That tends to be the best way to shop there, or so I keep hearing. I mean, I've had buttons come off, and a few small bits and pieces be wrong, but overall, I've found that it just takes getting the right things there, for it to be ok.
Yay to hear that you're almost free of both! Now, if only I could go the reverse way and actually manage to shop at most stores. I border on kiddie sizes, I am so thin.

I went to TJMAXX and bought 2 black dresses.

One is a stretchy slinky tango dress - sleeveless, lowcut with a handkerchief hem.

The other is an uber sleek and elegant Evan Picone cocktail dress - in a crepe fabric in a turtleneck halter style in front with a 2" wide neckband that buttons in the back. It has a half open back with several spaghetti straps radiating out from the back of the neckband down the back. It has just a slight flare on the skirt...barely an A-line. It just fits so I should be able to wear it for quite a while even after I lose more weight..

Both are size 14...yay! normal sizes...

If I don't find something to wear to the masquerade, one of these outfits may be what I wear...I dunno...I really want something longer....

A pair of black strappy tango shoes with rhinestone buckles (a couple of weeks ago). And yesterday the fabric for my gown I'm wearing to the Masque. I'm so friggin broke now. But it's worth it

level 3 A Armour
Ceramic ballistic chestplate
M-4A Gas mask + Hood
One fresh pair of urban combat boots
One complete set of computerized camo (Urban)

Price...(Im about to cry).....600.00$

Foundation
Eyeshadow
Nail polish
Makeup remover
Plastic welder's mask

The welder's mask and some of the polish have been going towards making my mask look aged and more Victorian/Steampunk, but to little avail.