You know, I don’t go to Dillard’s all that often, but I had this one specific trip to the Dillard’s in West Des Moines, Iowa, that I won’t forget anytime soon. It wasn’t like I was planning a big shopping spree or anything. Life just kind of throws these things at you, right?
I remember driving over there in a bit of a state. My sister had called me up, last minute, of course, telling me I absolutely HAD to be at this super formal family dinner. Apparently, some distant, important relatives were in town, and it was a whole “make a good impression” kind of deal. My usual wardrobe? Let’s just say it’s more “comfy casual” than “impress distant, important relatives.” So, I found myself needing something appropriate, and fast.
So, I walked into that Dillard’s on a mission. The place is pretty big, you know? Lots of sections. I first headed straight for the dresses. I needed something, well, respectable. Not too flashy, not too casual. It’s harder than it sounds when you’re stressed and feeling like you’re on a timer. I started sifting through racks. So many dresses, but nothing felt quite right. Some were too young, some too… much. I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed.
The thing is, it wasn’t just about the dress. My family, bless them, can be a bit… critical. Or maybe I just feel that way. I was already picturing the subtle once-overs, the polite but questioning smiles. So, this dress wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it felt like armor I needed. I kept pulling out options, holding them up, and then putting them back with a sigh. I think I spent a good hour just wandering in that dress department, probably looking like a lost puppy.
At one point, I found a dress that was almost perfect. The color was right, the style was okay, but the fit was a bit off. I remember thinking, “Can I make this work? Should I just buy it and hope for the best?” The pressure was really mounting. My phone buzzed with a text from my sister: “Where are you? Dinner’s in a few hours!” That didn’t help my nerves.
I then decided to check out the women’s suits section, thinking maybe a nice blouse and skirt or pants would be better. More racks, more choices. I actually found a really elegant dark green blouse. That was a small win. Then I needed a bottom. I picked up a couple of black skirts and a pair of tailored pants. I remember thinking that the selection was actually pretty decent if you knew what you were looking for, which I sort of didn’t, initially.
Finally, I grabbed my selections and headed to the fitting rooms. That’s always the moment of truth, isn’t it? The lighting in those places! The first skirt was a no-go. The pants were okay, but not great with the blouse. Then I tried on the second skirt, a simple A-line. And you know what? With that green blouse, it actually looked… good. Really good. Professional, understated, but still stylish. I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me right there in that Dillard’s fitting room.
I quickly paid for my items. The cashier was nice, just a normal transaction, nothing dramatic. But as I walked out of that Dillard’s with my bag, I felt like I’d conquered a small mountain. It sounds silly, it was just shopping, but given the stress and the family pressure, finding that outfit felt like a genuine accomplishment. I made it to the dinner, feeling much more confident than I would have in something from my usual closet. And yeah, the relatives were… relatives. But I felt put together, and that made all the difference.
So, yeah, that Dillard’s in West Des Moines. I don’t think I’ll ever drive past it without remembering that slightly frantic afternoon and the unexpected relief I found in a fitting room. It’s funny the things you remember, isn’t it?
