YouLookFab Forum » Topic: I have never......

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: I have never...... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:23:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php DonnaF on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281447 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:32:00 +0000 DonnaF 1281447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ladyone; My current wardrobe is probably 80% from Nordstrom, but 90% purchased online even though I have two Nordstrom stores that are somewhat convenient to me.  I make my returns (80% return rate?) at the stores.  Most of what I've bought was 40% off, but some was 30% off, and a few items were 25% off, and a rare few were full price purchased on double point days.  I'm not exactly an upscale buyer!  I sold a SA that I wasn't interested in a particular $138 vest (gilet) unless it went on sale, and she told me she would contact me when it did.  The next time I saw her and told her that online it was marked down to $55, she said that when she was off one weekend, they were taken away to be sold at the Rack and had never gone on sale in store.  Believe it or not, I actually found that vest in the Rack last week (at $55) and would have never thought to look there had she not told me. Nordstrom is the single place where I feel that I've always been treated well.  I don't think I've been treated poorly at Macys, but the SAs are nearly non-existent.  I think I've been treated fairly well at Talbots.  The issue I think I'm facing is ageism; I don't fit the demographic of many stores even if the clothes might fit.  Maybe they think I will chase away their desired customers?  The one place I will no longer enter is Sephora, at least a particular one in the 'burbs.  I went there shortly after it opened and was the only customer in the store.  Nonetheless, the SAs purposely avoided me like the plague even after I chased one down.  She couldn't wait to escape me.  Nordstrom.com has a Plus Size tab, just as it has a Petite tab.  It will give you a good sense of what is in the brick'n'mortar stores, maybe even a more complete selection, although the stores sometimes have additional colors.  Or not.  I have also found that what is marked down online will not necessarily be marked down in the store, but they will give you the lower price if you ask. Janet on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281423 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:50:06 +0000 Janet 1281423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When Nordstom was new to this area and I was younger (and poorer), I thought it was only for "rich people." Now it's my favorite department store. The price points are varied enough that I think many budgets can be satisfied, and the service really is very good.  I have come to merely tolerate Macy's because it really is not what it used to be. It's cramped, crowded, the dressing rooms are stuffed with left-behind merchandise, and it's hard to find a SA when you need one. Lord & Taylor is a little better. Bloomingdales seems better too, but I rarely get to one because the closest one is in DC, and I don't go down there to shop very often.  Department stores in general have grown more cramped and confusing, and less enjoyable. Nordstrom is more like the department stores *used* to be decades ago -- I'm talking about some of the regional/local stores like Hecht Co. and Hutzler's here in Maryland. abc on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281400 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:23:18 +0000 abc 1281400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jealous bc the Nordies near me are nowhere NEAR the size of the Chicago store you are about to visit (sigh) ;) Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281292 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:06:31 +0000 Ledonna N. 1281292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Day Vies you have been such a true help.  I am a petite (short) 18 with massive shoulders and feet compliments of my father.  I am no stranger to alterations but for free yes,  thank you for the tip. Day Vies on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281278 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:49:30 +0000 Day Vies 1281278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, one more thing about women's/plus size departments in stores that are new to me -- I fully expect the clothes to be larger versions of the styles and offerings in the Misses department. If I see rows of black shapeless sparkly clothes I'm out of there. Here's my Nordstrom's endorsement story. I was looking for a gala dress and decided to try Nordstrom's. I am 2 different sizes on top and bottom 16/18 on top and size 12 on the bottom (when not pregnant ) I found a ton of dresses in Misses that were pretty but didn't give me enough room on top. Misses topped out at size 16.  One of the SA's told me there were larger versions of some dresses upstairs in Women's. So that's where I went. I found the perfect dress (altered for free!) on clearance in the women's department for less than $75 and keep in mind I was going to a GALA. So yes part of the fun of shopping is spending far less than you anticipated, but I also enjoy getting the most value for my money. I'm not sure where else you can get free alterations. Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281244 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:23:48 +0000 Ledonna N. 1281244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Windchime- Thank you for sharing your experince I will be going to the same one on Michigan Sunday afternoon.  I think I will try out the cafe as well for an early dinner.  I love downtown Chicago in the summer.  And again I will report back either late Sunday or Monday morning for sure. Windchime on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281214 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:44:42 +0000 Windchime 1281214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ladywone--I stepped into my first Nordstrom in April. It was the Michigan Avenue store in Chicago, of all places to dip my toes into the water! AND, get this--I was with my 80-year-old blind father and 14-year-old sloppily dressed son--not exactly typical high-end department store customers! I went there hoping to find slip-on sneakers, and the SA could not have been more kind and helpful. She didn't hover, but when I was ready to try on, she offered water and comfortable seating to all three of us. She listened carefully to what I was looking for and brought out a dozen pairs for me to try. I did buy one pair, which I love. Then we wandered up to the cafe for supper and had one of the best roast chicken dinners ever, at perhaps the best price in Chicago. Would love to join if there's a Chicago YLF meet up sometime. Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281204 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:16:31 +0000 Ledonna N. 1281204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia- Reading and thrift stores have always been my great loves.  I think that being an introvert plays a hand in why I feel a certain way about higher end stores. Laura- Thank you for your input.  I feel just the opposite about smaller boutiques.  I like the one on one interaction.  Desmo-Yes, one Macy's I went into had the plus size intermixed with the maternity wear.  Kind of like the target stores.  No offense to the the wonderful soon to be mothers.  But I am not pregnant and I have no intentions of becoming so in the future.  I am plus size there is a difference. Adelfa, Viva, Jackiec, Rambeling Ann, ABC- I am getting more excited or confident about my visit to Nordstrom.  I will most assuredly give and update on my experience.  I will be going after church on Sunday to the downtown Chicago location.   Day Vies-  I work 3 blocks from the old Marshall Field's in Chicago.  I did visit the store upon occasion.  Diana-  I am just completely turned off by my experience with Macy's and I will not be revisiting that store. But, on the other had I am glad your experience went over so well. Angie- Thank you for your response.  The next time you are in the Chi I would love an Angie and YLF meet up experience.  Angie on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never/page/2#post-1281156 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:28:38 +0000 Angie 1281156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's a date, Lady. xo abc on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281136 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:07:26 +0000 abc 1281136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I, too, thought Nordstrom was just for "old money" and I totally didn't get it for a long time. Now I get what all the fuss is about. Just echoing what others have said on the forum.  Be sincere about your intentions and budget and I am pretty sure the SAs will do all they can to help you find what you're looking for. Also - their shoe selection is TO DIE FOR.  Just sayin' :D ETA: thinking more about it, ladywone, I think you like thrifting for the thrill of the hunt.  Your Nordies experience might be different than this - so be prepared for that.  The SAs will do the hunting for you if you let them.  You will be able to relax and enjoy a different shopping experience.  It took me a while to get used to this model of shopping but it's way less labor intensive!  The Nordies experience (to me at least) does not feel anything like shopping at Macy's or a thrift store where YOU do all of the work.  The service really is what sets the store apart, IMHO.  Good luck and please report back. Rambling Ann on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281128 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:00:23 +0000 Rambling Ann 1281128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hate hovering as much as anyone. When I went for a bra fitting at Nordstrom, I finally understood what the fuss was about WRT the service model. I spent way more than I intended, but the SA helped me find things that solved wardrobe malfunctions for a number of things I already owned that weren't even on my list. Maybe start there? jackiec on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281124 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:57:06 +0000 jackiec 1281124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Since I'm in Canada, I've only been into Nordstroms when I'm on vacation somewhere in the US. I have no problem bumbling around because I'm in tourist mode anyways. On the other hand, I totally know how you feel. We have a high end retail store here, Holt Renfrew. I have never.ever.ever shopped there because I am way too intimidated. I have walked through enroute from the parking lot when I parked in the wrong area.  Angie is right, the retail store is there for you. I should try it out one day too... Diana on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281121 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:56:18 +0000 Diana 1281121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (sorry, double posted) Diana on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281120 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:55:26 +0000 Diana 1281120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My personal style is that I like SAs to be present and helpful if I ask questions, but I don't like them to hover or to push things on me. I'm an introvert - I don't like to chat with strangers unless there's a purpose to the chatting. I think nordies is a good middle ground here - they are well staffed and very helpful/knowledgeable but leave you alone if you are just browsing around. The extremes are places like macys (no SA in sight) or some small boutiques where I'm the only customer and the SA is always breathing down my shoulder. By the way, my Macy's trick is to go to the jewelry dept when I need something rung up or returned. There's always someone at the fancy jewelry counter - I think it's required for security. viva on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1281117 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:53:02 +0000 viva 1281117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think keeping in mind what Angie said -- that the store is there for you -- is pretty key. As long as your Nordstrom has a plus size department, Ladywone, so you know they will have options for you, then I think you are absolutely right to go -- and I know you've made your mind up to do that. I used to feel so intimidated by the extra help of Nordstrom SAs, especially since I am not exactly the demo.  And then, the last time I went, I was looking for a special dress for my 50th bday, and when the SA started helping me, I was just straight with her -- this is what I am looking for, and this is my budget. It was a modest budget. She was really, really helpful. She took into account my size and body type and recommended several items within that range, and when I was done trying on, I didn't buy a thing because it was the first store I had gone to, and she was really great -- "Good luck! I hope you find something, and don't forget that you can call me if you decide that one of these will work!" No pressure, just great service. FYI ... I didn't end up buying there -- I found something that worked that was less at Lord and Taylor -- but I got NO service there. I don't even think an SA acknowledged me. I wish it had worked out that I had found the item at Nordstrom because I do think they work for their salaries there. Good luck! lyn67 on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280993 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:23:33 +0000 lyn67 1280993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah, you cracked me up  lyn*:-))))) Day Vies on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280935 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:43:26 +0000 Day Vies 1280935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You should definitely visit Nordstrom's. I have felt your same hesitation but not with regard to Nordstrom, I have felt that way about Sak's Fifth Avenue and probably still do. I have never found anything in my size in Sak's unless it was online. I don't particularly care for Macy's at all since they senselessly took over Marshall Field's here in Chicago and down-graded the entire experience of shopping at the original store on State street but I digress. I overcame my hesitation by just going in and looking around. I start with shoes and makeup (big fan of MAC cosmetics) then I start looking for reasonably priced clothes in my size. I have to shop in 3 different departments stores like Nordstrom (Misses, Womens and Petites. Woman Petites if available ;-)) If the clothes are interesting and appeal to my aesthetic the store has earned a new customer. Adelfa on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280927 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 05:22:15 +0000 Adelfa 1280927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love Nordstrom. I won't set foot in a Macy's unless it's to buy sheets, or unless I'm with my sister. I'm pretty sure the Nordstrom personnel will do anything they can to help you. I can't wait to hear how it goes! Desmo April on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280886 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:29:05 +0000 Desmo April 1280886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My annoyance with Nordstrom is that at least two of my local stores have pulled out the plus size department altogether. If I can get to one with the Encore department the clothes can be pretty great. One of my local Macy's has the plus department on the main floor and it isn't hidden, I love that store. Most of them hide the department though. I'm pretty hardcore on not spending money at a store that doesn't want to sell me clothes--I won't even buy accessories at a store like Zara. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280878 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:20:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1280878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find boutiques intimidating as well. Any small store that I haven't been in can be intimidating - you never know what you will get. Even thrift stores - I've entered one and wanted to instantly leave but I didn't feel like I could because I'd be so conspicuous! I didn't grow up with Nordstrom - so it's definitely been more of a recent, west coast thing. Department stores seem to have differentiated in recent years - you've got the more high end stuff, and then you've got places like Sears which has become more like Kohls or TJ Maxx. The interesting thing about Nordstrom, at least the ones near me, is that they're not crowded like the low price stores, but they're not high priced like Neiman Marcus or Saks. Jaime on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280835 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:26:04 +0000 Jaime 1280835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up following my mother around department stores like Macy's and only wanting to go to the book store. So I was never really intimidated by department stores but dreaded them. I was a nervous wreck about entering small boutiques where you would be immediately noticed but age has given me a sense of gravitas (or obliviousness) and I have adjusted. But, frankly, nothing beats a thrift store for me! Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280830 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:23:30 +0000 Ledonna N. 1280830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gigi - I guess we'd can all get used to something. Nevertheless I have already made up my mind to stop in the next time. Gigi on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280812 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:09:37 +0000 Gigi 1280812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For a long time, I avoided Nordstrom. I felt an "old money" vibe in there, and everyone seemed really snooty. But I'm difficult to fit (small petite sizes), and so I eventually had to try them out, simply because I needed a bigger selection than what I could find elsewhere. I discovered that the SAs really know their stuff and are very professional, and although the store may seem "snooty," a lot of the SAs are very normal, kind people. And the service is extraordinary. I can think of very few places that have customer service like Nordie's. So now I am a regular, and the petites' SAs know me when I stop in. I've gotten some really nice pieces from there. And it's not all superexpensive. There is a lot of midrange clothing too. After going there for a while, I felt bolder and actually tried on some of the more expensive stuff. None of the SAs pressured me to buy. I told them I was just trying clothes on to check the sizing in different designer lines and wasn't planning to buy. I know what you mean about having your special sizing tucked into the corner. Usually petites' are right next to plus size and maternity, in the back of the store, no matter where you are. I'm used to it, I guess. I vote that you should try the Nordstrom store. You might be surprised. If you hate it, you don't have to go back. Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280807 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:05:53 +0000 Ledonna N. 1280807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou- It seem as if it is a journey for you to get to any store but, thank you for your input. Gaylene-thanks for your feedback. I know from trial and error we must all find our comfort zone as they say money talks. Rabbit-I also expect the best when it comes to certain things I wonder why I don't expect the same from service retail. rabbit on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280758 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 02:21:49 +0000 rabbit 1280758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've also experienced that Macy's SA often seem to be spread quite thin, and try not expect much except that I can hopefully find a staffed cashier station on the floor I'm shopping on.    On the other hand, looking at the 20 clothing items I've bought from Macys this year on my spreadsheet, only 6 of them cost me over 10$, and none over 20$.   So I basically treat it as a quieter, more spread out off price retail location with thrift store prices if you are shopping clearance.  It's less crowded in terms of people and clothes, although with a lower percentage of designer goods than the closest Rack.   It's interesting thinking about it, because I do value and pay for a welcoming environment and pleasant service and consistently top quality goods, but from restaurants and bars rather than retail stores.  In retail stores the pleasure comes from the particular item itself once I've found it and brought it home and is amplified by paying less for it --- I would pay more out of necessity, but not out of a preference to have a nicer shopping environment or more assistance.  This wouldn't be the case of course if I felt hostility or judgement rather than just mild indifference from employees.   I think it totally makes sense to listen to your gut  and find the places that work best for you.  Gaylene on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280722 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:54:02 +0000 Gaylene 1280722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I've never felt uncomfortable at any department store but I can relate to that feeling whenever I'm in a high-end boutique, especially one that seems to cater only to a very young, very thin, clientele who obviously have tons of disposable income to spend on $4000 jeans with designer-created holes in them. Not my tribe, as Rachylou might say, so I usually circle around and walk out. And I think I'd find any "attitude" from sales staff more amusing than intimidating, especially if they were working on commission. After all, discouraging me from using my credit card means they might not be able to pay their rent next month. Like Angie, I expect good service from sales assistants because their job is to assist me. Helping me find something I like is a win-win situation for both of us. Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280715 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:46:48 +0000 Ledonna N. 1280715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ joy- Thank you for the feedback and the response I am encouraged to try the local Nordstrom. I think we have a Dillards in Chicago but, it has not been on my radar.  Echo- Oh my that "Pay Grade" sound like something I used to say when I was in the  military.  I felt the same way even when I became an engineer.  I had the same mindset that I could not shop in certain types of places.  I guess I do feel somewhat out of my depth when I even think about going into stores like that.  That is really an interesting statement about the smaller stores and the pressure to feel like you have to buy something. Angie- Always the Defender and Protector :)  I would love to have you come to Chicago to help me and those who have the same fear yes, fear about these bigger stores. I think you were in Chicago some years back at that time I was still a lurker.  But let me know when you are in town again and I will be there with my war clothes on.  rachylou on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280712 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:44:48 +0000 rachylou 1280712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Big department stores can be a lot for me. Overwhelming. All the departments, the amount of floor that has to be covered, the stuffed racks, etc. They're also, because of where I live now, a big trial to get to. I have to drive 45-50 miles to get to any such department store - or worse, go downtown SF, which experience makes me want to tear my hair out. That said, Nordies are always nicely laid out in my experience - there's some room to breathe. Also, some very good prices. Not thrift prices, of course, but not all designer either. At the NAS sale last year, there was a lot for $40 and under. I think customers and staff are pretty normal in Nordstrom. Ledonna N. on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280701 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:32:04 +0000 Ledonna N. 1280701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn- I admit to being frumpy sometimes going into stores I wounder about Angie being in stores like that to make a person like myself feel more comfortable. cciele- I get you with statement like "large department stores. They tend to be loud (aurally and visually), smelly (perfume), overwhelming and disorganized"  It has been at least 7 years for me going into a mall.  Maybe times have changed.  I will just have to go to Nordstrum to check them out.  I am willing to give them a chance. jennifer- I have spent some time in Lane Bryant to purchase some quality items.  But like you I do tend to frequent the discount chains and thrift stores when shopping.  Maybe it is time to give the larger stores a try. rabbitt- A friend of mine loves Macy's, My experience is like the one I first described in this thread.  I tend to feel overwhelmed and under appreciated.  I work middle of downtown Chicago So I have been to the Macy's several times and had the same experience.  Oh I fit the profile on paper just IRL it is sometimes different. firecracker- It is challenging going into stores like this but I am willing to try.  The incident with my mother happened in the 90's so I am open to the possibility of change.  But in the back of my mind I wonder what is the deeper meaning of what happens when we have judged something or someone based on our own perception. I have been to a local Boutique in Evanston and the quality and service was above excellent.  So I am in favor of shopping at smaller stores. always trying- Now I have been in those stores and I find it very interesting I have had the best customer service and I am not at all in the demographic. Let me just say I don't want to bash any store based on my own bias opinions.  I am of the mindset that I will try until I don't want to try anymore. Angie on "I have never......" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-have-never#post-1280700 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:31:25 +0000 Angie 1280700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My thoughts are two-fold:  1. Leave no retail stone unturned.  2. A retail store is there for you - you are not there for them.  When my clients feel intimidated about going into a high-end boutique or store,   I tell them: "Don't worry. I will protect you". We walk in and I make sure we are  treated like royalty.  I'll protect you, Ladywone.