goldenpig

Hi all! Piling on to the NAS fray with my set of K/R's. I bought these when the pre-sale started but didn't get a chance to take pics till now. I also haven't had a chance to peruse Angie's lists yet but am hoping to read them later tonight!

I have to say I'm not super thrilled with these now that I've tried them on. The only one I love and am keeping for sure is the Zella turquoise jacket and black yoga pants. On the fence about the black and white striped dress (I think it looks better than the red/navy) and the red leggings, but I'm not so sure about the grey sweater and the two capes--I feel like they're kind of swallowing me up. What do you think of these items on me--anything worth keeping?

1-5. Halogen Toggle Closure Topper in Grey (one size fits all):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ha.....sultback=0
and Hue red denim leggings:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hu.....sultback=0
I am not sure about the sweater. These M red leggings are a bit snug at the waist, but the size L was too big in the crotch.
Oh and I couldn't resist copying the silly model pose (4-5)! :)

6-10. French Connection 'Dani' Stripe Side Panel Sheath Dress in black/white (6-8) and red/navy (9-10) in size 8:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....sultback=0
This is a very snug body-con dress so I had to size up to an 8. Even so, I think it's a bit of a hard style for apples to wear. Sorry for the bad lighting--I think it looks worse in the pics because the overhead lighting in the bathroom closet here creates a lot of shadows around the tummy that you wouldn't necessarily see in real life. Regardless, what do you think? I think for some reason the black/white looks more slimming than the red/navy. Plus I think I can also wear it with the red leggings in 8--does that look OK? On the other hand, if you think this dress makes me look horribly fat, let me know. I can handle it! ;)

11-13. Betsey Johnson Bell Sleeve Capelet in Orange, size S:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....sultback=0
Maybe I should have sized down to an XS--I kind of feel like a whale in this. Also the buttons/toggles are kind of difficult to open and close easily. The closure is a bit fussy. Not sure if I really need this because I already have a rust orange wool peacoat. If you really like it, I might try an XS.

14-15. Via Spiga Ombre Plaid cape size S/M:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....ltback=432
Huh, I'm not sure about this one either. It also feels a little large on me, and there are a lot of snaps to close it up which is also kind of fussy. And the "sleeves" are not real sleeves...I feel like a bat when I raise my arms!

17-20. Zella ruched turquoise jacket size S:
(Here's the link for the black version but I can't find the turquoise--maybe it's sold out?)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....sultback=0
Zella Booty Reversible Pants size 8:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....sultback=0
These are my faves of the bunch and the only ones I'm keeping for sure. So comfy--gear that still looks stylish enough to wear out & about in a pinch. Definitely fills a loungewear wardrobe hole for me! The pants say "reversible" but the inside is black too, so I'm not sure what the point of that is.

Thanks for wading through yet another YLF NAS K/R!

I bought a lot of stuff at last year's NAS--I actually joined YLF and signed up for a Nordie's card after seeing a list of Angie's NAS picks, which inspired me to jump start my wardrobe renovation. So I am trying to be very judicious this year and only buy things that are true wardrobe holes instead of duplicating what I already have. Hence I am trying to stay away from things like boots and leather jackets. There isn't a whole lot that I want or need (that is, until Angie's list comes out and then all bets are off!).

This was my first time doing pre-select. I made an appointment, but I don't have someone that I work with closely so it was just a random SA. She took me to a couple different sections of the store which were roped off areas with the NAS racks. Here are the things I ended up with:

I copied this catalog pic and bought the
1. Halogen toggle closure topper in grey:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....veforlater
and Hue red denim leggings:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/hu.....veforlater

And ironically, I bought a very similar outfit to what anti-snazzy Yoga Pants Mom was wearing! I am going to use this for loungewear mostly, but also perhaps for super casual MOTG days. I have very few non-pajama loungewear outfits (actually, only 2--a pair of blue AE sweats and pink jacket, and the Target purple jacket and pants that I just bought) and since I always take off my clothes right when I get home, it beats my typical souvenir dive T-shirt and PJ bottoms look. I admit, I don't do yoga, so maybe I'm a poser for getting yoga pants, but they are so comfy and seem like a more stylish alternative to baggy sweats.
2-3. Zella Pleated Hem Shirred Jacket in Blue Dresden--I really like wearing turquoise, and I feel like the peplum back and shirring make this an UWP-style upgraded version of my old REI fleece jacket.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....hoppingbag
4. Zella Booty pants in black (really form fitting in the butt and thighs but stretchy and comfy):
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ze.....veforlater

I also bought this dress in black and white, although I also ordered the black and red to compare which one looks better. This dress is so cute, but the body-con style is brutal for apples though...I am going to try it with some shapewear to see if it will work.
5. French Connection Dani Stripe dress in black and white stripes (I could even wear it over the red leggings as a long tunic).
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....sultback=0
6. French Connection Dani Stripe dress in red and black stripes:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....sultback=0

Also I didn't get a chance to try these on, but I ordered these capes online. I had bought a camel cape at NAS last year but ended up returning it because I realized that the camel color washed me out. Hopefully one of these two will work and won't overwhelm my frame.
Betsey Johnson capelet in orange:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....ltback=371
Via Spiga Ombre Plaid Cape:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vi.....ltback=826

Any thoughts on 5 vs. 6 and 7 vs. 8 or do you want to wait for the K/R pics when I get them? I'm proud of myself for not going hog wild (although I can't promise I won't covet the goodies that you all and Angie post!).

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Nordstrom to try out. Sorry for the deluge and thanks for your help sorting these out! Any of these worth keeping?

1-2. Tahari coral dress, made famous by Kari and also rocked by Rita and Vicki. Size 6. I didn't have a size 4 available to try (normally I'd order both sizes).
3-6. Polka dot Vince Camuto peasant top size S (I'm planning to order a size XS since the other VC top I tried on I was advised to size down) and VC midi tube skirt size S. It looks OK under the blousy top, but it's too body con with my apple tummy so I'm wondering if I should size up to a M.
7-9. Ella Moss high-low midi skirts in turquoise and orange (don't mind the tops, they're not styled). Comfy but wrinkly (I guess I would need to steam/iron them).
10. Caslon orange and white tee size S. Is this too baggy?

My sister is getting married this October in Sedona, Arizona. I am not in the wedding party but my two kids will be flower girl and ring bearer. I am looking for an appropriate dress for the wedding. Something not bridesmaid-y, but also not mother of the bride-ish either. The wedding will be in the daytime and outdoors, and I'm not sure about the reception (possibly dinnertime). It will be warm or hot most likely. My sister wants royal blue and white as her colors. Obviously I can't do white, but should I try to wear something blue (since I'll be in the family pics), or will that make me look like a bridesmaid since they will all be wearing royal blue? If not blue, what color? There's no rush on this, I just thought I'd pick your brains so I can start leisurely looking for the right dress. Ideally $250 or less, and I don't typically like strapless or spaghetti strap dresses.

Here's a few possibilities from skimming the Nordstrom website--which of these styles look like they might work best/look like my style? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

1. Suzi Chin for Maggie Pleated dress--nice, but too bridesmaid-y? Too short?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=1387

2. Adrianna Papell Dot Halter Gown--navy maxi with white dots--I love the dots, but not sure about the halter style on me though, also the navy might clash with the royal blue
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ad.....tback=3305

3. Calvin Klein full length halter gown
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....tback=3825

4. Alex evenings beaded ruched jersey gown--on sale! I think this would be flattering on me, but would it be too MOTB?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/al.....tback=1528

5. T by Tadashi V neck tiered ruffle skirt chiffon dress--I like it, but does it look dated?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/t-.....tback=8587

6. Maggy London Stretch Satin Sheath dress
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....tback=5441

7. Alex & Ava Dolman Sleeve Jersey dress
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/al.....sultback=0

8. Suzi Chin for Maggy Belted Cap Sleeve Sheath dress--could potentially reuse this to wear to work.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=5369

9. Maggy London Drape Front Jersey dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ma.....tback=7529

ETA: I totally forgot! I also have a couple options in my closet:
10. Jason Wu for Target navy poplin dress. This actually might work well for the occasion because it's rather dressy.

11. Tory Burch navy shirtdress with white hearts. This would be cute because of the hearts/wedding tie in.

YLF'ers, I have been a very naughty SYB'er! As you know I have the Kate Spade black & white Japanese floral Austin sheath dress that I got last month at 45% off. Well, I found out the matching Melinda handbag and Topliner trench (the one that Girl X and Zapotee have) are on sale for 50% off, and I could not resist! I am in matchy matchy heaven with the black and white dress, bag in reverse print, and trench with matching Japanese floral liner (it's a Florence Broadhurst vintage print). I bought the bag at my local Kate Spade but they did not have the trench so I drove an hour to the nearest one that had ones to try on (I wasn't sure what size I would need). I ended up in a size 6 (I am normally size 4-6 in most things, but have one size 8 KS dress). It's a bit snug at the top when fully buttoned (but I can still move my arms comfortably), but the 8 was definitely too baggy. It's OK though since I probably will not be layering bulky sweaters underneath. I really like the fit and flare silhouette and the contrast trim. It feels very ladylike to me, unlike most standard trenches which are somewhat unisex/masculine looking to me. I have been lusting after Kate Middleton's ruffled hem Burberry trench ever since I saw it, but Burberry prices are not something I want to pay right now (plus that style sold out in a day, apparently, and I also missed getting the cheap knockoff). Even at half off the Kate Spade is expensive for me, but I think I'd get a lot of use out of it and it goes well with my style.

The only concern I have is the color. Yes, it is beige. I have been so worried that you won't like it on me and will say it's "soul-sucking beige". I know Asians aren't supposed to wear beige (or at least it's very tricky with our skin color). I would have preferred if the coat were cream. But it has a yellowish undertone (rather than grey) to the beige, so that's supposed to be good if I'm a warm toned Deep Autumn, right? I tried to take several pics in different kinds of lighting so you can get an idea, but it's tough to photograph the true color. Also, I'm hoping you won't say it's too voluminous/overwhelming on my frame. I do also have a cream and black cropped trench jacket from WHBM, but I just love the drama of a long trench coat! I really am curious (and nervous) of what you will think of this coat on me!

And GirlX and Zap--can't wait to see more pics of you in your trenches so I can get more inspiration!

The handbag is vinyl (so it's vegan for those who are looking for such a bag), and has a cool neon orange lining. I really like the structured satchel shape.

I am so happy I found these two pieces to complete my "set"! I wore 1-6 to work (but kept the tags on the coat). So what do you think--are these keepers? They were 50% off and final sale, so if you really hate the coat I would have to either beg Kate Spade to take it back for store credit (I've done that once before but it's not guaranteed) or sell it on eBay. Nervously awaiting your verdict!

1-6. With KS Austin matching dress
7. Raspberry H&M cardigan
8-11. With WHBM striped top and Gap real skinny pants and All Black Fish Bow pumps
12-14. With rust Ann Taylor tank and Always Skinny jeans and rust Chie Mihara sandals.
15. No flash, indoors
16. Flash, indoors
17. Outdoors
18-20. Melinda purse

I'm a little mystified by the lack of love for maxi skirts and dresses on YLF. It seems the advice whenever a maxi is posted is to shorten to a midi or return (thinking of Zap and Mo's recent threads). I had one old maxi skirt with a leaf print, that I purged after it got a thumbs down. But wondering if there are any maxi skirts or dresses that are YLF approved, and what makes the difference? I thought I saw a white button down shirt and black evening maxi skirt on Angie once (or was it a midi, now I can't remember)?

I posted this maxi dress before, but haven't had a chance to wear it yet. And browsing online briefly, here's one maxi dress that I like because of the colors and pattern, but I don't really like spaghetti straps on me so I don't think it would work for me. And the third dress is something I ordered but I haven't tried it on yet. It's more of a high-low maxi though--is a high/low better?

So are there any maxis that work for everyday looks and get YLF love, or are maxis out because midis are all the rage right now? I am well stocked in the midi department, just wondering if I should expand my horizons.

I posted about these "doctor satchel" shape bags earlier--thanks all for your advice.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ould-i-get

Now the Fossil bags have arrived and I thought I would post IRL K/R comparison pics, if you can bear with me (lot of pics!). Does this change your opinion on which bag to keep? I could keep the yellow plus one of the black ones (I don't have either color bag), or only one of the three, or none if you don't like any of them!

The advantages of the Fossil ones are that they have a crossbody strap (although I don't know if they look too large to wear as a crossbody) and the leather is softer, and it has two (open) side pockets instead of just one (closed) in the front. On the other hand, the Ralph Lauren is more structured/dressier, cleaner look, nicer lining, has feet on the bottom, and is a little cheaper (since I got it on sale at TJ Maxx). I admit I do like the look of the Fossil better (plus I'm a Fossil fan), but the Fossil vibe is definitely more casual. I think that works in the favor of the yellow bag though--I feel like I could wear it both to work (19-21) and casual MOTG (22-23). Plus Suz's ode to a yellow bag has got me craving yellow:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-love-thee

What do you think?
1-6, 16. Comparison pics from different angles (Fossil on the left, Ralph Lauren on the right)
7-10. Fossil black satchel
11-15. Ralph Lauren black satchel
17-23. Fossil yellow satchel

OK, random fun hypothetical question! Let's pretend a fashion fairy appears and gives you the choice of one of the following gifts:
1. One super-luxury item, like a Hermes Birkin bag (these probably cost way more, but say for the sake of argument it's $5000)
2. Three regular-luxury items, like a Burberry trench, Louboutin heels, and Louis Vuitton bag (total not to exceed $5000)
3. What Not to Wear-style $5000 non-luxury wardrobe makeover/shopping spree, but nothing you buy can be more than $200 (so that equals about 25 items) and it all has to be bought in two days.
4. $5000 in cash, but you can't spend any of it on clothes (would you save it or spend it?)

What would you pick and why? If you're going for the big-ticket luxury items, what specifically would you buy with the $5000?

I don't own any luxury items (except some Kate Spade, if you count that), and am normally not a status brand seeker, but I might go for the Birkin bag, just because it's so famous, and I'd never ever buy something like that for myself, so it would have to be a fairy gift! Although practical me thinks I should probably just take the cash and run to the bank...it's not as much fun as a Birkin though!

You guys already know the issues between DH and me. We have been talking more which is good. We had a good long clearing of the air session last night and are trying to work things through and understand where each of us is coming from. He was upset that I was hiding purchases and not being honest with him and breaking promises that I had made to stop shopping. I've apologized for all of that and tried to explain how I felt and why I was doing it--I felt like I had to hide my shopping and YLF participation from him because of his negative reaction to it, which just created a vicious cycle of disapproval and dishonesty.

So, I've basically stopped buying new stuff (except for the Kate Spade dress with my consignment/rebate money, which DH said was OK), and limiting my time spent here to 15 min a day (so I'm sorry for not posting everyone else's threads as much!). I proposed that we could each a "personal/hobby budget" for his diving/camera equipment, my clothes, etc. and he was open to that, although we didn't discuss how much or when it would start--originally I had proposed to SYC for 3 months.

I know I made some mistakes and I do understand why he is upset and that he has every right to be and I'm trying to change. I'm just sad that we see things so differently. He told me he is scared that I'm acting like a crazy drug addict and that I'm out of control. That my posting on YLF is pure vanity and that I'm seeking compliments like a drug addict seeks "hits". That I would go into physical withdrawal and wouldn't be able to stop shopping or coming here even if I tried. He said that when he felt like he was playing video games too much, he just quit cold turkey for 6 months but he's worried I wouldn't be able to do the same. And I said, "Well I've been cutting way back and I don't think I need to quit altogether because I don't think it's a problem." And he said, "See, that's just what an smoker or alcoholic or drug addict says!" OK, touche!

But the thing is, I really don't think I'm an addict and I really don't think it's the same level as being a druggie! Yes, there is potential for similarities, and I probably was investing more time and money into this before than was necessary. But OK, I still work full time, still take care of the kids, we make enough money to cover all our expenses, and we can definitely afford what I spent on clothes. I'm not doing anything illegal, I don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, and don't even drink coffee. I don't have any other hobbies, it makes me happy and is my only creative outlet. So while I understand where he is coming from with the way I acted before, I just wish he wouldn't see my "hobby" in such a negative light. Where do you draw the line between addiction vs. amusement, vanity vs. self-confidence, and is YLF a vice or a hobby? He says he has been supportive overall, was the one who told me to revamp my wardrobe, went with me and bought me Anne Fontaine shirts and a trench coat at White House Black Market, etc. etc. But he said, "After the way you've acted, don't expect me to be all supportive and warm and fuzzy about your YLF activities." He said he isn't expecting me or asking me to quit YLF altogether. He said he just wants me to control myself and is OK with what I'm proposing as long as I stick with it.

But I'm sad that he thinks I'm an addict! Am I really? I don't know--a lot of you ladies shop and are on YLF a lot, as much as me or sometimes more. Do you or your husbands consider yourselves addicts too? I feel kind of vulnerable posting so much about my problems, wondering what you guys must think of me, but I still do value your support and perspective. And, DH is a good husband and father, and I am not trying to make him out to be some sort of controlling villain. We just don't see eye to eye on this issue. Please don't think badly of him or attack him!

OMG look at this Kate Spade Japanese Floral Austin Dress! I LOVE it, it's so mod and I love the black and white pattern. I could wear it to work, on dates, as a cocktail dress, etc. etc. And I could wear it year round!
And it's on sale at Bloomingdales!
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....sn_results
It's normally $395 but it's on sale right now (till 4/1) at Bloomies for $278 and if you use coupon code FANDF it brings it down to $236! AAAAHHHH!!!! I can't resist!

I went to try it on at the Kate Spade shop. The size 6 fit me best (which isn't available online at Bloomingdale's) but the KS shop said they could price match. What do you think of the dress on me? Does this print placement look OK (they only have one in stock in my size)? Should I get it? I have it on hold. I'm pretty sure I can get it without spending any additional money, from the clothes I consigned recently plus the Ebates/Mr. Rebates rebate checks. I know I said I was on SYC but I really really hope DH will agree to make an exception for this, since I would be using my consignment/rebate money! Otherwise I can ask him if it can be my birthday present!

Also I could eBay my black Kate Spade ruffle wrap dress that I never wore (#4) if I don't have enough to cover it (I will check with the consignment store to see how much I have sold so far). Anyone have any tips for eBaying? If the original price was $395 and it's NWT, how much should I ask for and should I do an auction or Buy it Now? How much should I charge for shipping or should I do free shipping? I've never eBayed anything before, but I think for something like this I'd get more on eBay than consigning it. Thanks for your help!