Macy's Chum - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Macy's Chum

Beth Ann

Veteran

Lesson 1: Walk into a Macy's on a weekday at 10am, and you will feel like a pail of fish heads thrown into a shark tank.

One of my style goals has been to learn to shop my new town efficiently. In Illinois, I had great access to outlets (good for me due to price point and fit), Kohls and Target, but poor access to major department stores at upscale shops. In this location, it's the opposite, and Macy's and Nordies are both within a 5-10 mile distance.

My first trip to Macy's was during a Saturday sale. It was a boho-splosion of peasant tops and fringe, and a sea of people. I couldn't take it, and had to leave for a stop by Teavana (I needed a bit of a tea break after that). Today, by contrast, the place was empty. All of the brands have their own little areas --- little Islands, really, and the SA's seem to be expected to stay on (and rule over) their domain. The Queen of INC put a pair of trousers on hold for me, and then saw me in the neighboring land of of Alfani. She exclaimed, "Oh, you're shopping over there now." As if I needed an international treaty to travel cross the border!

Well, I put back the first pair of trousers, and had decided to wait to purchase three items that were not on sale, when I learned the value of territorial SAs. Queen INC helpfully mentioned that I could purchase said item for 30% off, with a $5 charitable donation, as a pre-sale (sale actually starts Saturday) promotion. I asked if I could use another coupon along with the presale discount. "Oh, no, if we could do that, I'd be buying things all the time for practically nothing." She's obviously not been to Kohls!

I purchased 2 pair of ponte pants for what promises to be a casual fall. The first pair I purchased in a deep burgundy (pic shows the black) the second in a dark grey houndstooth print that doesn't show up well on the monitor. They are full length on me, and less high-waisted. I also purchased a skirt from Calvin Klein that's not even on the website yet (found it at Bloomies site). It has a gorgeous drape in the refined knit, and has a stripe pattern, and a lovely shape and length. I'm not sure how to style this, and, if I don't have at least 3 pairings, it goes back, since I could do without any more dressy clothes at the moment. The skirt is quite generously sized, and I sized down.

How would you style the skirt? What insider secrets do you have for shopping at a Macys?

Alfani Printed Angel-Sleeve Blouson Top & Faux-Leather-Trim Tummy-Control Pants, Only at Macy's

View Info

Top Pick

2

Alfani Houndstooth Ankle Pants, Only at Macy's

View Info

Top Pick

4

Calvin Klein Stripe Rib Skirt

View Info

Top Pick

1

Shopping

39 replies

Latest reply was from Gail

Colette

Veteran

I have the opposite situation at my local Macy's, you have to hunt down a sales associate to buy something. I don't really shop there often so I have no secrets to share. But I love that skirt and I think you should have no problem styling it.

Joy

Veteran

The skirt is beautiful with it's subtle stripes. I'd probably wear it with
1. A simple but crisp white buttondown shirt.
2. A beautiful white blouse.
3. A cropped boxy cream or black cashmere sweater
4. If I were younger, a perfect white tee tucked in

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

What a weird experience, and your description of feeling like chum is hilarious.
Glad you found some great ponte pants and got the sale price. I've been thinking about burgundy pants for fall, too, and houndstooth ponte is a fun twist on a classic pattern.
The skirt looks and sounds gorgeous, and I like Joy's ideas for how to wear it. I think it could work with a short jacket, too, over a fitted top. I'm not very good at figuring out how to wear skirts, though. It's very trial and error for me. For footwear, I'd like to see it with your burgundy booties (you've got the Munro Robyns, right?). Tall boots would look good with it, and so would pumps.

JAileen

Veteran

We have a Macy's and Dillards, but no Nordstrom. Usually I can't find anyone to help me at Macy's. The SAs are tied up at the registers. They have lots of sales. Lots and lots. I hate going there during a sale, but of course you can order online and return in store if necessary. They do have personal shoppers. I didn't know this until one time when I was buying sheets, and the woman who helped me turned out to be a personal shopper and gave me her card. I prefer Nordstrom, but our area just got a Nordstrom Rack which means we will never get a regular store.

The skirt is beautiful. If I had it I would wear it at Christmas time with a black cashmere sweater.

rachylou

Veteran

I'd love to hear tips for shopping Macy's! I find Macy's very very hard to shop... it's so crammed with stuff from my point of view. You'd think with my closet I'd be OK with this, but my crammed closet only works because I have it memorised.

Mostly I just go in circles, round and round and round.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Love the skirt and reading your shopping story. I think any tucked top will look good. I'd avoid the boxy cropped top look, but I could be wrong. Would you be willing to try tall boots with this skirt?

Cerinda

Veteran

Do NOT go into Macy's without the name of an SA. If you ask for her and she is unavailable, ask if the personal shopper is on the floor.

If neither are available, I run: as much as I respect the "leave no retail stone unturned" perspective, I simply can't handle the overstock/ovreload.

Adelfa

Veteran

I have had super bad luck with the customer service at Macy's in many different cities. I rarely go there. Love your purchases though.

deb

Veteran

My insider trick for shopping at Macy's is to not shop there. No sales help, display racks poorly maintained, and general 'get me out of here' feelings. It does look like you found some nice pieces, though.

AndiB

Veteran

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!

Beth Ann

Veteran

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!

Beth Ann

Veteran

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

Veteran

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!

retailgirl

Veteran

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.

viva

Veteran

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!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

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.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

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?

Joyce B

Veteran

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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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....

Peri

Veteran

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.

Diana

Veteran

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.

INC International Concepts Lace-Sleeve Linen Jacket

View Info

Top Pick

4

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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.

jackiec

Veteran

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.

Beth Ann

Veteran

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!

Anonymous

I admit to avoiding Macy's at all costs.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

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.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/03/.....red-skirt/

12