YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Macy's Chum

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Macy's Chum https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 15:32:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gail on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547992 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:42:58 +0000 Gail 1547992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Our Macy's is terrible unless you need shoes. Lack of SA's and the fitting rooms are disgraceful. So bad in fact that last time I was there I snapped some pictures of the stained, rusted and falling down ceiling tiles, the stained and dirty stool, the broken door locks and filthy carpeting. All that was in addition to the piles of tried on clothes hanging on the one hook in the room not broken. Of course I haven't yet sent it to the manager or anything lol. Having said all that I do buy a few things from there as I have very limited shopping close by , great shopping about an hour away. I really like the houndstooth by the way :) Beth Ann on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547867 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 03:25:16 +0000 Beth Ann 1547867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie:  Thanks for sharing the link!  Proportions are everything, and  I don't want to style this skirt like the A-lines from 2000.  This will be helpful! Gwennie:  "Which usually I'm up for, except when I'm not."  Ha!  I so undersatnd that sentiment! Jules:  I think the tube skirt will be around a long time!  I'm not letting mine go anytime soon!  The Calvin Klein skirt is the perfect length on me --- but I much prefer the bottom of the knee to just above! Anna:  You're right about Kohls -- and it's gotten worse in the last year.  Still, I know how to use that system to my benefit!  I will remember to check out the linens --- I need to buy some new items in that department. Carter:  I expected no attention, and was surprised to be wooed by several SA's simultaneously.  I felt mildly adulterous! UF -- There is a Neiman's here, too.  Perhaps I'll have to give it a whirl! Windchime:  I hope to style it this weekend! Maven:  I've had those moments when I decide not to return to a story anymore.  On some level, we have to find some practical help or pleasure in the experience.  It's ideal to find both great wardrobe items and a friendly, pleasing environment. Beth:  The INC SA was an older "career" professional.  I would have sworn she was working on commission.  I did appreciate the way she made sure I got the presale prices. BethT on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547862 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 03:05:11 +0000 BethT 1547862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My Macy's is a total hit or miss.  If there are younger gals working there, they are usually very helpful.  The older gals, not as much.   And by older I'm talking 50-60ish, not much older than me.   So if I need help, I'll find a younger person.  I don't find this to be true anywhere else in town.  It's so weird! MsMaven on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547859 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:52:00 +0000 MsMaven 1547859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to shop at Macy's a lot and they made a lot of money off of me. Then one day they decided they didn't want me for a customer anymore. Very sad--acres of clothes, no SAs and nothing I want. We do go to the men's store to buy Dockers for DH. Oh, and socks--he likes their socks.  Sadly there are fewer and fewer stores where I want to shop. Our local Bloomies went upscale with a new store and frankly, it gives me the creeps. This used to be a place to buy good dresses. Windchime on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547805 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:46:57 +0000 Windchime 1547805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL at the title of your post! I love your new skirt; hope you show it to us one of these days. I really have to be in the right mental state to deal with our local Macy's. It's often crazy busy and bustling, and some of the SA's can be snooty. That being said, I had a terrific experience there on a weekday morning last winter. I was looking for a specific kind of ankle boot, and the SA was very helpful and friendly, and yes, I bought a pair of boots and love them. unfrumped on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547802 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:36:42 +0000 unfrumped 1547802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That skirt looks gorgeous! Love your story. I had a similar experience at a Neiman's, on vacation, during a weekday morning. I realized I don't like too much attention! But Macy's -- before I saw these responses, I thought it was just me. I start to hyperventilate when I go into a Macy's and just feel totally confused, like I'm in a foreign land. Have not had that reaction to any other stores. carter on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547795 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:14:45 +0000 carter 1547795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the new items! I totally agree with you on Macy's SAs. At mine, they are purely register attendants. I don't even bother to try anymore. Good for you for sticking with it til success! annagybe on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547791 Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:03:47 +0000 annagybe 1547791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find Kohl's sale system ridiculous, probably JC Penney's too now. I've found some very interesting things at Macy's actually, silver bloomer shorts. Yeah their service is subpar, but if you just want to browse. Plus honestly I find them best for linens & other house stuff. In Seattle the downtown one I'd best. JulieinMI on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547561 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:48:52 +0000 JulieinMI 1547561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Went to Macy's this morning and bought the Vince Camuto ruched tube skirt for around $17. I hope they are still in style! They had black, grey, polka dots and stripes; some were the regular ones without the ruching on the sides. I tried that CK skirt on BethAnn. It is very nice but I thought too long for me. Gwennie on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum/page/2#post-1547556 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:45:13 +0000 Gwennie 1547556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your skirt - perhaps a softer blouse or a lightweight knit to go with it? Had to laugh about the Macy's comments. I also have a Macy's about 5 minutes from me. Have found a number of things I've liked there over the years. Per category - particularly good luck with pants and coats. Can't speak for other stores but shopping in the one near me can be a bit of a idiosyncratic, quixotic and interesting experience, which usually I'm up for - unless I'm not. The SA's are there but seem surprised that you might actually want to engage them but are friendly when you do. There is lots of stuff, which is usually good if you want to do a look through. Oddly enough I've found that there are lots of things in the store that they don't sell online. They have a number of ongoing store promotions which are not publicized. For instance charity promos where if you donate a certain amount to a charity (and the charities change) they'll give you a discount on your purchase. Often you don't find out about it until you go to purchase the item. Once I was there and they had a sale just for foreigners which I found a bit odd (and discriminatory!) People speaking French lining up with their promo ads! They do discount and have found some great prices on for instance Kut from the Kloth and Ralph Lauren. They often have sales on weekends where there is a percentage discount, say 20 to 25 percent. Angie on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547530 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:04:22 +0000 Angie 1547530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're sweet, Beth Ann. What a nice thing to say. I'm glad it was a useful shopping experience. We had fun too.  As for how to style the flared skirt - this might help:  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/03/11/ensemble-13-tops-for-a-flared-skirt/">http://youlookfab.com/2013/03/.....red-skirt/</a> dashielle (Ann) on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547501 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:26:01 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1547501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to be pretty desperate to go into our downtown one, because I can never find anyone to pull shoes or let me into a fitting room, not to mention take my money unless I go to cosmetics or jewelry. Macy's just doesn't want to stay in the game, I guess. I would hope the NY stores are better, they used to have a much better rep. Anonymous on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547490 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:03:27 +0000 Anonymous 1547490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admit to avoiding Macy's at all costs.   Beth Ann on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547481 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:50:20 +0000 Beth Ann 1547481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I'm not alone then?  I should mention that my INC SA was an older lady, a career retail employee, and I did appreciate that she was going all out to do her job!  I know she went out of her way to know how to do the "presale" checkouts.  I did feel pressure to let her check me out, but at least she worked to get me the discount! Retail Girl:  I worked at Kohls years ago, so I know that "one person for 5,000 sq ft" thing.  It's crazy! Viva:  I intend to get back to WIW, particularly with new items that I could use some help styling!  More to come! Karie:  It sounds like tactic works!  A good reminder that assertiveness, with a dose of warmth, can go a long way!  The houndstooth trousers are a great fabric -- the design does have a metallic thread run through it -- but it's subtle. Cheryl:  I didn't even see the EF department?  I have to look for that!  And a cashmere tee is a wonderful idea! Joyce:  I simply have to try things on!  Now, I can buy online once I've already tried on some store versions --- I sometimes go home and order a different size or color.  I admire those of you who build great wardrobes shopping online! Peri:  That's what I was expecting!  I wonder if there was some sort of competition going on in the store....... it was crazy! Diana:  I saw exactly that jacket in cobalt!  It'll look great on you. Jackie:  Yes, exactly!  I don't want to mess up someone's quota numbers, or create friction between SA's.  I must admit that, years ago while living in NJ, I used to go into Nordies just because the SAs would always be friendly.  I needed my dose of midwestern friendlines! Angie:  I went to Macy's specifically because I remember how you worked the floor at the Chicago store during our St. Paddy's day meetup!  You know how to make the most of every shopping location, with a smile on your face!  I learned a lot from just observing that day.  For instance, when we went into Zara, which is mostly not suitable for me, I took inspiration from the design, the color and general cuts, storing some ideas in my idea to take with me to Kohls and BR.  I also still go in to peruse their bags and accessories.  How you shop a store is an important as where you shop! Suz:  Good idea to start a new thread!  I should have time to do that this weekend.  It shouldn't be too hard, since I've been more conscious of my shopping "education" since the move.  It would be nice to learn from other forum members! jackiec on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547459 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:18:30 +0000 jackiec 1547459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No Macys here, but I just had to say thanks for the laugh! Loved reading your story. I have been in a few Nordstroms in the US and have noticed the territorial thing. It completely weirded me out at first. I felt guilty crossing lines and felt like I needed to read some sort of "rules of engagement" before shopping. I like what you've purchased and I'm sure you can put together 3 outfits with the skirt - you'd look amazing in it. Angie on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547453 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:06:32 +0000 Angie 1547453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great story and such lovely pieces. I'm excited to see you wear them.  Our downtown Macys is usually short staffed so you have to track down a SA. The experience is better in the burbs. I take clients to Macys all the time. They have great sales, an excellent petite career wear dept and a good plus size dept. They also do fab belts, comfort shoes and bags at a price.  Diana on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547448 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:57:04 +0000 Diana 1547448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Macy's. My experience is the opposite of yours - the whole sales floor seems abandoned and it's hard to find someone who will take your money! And then the SAs when you can find them all seem very unhelpful. I've learned that jewelry is always staffed though. I guess because they're not allowed to leave that section unattended. ;) I do occasionally find gems there though, like this jacket. I can't wait to wear it. Peri on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547437 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:41:08 +0000 Peri 1547437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've always had the opposite experience in Macys, and lately in just about every department store. I do go close to opening time and they have all been like ghost towns lately. I was in one a few days ago and the woman trying to check me out was also on the phone at the same time, saying she was the only one on that floor. Really irritating!! I've even noticed Nordstrom having fewer SAs lately.  Suz on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547431 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:34:01 +0000 Suz 1547431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, can I also add that I was most impressed with your style goal of becoming a better shopper in your new area.  As someone who used to be terrified of (and terrible at) shopping, I can't get over how smart this is! It would never have occurred to me in the past that shopping is actually a learned skill, and that different types of shopping (and different geographical areas) demand different approaches, even as different lifestyles demand different wardrobe capsules. And that devoting some time or attention precisely to the goal of learning to shop would be fashion time well invested.  If some of our newest members could hear this advice, it might prove really helpful to them. Maybe you can start a thread when you get time?  When I began on YLF I easily got overwhelmed and disappointed by how long it seemed to be taking me to figure all of this out. I'm still a work in progress and hardly a fashionista, don't get me wrong -- but at least now I enter into the whole game with a can-do spirit. If I had known to start with the very basics (how to approach a store of a certain kind) I might have been more patient with myself.  "Might."  Ha. Well, maybe not. But I can dream.... Suz on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547426 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:28:42 +0000 Suz 1547426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No Macy's advice here, since we don't have one (although it sounds a lot like shopping at The Bay...) --- however, from the looks of things, you did extremely well. I love the idea of burgundy and houndstooth ponte pants for you -- those will pair well with your jewel tones and will be easy to dress up or down as the occasion demands. I would love a burgundy pair myself -- or the houndstooth, for that matter. I have a real weakness for that pattern.  The skirt looks beautiful and extremely wearable. Given my casual lifestyle I would probably wear it most to parties (if I had any) or events of some kind. I like the styling ideas you have received. You could dress it down with a cropped denim jacket, wear a pretty blouse with it tucked in, or a white shirt. It could work with pumps, tall boots, or booties. It will be a fun change for you from pencil and tube skirts.  Janet on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547398 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:00:27 +0000 Janet 1547398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That skirt is beautiful and I think you'll find a lot of great stylings for it! The Macy's nearest me is quite different from yours, but awful nonetheless. It's very difficult to find a SA -- I think they're understaffed. I think the buyers are trying to cater to a "conservative" clientele, but everything in there looks dated or icky to me. Lots of embellished tops and polyester knits. The small sections they dedicate to brands I actually like (Lucky, RL Denim & Supply, etc.) are dwindling. The floors are stuffed with racks of clothing and there is not much room to move around. It's overwhelming and unpleasant. I'll cruise through on my way around the mall sometimes, but I've all but stopped any real shopping efforts there. It makes me kind of sad because Macy's used to be a go-to destination for me many years ago. It's in the same mall as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, which are now much nicer shopping experiences. Joyce B on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547365 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:13:11 +0000 Joyce B 1547365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You got some nice items, enjoy them! I agree with what you are saying, some of those SAs act like predators. I try to avoid them as much as possible and if they push too much I don't buy from them unless I really really need the item. That's one of the reasons I prefer online shopping, plus you get fresher merchandise. dakotacheryl on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547357 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:52:08 +0000 dakotacheryl 1547357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shop at the Macy's in Sioux Falls when I am working in that area of the state. I usually stalk Eileen Fisher and the SA in charge of that department is phenomenal. She will call me to alert of special sales so I can preselect. EF is usually well organized and easy to navigate. The other departments...not so much. This store is not very large, and their shoe selection is pitiful. Wacoal bras are usually well stocked. Handbags are another story...poor selection of the brands I like. BethAnn, I think your new skirt will look the most flattering with a top that shows off your nice waistline...something fitted. How about a nice cashmere T for fall winter? Karie on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547355 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:48:30 +0000 Karie 1547355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those houndstooth trousers are very nice and my Macy's has them in my size, so I might have to be a lemming! The thing with Macy's is they're always having a one-day sale, and they will hold merchandise not currently on sale for you until the next one-day sale date. They also always seems to be sending out coupons (which everything I want is usually part of their "exclusions") so if you don't have any, just say "I forgot my coupon, do you have any?" at the cash register and they'll usually come up with something for you. When I shop at Macy's or any store with tons of SA's, I always try to look like I know exactly what I'm doing and like I don't need any help at all. I figure I must be pretty good at pulling that look off because other customers will often ask me for help! When I'm approached by a SA, I simply smile and say, "Thank you, I don't need any help, but I'll come get you if I do." I'll take their card if they have one or get their name and then continue on my way. I will go back and get them if I need them, and if I purchase something I will give their card/name to the cashier. When I take merchandise into the fitting room, I use the YLF app and have the lovely ladies here help me decide on what fits and looks good and what doesn't.  viva on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547353 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:42:24 +0000 viva 1547353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That skirt looks so beautiful, and I love Joy's ideas, and also your georgette blouse idea. I hope you'll post some pics of your styling tries! retailgirl on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547349 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:26:24 +0000 retailgirl 1547349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I worked at Macy's and sales associates aren't expected to sell or help customers....their job is to ring the registers, solicit new charge accounts, and follow the prescribed steps to get a perfect mystery shopping score. They are usually understaffed. My department was 5000 sf and did $3 million a year, ( can't remember exactly ) and I had two SAs on the floor if I was lucky. They have support staff who work early morning to put out new stock and do markdowns. I've never been in a Macy's that wasn't a total mess, unless they are prepped for a corporate visit. The only reason I can shop there is because I understand the layout, but I prefer to shop at Nordstrom, talbots, Brooks brothers or on line. Beth Ann on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547346 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:17:12 +0000 Beth Ann 1547346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ P.S.  In their defense -- I think Macy's is a great "go-to" place for fancier dresses, and I notice they still have a department specifically arranged for women's business "suiting."  That was the neatest department visually, because everything was so tailored and neat.  I spent some time there, even though I wasn't looking for that sort of item, just because it seemed to peaceful and orderly! Beth Ann on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547345 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:15:21 +0000 Beth Ann 1547345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy:  I have a cream and black polka dot blouse -- in a drapey georgette, that I might try with it. Firecracker:  I'm liking skirts better than dresses these days, but they do take more time to style, at least at first.  I do indeed have the Robyn's, and that would be a good pairing.  I've been wanting a pair of patterned pants for a couple of years, but most are just horrible on me -- these are subtle, but interesting, because the check is low contrast. Jaileen:  We actually have a Rack just a mile or so (on the same road, actually) as the regular Nordies.  Maybe there's hope! Rachy:  I'm usually like this, too!  Didn't help that they were playing DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night" in the background.  The music in the store was like the mix tape from a sorority spring break trip, circa 1987.  And the store was empty, so I heard every bit of it! Denise:  You're right that it's the length that will matter most with the skirt.  On me, it looks a bit different -- more like a softer A-line.  I'll try to style later this weekend. Cerinda:  Good Macy's shopping tip!  I'm amazed they aren't investing more in keeping the store tidier and the merchandise better presented. Adelfa:  It is interesting that Macy's is, um, so "consistent" across the country.  Wouldn't it be great to see a local store create a positive work environment for both employees and staff?  I bet they'd make more money in the process. Deb:  That has been my tactic, too!  Sometimes, though, I'm looking to try on "lots of stuff" to explore what will work for me.  I did pull 6 pairs of different burgundy pants into the dressing room, and they're aren't many places you can try that many versions of something on -- side by side.  Of course, I was jumping from "island to island" to do that -- something that it frowned upon, apparently! AndiB:  I'm tempted to ask someone else if I can use my 20 percent off coupon (sent to me when I got my Macy's card) with the weekend sale promotion.  The coupon itself says nothing about "not combining with other offers."  Couldn't hurt! Beth Ann on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547343 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 11:01:14 +0000 Beth Ann 1547343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Colette:  Your experience was the one I expected to have, and it's common in many department stores.  I think Macy's must be giving the SA's sales quotas.  That, paired with slow early morning traffic, made for a very different experience! AndiB on "Macy's Chum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/macys-chum#post-1547335 Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:34:51 +0000 AndiB 1547335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Service not great at the Macy's In my town, and the merchandise can be meh, but I do pop in from time to time. I've discovered that sale items often have an even greater markdown taken at register, so if you are iffy about something based on price it's good to ask the SA what it rings up at. I bought a Calvin k satchel tote with original price of $180 or so, sale price $113, register markdown to $75 and when I pulled out my phone to access a 20 percent coupon- which I couldn't access, she gave me that discount and I walked out if there w the bag for just over $50. Not the first time that's happened!