple of years since coming to YLF I have really wanted to participate, but have never had finances and a good grasp of what I would need for fall in line in time for the sale.

I'm usually right on the cusp of being priced out of many Nordies offerings, so NAS is one of the only times of year where I am able to afford to indulge a little. Fall/winter is my HIGHLY dominant season and our Fall and Winter start earlier than most, so buying makes sense. I also have some huge holes in my wardrobe for the season that have been bugging me for awhile, and I tend not to fluctuate much in weight. All are great reasons for participating, in addition to Angie's reccomendations and the fun aspect.

That said, I do tend to get a little blah if/when NAS doesn't work out for me, mostly for the opportunity lost. Facing your actual budget and wardrobe holes for the next season for the first time doesn't tend to be fun if the budget is strict and the holes are multiple. I feel a little pressure to buy and make snap decisions for fear of items running out or higher prices, which doesn't sit with me, but it is still a great opportunity.

I think this year I will see what the sale holds in terms of deals of some of my must have holes, and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. I also am going to browse for a inexpensive thrill that doesn't have to be a hole-filler as a birthday gift, since by the time NAS items ship to me it will be relatively close to the right time of year, but only if something strikes me.

I believe in supporting the global economy by shopping. There, I said it. (Minimalists you may now come after me.) As long as it is not harming you or others or making your life somehow unmanageable.

That said, I haven't pounced on any NAS items yet because in my experience, I can't wear anything until November. I'm eyeing a Chantelle bra, some accessories (Marc Jacobs watch), and a few pairs of booties though. I could wear the first two items right away which is a plus.

The bandwagon mentality has two affects on me. First, it might call attention to something beautiful (Burberry trenches) that I will store away as a long-term lust item. Second, it has the opposite effect. If I see everyone getting a certain coat or jacket I will feel saturated already and not want it.