Retail Reviews
Zales Outlet Store - in store
A+
They had exactly what we were looking for, and absurdly cheap prices. Since they have a location in Chicago, we bought the lifetime protection plan so we can get them re-plated and re-sized as needed for no extra cost.
Blue Nile - online
A
Their shipping policy is wonderful and the quality of the rings is great. The selection of settings isn't as fabulous as I'd like, but FI found the perfect one for me. It's definitely worth using Blue Nile, particularly if you want to compare the specs for many different diamonds before making a decision. I couldn't be happier with my ring.
Eva's Bridals of Oak Lawn
Room of Hidden Treasures - outlet
B
The Bad...
I bought my dress at the Eva's outlet store, which has a decentselection of off-the-rack gowns. Most gowns were dirty and some were ripped, but I suspect that's common for off-the-rack gowns. I arrived for my appointment and the woman took me over there and then sat down, as though she was not going to help me sift through the gowns in any way. I smiled and exclaimed, "Wow, there are so many I don't even know where to begin!" in hopes of getting some help. She asked what if I had anything in particular in mind and I said I wanted something not bright white and not strapless. She responded with, "Ooh, that will be tough", which was not encouraging at all. She did pull a few dresses for me, as did my friend, and miraculously we found one I liked. When I was trying the dresses on, she went back to sitting down and only got up when she saw my friend and I struggling to hold one up (that was too big) so that I could see how it would look once altered. She helped hold it, but had only one clip available. I felt like a bit of a clown with two people and myself holding various parts of my dress as I looked in the mirror.
The Good...
Ultimately, I did find a dress that fit my critera, and it was really cheap.
I bought my dress at the Eva's outlet store, which has a decentselection of off-the-rack gowns. Most gowns were dirty and some were ripped, but I suspect that's common for off-the-rack gowns. I arrived for my appointment and the woman took me over there and then sat down, as though she was not going to help me sift through the gowns in any way. I smiled and exclaimed, "Wow, there are so many I don't even know where to begin!" in hopes of getting some help. She asked what if I had anything in particular in mind and I said I wanted something not bright white and not strapless. She responded with, "Ooh, that will be tough", which was not encouraging at all. She did pull a few dresses for me, as did my friend, and miraculously we found one I liked. When I was trying the dresses on, she went back to sitting down and only got up when she saw my friend and I struggling to hold one up (that was too big) so that I could see how it would look once altered. She helped hold it, but had only one clip available. I felt like a bit of a clown with two people and myself holding various parts of my dress as I looked in the mirror.
The Good...
Ultimately, I did find a dress that fit my critera, and it was really cheap.
Etsy - Nitscreations
A-
I ordered 3 shawls that were purple with a subtle black pattern from this seller and I was blown away by the product I received. The shawls were GORGEOUS and perfect in every way. I could not rave enough about them. I was so impressed that I ordered one for myself in white with an ivory pattern. The shawl I received was beautiful but is is all ivory. I am keeping it because it's a nice shawl and I have more important things to deal with right now than trying to return a custom order, but I will not be able to wear it for my wedding photos as I had intended.
The Paper Source - in store
http://www.paper-source.com
919 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL
Purple cardstock and envelopes, rubber stamps
919 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL
Purple cardstock and envelopes, rubber stamps
A
Good quality, convenient, and reasonably priced. Unfortunately the range of colors is not fantastic and the store doesn't always have everything in stock.
Dollar Tree - in store
A
This is definitely the cheapest place to buy river rocks. One dollar per bag, rather than 3 or 4 at craft stores. Not every Dollar Tree location sells them, but the one on Ashland always has them in stock.
Paper and More - online
A+
Great quality, great prices. Surprisingly convenient. They offer flat rate shipping and will cut the cardstock to the exact size you need it for a small additional cost, with was worth every penny! They were one of the only places I could find a true dark purple color, and I was very pleased. They make it really easy to find shipping time estimates before going through the checkout process. Delivery was slightly faster than estimated.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft - in store
http://www.joann.com
2639 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL
White cardstock, glue, thread, fabric, crystals, etc.
2639 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL
White cardstock, glue, thread, fabric, crystals, etc.
A+
Great selection, and they offer a 15% discount to teachers. Higher discounts can be obtained by signing up for email coupons. I bought white cardstock, rubber cement, spray adhesive, glue guns, fabric, and much more here.
