angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,571
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Oct 1, 2024 11:35:08 GMT
Great news, peas and IRL friends recommendations helped us plan our 20th Anniversary trip. We are going on a Cruise to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean in December 2024.
I now have 64 days to find a wonderful formal dress for formal night on the cruise. I live in an area that only has a Kohls for shopping--but I am going to the Twin Cities on Wed/Thurs this week. I will look for a consignment shops in MSP area.
Initial online research brought up JJ Dresses and Dress warehouse. I would like to spend under $300.
TIA!
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 1, 2024 12:42:37 GMT
I know Nordstroms is expensive, but hit up their clearance section. I helped my friend find her mom a great dress for a wedding for maybe $100, less probably. They also have an outlet store in Maple Grove.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 1, 2024 12:53:11 GMT
It’s been a minute, but my sisters, mom and I all found nice dresses for a cruise formal night on clearance at JC Penney’s years ago, all very reasonably priced. The consignment shops I’ve been to most recently would be pretty hit or miss for something like that.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Oct 1, 2024 13:16:30 GMT
Maybe a bridal shop might have something. They sometimes have nice bridesmaid and Mother of the bride dresses.
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Post by ntsf on Oct 1, 2024 14:10:37 GMT
also consider a fancy pantsuit.. that works well too. rent the runway? is that still around?
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Post by Lexica on Oct 1, 2024 14:55:03 GMT
A friend of mine bought her wedding dress on a site that sold gently worn dresses. She is a very practical girl, but also not willing to wear a dress she didn’t feel amazing in. And she had the dress cleaned and sold it back to the same store. Her mother and MIL also got their dresses through the site. The downside would be not being able to have a lot of alterations done if you intend to sell it back. She ordered her dress a year in advance in case it didn’t work out as she hope pd it would, leaving her time to dress shop in a traditional store. But it fit beautifully and was everything she hoped it would be for a fraction of the price it would have cost her new.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 1, 2024 15:02:56 GMT
Look on Amazon. Look at cocktail dresses first..
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,778 
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Post by anniebeth24 on Oct 1, 2024 17:17:39 GMT
I recently purchased a dress for a wedding from Nordstrom online and it was just over $100 which surprised me. Ordered two sizes and sent one back, love their free return policy.
Fyi - I believe JJ Dress is based in China but not sure.
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Post by jemali on Oct 1, 2024 17:18:49 GMT
You could try Macy’s or Nordstrom’s at Ridgedale.
There is a consignment store called Classy Consignments by me in Anoka.
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anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Oct 1, 2024 17:43:39 GMT
I bought a formal dress for a quincenera at Davids Bridal online... i bought it for $29!!!!!
Look at the clearance on the website.... they have a lot of different styles for super cheap if you know ur size... i want to order another one.... lol but i have no place to wear it!!
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Post by Basket1lady on Oct 1, 2024 18:05:24 GMT
I live on the west side of Minneapolis. Wayzata has Fashion Avenue 2 on Lake Street. Plymouth has 2–Turn Style off of Vicksburg and Resale Select on County Road 101. There’s also Clothes Mentor across from Ridgedale, but I don’t know if they have formal wear. There’s another shop in Excelsior, but I’ve never been there. I think Fashion Avenue also has a shop in Edina.
If this is the area that you shop, I’d order a bunch from Nordstrom’s and have them sent to the store in Ridgedale. I’m just not sure that they would get there by tomorrow or Thursday.
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,571
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Oct 1, 2024 19:25:47 GMT
Thank you so much Peas, many great ideas here! I knew I could count on you!
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Post by silverlining on Oct 1, 2024 20:17:24 GMT
I recently ordered A LOT of formal dresses from Nordstrom, Macys, and Bloomingdales online. All were in the 100-300 price range. I was able to return them at their locations in my city, but I could have returned them by mail for free. When I went in, I was surprised by how few dresses were actually in stock in the store in my size. I don't know that I would have found a dress I loved that fit perfectly (except for the length) if I had just looked in the stores. Will you have any chances to return things in person before your trip? Or are you comfortable with doing free online returns? I did need to get my dress hemmed which cost 60.00 and took about two weeks. I'm too tall for petite sizes and too short for dresses that look like they could be worn with 6" heels  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 5:20:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2024 0:02:55 GMT
I know this is not what you asked, but we've been on quite a few cruises and I've never worn a formal dress for formal night. Depends on the cruise line you're going on, but many allow other things. Dh has always worn a polo and nicer khakis. I usually wear a nicer top and a good pair of capris with dressier sandals. I'm not a formal dress kind of person. But, if it's something you want to do, you've gotten lots of good suggestions. I like to see all of the women's dresses and shoes/hair styles on formal night. I see a lot of people who get all dressed up getting photos taken by the ships photographers on these evenings. I hope you have a wonderful time! Cruising is so much fun!!!
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Post by mom on Oct 2, 2024 1:39:02 GMT
Ordering online from Nordstroms and Dillards are my go to. In a real pinch, I would try Amazon but that wouldn't be my first choice.
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Oct 2, 2024 2:45:08 GMT
In my opinion Dillards has the best selection - but be aware of the very strict return policy.
I ordered a dress from JJs House and was very disappointed. Sizing was way off and quality was poor.
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,571
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Oct 2, 2024 13:30:29 GMT
 Again thank you Peas, you rock!
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,806
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Post by ellen on Oct 2, 2024 18:07:52 GMT
I got a really pretty formal dress for my daughter’s wedding at Macy’s. I think I paid around $80 for it.
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Post by ~summer~ on Oct 2, 2024 18:32:43 GMT
ASOS is good online site.
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Post by shamrock on Oct 3, 2024 0:18:29 GMT
DH often gets invited to formal & cocktail dress fundraiser things through work. I’ve had good luck looking online at like Dillard or Macys. I get the name of dress and then find it in Amazon for quicker shipping and less money.
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,571
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Oct 3, 2024 12:39:36 GMT
Did MOA yesterday per MSP suggestions. Fabulous experience at Nordstrom with Chris! Back later to share.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,241
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Post by Gennifer on Oct 3, 2024 13:03:17 GMT
I ordered a dress from JJs House and was very disappointed. Sizing was way off and quality was poor. NOOOO! So disappointing! What did you end up doing for your MOB dress? |
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Post by vjlau on Oct 4, 2024 5:10:57 GMT
Depending on how fancy you want to go, look at JessaKae and or Ivy City online. I love their dresses!
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,571
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Oct 4, 2024 13:00:47 GMT
Excellent 2 days of shopping! DH was into helping me find a dress! Mall of America is on the way to IL’s, so DH suggested we stop there. We started at MOA Nordstrom Rack—found two comfortable dress shirts for him. His neck size went up, and once we found one he wanted a second  . Nothing for me there. So on to Nordstrom! (Thank you to MSP peas-- anniebeth24 and basket1lady !) Excellent clerk , Chris who grew up in Bend, OR (where we moved from) made the experience super fun! Started with a few choices, then a few DH picks, and ones Chris thought I should try. She helped me realize what size (smaller in a few cases) and that alterations are important. Turns out I’m a petite in many dresses. Not sleeve length. Had me try on a stunning dress, then checked the price and she said no, as I could get 2 for that $$$. Ended up with two AH-MAZE-ING formal night choices. A navy number I would not had considered if not for Chris, so fun! And a black jumpsuit that DH picked, new on the floor—that Chris had not seen on someone yet. We needed to get to ILs so I said I was happy with the 2, she took them out and when I came out of the dressing room DH had paid for them! Fabulous! Turns out she had been talking with both of us and when I said I was happy she already knew DH was onboard as well. She apparently had them rung up and ready for DH to pay. That is really customer service! Now to find platform silver sandals, which DH was looking for too while still at Nordstroms. First pair was more than both outfits! Then DH found another for $$$$! Chris had taken us down to shoes to show me what to look for and we both had a good laugh😊. Suggested we try DSD in MOA.
Yesterday we purposefully went to another DSW and found a pair of shoes that will work. I will have to practice walking in them. LOL!!!! DH found his very hard to find shoe size in New Balance 8 Four wide. Double score.
He knew I had enjoyed a shopping trip to Gallaria Edina and asked if I wanted to stop there . . . YES please. Once inside there was a high end lingerie shop, another need for an appropriate support item. So thankful I don't have to navigate "boob tape" on Amazon! Correct sizing, DONE!!!
I was also spoiled by finding a few clearance pieces to round out the cruise day wardrobe.
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Post by KikiPea on Oct 4, 2024 13:25:50 GMT
I just bought the perfect black tie dress on EBay (Altr’d State) for $100! It was new with tags, and fit perfectly…other than length. I had a local lady hem it for $30!
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Post by KikiPea on Oct 4, 2024 13:29:09 GMT
Excellent 2 days of shopping! DH was into helping me find a dress! Mall of America is on the way to IL’s, so DH suggested we stop there. We started at MOA Nordstrom Rack—found two comfortable dress shirts for him. His neck size went up, and once we found one he wanted a second . Nothing for me there. So on to Nordstrom! (Thank you to MSP peas-- @anniabeth24 and basket1lady!) Excellent clerk , Chris who grew up in Bend, OR (where we moved from) made the experience super fun! Started with a few choices, then a few DH picks, and ones Chris thought I should try. She helped me realize what size (smaller in a few cases) and that alterations are important. Turns out I’m a petite in many dresses. Not sleeve length. Had me try on a stunning dress, then checked the price and she said no, as I could get 2 for that $$$. Ended up with two AH-MAZE-ING formal night choices. A navy number I would not had considered if not for Chris, so fun! And a black jumpsuit that DH picked, new on the floor—that Chris had not seen on someone yet. We needed to get to ILs so I said I was happy with the 2, she took them out and when I came out of the dressing room DH had paid for them! Fabulous! Turns out she had been talking with both of us and when I said I was happy she already knew DH was onboard as well. She apparently had them rung up and ready for DH to pay. That is really customer service! Now to find platform silver sandals, which DH was looking for too while still at Nordstroms. First pair was more than both outfits! Then DH found another for $$$$! Chris had taken us down to shoes to show me what to look for and we both had a good laugh😊. Suggested we try DSD in MOA.
Yesterday we purposefully went to another DSW and found a pair of shoes that will work. I will have to practice walking in them. LOL!!!! DH found his very hard to find shoe size in New Balance 8 Four wide. Double score.
He knew I had enjoyed a shopping trip to Gallaria Edina and asked if I wanted to stop there . . . YES please. Once inside there was a high end lingerie shop, another need for an appropriate support item. So thankful I don't have to navigate "boob tape" on Amazon! Correct sizing, DONE!!!
I was also spoiled by finding a few clearance pieces to round out the cruise day wardrobe.
Sounds like a fabulous, and productive day! Enjoy your cruise! |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 4, 2024 13:31:14 GMT
That’s so awesome angel97701! So glad you were able to find some things you will feel fabulous wearing! 👍 Hope you have a great trip! |
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Post by Peace Sign on Oct 4, 2024 13:32:47 GMT
my niece uses renttherunway.com and always has GORGEOUS dresses for cheap. wear and return.
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Post by mom on Oct 4, 2024 21:50:32 GMT
Thats great you found two items in one store! You can mark formal night off your list of things to stress about!
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Post by VanC on Oct 5, 2024 2:49:41 GMT
Have you tried looking on www.ivycityco.com ?
They offer a lot of different dresses in a huge range of sizes from 00 to 5XL or 6XL. I got a great waltz length black cocktail dress in my size for a cruise not long ago and it had enough sleeve to cover my flabby upper arms it only took a few days to come in the mail
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Again thank you Peas, you rock!
. Nothing for me there. So on to Nordstrom! (Thank you to MSP peas-- 
