In accordance with FTC guidelines, I'm disclosing that this post was compensated. I was provided with an outfit in exchange for my review. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this post are my own - which means that they weren't bought and you can't have them.
I will admit, when the PR announcement landed in my inbox, I almost deleted it. I knew very little about Dress Barn - but the name of the store didn't grab me. I get tons of PR pitches every day, many of them badly done, and you've got to do a lot to grab my focus. Besides, with a name like Dress Barn - don't you think of overalls and cows and hip boots?
But I do love clothes, and I love shopping, so I thought, "Hmm. Let's go check it out!" Happily, I was proven wrong.
Yes. I said I was wrong. Let's not dwell on this, ok? SWELL.
i was intrigued when I walked in to the store. (After, you know, getting LOST on the way and going to the WRONG mall. I tend to make SUCH a good first impression.) The clothing was nice. Not only nice, but pretty, up to date, stylish and attractive. I knew from the limited amount of research that I did concerning Dress Barn that they offered both Misses and Women's sizes, but I was hard pressed to differentiate between the two lines. I know that, often, Women's clothing tends to be shapeless and unattractive, but there was none of that here.

Women's clothing wall
In fact, last week at church, I saw a GORGEOUS top - and when I asked the woman where she'd gotten it - she said, "Dress Barn". Hmmmmm.
I met with the district manager, who gave me the history of Dress Barn and taught me a bit about the mission behind Dress Barn. I didn't know that Dress Barn's sister stores are Maurice's and Justice - which means that they can dress a woman from 7-55 - and often, well beyond. Sales Associates, who are often long time customers (like the story manager with whom I worked), are taught to work with the customer, helping them to select an item that works with their body type - not against it - and complete the outfit with accessories and shoes.
Less time straightening = more time with customers.
How often have you gone in to a store to buy a dress wearing sneakers? You come out of the fitting room in your fancy dress and your black socks. Not quite the complete picture. At Dress Barn, though, you can complete the outfit and see *exactly* what you'll look like on your special night - or even at the office.
Kay, the DSM, shared the flyers that the company provides for training. They incorporate runway fashions on regular women - which is nice because, hello, WHO actually looks like a runway model?



The clothing walls were grouped by color and visually pleasing and the end result did exactly what it was supposed to do - I wanted to purchase several attractive outfits, solely based on how they looked.

Fitting room time. I was anxious to try the "Dress Barn Experience" for myself. I noticed that every fitting room had a dry erase board, and names were jotted on them. Customer names. This personalizes the experience.
I'm not a huge clothing store shopper. I tend towards Target and some of the less expensive mall stores - I just flat out don't have the money to buy at stores that might offer better customer service - but Dress Barn might be my new place to go. We picked several outfits that caught my eye and as I tried them on, there was an associate able to give me an honest opinion and a different pair of pants when the first ones didn't work out.


Hair up, pants too baggy

Change to smaller pants, take your hair down, add your boots = much better

The outfit was still missing something, and the DSM knew exactly what to do - she whipped off her necklace and tossed it on my neck - and it worked. It's little things like this which help you to see how an outfit looks and keep you from getting discouraged and just putting everything back on the rack.
While I was changing, I learned about the VIP Celebration - you can invite several friends to join you for a night of fun. They provide the invitations AND refreshments, you bring your friends. You get VIP service and 30% off all purchases, and your friends get 15%. It's a private shopping night - and it's no cost to you. Who wouldn't want to have a party with your friends, get super clothes at a discount AND have a personal shopper not only tell you what to wear - but leave knowing that you look amazing?
I'm thinking about doing one.

Accessories, ftw!
Do you have family coming for the holidays? Your turkey shouldn't be the only one well dressed. With extremely reasonable prices (I'm talking $20 for a sweater, as opposed to the $50 I just saw at Loft!) and clothing that is very well constructed and beautiful - it'd be a great time to buy a new dress - or some skinny jeans and a top.
Don't tell my husband, but I'm going back next week. I've got my eye on a few items.
Want to be able to look pulled together for Turkey Day with a minimum of expense or effort and a maximum of style? Text "fashion" to 87812 for a 20% off coupon.
I promise, you will not be sorry.