Sveta's Blog

The tale of two Canadians taking NAS by storm! (very long)

August 6, 2013

This is my traditional "NAS extravaganza" post I am doing for the 4th time. However This NAS was very special for me because I had the best shopping mate YLFer can dream of - Suz ( after Angie of course! :-)  )
It was a very busy day from the morning. The border crossing was very busy and took longer than we anticipated. I also had a couple of packages to pick up on the border, then we dropped into TJ Maxx so I can try the shoes from Zappos on and send them back while still in US. Alas both pairs of Angie's Wow pumps did not work for me I so we also had to stop by the UPS store to ship them back right away.
Because of all these logistics it was past noon when we got to the Nordstrom. We decided to have lunch BEFORE we hit the Customer Service and we were so right: it was a whirlwind after that!
So here we are at the CS. Suz and I said our last names ad SA said with a feeling: " Oh yes, we are waiting for you" :-) Pic 1 is what was waiting for us in the back room: my pile is smaller - just the stack on the left, the rest is Suz's :-) OK, I have to add that all my shoes went to shoe department for some reason so they would make another pile like this as well :-) :-)
As my shoes were not in CS we started with Suz's footwear. You already know about her tall boot woes and yea, I was responsible that she did not get SW Panache dress boots which could have been altered to the height she needed: I was a somber voice of reason :-( ....but I have to add that she did end up with some beauties there (I would leave it to her to disclose those, this is just to build up the suspense!)
After we were done with Suz's shoes and returned the pile she did not keep we were transferred to a stylist dressing room. It was quite a parade with 2 SAs and us carrying all our stuff in multiple bags downstairs! We decided to share a fitting room for an instant feedback  - and pic 2 is how it looked in the process!
Long story short the whole process took us over 5 hours of trying on and making up our mind. We were totally exhausted by the end and lost the count of number of SAs we worked with: it seems they changed 3 shifts while we were in that room! Honestly I was surprised the sun was still up when we were done...:-)
So the next pictures are some of my misses.
pic 3/4: Elie Tahari Minka jacket. I have ordered size 12 and then warned by Angie that the sleeves are very slim I also ordered size 14. Well 14 was huge and 12 was on the bigger side as well and sleeves were not tight at all. This is size 12 in the pictures. I wanted to try size 10 but they did not have this jacket in the store in any size! It is a beautiful jacket and a very good quality but I decided to pass; I felt it was a bit too short on the back for me and this is pretty noticeable when a jacket has such a defined waist. For such an expensive piece (for me anyway) it should have been perfect - and it was not. 

pic 5/6: Halogen seamed sheath in purple. The color was great, the fit was good and it had about 1" to let out for the length which would bring it to the knee for me. However I passed as well because of the lack of sleeves and because I decided to stick to my budget and wardrobe size rule this time.

pic 7 Mural bomber I wanted to love it very much but I coud not get past the feeling of this faux-leather on my skin which I did not like at all. In addition it was really hot for me: I was sweating after having it on for 5 min so it was a no go. However I really like the style so I will be looking for another cool bomber in a different fabrication.

pic 8 Another Mural piece - faux leather vest, not a part of NAS but on sale. Loved the style and the length was good but again could not stand the faux-leather feel. It was sad because this vest would be a workhorse for me so again I am on the lookout of a similar piece with a better quality.

pic 9 SW heeled oxfords (cannot find them online but I think they made Angie's pick list). They were so comfortable and such a great quality but I had to pass because of the color: I just have a hard time to make black footwear to work with my style even though my  hair is dark. If they were 2-toned black and white or cream and tan I would snatch them in a heartbeat!
I don't have pictures of other things which did not work for me like Olivia Moon striped knit blazer (somehow I did not feel it for my style), Trouve purple blazer (felt too cheap), Trouve leggings ( I felt like a cat-woman in them), NYDJ mixed media "Megan" jeans (the rear fit was very weird on me)...

We did not leave the store until after 8PM. I managed to lose and then find again my Nordstrom card and that was the sign that we need to go home! Border crossing was pretty smooth and fast on the way back(even though we had to pay the sale tax) and we got home around 11PM so it was a VERY long day.
I will leave to Suz to write about her experience as a first timer :-)
I will do a separate post on the stuff I kept (or maybe 2 posts...) so stay tuned!

Thank you for reading my novel!

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Posted in the Shopping category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

38 Comments

  • Ornella replied 10 years ago

    I love, love your NAS posts. Great forum tradition by now. And I was ROFL at "I was surprised the sun was still up when we done...:-)".

    You are a wise shopper Sveta and I admire how well you know your needs and don't give in to the lure of the nice piece.

    Eagerly awaiting for the next instalment of the S&S NAS adventures.

    p.s.

    I bet Mr.Sveta was happy to stay at home ;-)

  • cinnamon fern replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for the novel!  Dying to know what you guys kept ...

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    Sounds like you had an AMAZING time! Fantastic purchases, too :)

  • Marlene replied 10 years ago

    What a great story!  Thanks for sharing your adventure and I'm looking forward to your "keeps" post.  And Suz's side of the story as well. 

    I do like that purple sheath on you, though.  But I understand about it not meeting your needs. 

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    Now that was some power shopping and if those are your "no" pile I can't wait to see what you kept.

    I think I joined the form about the same time as your NAS post last year - I seem to recall you deciding on shoes.

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    Love readiing about your experiences.  I see no reason to shop right now so I'm living vicariously through everyone else.

  • ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

    More, more, more! Please.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    You two are pros! I did not experience anything like it this year, hehe. I cannot wait to see your scores from the sale - great teaser-trailer here, though. :)

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    Loved reading the S&S NAS adventure. I am sorry the Mural pieces did not work for you. I am now eagerly waiting for next episode from both of you.

  • Sylvie replied 10 years ago

    So smart of you to eat lunch *before* NAStravaganza. There's nothing worse than shopping/trying to make decisions/trying on clothes when you're hungry.

    I really like both the ET jacket and the seamed purple dress on you but applaud your wise restraint.  Isn't it so nice that your closet is in such good shape, you don't need to pounce on something just because it fits and looks good?  You have the luxury of really deciding what you *need*.

    Looking forward to your post with "keeps".  (I'm still waiting for a few things to arrive before I'll post my "final" NAS tally as well)

  • replied 10 years ago

    Looking forward to your keeps post too! That skirt looks so good with the vest -- I hope Danier has a leather vest this fall for you :)

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    I so enjoyed your story! I bet the associates had such fun working with the two of you!

    I find it very informative to read your thought process on why things don't work. So thank you for sharing this. Can't wait to see the keeps!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    What a great partnership!  You and Suz were well matched for the day, and a good shopping partner is a real blessing!  It also seems like Nordstrom helped you make the most of your time there.

    Love to hear your thought processes --- I'm thinking about that purple Halogen dress, although the only one available right now is a size 2!

  • Makrame replied 10 years ago

    I've been waiting for the NAS posts from you!  Based on the real time posts from Suz, it looked like there were some great items that you and Suz found.  Looking forward to more!

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Lol, Sveta! I got the purple Trouve blazer, but confess to doing so and having it reconstructed for me.

  • Isis replied 10 years ago

    Love this tale, what an adventure for you two!

    I admire your stamina and also your restraint as I love the purple sheath (but understand your logic....)

    Can't wait to see what you did keep!

  • Ingunn replied 10 years ago

    I loved reading this story! Sales were never more exciting :) The purple sheath was beautiful - you are strong, obviously!

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I have been waiting, waiting, waiting for a NAS post from you!  I am spoiled and look forward to them every year now. :)  Your dressing room floor looks like my spare bedroom for all the NAS ordering I did this year.  I ordered, tried on and kept more NAS items than I EVER have before.  I guess it was just time for a wardrobe overhaul.  You are very wise to pass on items that are lovely on you, but don't fit a need or have that "just one thing" off about it.  That's smart shopping and something I will need to do myself now that my closet is full of all the new goodies!

    And it is very helpful to hear why items both do and do not work.  I learn a lot that way.

  • AviaMariah replied 10 years ago

    After seeing your passes I can't wait to see what you came home with as these pieces almost look prefect in the photos. I'm not sure I could made any rational decisions about 2 hours into your shopping trip!

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Ornella, Mr Sveta would be happier to stay at home if he did not have to work on the deck construction all day :-)
    cinnamon fern, pil, Manidipa, Makrame - just a little patience...
    Karie, the pictures are for the stuff I did NOT get :-)
    Marlene, Ingunn and Isis, this was what Suz kept telling me, that she liked the purple dress...if only it had sleeves! I really have enough winter dresses I need toppers for!
    Sara L., I am glad to oblige! :-)
    Rae, your Nordstrom is too far from a Canadian border! :-)
    Mona, I am sorry about the bomber too: it was a fun piece!
    Sylvie, exactly - I don't want my closet to grow out of control and practicing one in - one out rule really makes me think hard!
    Ceit - I also have high hopes for Danier but I would consider a non-leather fabrication as well, just not a faux-leather.
    Susie, I think SAs had TOO MUCH fun. When we came back to CS to picl up my Nordstrom card I left at the register an hour ago there was the same SA who worked with us in the fitting room and she said: "You ladies are still here?" LOL
    Beth Ann, try the purple sheath if it comes back, it is made really well.
    Rachy, I hope the blazer works for you.

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Sounds like an amazing day. Have you recovered yet?

    Can't wait to read/see the next instalment :)

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    NAS wouldn't be complete without your traditional shopping trip. I really like the white vest on you (8) and hope you can find a quality version. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story .

  • Nicola replied 10 years ago

    Great story. I'm looking forward to part 2...and 3....

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Well, what can I say? Sveta, as usual, has told the story so well! And I am very glad to hear my opinions confirmed by the YLF sisterhood! She looked amazing in several of these "miss" items, and it was hard for me to see her let them go when she looked so great in them. 

    I loved the Tahari dress. I also loved the Mural jacket and the vest. And despite Sveta's concerns about the back length, I thought the Minka jacket looked superb. Truthfully, if the comfort factor been there for the Mural items, in particular, I'd have twisted her arm a whole lot harder to try to persuade her to keep them. As it was, I tried to respect her good judgement and her careful practice of PPP. 

    As you can tell, Sveta is a brilliant shopper and it was a real education to go to my first NAS with her. I tell you, we were both quite business-like and professional with one another and we helped each other rule out other (non-pictured) items lickety-split. In some cases, we didn't even remove the packaging. Just not worth it! 

    Lunch before the big shop was definitely a good idea. The people in the Nordstrom café got to know us pretty well because we also had supper there. By the end of the day I am sure half the Sales Associates knew our names! 

  • hedgiehog replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I enjoyed reading your mini novel :) how wonderful that you had a great partner to experience this with! I imagine you both had a blast on your adventure. The purple dress looks amazing on you, by the way. I'm eager to see what makes the cut.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Caro, I needed 2 days to recover :-)
    Joy, this is my hope too!
    Nicola, they are coming...
    Suz, I agree they looked good but this is just one criteria. Comfort, practicality and versatility won in the end.
    hedgiehog, you are right, it was wonderful to have a great partner for this adventure!

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Sveta, I really admire your ability to stay strong and not get things that were SO close to being right. You look great in all of your misses, but you did right to hold out for perfect!
    I need to take a lesson from you and practice being PPP!

    Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    Love this post and look forward to seeing your keepers.

  • cobaltblue replied 10 years ago

    What a fun post! Such a shop-a-thon; I would have passed out from exhaustion. Very excited to see what you two kept.

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    What a fabulous read Sveta.   You made me laugh when I saw the mass of boxes etc in the dressing room.  I am sorry that the vest didn't work for you because it looks just fantastic.  I wonder if Danier will have something similar in the quality you are looking for.

    Thanks so much for sharing and I am really looking foward to see what you did get.

  • replied 10 years ago

    WOW. I'm glad Suz linked to this as I had missed it! On to the rest of the NAS adventure posts!

  • rute replied 10 years ago

    So fun! I love EVERYTHING!

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    This is so much fun!  Shopping with another Fabber is really a dream come true.  Can't wait to see more, more, MORE!

  • Inge replied 10 years ago

    I am SO glad the NAS extravaganza is becoming a tradition, Sveta, because I always so enjoy reading your yearly report. So thanks so much for taking the time to do this and allowing us to join in on the fun. And my word, the Dynamic Duo (aka Sveta and Suz) were on a mission for sure! What a long day, it was a very smart idea to get some lunch before diving in(to those piles of boxes;-)

    I have a feeling you two ladies have already become somewhat of a legend with the local SA's, they'll be chatting about you for months. (also: I love that last photo of you laughing!)

    The Elie Tahari Minka jacket is stunning for sure, Sveta. But it's an investment piece and therefore needs to be as versatile as possible for you. That probably wouldn't have been the case if you thought it was a tad too short.

    That purple dress is gorgeous on you, but I hear you on the no sleeves. Not super practical or versatile in our climates. (one doesn't always want to throw on a topper over a dress, right).

    I'm sorry to hear the Mural bomber and faux leather vest didn't work. They look fantastic on, and I agree that we now HAVE to find you another bomber and vest. Let the hunt begin! (would you like the vest to be cream or white, Sveta, or are you open to other colours too?).

    It's a shame about the heeled oxfords too, but I have the same problem. I find black footwear (aside from boots) very difficult to work into my outfits.

    I sincerely hope you kept the striped VC midi tube skirt, because you are rocking the look, Sveta (plus we could be skirt twins then, as I have the same on:-)

    Very excited to hear more about the "hits", and thanks again for sharing your NAS experience with us. I SO would love to go shopping with Suz and you one day.

  • merwoman replied 10 years ago

    Such fun to read about your adventures! Thanks for sharing!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    What a fun report! You make me wish I could have been shopping with you two!

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for the moral support!
    Deborah, my fingers are crossed Danier hears my plea this year...
    Inge, I am sure they will chat about us for a long time. As for the vest white or cream would be my top pick but I would not say no to ink blue as well...;-0

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Wow, what a shopping marathon! Loved reading about your adventures with Suz. I feel like I was there with you in that (very crowded) dressing room! And if those are the rejects, I can't wait to see what you kept, because you look great even in the ones you left behind!

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