Not my area of expertise, but for what it's worth I echo what most people have said, since you're in Chicago a scouting trip down the magnificent mile may be in order. Lords and Taylors may be a particularly good choice during sale season since they are less popular these days (slightly older clientele) which means that younger stuff gets left for sale season.
In fact sale season is the big time to buy anything. The Spring season goes on sale in about a weeks time at most boutiques and I imagine the department stores will follow in the same period. Most places go to at least 35% off, which is nice. Of course, spring means slightly less formal dresses than Fall in general, but there might be something for you.
Another option are outlet stores, this is where the designer boutiques send all their overstock, so it'll be a couple of seasons back, not that that should matter a great deal. Armani has one in Manchester NH which is not so helpful, but I imagine that there is something similar in the Chicago area.
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In fact sale season is the big time to buy anything. The Spring season goes on sale in about a weeks time at most boutiques and I imagine the department stores will follow in the same period. Most places go to at least 35% off, which is nice. Of course, spring means slightly less formal dresses than Fall in general, but there might be something for you.
Another option are outlet stores, this is where the designer boutiques send all their overstock, so it'll be a couple of seasons back, not that that should matter a great deal. Armani has one in Manchester NH which is not so helpful, but I imagine that there is something similar in the Chicago area.
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Why does spring mean less formal dresses than fall?
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