Bloomingdales v. Saks v. Neiman Marcus for gift card choice

[Anonymous]

I've got American Express points that I can cash in. I really need high quality bras and a good fitting (things changed after DD!), and Bloomingdales, Saks, and Neiman Marcus are the only department stores (other than Kohls) offering gift cards through amex points. Which one would you choose? I'd get the Amex gift cards with the points, but the exchange rate is 50% less than if I get the store gift cards.

[Anonymous]

OP, Neiman's is my favorite store but I would never buy my undergarments there. Insanely expensive - a couple hundred or more for one bra is not unusual. My first choice would be Nordstrom's - great quality and bras for about $60 - $75. More bang for the buck. But alas....

Bloomies has horrible service if you can even find a salesperson. Saks (only if it is the Chevy Chase store) would be my top choice then. Some semblance of service and better merchandise than Bloomies.

[Anonymous]

I would do Nordstroms too but if you have to use the points at those three then I would do Bloomingdales.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you go to Nordstrom, let them fit you and find a bra that works, buy one of them, and then go buy several more at Bloomingdale's? They carry most of the same lines (Wacoal, Chantelle, etc.) but I agree the service/fitting at Nodrstom is way better. I wouldn't even bother with Saks or Neiman's unless you are looking for high-end ($$$) sexy lingerie.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thx for the suggestions, I'll check out Nordstrom first. Too bad I can't use the Amex points there.

[Anonymous]

There are many small stores that sell bras and clothes that have better prices than Nordstroms, or Bloomies. They used to be listed as Foundation Garments, though you won't see that much anymore. I googled foundation garments and came up with everything from Victoria's Secret to where stores for cross dressers. The ones I found to be the type you need also sell mastectomy bras. So you could start there to find a place close to you.

I know this doesn't help you with the Amex points - but I know one of the best places to use them is Home Depot - because the conversion is one to one for their store cards. If you don't usually shop at Home Depot - they sell everything from storage containers and custom closet setups to building materials.