Thanks gals...

For your dress suggestions!

Unfortunately both Forever 21 and Macy's are at least a 45 minute drive from here. Only 13-14 highway miles, but too much traffic! Our only local department store is Belk, and my grandmother is quite happy with the clothing styles they offer. Me, not so much!

I ended up doing a running trip at lunch yesterday through Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, and one other store I don't remember the name of, and found what I was looking for (or at least as close to what I was looking for without a specific notion of what I was looking for) at the Loft. There was a close runner-up at J. Jill, but their clothes run a little shapeless, and I felt that fitted was better.

It's a skirt and cap-sleeve top (no longer on the website, but it's the same color as the one you can see the bottom of in the picture of the skirt) which go perfectly with a Pashmina (0r knock-off) I already own. And I think the individual pieces will mix and match well with some items I already own, so good for wear at multiple functions. Example: switch to a black top and sparkly jewelry, hey presto, there's the Christmas party outfit.

I love that I spent less on the whole outfit than the skirt was priced originally. I would have been willing to pay full price for something I loved, but for once I didn't pick the most expensive thing in the store!

I would have loved to find a dress, but it wasn't meant to be. I'm just very impressed I was able to find something I liked in under an hour. Usually it takes 3-4 hours and ends in tears without a single purchase.