Dallas Galleria time--how to focus

I may have the opportunity to spend part of Saturday at the Galleria mall in Dallas. Not my fav day of the year to shop, but that's how the cookie may crumble.

If I go, I plan to have fun, but am also at risk of either running around like a chicken, or maybe never getting out of Nordstrom's. Places there I'd go, that we don't have locally, would be Nordies, Saks, Zara (never been there), BCBG, Macy's ..

What do I need, or want, you may ask? Not sure I know! I would love to just look and try on lots of different things just to get ideas in many areas, but will only have Saturday.

Would be fun to find some "game-changer" items--don't have any fashion-forward but low-heeled booties, no tapered or skinny pants (which are hard for me to wear unless just right), taupe leather jacket, that kind of thing. Dressy comfortable pumps still on my list but seem elusive.

Also in the running would "higher quality essentials" meaning neutral work trousers with really nice cut and better fabric than say AT; cashmere sweater(s) to replace some that don't fit right anymore. Things I might find in brands I've not tried before.

Not super into handbags so probably not focus there.

But then--a dress to end all dresses; a super overcoat.

Or go through several depts in Nordstrom's just to have a better idea of how some of the different lines of clothing fit, in case I find something or for being more savvy about what to try on-line.

Are the on-line items at all likely to be in the stores? Meaning, is it worthwhile to browse on-line and target specific items? If not, then I'm more likely to try to aim for certain departments within the stores and just look there.

So, experienced shoppers--any do's and don'ts?

13 years ago

Anonymous

I am bumping this thread so I can steal the answers! I get SO overwhelmed in large department stores, let alone a mall. The choices are just mind boggling.

DonnaF

Veteran

If you go to the Nordstrom web site, find an item you like, then feed in the zip code of the Dallas store or another zip in the Dallas area. It will tell you whether the item is available at the Galleria and in what department. This works fairly well, but is not accurate for the big San Francisco store which is not a concern of yours. I also found that stuff on sale online was sometimes selling at regular price in SF, but they would sell it at the sale price if you asked. Stuff was properly on sale at the other Nordstrom I go to.

In general, at least in San Francisco, Macys has a bigger dress selection than Nordstroms.

Nordstrom is known for shoes. Shoes at Nordstrom and (I think) Macys are in three locations for juniors, designer, and all the rest.

I would browse online to get a general sense of the merchandise and see if there is anything in particular you would like to check out. Some items are online only; others are only carried in some stores and not in the full array of colors. And I think there is stuff in the stores that I haven't seen online.

Have fun! Don't get dehydrated. I think I would get overwhelmed, but it sounds like fun if you don't put much pressure on yourself.

Suz

(website)

I get overwhelmed, too, in big department stores (or shopping, in general). I like the advice to look online first, and also to make sure to drink lots of water! You could also inquire about a personal shopper who could help you preselect items. I have never done this but people do...and it sometimes works!

Popping back on to say that if would really help if you could pin down a few items to shop for that would make your wardrobe work better before you leave. If you need jeans for example, or a specific kind of shoe, that would be something to focus on and ignore everything else.

bj1111

if i were you, i would focus on getting the fashion-forward low heeled booties and the taupe leather jacket. you can spend all your time in nordies and one or two other specialty stores that would carry such items. phone ahead to get a personal shopper and tell her/him what you want including specific items if you have them. otherwise, give them free rein within your parameters.

the alternative is to not shop but to browse. visit the stores that you haven't been to, but are curious about. so for zara, i would walk the entire store and familiarize myself with the different lines, the feel and general quality of similar items across lines, and the fit of different kinds of items like pants, jackets, tailored shirts etc. so when you go home, you can shop the website knowing how an item will generally fit. do not go into zara looking for something specific if you haven't shopped there before. if you find something that moves you, that is a bonus.

unfrumped

Thanks a lot--these are great suggestions, and I think that starting with Nordstom shoes as a possibility and a few targeted stores may keep me sane. I need to try to avoid impulse purchases from stores I don't have locally for easy return, but these are the very stores I want to browse. I might aim to keep a list in my phone. I know that there might be some "love at first sight" items but also there might be, this is good but I'm still trying to shop around, or a price issue. In that case I think I'll try to keep a list in my phone of items as to possible internet purchases.

Water, snacks, comfy shopping shoes....

sinead

Active Member

I just want to second the personal shopper idea- and it looks like the Galleria store has one. I did this years ago when I didn't have much time to shop and my wardrobe was the very best it's ever been because of that stylist. The clothes she found for me were beautiful things I never would have taken off the rack on my own. Totally depends on who you get. I tried it years later, different person, and we didn't mesh. But I would definitely try it again if I could.

Category