The Great S&S NAS adventure, continued....

Sveta has already given you a brilliant encapsulation of our great NAS adventure, and I have shared my boot woes with you at tremendous length. 

Tonight's instalment concerns my other "misses" from the sale. But first, allow me to tell you about the overall Nordstrom's experience. It was my very first visit to a Nordie's (other than the Rack in Union Square NYC) and I was dangerously impressed. Seriously --- can there be any better place to shop?? High end, but not in the least forbidding. And sales associates practically jumping all over themselves to make the experience a better one for you. Although, truth be told, part of their eagerness in this case might have been to make the experience better for themselves, too. ;-)  

Sveta and I were the stereotypical polite Canadians who even cleaned up the entire change room after ourselves, but honestly, by ordering as we were forced to do, we quite unintentionally created a lot of work for them. So their suggestion that next time, we could have our rooms stocked in advance with the items on our wish list was one we're eagerly looking forward to taking up!

 Most of you know how much I admire Sveta's style, so it won't surprise you to learn that we actually ordered quite a few of the very same items! 

I ruled a few items out without taking photos. Not that they were bad in themselves. I just realized right away that they were not what I wanted. 

Here are the "ones that got away" -- the near misses that it almost broke my heart to leave. 

Pic 1: Tahari Minka jacket. LOVED how this looked and felt but to Sveta's eye it seemed like a skirt jacket only, and I need one that is more versatile. I was afraid it would turn out to be an expensive fantasy life purchase.  I am wearing the larger of my two possible sizes here....I could just barely button it. Angie had actually suggested I size down in it but they could not obtain my smaller size for me -- turned out it would not have been necessary. 

Pics 2-3: Mural bomber. Once again, I adored the look of this jacket. Loved the colours, the shape, the cut, the detailing --- everything about it was fab and perfect for my style.

But I could not get past the plastic-y feeling of the faux leather. It felt very hot on my neck. Plus, the neckline itself was a bit wonky on the one I tried -- wrinkles that would not unwrinkle. 

Add to that the fact that I would have needed to narrow the sleeves to make them stay scrunched. Also, I did feel that in some ways the style was quite similar to my washed leather jacket from Danier. That one is not a bomber, but the collar and colour is similar. So, taking all those factors together, I regretfully bid it adieu. 

Pic #4: Theory Jillian sweater in navy. Again, I adored everything about this sweater. Everything but the price tag, that is. The texture is extremely soft -- like a cloud! And I loved that. Until I noticed that even fresh out of the bag it was showing signs of pilling. I have another Theory sweater from last year that I adore, but it has already pilled a bit. All knits pill -- that is the nature of them. But Sveta wisely commented that if it was a choice between the plain navy Theory and the DVF sweater (and it was, as both were splurge items for me) then the DVF was the one to take. Her idea was that I could find something similar to the Theory at a lower price point.

I hope she is correct, and if she isn't, I'll make her eat her words at next year's S&S NAS extravaganza! Because you KNOW we will be doing this again! 

Stayed tuned! On the weekend I will post my "hits." I am travelling until then so won't be able to take good pictures of the items I kept, and I would like you to see them styled a bit so you will appreciate their full fabulosity! 

Thanks again to Angie for behind the scenes help and suggestions and to Sveta for being the world's best shopping partner! 

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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.

47 Comments

  • JulieJohn replied 10 years ago

    Oooh! Great voyeuristic shopping experience! Keep 'em coming, S & S. And you know we are on the very edge of our seats, crash helmets at the ready, to see what managed to make it home with you. Thanks for sharing!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Good decisions -- I like reading about the hits and the misses and why they were misses.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    I was waiting for this post!
    We did ordered the same items - and rejected them together: how cool is that, Suz? :-)
    And you know what: I will eat my words and then some if we get to do it together again next year!
    And just wait until Suz posts her 'hits": they are truly spectacular! I think she did brilliantly for the first  NAS ever and honestly her "hits" are more exciting than mine (the ones we don't have in common because we are twins in more than one item now).

  • velvetychocolate replied 10 years ago

    These aren't the hits? I can't wait to see what the 'hits' are. Geesh - Nordstrom should hire you and Sveta to promote their Canada launch!

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    Wow, this is killing me because you both were so disciplined! I don't know whether I could have left ANY of those things behind- they all look so good on you. But you had excellent reasons for your decisions, so kudos for sticking to your guns.

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    What a fab shopping duo.  Suz sounds like you made some wise decisions and your discernment will serve you well.  I am looking forward to the 'hits'...

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    Staying tuned for subsequent installments!

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    Wow, awesome job at PPP. Cant wait to see the hits.

  • cobaltblue replied 10 years ago

    Heartbreaking misses! I love the Tahari Minka jacket but see how it might be skirts-only. Too bad about the pilling, spendy navy sweater, because it's gorgeous from here! Can't wait to see your winners.

    PS Did Sveta get the dotted sweater? Looks good reflected in the mirror!

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    I love all the jackets and the cobalt skirt is simply divine! I can't wait to see what the Suz treatment will do to them.

  • ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

    Awww. That must have been hard! Or maybe I'm projecting? But you guys are great role models for shopping for your real life, on budget and with PPP at the forefront of your strategy.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    You know what, Mani? It was only momentarily hard. I felt like a kid in a candy shop with all I was taking home already. And it was really important to save enough for my winter boots and a few other purchases that I know I will need to make. So I kept in mind the budget I had set for myself (which was quite generous) and just rejected those items that weren't as high priority or weren't as good on me/ for me as some of the others. In a way, ordering and comparing so many things at once made this easier. 

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    It sounds like the two of you had so much fun!

  • ManidipaM replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I can understand that. Returns are not easy in our country---enough hassle to be a serious deterrent---but I have noticed that often I feel I could let something go once I have a bunch of things home at once and have tried them out together. The 8 makes the 7's flaws glaringly obvious. And here, we can only take 3 things into the dressing room at once---so again, just the opportunity to try side by side helps.

    But still, I am talking 7 or 8 while you are letting a 9 go! That's self-discipline I am yet to acquire.

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    I agree with your reasoning but gosh I love that Tahari jacket on you!

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    I'm also admiring the self discipline that you and Sveta practiced. You are shopping partners who really work well together. To often I'm shopping with someone who just enables...with great intentions, but it's not helpful.

  • rae replied 10 years ago

    Another dying to see the hits after this post! Very glad you had a great time and were impressed by the service. I can see why you made your decisions here, but it really is a great lesson in PPP. On the edge of my seat until the next installment!

  • Nicola replied 10 years ago

    I can't wait for episode 2. It sounds like it was SO much fun.

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Great post. I love the thought process behind the decisions and how helpful you could be to each other. Super shoppers.

    It's clear to me that building a wardrobe that works is as much about what's left behind as what comes home.

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    2 heads are better than one!
    And, if you were like me- these garments would have found their way into my closet as 8/10s and out again too soon for the reasons you give in this interesting post- if not for YLF and its collective wisdom.
    If these are your rejects I absolutely can't wait to see the chosen ones :)

  • Ingunn replied 10 years ago

    Oh, the navy sweater was wonderful. But I understand your priorities, too! How diciplined and well prepared you were for this, it's amazing. The Tahari jacket was really fab, too. Now I'm really excited to see the hits!

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    If these are the misses I can't wait to see the hits - sounds like a brilliant day :)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thank you everyone! 

    The self-discipline was much easier than I had feared. The harder part is figuring out in advance what is truly practical and necessary. And even though I truly love the items I brought home and look forward to wearing them, there is always the slight fear that they won't be as wonderful as one had imagined. I think this fear is compounded by the fact that I am currently away from home and cannot play with my new items in my closet to see how they work. Looking forward to getting home so I can do that. 

  • Mochi replied 10 years ago

    Suz Suz Suz Suz Suz. I do agree that Sveta has awesome and commanding fashion sense, but I have to disagree about the Minka jacket, and am sad that you loved it so and yet decided it wouldn't be more a fantasy/skirt jacket. If you think about Diana and how she styles her arty jackets with trousers (as is the Nordstrom model with this piece)...this jacket totally could have worked for so many occasions. I'm thinking of returning my ersatz Chanel jacket in protest of your decision! :( 

    Otherwise, for the rest, I agree. Anyway, glad you two worked so well as a team, had a great time, learned the NAS ropes, and I can't wait to see what you ended up keeping. 

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Mochi, I think it's true that the jacket could be styled in creative ways -- to a degree. And -- with great respect for Sveta's thoughts on proportion -- I still think I would have worn the jacket with trousers (especially slouchy trousers and maybe even jeans) and it could have worked for me that way. But it felt a bit too tailored to be truly comfortable, and the wool on the collar was itchy, and it was very pricey. So, alas...I just think a better one will come along, you know? So I am waiting for it. 

    And if you take back that Chanel style jacket I will have to come down to Boston to spank your bottom. 

  • Mochi replied 10 years ago

    Oops, you read it as I was about to edit. I was going to add "tentatively" to disagree...maybe there was more to your decision....just that simply "I can't wear this with trousers" didn't sound convincing enough for me. Anyway, I'm sure you'll find a really cool jacket out there. 

  • Mochi replied 10 years ago

    cross posted my post above

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    I can't wait to see the "hits" because the "misses" are pretty fab.  I'm very impressed by the ability of both of you to keep the sales goggles off despite all the temptation!  I ended up picking up the Theory sweater in the tan color, it is indeed very soft and thick yet not heavy in weight.

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    If these are misses, I wonder what fabulosity is awaiting us with your hits. I think the PPP is much easier to exercise, if you have had time to ponder over items before ordering online. Also, like you said Sveta's fashion sense and her command of shopping make her a great shopping companion. She is not an enabler but more like a jeweller who would pick only the truest gems from a pile of glittering jewels.
    Eagerly waiting for the hits!

  • replied 10 years ago

    I need to catch the entire series. I have been too sparce for my own good. How fantastic that you and Sveta were able to do this.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Ahem Nancy, I have to correct Suz on the Minka jacket: I did not talk her out of hers but rather talked myself out of mine as we both were trying them on in the same time. My own decision may have influenced Suz's though so I can take a partial blame for this. It did look great on her and I told her that!
    However in the end it all boils down to how well the item will play in your wardrobe rather than how well it looks on you by itself: otherwise you are just getting a pretty expensive orphan.
    Also it was a matter of budget: she had some other quite expensive items which were calling her more than this jacket and that may have been the main deciding factor: after all you have to set your priorities, right?
    I can TOTALLY take the blame for the Theory sweater though: my vote was with DVF!

  • Isis replied 10 years ago

    Just love this Sveta/Suz series!  I love all the reasoning behind your decisions---so impressed with both of y'all's discipline!  Can't wait for the next installment....

  • Ariadne replied 10 years ago

    I'm loving this NAS serial novel!  You two sure know how to build the suspense.  Can't wait to see the "hits"! 

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Interesting interesting. The first jacket does look too old-fashioned for you, to my eye. The sweater also a little, um, boring. The bomber... boy, it did look good on you. But I get it. I also left it behind. I don't know, looking at it and wearing it were two different things. For me, it felt short, and now that you mention it, plastick-y.

    Not that I mind plasticky ;>

  • JulieJohn replied 10 years ago

    Re: spanking and jacket hijinks - you girls are totally cracking me up!

  • Kat replied 10 years ago

    What an excellent demonstration and description you and Sveta are giving on the many things I learn here... how you can really love an item AND still let it go for something even MORE perfect for your wardrobe, your life, etc, how to be discerning enough to identify a piece that is a 9/10 and rational enough to realize when that will be okay and when to hold out for the 10, how to prioritize and let go of something wonderful that isn't as high on your list as something you haven't found yet, but need more.

    Thank you to both of you for the ongoing lessons!  :) 
    Safe travels to you; looking forward to seeing more!

  • christieanne replied 10 years ago

    It's too bad about the bomber jacket texture because it sure looks good in picture. At least know you know that a bomber jacket will work for you and the right one should come along eventually.
    The sweater is basic enough that it should be easily duplicated so no fretting over it.
    Anticipating the Hits - it seems as though you both had a great time and were able to support each other rationally through the decision making process. When I shop with others I think I make irrational choices so kudos to you both.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Thank you everyone. I am typing on the phone so must be brief, but I did want to agree wholeheartedly that Sveta and I made good shopping partners. And as many of you pointed out, it's not always a given. Just because you like someone or even like her style doesn't mean you'll make a good team. But we are both pretty level headed when you get right down to it. And we had set priorities lists before we went. The one area that could have been dicey was jackets because jackets were a high want for us both and it's in those situations that we sometimes feel tempted to comprise. But it is early in the season, so easier to tell ourselves that the 10 item WILL come along if we wait.

  • Inge replied 10 years ago

    I SO enjoy reading your and Sveta's account of your NAS adventure, thanks so much for letting us share in the fun and excitement, Suz! And my word, you two make the perfect shopping duo, LOVE it!!

    After reading your vivid descriptions, I had no trouble whatsoever picturing that Nordies change room (LOL about cleaning up after yourselves:-) with tons of boxes, lots of photo taking, and SA's running to and fro.

    I think you made very wise decisions, Suz, and I know that's not easy while surrounded by so many goodies. But knowing what works well for your lifestyle, and having identified any wardrobe holes and wardrobe workhorses beforehand, definitely makes the decision making easier.

    I love the Tahari Minka jacket on you, but agree that it's probably not going to be versatile enough if you can only wear it with skirts.

    I also think the Mural bomber jacket looks smashing on you, but understand the issue with the pleather. I think it was very hot on Saturday? I wonder if that influenced how you felt about it. I'm also not crazy about pleather on very warm days, but can handle it well on cooler days.

    Couldn't agree more with Sveta's suggestion to keep the DVF and continue to look for something similar to the Theory jumper.

    I'm very much looking forward to hearing everything about the "hits", and even more to the coming months when we'll get to see how you are going to wear your new pieces. Have a great week, Suz!

  • Ornella replied 10 years ago

    Suz, I still vividly remember that "Hang on, woman!" you shouted when you wondered in which Nordies Sveta, as Candian, shops.

    In fact, I am such a stalker that I had to unearth that old thread -> here <- :-D

    And I wondered when Sveta's invitation for you two to shop together would happen because it could only be a blast.  Well, I am so glad it did because not only it was obviously loads of fun for you two, but it was -- and still is -- for the worldwide audience that has the good luck to read about your adventures.

    Fabulous, fun, educational read (as a lone shopper I do wonder what it's like to shop with a friendly but firm voice of reason), and I look forward to seeing your goodies.

    (And reading next year's instalment too, of course.)

  • merwoman replied 10 years ago

    Shopping crusaders!!! Loved your write up and can't wait to see what went home with you!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    What a fun shopping trip! You made wise decisions, Suz. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I look foward to the "hits" post.

  • Sveta replied 10 years ago

    Ornella, you are such a sleuth! That was 2 years ago and Suz could not make it then but we redeemed it this year!

    Inge, actually last Saturday was not hot at all and there is A/C in the store. I was not hot in a wool sweater but was sweating in the Mural bomber :-(

  • hedgiehog replied 10 years ago

    Wow, I really like the misses so I can't wait to see what the hits are. :-)

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Agree absolutely with Sveta on the temperature issues, Inge. It was not a hot day (in fact, it was one of the most beautiful, non humid but sunny days of our summer!) and there was AC in the store. I was also trying on wool and cashmere sweaters and booties, and did not feel uncomfortable in anything except the Mural jacket and the Minka jacket, which was not hot, but itchy on my not-particularly-fussy neck. 

    Ornella, you made me laugh out loud -- you remembered! Yes, I was stunned!! And all this time I have been plotting to make it happen. Now it is a TRADITION and you know about traditions. They must continue!! ;-)

  • nancylee replied 10 years ago

    I'm late weighing in, but it's been fun to follow you and Sveta as you take on the NAS.  As I read your various posts I kept getting an image of you two pulling off some sort of international caper, slipping across the border to score some great clothes (instead of diamonds, nuclear weapons, etc.) and smuggle them back into Canada.

    NAS:  The Movie (starring Sveta and Suz)  

    I'd buy a ticket!

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    And these were your misses? 

    Well, you are right to make a wardrobe, instead of just buying great items!
    I'm glad you had a great Nordies experience and such a well-matched partner!  Looking forward to the keep pile!

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