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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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