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Making the Most of Macy’s

Say hello to the only department store continually available to me throughout my childhood: Macy’s. Where Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags - the interlocking “C” and “DB” print kind, not the leather kind - reign supreme. Where Nine West pumps actually sell out. Where the makeup gals look befuddled when you ask after the Stila lipgloss. Welcome to South Jersey.

I’ve always been JAPpy, but I wasn’t too good for Macy’s till I skipped town. As I spend less now than I did then, one would think I’d appreciate the fact that their prices aren’t as ridiculous as Saks and/or Bloomies. Oh, the irony. In an attempt to de-snobbify myself (if only temporarily) I decided to give Macy’s another chance. This French Connection tie-front, pinstriped, menswear-esque shirt was on sale for $64, reduced from $106. Not terrible - if I didn’t know I could probs find its twin at a thrift store, I might have considered buying it.

Resisting this Kenzie lightweight coat was significantly more difficult. I’m a sucker for popped collars, and this one stays up effortlessly. The tie in front cinches the waist nicely too. It was on sale for $76.50, reduced from $126.50 - totally reasonable for a coat. And if Mommy hadn’t splurged for a Manoush trench on my behalf a few months ago, I could have rationalized the purchase. Sigh.

Thankfully, my nostalgic Macy’s experience wasn’t a total loss. I ended up with a fabulously versatile Kenzie top, on sale for $30, reduced from $64, which will be revealed in outfit form shortly.