orichalcum

Oh, I just had another idea. Look for a really high end thrift shop/consignment store. It's a complete roll of the dice as to whether you'll find anything, but sometimes you can find gently worn, really nice dresses for great prices. CHarity thrift shops, or Good Will stores in really rich neighborhoods have the best pickings. I've had good luck with the Cancer Care shop in the Uppper East Side in Manhattan or a consignment shop in Darien, CT. That doesn't help you much in CHicago, I know, other than to give you the type of store to look for.

Good luck!