Interesting experience, nice stylist about my age. I tried on 8 or 10 dresses, almost all florals of different lengths and styles. Alas, no slam-dunk winners.
I did purchase have 2 mid-length florals from Nordstrom to add to my growing Maybe-collection, one I brought home (will need alterations is I keep) and another they ordered in another size to be delivered. One or both can be returned to the Nordstrom Rack (closer) if needed. Also stopped at David’s but no luck there.
Nordstrom tidbits:
schedule for free stylists appointments was wide open
it will be easy to get an alteration appointment if needed, then 7-10 days turnaround
a fair amount of inventory, and of course lots more organized the Rack stores
few Petites, which I was told they used to have pre-Covid
the in-store restaurant was a little pricey but nice… didn’t realize that was still a thing
The Fashion Valley Macy’s was huge, organized, and had a large dressy dress selection. It’s an upscale mall with a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom. (Also a JC Penny at the low rent end.) I’ve been annoyed with Macy’s ever since they bought Marshall Fields, but it is a nice store.
The wedding is at 4pm and reception ends by 10. I only plan to wear the wrap if it gets cooler in the evening. It’s October—outdoors or inside chilly A/C ballroom.
The only Macy’s worth going to (in my opinion) is the flagship. It’s as if every other Macy’s is a completely different store - reminds me of a Kohls.
I buy a lot of clothes from Nordstrom but 99% online. Our store also has very little clothing to buy. Their selections primarily cater to the 15-22 year olds or those who don’t mind dropping $500 on a cardigan sweater. Tiny selections of dresses and underwear/bra/pajamas. We also have a Neiman but I’ve never been in it (I have ordered stuff online).
I’m a 90% online shopper now. Unless I’m looking for dresses, which is always a crapshoot for me, I like that I can find exactly what I want, do a google price check, and have it on the way before breakfast.
I just shared w DH how disorganized and messy the formal dress section of our Macy store was! There was so much inventory on multiple racks to be returned to the floor. I was wondering if better to go earlier in the day? Prom section was in great shape by contrast.
It sounds like you are often chilly so it would seem likely that your wrap might be put to use if not outside, in the AC venue. I feel like your dress should be the star and that the burgundy will draw attention away from the dress itself because burgundy will be high contrast against the blue dress. I still vote for black, cream, or maybe a powdered blue if you prefer “color”.
@HImom look at the wraps suggested by @BunsenBurner . My bet is you can find a neutral color that will be able to be used in the future on your plane trips.
ETA: to make clear, I post links to dresses I come across and like for one or another reason. These are not directed to anyone in particular and are not directed to any specific type of event like a garden party.
I like the first one best @BunsenBurner seems nice for a garden wedding. Not too much fabric (the one with the ruffled bottom is too much extra in my opinion)
The Tadashi dress is more my style. The “statement” dress screams “look at me,” good for NYE, never a wedding, IMO. The Eliza J @Marilyn posted is interesting, simple on top, perfect for a garden event on bottom. With an appropriate wrap, I think I like it.
The dress I took home with me is ElizaJ. It is a dark print fit/flare. As expected for that style it will need alterations if I keep it. (I have two casual fit/flare dresses in my closet - they are gappy on top too.) But it is a contender.
. Maybe add a silvery shawl.