Manhattan - shopping for dresses, where to go?
Jan 15, 2012, 12:21 pm
#16
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You can shop almost anywhere here in the city. If you prefer the kind of stores you have at home, there are department stores like Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Bloomingdales, Saks and JC Penney. Forget Burgdorff Goodman...even when there is a sale. 
Then there is Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Talbot's, smaller mall type stores scattered through Manhattan. Ralph Lauren is on Madison and 72nd.
Then there is Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Talbot's, smaller mall type stores scattered through Manhattan. Ralph Lauren is on Madison and 72nd.p.s. anybody else remember Lanz dress shops? another favorite long gone
Jan 15, 2012, 3:18 pm
#17
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Ah, no, I can't shop almost anywhere, because what I'm looking for isn't in the average store. I want a dress for a woman, not a teeny-bopper with an Audrey Hepburn body. No spaghetti straps, no cleavage to the waist, no thigh high hems - there goes Macy's. Bloomingdale's does matrons and models, not average women. In Manhattan I was hoping to find a more original selection that mass market chains. The Century 21 store sounds the most promising so far.
Nordstrom's Rack makes my skin crawl. Every one I've been in, maybe a dozen or so in different parts of the country, is dirty, disorganized and full of shoddy junk - Marshall's with attitude is what I call it.
You ask for normal, everyday clothing and yet you then turn your nose up in the air when suggestions from a local are given to you. Yes one can shop most anywhere but maybe you can't. Good luck in New York. ^
Last edited by Analise; Jan 15, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Jan 16, 2012, 2:59 am
#18
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Amongst the best cities in the US for dress shopping: Miami. Some seem to have an easier time of finding good selections there than in New York. At least some of the stuff that I like better seems to be picked up down there than in more northern locales.
The Nordstrom Rack store at Union Square South is amongst the most well-maintained, organized discount stores I've ever come across anywhere -- better than most outlet stores of even the premium brand variety -- the selection however is ordinarily rather dull for my tastes.
The Nordstrom Rack store at Union Square South is amongst the most well-maintained, organized discount stores I've ever come across anywhere -- better than most outlet stores of even the premium brand variety -- the selection however is ordinarily rather dull for my tastes.
Jan 16, 2012, 10:30 am
#19
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I am neither matron nor model--44, 5'2", size 2/4-- and I have done quite well at Bloomingdales. You may be surprised by the size and scope of the dress department at the Manhattan store. I am anti-spaghetti straps myself, nor do I wear super short skirts, nor do I attempt to dress like a 20-year-old. And yet I found both of the dresses that I wore to the most recent weddings I attended at Bloomingdales (and on sale, too!)
Jan 22, 2012, 4:49 pm
#20
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I actually just bought a dress at Macy's and was impressed with the selection. This was a dress for work - so no spaghetti straps or high slits. I'm most definitely a curvy woman - 5'10" 36DDD size 12-16 depending on the designer.
Jan 22, 2012, 8:49 pm
#21
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I am neither matron nor model--44, 5'2", size 2/4-- and I have done quite well at Bloomingdales. You may be surprised by the size and scope of the dress department at the Manhattan store. I am anti-spaghetti straps myself, nor do I wear super short skirts, nor do I attempt to dress like a 20-year-old. And yet I found both of the dresses that I wore to the most recent weddings I attended at Bloomingdales (and on sale, too!)
The Bloomingdale's stores that I have been in have had no dresses that I personally would wear. Haven't been in the one in NYC, hate the one at Stanford Shopping Center, have not seen much in the one in Willow Grove that I would wear, although they do have some nice china there.
BTW, IMHO, anybody who wears a size 2/4 at the age of 44 does qualify for model status!
Jan 23, 2012, 5:55 am
#22
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Jan 24, 2012, 6:52 pm
#24
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Boden is a particular fit. Also quality varies a lot from model to model. Beware check all your refunds come through - one of mine didn't this year so far as I can tell and lsst year one I'd forgotten about came through after 4 months.
Jan 25, 2012, 12:52 pm
#25
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Another recommendation for Lord & Taylor & Nordstrom Rack. I am a "dress girl" due to travel. Easy to pack and for China- easy for the restroom option- or lack of ! 
I buy alot of Michael Michael Kors dresses. Great styles, coverage and many washable. Lord & Taylor has great markdowns + lately always a coupon.
I buy alot of Michael Michael Kors dresses. Great styles, coverage and many washable. Lord & Taylor has great markdowns + lately always a coupon.
Jan 25, 2012, 1:26 pm
#26
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I don't care for Shabby Apple's return policy. "All SALE items are final sale and may not be returned or exchanged. " That means unless something is full price, and I hate paying full price, there will be no return. I can't take that kind of gamble ordering something online like a dress that may or may not fit and flatter.
Jan 26, 2012, 4:54 pm
#27
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How would you characterize Boden's fit? I keep looking at their stuff, but haven't bitten yet.
Jan 27, 2012, 10:45 am
#28
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Jan 27, 2012, 12:04 pm
#29
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I don't care for Shabby Apple's return policy. "All SALE items are final sale and may not be returned or exchanged. " That means unless something is full price, and I hate paying full price, there will be no return. I can't take that kind of gamble ordering something online like a dress that may or may not fit and flatter.
Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
Originally Posted by Katja
How would you characterize Boden's fit? I keep looking at their stuff, but haven't bitten yet.
I appreciate all the suggestions and helpful feedback on various options from this community.
Jan 31, 2012, 10:26 am
#30
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I struggle with some of the Boden stuff fitting across the chest - I'm a 36D so not huge, but my brother's girlfriend, who is probably closer to a 32/34 B loves their stuff and looks great in it.