NAS report: back to basics

Here's a rundown on what I tried and what I bought today at my early access appointment for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I was trying to go for some basics and to steer clear of statement pieces, which I would rather sew for myself.

What I bought:
Straight leg jeans (Kut from the Kloth, Stevie). I am amazed at how nicely they fit. Had to have them. While they are called straight, they look more like skinnies on me, but not overly tight--just right. Yay. Got these in my current usual size.

Bootcut jeans (Hudson Beth Baby Boot). I bought these mainly because I have always admired that Hudson flap pocket and never had a pair--and these fit like a dream. I bought a size up from my current usual size. These are quite long; I'll probably take 3 inches off the hem.

Espresso zip pocket ponte knit pants (NYDJ, Ski). I was wanting a pair of dark brown skinny pants, and I also wanted something in the moto-inspired zip-pocket trend. These fit the bill (and my body) nicely. Got a size down from my usual current size (typical of NYDJ). These run quite long; I'll be taking a few inches off the hem.

Magenta high-low shirttail hem cashmere tunic sweater (Halogen). Looks fab with the espresso zip pocket ponte pants! Love the color. I wanted a cashmere sweater and was surprised to find I liked this tunic style. Took my usual size.

Bras and undies (Natori Hidden Glamour, Natori Jacquard, DKNY signature lace bikini). I already had these and love them, so I took advantage of the sale to replenish.

Camisoles (Shimera two-way seamless). These are a staple for me. I add a few each year.

Workout shorts (Zella, City). So cute and comfy! I have the longer version of this style, the Move pant by Zella, and love them. Took a size up from my usual, as is common with Zella.

Espresso leather tall boot (AGL, Italia). These are on their way to me. I tried them on in black and a half size up from what I need. I will see when they arrive whether I want to keep them. They have a slight moto vibe, and a toe that is more rounded than it appears in the photo. Not sure if I want to go rounded. But maybe! The leather is gorgeous.

What I tried that did not work or did not come home with me:

Skinny jeans (Rag & Bone Jean, zip detail). These are so skinny that the size that fit my hips did not pull all the way up, because my calves got in the way. And that's with the ankles unzipped. It was pretty comical!

Skinny jeans (Hudson, Colette). The denim felt heavenly, and they did actually fit, in a size up from my usual. They just didn't wow me as much as the Hudson bootcuts on my bod. Also run long, for you long-legged gals.

Lace trim sweater (Joie, Hilano C). Very pretty! Just wasn't in love with it enough for the price. I also kept thinking, Hm, couldn't I add some lace like that to a less expensive sweater?

Ombre v-neck sweater (Vince). I'm a sucker for ombre and dip-dye. But the main part of the sweater is very dark navy, and it just didn't do as much for me as the sleeves did. I think it's a gorgeous sweater for someone else!

Double-breasted trench coat (Mackage, Malka). Total impulse try-on. I have no need for a coat; in fact I bought a more standard style trench in a similar color last year. But this coat is so "me." I tried my usual size, and it fit beautifully in the shoulders. It was tight through the body and hips, though, so I didn't seek out a larger one to try. Just seemed the wrong shape for my body. But it looks way more awesome in real life than in the photo. The "gunmetal" color is a gorgeous indeterminate shade of taupe--right up my alley.

Brown faux-croc satchel (Brahmin, Camden). Of all the items I spied in the NAS catalog, this is the one I was sure I would buy. I want a bag that will go with both espresso and black, and I thought this was it--until I saw the color in real life. The brown in the center of the bag had a pinkish cast that just was not the hue I was looking for. I kept thinking maybe it was the light. But it did not go with the espresso short boots I specifically wanted to carry it with. (Sigh.)

Espresso leather tall boot (Aquatalia, Obsession). Whoa--these are for all you narrow-calf lasses! I did barely get them zipped, but I had some serious muffin top going on with these boots. Too bad, because they are gorgeous.

Faux leather and knit moto jacket (Vince Camuto). I like the idea of a moto-style jacket that isn't leather, and this was cute. But I really didn't want black. I found the metal zipper hard to work. Took my usual size.

Knit moto jacket (Halogen). Very, very narrow sleeves. I really don't need another black jacket. Really, I don't. Still, just had to try it. I liked the way it looked, fit and style-wise (other than those impossible sleeves, which I couldn't have layered anything under--and which might have been more comfortable if I even shaved my arms, they fit that closely).

Leather trim moto-inspired tweed cardigan (Classiques Entier). The tweed is pretty (teal and coral are among the flecks in it) and soft. It's a beautiful sweater-jacket. Ultimately I didn't love it for my style, but I would admire it on someone else.

Still thinking I might need to get some running shorts and tights. But otherwise, I'm pretty happy with my purchases!

What do you all think? Did I do okay?

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.

21 Comments

  • Sylvie replied 10 years ago

    Sounds like you were super efficient with your shopping!

    I have a hunch that tunic sweater is going to make it onto Angie's picks - I think it was in one of her photos earlier.  And now you have me thinking I need it too - which I absolutely don't.

    Did you get a photo of yourself in the Mackage trench?  It seems like such a beautiful interesting coat.  Too bad it didn't fit right because it would fit right into your wardrobe.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Sylvie, thanks. Unfortunately I did not get any photos of the try-ons. The coat is a great value at the sale price, too. I may go back and try a different size, but I was out of time, and I really wasn't after a coat anyway. . . .

  • replied 10 years ago

    Wow, FC. Some great purchases and some fab maybes too. I would have loved to have seen you in the Mackage coat too, as it looks fabulous.

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Looks fantastic - looking forward to seeing them on!

  • Joyce B replied 10 years ago

    Great haul!

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    Firecracker, this is a fantastic haul and breakdown - I am flagging it for my own consideration next week. I love what you chose and why you chose it, and even some of what you didn't choose is worth thinking about because of the detail you provided. I feel like you pre-shopped for me. :)

    You've got me thinking about the Hudson baby boots, the Natori underthings, and the Tweed sweater. Thanks for all the great info!

    Can't wait to see these pieces on you!

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    Great report and great choices! It's always nice to find well-fitting jeans. That tunic is beautiful, I'm temped to consider that one too. I also added the ombré one to my cart but ultimately eliminated it. It's too bad the bag color was disappointing.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Firecracker!!  It is like you went out and did my advance shopping for me!!  I can't tell you how appreciative I am.  When they finally allow me to buy, I'll be buying the same exact foundation pieces.  Thank you for that!!!  

    I will also try on the Kut from the Kloth jeans you found.  I love the cashmere and lace sweaters as well.  I'll watch for future posts from you.  Have a good day.   

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    You have got some great pieces there, FC! The coat is especially drool worthy.

  • Aubergine replied 10 years ago

    Those look like wonderful picks! 

    I especially like the boots, and I actually ordered that tunic sweater in the same color. It's a shame about that trench, because it looks beautiful. I also might have been tempted to try the knit moto jacket, so it's good to know about the narrow sleeves so I don't waste my time with that.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Wow, you got some great stuff!  Well done!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Great selections! I really like how you explained the fit details and your thought process in making the choices. Helps us all enormously! 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    Thanks, everyone!
    Viva, Sterling, Aubergine, Suz, and others, I'm so glad the reviews are helpful! It's great to have the YLF finds feature this year, to allow this kind of sharing.

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    Fantastic report! Thanks for sharing! I too love the looks of that sweater and wonder if it might be making "the list..." Can't wait to see your things on (except of course the under-things ;) ) 

  • Carole replied 10 years ago

    Wow, love all your selections! Makes me want to go shopping, now! Especially want to try the Aquatalia's, that brand didn't work last year for my wide foot, maybe this will be better...hard to find the narrower calf!

  • dashielle (Ann) replied 10 years ago

    Sharan, your efficiency puts mine to shame! I bow before your mastery of he sport :-). Looks like you got some great pieces and also did a good job of sticking to your priorities. You've given me a couple of ideas; brown slacks and the cashmere tunic are two. I do not need another tunic, but what if one of mine perishes this year? ;-)

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    Wow, fab choices. I lvoe the way you explain your purchasing decisions as well.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Stunning, Sharan. Seven of your items made my Top Picks list. Enjoy. xo

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    Nice!

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Looks like you made out! The boots are awesome.

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous new items.  As a pear shape I have found that straight legs is how I can sport a skinny style jean.  True skinnies are way too tight on me!  Great color on the tunic sweater, the pink is lovely.

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