What can I say, I like to be fancy sometimes, and this Capital Region boutique always has exactly what I'm looking for, even before I know what it is I'm looking for, ya know what I mean? This shop offers an entirely different shopping experience than we're used to in the Capital Region. Instead of rummaging through the racks at the big box or off-price stores, shopping at Fancy Schmancy is like the Cadillac of shopping experiences: pretty much one-stop shopping for all your fancy outfit needs, with attentive and sweet sales associates helping you find what you're looking for, minus the crowds and the parking and the other headaches that come with shopping at places like the mall. Fancy Schmancy is popular on the high school prom circuit (and rightfully so!); however, this shop is so much more than prom dresses and ball gowns - it's one of my favorite places to shop when I'm looking for something a little fancier than usual, so if/when you need something for a special occasion, you should definitely give this place a try! From black tie weddings to causal holiday parties, and I've always felt like a million bucks while wearing anything I've ever purchased from this shop, like the perfect cocktail dresses for my sister's December rehearsal dinner and black tie wedding in July, or a long tweed vest with a faux fur trimmed collar and pockets outlined with a uniform row of pearls and silver beads for a casual holiday party, I've found the perfect threads to wear for any occasion. And it's not just the clothes, either. Fancy Schmancy has a beautiful display and selection of jewelry/costume jewelry to accessorize with, not to mention trendy hair pieces, like top knot and Renaissance style headbands, sparkly bobby pins, and the latest craze: jumbo flip clips. I actually picked up a pair of jumbo flip clips adorned in pearls to wear to the holiday party with the faux fur vest (I was getting a blow out so why not be extra fancy, right?) and what started an impulse buy at the register turned into my new favorite hair accessory! They have a really fun social media feed (@fancyschmancycouture) and true story: one time last summer I raced over there after I saw a really cool newspaper print jumper in their Instagram Stories, because it was the perfect outfit to wear to an event I had that weekend. So if anyone doubts the power of social media, I'm a good case study. They have a good price point overall - some things can be a little on the higher end (the fancier cocktail dresses and pieces in that department), but their casual wear is pretty reasonable, and it's definitely boutique quality and selection over the mass produced stuff you see on the racks virtually everywhere else. Social media is a great way to keep up with their inventory and, more importantly, sales! In fact, right now until the end of the year (literally one more day) they're offering 40% off casual wear, so I'm tempted to pop in to see what last minute deals of 2019 I can snag! If you're still looking for a NYE outfit, I highly suggest you save yourself the headache and aggravation of rummaging through the racks at the mall and give this boutique a try - you might be surprised! I know I was. read more

See all

the owner Suzanne was fabulous and so easy to work with. the girls were helpful and very friendly! It was a great experienc.

I had such an amazing experience!! Nancy and the girls were SO sweet and helpful, and I ended up with an incredible dress at a really fair price. I got the full princess experience, and I could not be happier. Amazing selection! read more

Fancy Schmancy - The perfect dress! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Latham, New York

Owner was very rude. She got mad when my daughter said she wasn't sure about a dress and wanted to think about it. I will never shop there again. I would rate the review with no stars if I could. read more

Please do not believe the negative reviews. I went there to find an outfit for an engagement party. All the ladies were phenomenal, especially Cathy the manager who went above and beyond to help me find the perfect outfit. They weren't pushy. They were very honest and so accommodating. I'll definitely go back there to get my dress for my grandson's wedding. Thank you Cathy and staff for a wonderful experience.Bonnie read more

I have been shopping in this clothing store for 22 years and I find it to have an excellent selection of women's clothing from gowns to classy casual. The ambience is wonderful. You are greeted by saleswomen who are gracious, courteous, and professional. They all assist in finding the right garment for the occasion. The owner, Suzanne Dura is truly gifted, creative and very generous to the Capital Region community. She has voluntarily orchestrated some wonderful fashion shows for area not-for-profit organizations, and generously given her time to every aspect of the shows. She and her manager work with young adults who have an interest in fashion design. She is an F.I.T. graduate and worthy of awards for her efforts and expertise. In addition to fashions, this store has beautiful accessories( jewelry, shoes, bags, and gorgeous hats). It will soon be prom season and they excel in helping the customer find the right dress and accessories and take the name and location of the event to ensure that duplicates of the same gown are not sold. Whenever, I am appearing publicly or professionally, I receive numerous compliments on my apparel. I sometimes joke with the staff about how I could wear a board over an outfit as advertisement. Once when I was a presenter at a conference, the female participants approach me during the break and inquired where I purchased the outfit and shoes. The store itself is comfortable and beautifully decorated. I encourage all to stop by for a delightful shopping experience. read more

I can't say enough about this Shop. Cathy, the manager and the rest of the staff are so helpful and accommodating they help me pick out a beautiful jumpsuit for my grandson's engagement party. I'll definitely go back to get a dress for the wedding. This is a classy shop and wonderful Staff . Don't believe the negative reviews. read more

poor customer service. inattentive and had no idea how to fit me into a M. o. G dress racks are stuffed and I was unable to actually view the dress. cluttered like Salvation Army racks read more

Went shopping for a prom dress for my granddaughter, her friend who had recently purchased her dress here highly recommended the store. We were not disappointed! it was an amazing experience, Susan the owner was present on site and extremely helpful, as were the entire staff. They were very busy, yet they made us feel like we were the only customer, each and every staff member assisted each other and all of the customers with such politeness and professionalism. They offered us bottled water while we were trying on dresses, and chocolates at checkout! The store was filled with so many on site choices, it was hard to choose a dress,. We did indeed find a gorgeous dress and accessories to match! I would highly recommend this store and will definitely be returning MG from Pittsfield read more

I went here to buy my first ever prom dress. I bought a $430 dress with the original designer tag from here. They altered my prom dress without telling me and sold it to me for the original designer selling price. When I took my dress to be hemmed, the seamstress found the dress had already been altered. The alterations made to the dress weren't even good. Whoever originally altered the dress removed the bodice from the skirt to remove the original tulle and then sewed the bodice back on, leaving the original stitches and sewing a weird pocket into the bodice when reattaching the skirt. They even cut the tulle directly off the dress in some places. The underskirt had chalk lines and pin holes from the seamstress. Not to mention they removed the tulle and didn't adjust the skirt, which makes it hang weird. I thought it just needed to be altered to fit my body, but the skirt hung like that because it was ALREADY ALTERED, and poorly. Then, when we went in to question their policies, the owner insisted that removing the tulle was store policy and made the dress "worth more than the original." Even though other similar dresses my friends and I tried on had tulle under the skirt. I feel taken advantage of, I have never been to an event where I needed a dress like this. I love the color, I just thought that the dress didn't fit right, only to find out the dress I had been promised was "new" off the rack had already been altered. All around, she was rude, especially to my mother. Would not recommend. read more

Fancy Schmancy - Where they cut the tulle from the inside of my dress. They didn't remove it all the way, and didn't remove the original stitches. - Women's Clothing Near Me - Latham, New York

Anyone looking for prom dresses or any fancy dresses. AVOID Fancy Schmancy in Latham. They alter dresses and don't tell you when you buy them. They still charge full price. When you bring it to their attention they are not willing to do anything about it. ABSOLUTELY THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD! If I could give no stars or negative stars I would. read more

I am writing this review because I want to really acknowledge the sales clerk, Katie. I have been in the store twice and she is very helpful and accommodating. She did an excellent job of picking out dresses that might interest me, which isn't easy because my figure measurements are slightly unusual. On my second visit, I was able to pick two suitable dresses. Unfortunately, I was unable to get back to the store in time to make my purchase. The service and patience that Katie shows is outstanding. I wish her all the best in her career. read more

What a wonderful time i had finding a dress to get married in. Wanting a dress in color, not white, the staff were so helpful in pulling options, and no pushing me or rushing me into a decision. I love, love, love my dress. Thank you for a fun, happy shopping experience. read more

Went to store on Sunday. My sister was looking for shoes. We didn't find the shoes we needed but found other clothes. Susan the owner was so helpful. I recommend going to look if you have a special occasion coming up. Even if you don't have a special occasion it's so pretty inside!! read more

Fancy Schmancy - Sparkle shoes! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Latham, New York

My daughter and I were excited to go here because they have such a big selection of prom dresses in every size. I was disappointed to learn that the dress you try on is the dress you purchase, so many people may have tried on the dress prior. There was 1 size left in the dress my daughter picked, and it was damaged. We almost purchased it anyway because she loved it, but I couldn't bring myself to spend 100s on a damaged dress that was tried on many times before that doesn't have a brand name at all. Tag just says the store name Not to mention, the manager was extremely rude when I asked her basic questions. My daughter had to use the restroom for 1 min during trying on, and they made her get out and get in line again. It felt like a factory w bad customer service. THE BIGGEST KICKER IS... We reverse imaged the dress on Google and found it at several other stores for HALF THE PRICE. And it hadn't been tried on, brand new! I don't mind paying more for customer service, but it was completely lacking, not to mention rude. Scam Go in and try on if you want, take a photo, and find it online! read more

Although I did not find what I was looking for, the service was spectacular. Our consultant, Nan, was professional, supportive and knowledgeable. She was personable and not pushy. It was like shopping with a friend! read more

Service was terrible. No one helped with any of the dresses, did not even acknowledge me. Also if you are 18 years old (a full grown adult) you are NOT allowed to try on dresses without a parent present. Everyone there is rude! read more

I came with my mom on a Sunday, with prom dress shopping season in full effect. It was a very busy day but so many willing employees to help everyone find what they are looking for. There were several girls walking around asking if they could help and with 3 dresses in my hand I was asked if I would like a fitting room started (I accepted) as the gowns are all individually wrapped in their own garment bag an very heavy. All employees were extremely friendly and helpful. We did have to wait over 30 minutes to try on because I was told certain fitting rooms are for "prom only", leaving only 2 rooms for everyone else. Not sure it makes sense to have a bunch of women standing around while 10 girls cycle in and out of the 'prom only' rooms. BUT it's not my store and I think people forget that you're a guest in their store and they are doing what they think is best for everyone, not just me, so I waited and watched everyone model all of the beautiful pieces the store offers. I lived in NYC for 8 years and aside from taking a drive down this is the best Albany has to offer is you ask me. The selection is incomparable and although the prices are high they have a decent sale rack and vast sizes available. They also have stunning jewelry that you can't find any where else in the capital region. Upon checking out it was clearly explained that the sale was FINAL. I'm not sure why everyone is griping about something that was clearly stated and then stamped on my receipt. Thank you for all of your help, I will always come back when I'm looking for something special. read more

I got my wedding dress and also had alterations here. Communication was good, things were ready when they were supposed to be ready, and I had a great experience with the staff. Prices are affordable as compared to strictly bridal made-to-order stores, and I was very happy to support a smaller local store. Items are off the rack, so what you see and try on is what you get. They have sizes 0-18 or thereabouts in stock. The store itself is well organized with a lot of options to suit different tastes. Erin was really helpful throughout, and did a great job on alterations (just a couple things, but still important!). She knows everything and has a ton of experience working in the bridal industry. read more

Will never go back due to the rude manner in which the staff acted yesterday at closing time. According to the website hours on Saturday are from 10-7, my mom was trying on dresses for MOB for my wedding and at 4:55 one of the rude staff members said "just so you know we close at 5:00" I questioned why the website said 7:00, her snarky response was "it's summer hours." Then update your site so customers traveling to the area specifically for your store know the hours. The store had quite a few customers and everyone was being pressured. The older woman asked how we were doing because "we're closed." She was equally as rude as the young staff, and she should know better, it's all about the customer. We were pressured to leave which blows my mind!! You have a store full of people you're not willing to accommodate?! They could have easily made 4 sales but instead started going into dressing rooms and removing merchandise and telling everyone to hurry up. Very disappointed and rude! No customer service skills. Clothes and dresses are overpriced too, many of the dresses have snags, beads falling off and are poor quality. You can order almost all the brands on Nordstrom.com and you get a brand new dress that other people haven't tried on and isn't falling apart. Don't waste your time here, rude staff, overpriced products and no regard for customer service. read more

I've shopped at Fancy Schmancy for three occasions now - a formal wedding (guest) gown, a cocktail dress for NYE/Engagement, and my wedding dress. Every experience I have had here has been absolutely fantastic, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by the prices. Yes, dresses here are expensive, but certainly on par or cheaper than buying similar items online, plus there's the added bonus of having the ability to try things on! The first gown I purchased a few years ago, when they were still at their old location. They helped me dig through racks and racks (and racks) of gowns to find one that fit me perfectly, no alterations necessary. $500 Aidan Maddox floor-length gown. A bargain, given all the use I've gotten from it, and it's still going strong. The second, I just grabbed off the rack at their new location (which is AWESOME) with a little guidance from an associate - again, super helpful, and it worked wonderfully for our NYE plans. I think it was around $150, gray bodycon mini-dress with LOTS of sequins. For my wedding dress, I brought my Maid of Honor, and smack in the middle of Prom-shopping season. They were extremely busy, but an associate was nice enough to help us pull dresses, and set us up in a HUGE dressing room. I found THE ONE, and they were nice enough to hold it for me until the next day, after running it by my grandma. Only $300 for a gorgeous wedding dress! Despite the crowd there on Saturday for Prom shopping, they didn't rush us at all, and everyone was very pleasant and helpful. I will most definitely return for my next splurge outfit! read more

Shopped here recently for my son's upcoming wedding and had an absolutely fantastic experience! Great selection of dresses, and wonderful customer service. I found the perfect dress and couldn't be more happy with my purchase. Also found shoes and clutch to complete my look. Highly recommend. Will definitely return to shop here again! read more

My wife needed a dress for a gala event on short notice, every department store at the mall was disappointment mixed with prom dresses suited for more for a stripper than a woman at a formal event. Found this store, and my god what a relief. Huge selection of formal evening gowns. April was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. She helped my wife pick options that complimented her figure, complexion and personal style. When trying them on April steered her toward the dress that was right for her. It happened to be the least expensive of the six finalists and you could tell she was committed to customer service above all else. I could see people being upset with the strict return policy and not wanting to deal with herds of bratty teens loitering in the store. That being said both policies are clearly posted and communicated on the website and signs at the entrance and checkout counter. If you are capable of being an adult and need a nice dress, this is the place to go in the capital district. read more

Seriously this is the best shop in town for a dress! I was on a particular hunt and was empty handed and exhausted by the time I found out about this shop. I was running out of time and the incredibly helpful woman working there brought me numerous dresses that fit my criteria and fit me as well! I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you!!! You are now my go to! read more

Best boutique in the 518!!! Great selections and amazing staff!! They are super helpful and give great feedback!! Over 7,000 dresses! There is something for everyone!! read more

I had forgotten how wonderful it can be to have people who really know their stuff take care of me while shopping for a special occasion! Thank you ladies. read more

After being told that this was a great spot to find special formal attire, I went in on a Monday morning to find a dress to wear to a wedding. It was early, and only one other customer was there, so I began to look around. After 15 minutes, no salesperson had approached me to help in my search. I starting looking for someone to advise me as to sale dresses, sizes, etc. After waiting another 10 minutes, I chose a dress and walked to find a salesperson to inquire as to where the dressing room was. The other customer had left, and all the salesgirls were chatting with each other. I finally interrupted and asked for a dressing room. Since I had been in the store 30 minutes at this point, I expected some smiling assistance! No smile, no help, just ,"0ver here". She led me to a dressing room and left. After trying on the dress I had brought in, I wanted to perhaps look for a different size. Again, no one to assist me. So I went through the store again, and returned to the dressing room only to find that someone else was in there, along with my clothes!!! Nothing improved as the shopping trip continued. After an hour, I located what I was going to purchase with no assistance or conversation with staff. WhenI proceeded to the counter to pay, 3 salesgirls were there chatting with each other. I waited 10 more minutes while being totally ignored. I then loudly said, "Could I interest anyone in taking my money?" At this point, a girl said. , "Sure!" I paid over $170 for the worst experience I can recall in a store that is supposed to be fancy! Perhaps the title means snooty, unfriendlly, and poor service!!!! Never again!!!! read more

First time visit, it was amazing. The women steered me to the area I was looking for (cocktail dresses 16ish) and started a room. It was a busy Sunday afternoon, but they were super attentive! While I was trying things on showing my BFF, the owner asked about the event, and if she could bring me a few things. First two were meh, then magic! The staff helped me find perfect shoes and suggested accessory options. I left happy and ready for a gala! I will def be back. read more

This was the first place I visited to begin my wedding dress shopping. Although today was a day for more looking and figuring out the style I wanted, all the women who work their were incredibly kind and enthusiastic about my big day. I was a walk-in and they made me feel welcomed and important. I recommend trying this place and their prices were great. read more

Today I went to fancy Schmancy with no hope of finding address and when I got there they were very busy with prom gown try ons. I pulled a few dresses and the owner, Suzanne, put me in her office , which was beautiful, because all the dressing rooms were full. She stayed with me , she helped me , she found me the most perfect dress and then topped it off with the most perfect cape , and shoes. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder , thanks to her. I now have a gone for my daughter's wedding and couldn't be happier what an excellent experience. read more

Came to try on dresses for my senior prom, but was disappointed when I was turned away because I didn't have a parent with me. I understand that rules are rules, but as an 18 year old who would be paying for this dress with my own money I feel I should be capable of trying on a dress before I spend my money on it. read more

Absolutely the best place in the capital District to buy the perfect gown for any occasion!! The team is absolutely spectacular!

A family friend bought me a gift here, and I went to exchange it for something else, and because this store doesn't give gift receipts, or any way to track a purchase price, I couldn't exchange for the right amount--they suggested I go back to the gift giver and ask for the receipt, which, in the world that I live (the real world, where people have manners), is very rude behavior and I can't do that--so now I am stuck with a gift that I don't want. And there was no effort to help problem solve, which was disappointing. The attitudes were also pretty, 'meh', so I wouldn't bother going back there again. Interestingly, I had another return to a store which got a crappy Yelp review due to a return, and I explained that I didn't have the gift receipt and they said, "well, if you still have the tag on it, the bar code will tell us how much the gift giver paid." and then proceeded to smoothly exchange the item for something more expensive, and I paid the difference--and I was happy to give them the business--because they have a SENSIBLE way to exchange. read more

This is a real find in an area that is fashion-challenged. I mainly have shopped for clothing put-of-town since I moved north from NYC. After 3 days in NYC searching for a dress for our son's wedding - and not trying on a single gown, I tried Fancy Schmancy for the first time. I am now "hooked". Besides an amazing selection of formal attire, I can pick up great casual wear, shoes and even special undergarments to line my formal wear. Unbeatable fashion jewelry and great sales staff too. And, they do thee alterations! read more

Recently stopped by Fancy Schmancy to check out the inventory before the holiday season. I am always so impressed with the friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as the fabulous clothing options they have. I love spending my money on pieces that I can't find elsewhere. Thank you, Susanne Dura, for all your efforts to keep us looking beautiful! We have nothing in the Lehigh Valley (PA) to compare! read more

Just left Fancy Smancy and have no intentions of ever going back! Every single staff member I met was rude! I have 2 dresses that I need to buy for 2 galas - I plan on spending my money somewhere that treats their customers well! read more

I don't want to even give this place a single star. Our experience from start to finish was miserable. Upon entering the store we were shown the sales and regularly priced room with an overwhelming number of dresses squashed together in bags so you couldn't even see them and then left on our own to navigate. When we approached the sales girl who showed us the rooms to help us, she did a perfunctory search through the dresses and then disappeared. There were three of us looking for black tie optional wedding attire (which could have potentially added up to be a purchase of over $1000.00). After taking over 1/2 hour to find a few dresses we were told to bring them to the changing room to hold a place in line. While still looking we kept being pressured to start trying on the dresses we picked out. One of my daughters was given the large dressing room and the other was put back in the main dressing room area, which made is too difficult to look for dresses, monitor what they are trying on, and then try on my own. I gave up on trying on any dresses myself. Once in the dressing room we were completely ignored by the staff and when I went looking for the one sales girl who had helped us initially, I was told she went to lunch. When she came back she told me that any of the girls could help us - but we didn't know and since no one else offered to help us we ended up wasting a 1/2 hour waiting for her. We finally picked out one dress to buy and my daughter packed up all the other dresses in their bags neatly and then laid them in a nice pile on the floor of the dressing room as there was no place to hang them and no sales person approached us to take the dresses out. So we left them there to look at the jewelry section. 5 minutes later an older sales women stormed over to us and inquired in a very loud voice if we were the ones who just vacated the dressing room leaving dresses all over the floor for her to pick up. We said we were and tried to explain to her that the dresses had been packed up and laid nicely on the floor as there was no place to hang them - but she wasn't listening. She continued to SCREAM at us in a very loud voice, which carried all over the store on how inconsiderate we were to leave expensive dresses on the floor that she had to then pick up after working a 10 hour day. How dare we! I immediate when over to the store owner who was pinning up a dress near the large dressing room, told her what had happened and tried to give an explanation. The older sales women followed us and started screaming at us again in front of the owner and all of the customers. I told the owner that this was very humiliating and uncalled for and asked her point blank if she wanted our business as I was about to buy a $400 dollar dress from her store. She just shrugged her shoulders in response. The older sales women told me that she did not need our business. I dropped the dress I was about to buy on a chair and we walked out. Never have I been treated with such ill consideration. After our experience, I went on Yelp and read some of the other reviews of this business. I wasn't surprised when I read that other customers had experienced ill treatment from this very same older sales women. I know plenty of people in retail including my daughter who was shopping with me that day. All tell me that an employee with that attitude and lack of judgement would have been out the door! Why does she still work there? And Why Doesn't the Owner Care How Her Customers Are Treated! read more

I came in to buy bridal jewelry and found everything at at a great price. The staff greeted me as soon as I arrived and provided perfect customer service - totally helpful without being overbearing. It's prom season and there were so many people there but I still got all the attention I needed. The owner chatted with me for a while about my wedding venue, etc. Lovely experience. read more

I was greeted as if I was an inconvenience. A woman working there strangely asked if I had any gum in my mouth, then just handed me a tissue signaling me to spit it out, and grabbed the tissue from me, acting quite disgusted. I was very put off by this. She was very demeaning in explaining the prom dress shopping "protocol." Everyone else working in the store was very welcoming. This woman who greeted me, however, started me off with a bad experience. read more

AWFUL customer service! I went in looking for a dress and the woman rudely told me they didn't have anything that I was looking for and that they were short staffed. We've been there twice and both times have been disrespected. DO NOT GO HERE. Go up the street instead... read more