What I love about Macy's despite the fact that they are closing 66 stores.

It’s been recently reported that Macy’s department store is closing down approximately 66 locations. This news followed an announcement last year made by their CEO that the retailer would close underperforming stores. The retailers plan is to leave the stores that are performing well open and focus their resources to these stores along with elevated customer service. Shoppers, including myself, are patiently waiting for a complete list of locations to see if our local store is shutting down.

I know I surprise people when I share that I am a yearlong Macy’s shopper. It’s always my first stop and has built my work wardrobe, holiday season outfits, special occasion looks, and winter weather gear like coats, hats, and gloves. Including menswear and my husbands entire formal wardrobe like suit jackets, ties, and pocket squares. I also love their jewelry selection and splurged for my wedding and purchased the most elegant pair of Givenchy earrings and matching necklace. Throughout the years, I’ve built a very reliable rotation of summer, winter, fall, and spring shoes, so I admittedly haven’t bought a new pair of shoes in a while. One of the best things about Macy’s is the one-day sales and the friends and family 20% (or more) discount sales. I'm not embarrassed to admit I've run through Macy’s shoe department over the last decade more than I should have. While working at Macy's I applied for a credit card and had that baby for years, but finally closed it in 2016 when I decided to prioritize using 1 or two major credit cards.

If you’re not sure what Macy’s has to offer, here are three of my favorite brands:

Karl Lagerfeld: You might not know that the luxury brand Chanel was designed by the late great Karl Lagerfeld. He designed Chanel’s ready-to-wear collection and their couture lines. Lagerfeld has made iconic pieces for Chanel, like the signature tweed styles, pearls, and the famous interlocking C’s. He eventually created his own line before I was born in the early 80's. Karl’s collection is known for its bold, gaudy looks, but there are also chic pieces. My favorites are the pieces with rhinestones, graffiti, and you'll always find his name plastered across shoes, dresses, shirts, or sweaters. Leopard print, bold colors, chains, and safety pins are also common in his collection. It’s a fun, edgy, and chic collection. Most items are pricey, but Macy’s often puts Karl on sale. Another thing I like about Karl’s brand is that it comes in petite, plus sizes, and everything in between.

BAR III: This modern contemporary brand is great for the everyday woman. Whether you’re chilling at home, going on a date, heading to brunch, a party, the club, or on vacation, Bar III has it all. Trendy pieces that I can mix and match right into my wardrobe. Bar III adds a little edge to everyday basics. My favorite pieces are their pleather trench coats (red, black, brown), leather miniskirts, and colorful blazers. I love that the brand adds a little something extra to regular items, like lace sleeves on a long black shirt or flower embroidery. They’ll jazz up a basic neckline with a cutout in the front and back. I’ve even seen them make a sweetheart top with a cutout neckline. To appreciate this line, you must love basic pieces like bodysuits and staple items that make a statement and can be worn time and time again.

International Concepts "INC": INC shoes are the cutest, trendiest, and most chic shoes you will ever find. They never miss a trend and make finding shoes for your outfits super exciting. The next time you go to a shopping mall, stop by Macy's, take a walk through their shoe department, and check out a few INC shoes. They always catch my eye because they usually have big dainty bows, rhinestone heels, satin pointed heels, and a variety of classy flats. My favorites are the shining sequin fold over knee high boots, fishnet pumps sprinkled with rhinestones, and the leather slingback pumps on a cute kitten heel. I can go on because they are one of my favorite shoe brands. But there is one other thing that really gets me going and it's the fact that I have never paid full price for a pair of INC shoes at Macy's. If you visit the store and it's an off week without a sale, just leave and come back the following week. I promise you will get an unbeatable deal.

Macy’s has been a big part of my shopping life, I hope my local store stays open. If you haven’t checked out Macy’s yet, or it's been a while give it a try, you might find some new favorite brands too. Happy shopping!

XOXO

Ashley