How Much Did You Pay For the Awesome Dress that Made You Look Better Then Me?

I went to a great wedding  and  wore this elegant evening gown that made me feel like a million dollars.  I purchased it at a discount store but it was as if it was tailor made to me.  I receive so many complements.  For weeks, I’ve been feeling a little down with the reality of moving, closing up shop and stress of my day job so this a wonderful change.  The best part, the only person who looked better than me was the bride.   Since it was a wedding, I knew my dress wouldn’t outshine hers.  Actually, I didn’t think my dress was that great, until I arrived.

Then one person asked

How much was it?

My confidence literally reduced like a tire that ran over a nail.  I didn’t know how to answer without causing some sort of scene or sounding rude myself so I just told her.   She KNEW it purchased it at a discount store.  Fortunately only person in ear shot was a guy friend who really doesn’t care.  This is a rant of course, but I supposed that really is bothering me is the person asking the question had no malicious intent.  She’s actually clueless on this level of etiquette.  At least that’s what I tell myself so I can move on from the incident. 

Anyways, I’m not the queen of etiquette by far, however it made me think about myself.  When it comes to my professional life, I’m consider pretty good at defusing or saying the right thing.  In social situations, I’m pretty inexperienced.  I tend to say what I think or just not say anything at all, nothing in-between when you have to say something and must say it nice! 

How would you have handled this awkward situation?