The wonderful thing about the UK and general online shopping is the fab returns policy. I like the fact that we actually have changing rooms and you can do your own thing in them in privacy i.e. shake your hair like a shampoo model, pout like a member of the Jagger family, pose like a hot model and admire yourself in your chosen garment before you choose to buy. I like the fact that even if I've tried something on in the changing room and I buy it, I can still change my mind when I get home. Absolutely wonderbar!
I also like 365 day return policies (they do exist) and 28 day ones. I can live with 14 day ones and though not happy, I'll take the 7 days return which is still better than nothing. Because I am the Queen of Returns.
In January I bought and returned :
Manebi Fluorescent Pink Espadrilles.
Because that's what all sane people buy in January when it's hailing and there are thunderstorms lashing outside.
Manebi Fluorescent Pink Espadrilles.
Because that's what all sane people buy in January when it's hailing and there are thunderstorms lashing outside.
Basically I developed an obsession for pink shoes after seeing this pic on Pinterest.
So simple an outfit- so demented a pair of shoes. I loved the whole outfit and it set me off looking for Marc Jacobs pink mouse pumps because yes I truly am that susceptible. In the end I decided I didn't really want to wear mice on my feet but I wouldn't mind a pair of pink shoes. Which is how I ended up ordering a pair of fluorescent pink espadrilles from the Matches website when they had an extra 20% off their sale. They said they came up small so I thought the size 5 should be fine. They came, I opened the box, I moved aside the tissue paper, gasped and slammed down the box lid. They were the most truly terrifying shade of pink EVER. That pic above of the espadrilles are not a true representation of the colour - that's at about 50% luminosity. I eventually got them back out of the box and tried them on. Absolutely humongous! Boats! Cruise boats! Luminous cruise boats. They went back.
Dodo Le Parisienne Ballet Pumps
And then I put my sensible head back on and ordered some burgundy Dodo Le Parisenne ballet pumps because I thought they looked a pretty good dupe of the damson Porselli ballet pumps which I had been hankering after so long but couldn't bring myself to buy. They came, they fitted, they went back. The pump was a bit too structured, the leather a touch too shiny and the colour was a soupçon too red - basically they were not the damson Porsellis. And the daftest thing? I haven't even seen a pair of Porsellis in real life (!) to compare them to but I have this mental image of what they will be like and they will be the softest squidgiest leather ever in the most perfect yummy scrummy deep fabulous damson shade. I guess, this might be one of those pairs of shoes where it's the original or nothing. Ho hum. Better get saving.
Manebi Pink Espadrilles.
Errr .... at the same time that I ordered the Dodo Le Parisienne ballet pumps, I ordered another pair of pink Manebi espadrilles because I never learn and I was still on a pink shoe bender. This time in a much softer shade. And in the right size. I had high hopes for these and I thought they were the most lovely stonewashed pink. I opened the box and unwrapped the tissue paper and I smiled. And then I took them out and my happy expression turned to one of puzzlement as I tried to figure out which shoe was the left and which was the right. Yup, it's a pair of those unifeet type shoes. Hmmph. It took me a while but I got there - the giveaway was the embroidered logo on the outer part of the shoe. I never even noticed this funny little trait with the previous pair as they were so big, my feet never touched the sides. Anyway, I did my round the rug strut in them and found myself flip flopping my way out of them. Huge again! So who's the clever eejit (I've been hanging around too many Irish ladies) who wrote that these came up small? They need to go back to school to learn their big from small. Anyway, the espadrilles went back.
Manebi Pink Espadrilles.
Errr .... at the same time that I ordered the Dodo Le Parisienne ballet pumps, I ordered another pair of pink Manebi espadrilles because I never learn and I was still on a pink shoe bender. This time in a much softer shade. And in the right size. I had high hopes for these and I thought they were the most lovely stonewashed pink. I opened the box and unwrapped the tissue paper and I smiled. And then I took them out and my happy expression turned to one of puzzlement as I tried to figure out which shoe was the left and which was the right. Yup, it's a pair of those unifeet type shoes. Hmmph. It took me a while but I got there - the giveaway was the embroidered logo on the outer part of the shoe. I never even noticed this funny little trait with the previous pair as they were so big, my feet never touched the sides. Anyway, I did my round the rug strut in them and found myself flip flopping my way out of them. Huge again! So who's the clever eejit (I've been hanging around too many Irish ladies) who wrote that these came up small? They need to go back to school to learn their big from small. Anyway, the espadrilles went back.
Manebi Pink Espadrilles
Dotty Perkins Denim Dress
Yes I extolled the virtues of this dress and I still stand by the fact that this is a fab little dress but there was the tiniest niggle - the length. And yes yes I know I said I didn't care anymore about how short my skirt lengths were but it turns out I do.
I think the dress cut off at an unflattering point on the legs for me. I'm classing this as a return as I didn't keep it but it did go to to a good home - to Michelle who has better legs. I errm bought another denim dress to placate my loss. But that's a story for another day. Moving on quickly .....
Dorothy Perkins Denim Dress
I think the dress cut off at an unflattering point on the legs for me. I'm classing this as a return as I didn't keep it but it did go to to a good home - to Michelle who has better legs. I errm bought another denim dress to placate my loss. But that's a story for another day. Moving on quickly .....
H&M Denim Dress
What's this? Not another denim dress? No sooner had I got rid of one and bought another, I spotted this one.
Beautiful summer colour and cut in a buffet style i.e. eat all you like style. And huge jam your hands in pockets. I loved it on sight. I took it home and threw it on and it was sooooo comfeeeee. And an inch too long. An inch doesn't sound like much but it really can be make or break on a dress for me. That one inch can land me in frumpy dumpy territory. There was also a little part of me which said "Come on now Sue, another denim dress ... really, seriously?" Yes really and seriously. Anyway, to cut a long story short, it's a lovely dress but I returned it. A girl can only have so many denim dresses you know!
What's this? Not another denim dress? No sooner had I got rid of one and bought another, I spotted this one.
Beautiful summer colour and cut in a buffet style i.e. eat all you like style. And huge jam your hands in pockets. I loved it on sight. I took it home and threw it on and it was sooooo comfeeeee. And an inch too long. An inch doesn't sound like much but it really can be make or break on a dress for me. That one inch can land me in frumpy dumpy territory. There was also a little part of me which said "Come on now Sue, another denim dress ... really, seriously?" Yes really and seriously. Anyway, to cut a long story short, it's a lovely dress but I returned it. A girl can only have so many denim dresses you know!
Zara Sweatshirts
I ordered them in both colourways and kept neither. I liked the designs and disliked the material - a little bit too synthetic on the eye and to the touch. Such a shame as the cut was good and if it had been predominantly cotton, it could have been a whole different story.
I actually had high hopes for the minty green one - I am going through a serious trying every colour under the rainbow phase but alas it was not meant to be. Ah well. Besides, more sweatshirts have passed through my front door since then.
Zara White Ankle Strap Sandals
The thing with me is once I've get a bee in my bonnet about something, it buzzes till I finally splat it to death. I wanted white sandals last year and I found a lovely leather pair in Zara but there was a strap part at the back which gaped.
The gap bugged me enough to return them. I almost wish I hadn't as I haven't found a pair I like as much since. I still have this thing for the perfect white sandals and then these came along.
I loved the style, the heel was workable and the only hiccup I could see was that they were synthetic rather than real leather. And they appeared on the website for two days and then poooof! Gone. Oh! This is where I lose my mind again and then realise it's not me - it's them - they've sold out. But hey, I found them lurking in the corner of my local Zara! I brought them home, examined them thoroughly and declared the patent finish too plasticy. And they didn't fit me properly at the back again. So back they went. And do you know what? I already know I don't get on with Zara shoes and I never have (save for one pair of leather espadrilles) and I don't know why I still keep trying but I do. One day ... one day!
Moving on to February I bought and returned :
I actually had high hopes for the minty green one - I am going through a serious trying every colour under the rainbow phase but alas it was not meant to be. Ah well. Besides, more sweatshirts have passed through my front door since then.
Zara White Ankle Strap Sandals
The thing with me is once I've get a bee in my bonnet about something, it buzzes till I finally splat it to death. I wanted white sandals last year and I found a lovely leather pair in Zara but there was a strap part at the back which gaped.
Last years version with gappy bit at the back.
The gap bugged me enough to return them. I almost wish I hadn't as I haven't found a pair I like as much since. I still have this thing for the perfect white sandals and then these came along.
Zara Sandals
I loved the style, the heel was workable and the only hiccup I could see was that they were synthetic rather than real leather. And they appeared on the website for two days and then poooof! Gone. Oh! This is where I lose my mind again and then realise it's not me - it's them - they've sold out. But hey, I found them lurking in the corner of my local Zara! I brought them home, examined them thoroughly and declared the patent finish too plasticy. And they didn't fit me properly at the back again. So back they went. And do you know what? I already know I don't get on with Zara shoes and I never have (save for one pair of leather espadrilles) and I don't know why I still keep trying but I do. One day ... one day!
Moving on to February I bought and returned :
Zara Black Wax Coated Chinos.
I love chinos - a shape and style which works on me. I have 5 operational pairs (yes, sometimes I take a break from jeans but not often) so I think I can vouch for them. The Zara chinos I'd spotted online and then the Allwornout girls extolled their virtues and I thought this might be the answer to my wax coated prayers.
They came, they looked lovely from the front and were incredibly flattering and looked dire round the back. It wasnt the chinos fault, it was something more to do with my backside. Usually I don't look too closely but for some strange reason I was compelled to with these. There was a part of me that was thinking, what the eye doesn't see, we won't fuss about too much but I'm afraid the memory of my bum was lodged in there and it wasn't good. It really wasn't good. They went.
They came, they looked lovely from the front and were incredibly flattering and looked dire round the back. It wasnt the chinos fault, it was something more to do with my backside. Usually I don't look too closely but for some strange reason I was compelled to with these. There was a part of me that was thinking, what the eye doesn't see, we won't fuss about too much but I'm afraid the memory of my bum was lodged in there and it wasn't good. It really wasn't good. They went.
Zara Ivory Sweatshirt.
This came along at the same time as the lilac jumper and the black wax coated chinos.
There is nothing wrong with this sweatshirt whatsoever. It's 100% cotton, has a touch of the Marant about it, looks great with blue jeans and yet I was strangely aloof to the said item. I don't know if I'm tiring a little of looking at the whole boho Marant thing but there's a part of me which thinks maybe its days are numbered. I still like what she puts out but I prefer the simpler lines and less flamboyant pieces. That's my thought for February - come March, I will be running round in rara skirts and will have probably bought this sweatshirt again. Oh yes, I bought this in a size small as opposed to the medium which I would normally have taken. Just incase anybody out there likes it.
Cos Graphic Print Jumper.
Hello? Are you still with me? Or were you just nodding off - this post is getting a bit long isn't it? I started it off thinking there wasn't that much but lo and behold this is an eye opener. Anyway, now that you're back in the room, did you know that Cos have some amazing sales? I got a bit trigger happy with the old buy button when they reached the end of their sales when some of their tops and blouses were going for somewhere between £15 to £18 each instead of their usual £45 - £60 bracket. I ordered 4 things (in for a penny, in for a pound) and the one I returned was this weird fitting little jumper. I liked the print, I knew what the cotton was going to be like - I just hadn't bargained on the fit. Short in the body and a bit off everywhere else. I bidded it bye bye!
Zara Pleated Skirt
Yes it's a skirt. I'm branching out in to stuff I don't normally wear. And once I realised that, I had to send it back.
But it is a lovely colour and print. So sharp and vibrant for those who want to do colour but not a smack in the face colour as it can be toned down with a navy v-neck and dark accessories. I don't have a navy v-neck and for once I had my sensible head on because having this skirt would have meant additional purchases to make this wearable. Polish halo. But I still like it. Though it does little for my hips.
Chinti & Parker Dusky Pink Shirt
Guess what? I don't just shop and return at Zara you know and I do purchase from other places. This is a lovely cotton voile shirt. I had my fingers crossed for this and it might have been the reason why other purchases went back so I could have something nicer.
The thing with me is I can't resist a nice soft cotton voile and especially when it's a lovely soft dusky shade like this. It has a timelessness about it and I love clothes like this which stay in your wardrobe year after year. Timeless and effortless. However, lovely as it was, it didn't fit. The armholes were cut very low which meant the sleeves pulled and were restrictive when you moved your arms. Gutted. Really gutted. I notice that this is now back at full price. Pfft!
Jigsaw Bayswater Pumps
Remember these? I put them on my Black Friday post last year and didn't buy them. They came up reduced at John Lewis just recently and I nabbed a pair.
They don't fit :o(
So now that I've gone through that exercise, my conclusion is :
There is nothing wrong with this sweatshirt whatsoever. It's 100% cotton, has a touch of the Marant about it, looks great with blue jeans and yet I was strangely aloof to the said item. I don't know if I'm tiring a little of looking at the whole boho Marant thing but there's a part of me which thinks maybe its days are numbered. I still like what she puts out but I prefer the simpler lines and less flamboyant pieces. That's my thought for February - come March, I will be running round in rara skirts and will have probably bought this sweatshirt again. Oh yes, I bought this in a size small as opposed to the medium which I would normally have taken. Just incase anybody out there likes it.
Cos Graphic Print Jumper.
Hello? Are you still with me? Or were you just nodding off - this post is getting a bit long isn't it? I started it off thinking there wasn't that much but lo and behold this is an eye opener. Anyway, now that you're back in the room, did you know that Cos have some amazing sales? I got a bit trigger happy with the old buy button when they reached the end of their sales when some of their tops and blouses were going for somewhere between £15 to £18 each instead of their usual £45 - £60 bracket. I ordered 4 things (in for a penny, in for a pound) and the one I returned was this weird fitting little jumper. I liked the print, I knew what the cotton was going to be like - I just hadn't bargained on the fit. Short in the body and a bit off everywhere else. I bidded it bye bye!
Cos Jumper
Zara Pleated Skirt
Yes it's a skirt. I'm branching out in to stuff I don't normally wear. And once I realised that, I had to send it back.
But it is a lovely colour and print. So sharp and vibrant for those who want to do colour but not a smack in the face colour as it can be toned down with a navy v-neck and dark accessories. I don't have a navy v-neck and for once I had my sensible head on because having this skirt would have meant additional purchases to make this wearable. Polish halo. But I still like it. Though it does little for my hips.
Chinti & Parker Dusky Pink Shirt
Guess what? I don't just shop and return at Zara you know and I do purchase from other places. This is a lovely cotton voile shirt. I had my fingers crossed for this and it might have been the reason why other purchases went back so I could have something nicer.
The thing with me is I can't resist a nice soft cotton voile and especially when it's a lovely soft dusky shade like this. It has a timelessness about it and I love clothes like this which stay in your wardrobe year after year. Timeless and effortless. However, lovely as it was, it didn't fit. The armholes were cut very low which meant the sleeves pulled and were restrictive when you moved your arms. Gutted. Really gutted. I notice that this is now back at full price. Pfft!
Jigsaw Bayswater Pumps
Remember these? I put them on my Black Friday post last year and didn't buy them. They came up reduced at John Lewis just recently and I nabbed a pair.
They don't fit :o(
------------------------------
So now that I've gone through that exercise, my conclusion is :
- I've not had much luck shoe shopping these last two months. You don't say?
- I've bought and returned a lot to Zara. Somewhere along the way, they will finally get some money out of me.
- I like denim dresses. No kidding?
- I'm really susceptible and impressionable. Pink mouse pumps. Hmmm.
- When I say I like something, I mean it. Hence the fact I'm still chasing my tail over things I coveted last year.
- I guess I like to be really sure about what I want in my wardrobe. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
- I've well and truly earned my title as the Queen of Returns. Well and truly.
Or are there any challengers to my title out there? Who's as bad or worse than me? Fess up. You're in good company.
I bought and returned A LOT in February too! I love the ability to order online, try on at home and either return instore or send back via post - love love love it!
ReplyDeleteI am actually bored of clothes now - there is nothing 'new' out there, it's all a variation on a theme. I'm hoping this feeling is cured when the new season starts.
I thought most of the new stock was out there now! But I guess not as they really can't put out the full on shorts and bikini ware till a little later i.e Spring!
DeleteAnd yes, you've been on a bit of a bender - a real stripey bender. But it's good to be sure!
Wow Sue & I thought I returned a lot but I think you have definitely earnt the title of Queen of Returns lol. It's so disappointing when you order something believing you've found your perfect item only to have it arrive & it not fit or be quite as you thought....still plenty of room for more shopping especially on the pink shoes front ;-)
ReplyDeleteJane xx
www.mymidlifefashion.com
You mean I beat you Jane? No way! Weren't you the lady who had 4 boxes of Zara delivered to her house when the sales started?
DeleteAnd yes you're right, there is still more looking on the pink shoe front to be done. I'm sure this will fizzle out in due course.
They were actually full length but that wouldn't have been a problem as I don't mind taking up trousers. Primarily because I've been doing it since I don't know when - probably coincided around the time I stopped growing.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty hot on returns policies now. Infact I always read them before I hit the buy button just so I'm really sure. The worst ones are the ones where you pay return postage and you already paid enough upfront to get the item delivered. I don't mind with NAP and COS where they charge a fraction more but it covers the cost of returns and is still cheaper than if you had to take on the full return cost itself. Anyway, I hope your refund gets resolved soon and it doesn't resort to a dispute.
Oh this made me smile - I don't seem to get as far as the buy and return, mostly I add to basket and talk myself out of it before the end of the day. Love that John Lewis delivers to your local Waitrose though - have used that service quite a bit makes grocery shopping much less dull!
ReplyDeleteHi Maria, From what I can tell, you don't always talk yourself out of the hitting the button as you've admitted using the collect service from your local Waitrose! But you're right - it's a good sweetener for doing the grocery shopping.
DeleteWow you have been busy! I am exactly the same, a cooling off period with new purchases sorts the wheat from the chaff. Some months there is a lot of chaff annoyingly - c'est la vie! Especially sorry to see the replacement Zara sandals were no good - especially after you managed to track them down in store against the odds. That's whan a less sensiblly-minded woman (i.e. me) would have been tempted to keep them anyway!
ReplyDeleteNow that's a really good way of looking at it - a cooling off period. And it is actually really helpful - so many times I've bought something on the spur of the moment and got home and thought "what was I thinking???" so I am truly thankful for return policies. And I'm a funny bunny, sometimes when I've spent forever tracking down something, by the time I finally get my hands on it - I'm not bothered any more. It's the thrill of the chase I think.
Deleteanother one of your posts that have made me laugh and smile, you are definitely the Queen Of Returns!! I totally agree with you on dress lengths, when I got the Whistles Cocoon dress last year it looked all wrong on me due to being short, 1 and an half inch off perfect! I saw a cute denim dress in Topshop and thought of you! Also stylist Sarah Clark's blog Little Spree ( kids clothes ) posted a Next one and that goes up to age16 which is fab and she is getting that for herself, it's only £20 order it you can always return it!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteYou're totally right about the Whistles cocoon dress. They're a lovely design but I could just tell that they were going to be an off length on me due to my height as well. They hit frump length on me.
DeleteAnd I just spent a happy few minutes going through the girls dresses on the Next website - there are some cute little denim dresses on there but I think I've got enough for now. I think ....
Gosh! I think you are single handedly keeping the parcel delivery men of the UK in jobs. I'm a huge internet shopper. I like to try on in the comfort of my own home with my shoes, my jewellery etc. It's a no brainer really. x
ReplyDeleteI think that's partly it - I need to know that what I buy goes with what I have. Sometimes I have this mental image of how I imagine something to look and then the stark reality hits me in the face when I take a look in the mirror. Like the waxed chinos!
DeleteAnd I like to think I'm doing my bit by keeping all those delivery men in a job.
Cor blimey Sue you have been busy.....I thought I was bad for returning stuff! Lol!
ReplyDeleteI say if you have an itch, scratch it as it's better to buy and try, then discount it and return if you don't really love it. On the whole if I haven't worn something within 7 days it goes back and if I'm not sure about something I leave it out in view and if I tire of seeing and have to keep trying it then I know I just don't want it enough! Think of how much you have saved by returning all this stuff.....now you can go forth and splurge!
Thank you for the denim dress...I love it, your 'return' was my gain :0) x
Oh no - I'm entirely different. If I love something, I can't wear it straight away. I like to keep it pristine and untainted - slightly weird but guess what? I know someone else like this so I am not alone!
DeleteAnd Michelle, you're most welcome about the dress!
You truly are the queen of returns! I don't even return things when I clearly should, it is terrible. And I never have much luck with Zara either - I'm too chicken to order from their website as their clothes are very hit and miss for me, and when I do get to a store in Oslo (we don't have one in my city) it is just too messy and crowded for me to even make an effort to find something. I might just go to the wrong location though, as I do know of one that I've had better luck with in the past. There's still hope!
ReplyDeleteBut honestly - Zara is fab for orders and returns. They are practically next day delivery and free on orders over £50. Their returns is fantastic - I usually drop back in to store and if I've paid by paypal - it's recredited just about the same day. There's not many shops which offer that service. It's the reason why I keep persevering with their clothes.
DeleteI'm worn out just reading that post! Only good thing is I might try the H&M dress if I can get it as the M&S one I want is still out of stock in my size and I don't mind if it's long and the eat all you like buffet style will suit my figure perfectly so at least, thanks for sharing that particular return.
ReplyDeleteI'm worn out taking that lot back but I'm a much happier bunny for doing it.
DeleteAnd I think the H&M dress might be a goody for you. It has good arm coverage, a decent length if you don't like to show off a lot of leg - it hit on my knee but I needed it just above so it's good for anyone taller than me as well. I half thought about keeping it for those really hot days for slobbing around in - it is that soft and comfy. And buffet style is always in style :o)
Oh Sue - that's just a fab post.....it makes me feel better for all I return. I guess when you're on a budget, you have to be sure that what you buy will go the extra mile. I just can't have something in my wardrobe anymore that isn't going to be 100% loved and worn to bits. I return tons of stuff and I can enjoy shopping because I know I can return as too often when you get something home, it just niggles...hard to explain..but I get panicked that I've spent the cash and I might not wear it! x
ReplyDeleteYou put your finger on it totally - if your budget is restricted, you do have to go that little bit extra but it's worth it. And I know about the niggling bit. I've been known to return £2 items because I just don't want them taking up room in the wardrobe. I have so much old stuff which needs to be dealt with as my tastes have changed and .. fashion changes. I don't need to add more "not quite sure" items to the mix.
DeleteI'm at least as bad (or worse) than you, but I think it's helpful to have something at home for a little while, try it on with other things, and see if it fits in with the rest of my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteMy particular weakness is with J. Crew--they have tons of regular discounts online and there are several conveniently located stores on my way home from the office so it's easy to return things. Amazon is another frequent purchase and return spot. (I just recently discovered a nice selection of Steven Alan closeouts on their site). Unfortunately, I also have a dog who detests the arrival of the UPS truck, which is too bad as they visit almost every day.
They're opening a Zara near my office shortly so I imagine they might join my order-and-return circuit soon. ;-)
Hi Jen. I guess you're in the States then if you're J-Crewing online? And it's much cheaper over there than it is here - lucky for you. Boo for us. And you get to indulge in Steven Alan clothing? Now I'm seriously jealous.
DeleteDo you know what I'm really glad about - you actually said you were as bad it not worse than me. Phew!
Yes, I am in the States. Unfortunately, the two Steven Alan dresses I bought and received this week DID NOT FIT and so back they go. Plus another J. Crew top I received today is going back as well. But like I mentioned, we are just getting a Zara, and who knows if COS will ever come...
DeleteAlthough J. Crew is online and cheaper here, what I really want are the shirtdress and shift dress from Winser London--That's Not My Age linked to them and they don't ship the US yet. I can't find any similar dresses for less than $500 here.
http://www.winserlondon.com/dresses.html
Wow you do a LOT of returns! It's good that you have the option though, as someone like me, doesn't always, and I often get stuck with the odd piece I'm not thrilled with.
ReplyDeleteHow come you don't get the option Jamie-Lee? I thought it was pretty standard wherever you are. Except for those funny little pieces that we all sometimes take a chance on with on Ebay.
DeleteI'm not the only one who keeps delivery drivers busy then! Clarks do a sandal called Susie Deva (got your name written on it!) similar to the Zara ones but in leather, they may scratch the white sandal itch for you x
ReplyDeleteOoh thanks Sue. I had a look at them and despite them having my name all over them - they are just that little touch too high. I can do high but with a slight platform at the front to minimise the slope and the heel height but I need something more day time level. I'm finally wising up to my comfort level and what I can handle. I wobble like a kid playing dress up in heels these days. It's not good.
DeleteI can completely see why you bought the items on your list above they are all pretty eyecatching but you are right if they are not 100% then they should go back...thank god it is easy to take things back nowadays otherwise I would be stuffed too! When I was young you had to give the shop assistant a reason and I used to get really nervous about it but now it is just par for the course..phew!! Love those last shoes...I must resist! Fab post as always xx
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether it is a confidence thing that you have when you're older or basically you just become immune to the whole returns thing because you've had years of practice but it is definitely a lot easier these days. I do lament the loss of the old M&S return policies. I think you could return something years after!
DeleteI am going to put a spanner in the works. I love trying things on, at home, but hate returns I find it all a bit on an a**e to be honest. As you know I have been feeling uninspired and think that a trip to Chester, for a good feel and rummage, would help no end. I love disappearing, on my own, to get to grips with the usual shops and pop in for a lust over the higher end options. I spend so much time trawling Pinterest and looking at all the relevant websites that I have a bit of an idea what I need ( not that much in truth ) You have inspired me with the bright coloured shoe and I feel the need for a bit of colour in my bag department too. Loved the dresses, were they beyond alteration ( you are fab at it. ) Love H xx
ReplyDeleteWell I'd prefer not to have to do returns but they do make it relatively easy for you these days. And when I think the Zara assistants are starting to tire of me at one store, I go to the other :o)
DeleteAnd February is always a pants time for fashion. The shops are full of stuff they are trying to get rid of from last season and also full of stuff which we can't wear for another few months yet. Booo! I've got zero inspiration at the moment and my outfits aren't worth blogging about. Another grey jumper Sue? Haven't we seen that before? And the week before that? And the week before that too? You get the gist.
I think you need that trip to Chester!
Well, as usual, this made me smile - but I do admire your ability to take stuff back, because I often fail miserably on this front. Luckily I don't buy much these days, so I'm safe, for now, haha! I'm glad you posted this as i was wondering about the zara sweatshirt. I did buy an oiled olive parka from there last month which i love, so you have to make the most of the successes!
ReplyDeleteI've got into this habit of either buying things in town here whilst trying them on (H&M, etc, so cheap enough to risk) or saving for a big 'important ' purchase, which would definitely go back if it wasn't ok. So this year so far I have the zara parka and the marant dicker boots in beige - pleased indeed, and i love them, but dear god i am not sure how she can ask those prices. Well, i make my bed, i have to lie in it - with my boots on! x
weird, not sure why it underlined my dicker boots there with a link - it wasnt my doing!
DeleteI saw your message on your tumblr about the Dickers and I'm glad you went for them. I think you were never quite happy with the Office pair that you got, the successors to the Namesake boots. I did try a pair of Dickers on last year and I have to admit they were comfy (in a khaki which is all there was at the time) but like you say, the prices, the prices!
DeleteAnd the sweatshirt- do you mean the cream one? That one is really nice - I'm just not sure it was what I was looking for but I needed to test it out but at least I now know what size it is and how it fits. Like I said, it might come my way again yet. I have been known to re-buy things again and again.
Zara did a good range of parkas last season - I'm really pleased with mine still so like you say, let's make the most of our successes. Cheers!
I think you're on a pink rampage! Every time I wear my IM for H&M grey sweatshirt, I think of you. I'm still trying to find that wonky V line :P I'm done with Zara sweatshirts. They're just badly made with pretty crappy fabric. I'm going to return 2 other Zara major FAILS that arrived today. They looked so horrendous on that I could barely look at myself in the mirror.
ReplyDeleteOh dear - Zara stuff can be a bit hit and miss but boy do they market it well online. Gets me every time! Sometimes when I'm trying something on, I just about get my head in and I just know how bad something is going to be. But when they get it right (boyfriend jeans), they get it right.
DeleteYou have been a busy girl, Sue! I think I could challenge you normally but I've been very good recently. Even the ladies at the post office counter know me by name. My new philosophy is that I have to love something to keep it so I completely agree with all of your returns. I am very fickle too - it only takes am image on Pinterest to have me filling up my virtual basket with goodies which I inevitably end up returning because they don't fit properly/don't feel right/are the wrong shade/don't look quite like the mental image I had (probably because I'm never going to look like the model I've seen it on!). Oh well, all part of the fun I think as I have three more virtual shopping bags that keep winking at me to go to checkout. I must not admit defeat! Lynne x
ReplyDeleteReally Lynne? I never had you down as a major shopper. A considered shopper but not a buy and return girl who could challenge me. I must make you feel so good right now :o)
DeleteAnd I'm glad that I'm not the only person who falls prey to a Pinterest image. I don't do it often but when I fall, I fall spectacularly. Rest assured, there will be some pink shoes on this blog before the year is out!
Ooohhh I like that - a considered shopper! It's the new me now I've survived Frugal Feb!
DeleteDamn girl, I think you do get to keep the title. I have always been a huge returner myself, out-done only by my sister-in-law who has actually been banned from certain stores because of the way she, ahem, 'takes advantage' of the generous return policies. For me it's mostly that I often just can't tell in the fitting room how something's going to work, I've got to come home and try it on with a bunch of other pieces. I also like to buy something and then come home and let it sit in the bag for a bit, if I can't wait to pull it out and wear it I know I did right, but otherwise there's a big chance it'll go back. But I have to say, I have been so restrained in the shopping department lately (hence the radio silence on my blog!) that I haven't had anything to return yet this year! So I relinquish my title. You are Queen. I bow down.
ReplyDeletewww.nomadicd.com
Aaah! So you're a bit of a returner yourself then? I had you down as a very calculated shopper - you need to do your research first before you either hit the button or the shop. But your sister-in-law? That really happened? She got banned? But yes you're right, if you look at it in perspective, half the time you are in a bit of rush when you are in the shops, you have the wrong clothing to style something with, the lighting is bleaurghgh and you're not always in the right mind. You do need that cooling off period at home to really think things through. Where we differ is that if I love something, I can't bring myself to wear it whereas you want to wear it straightaway. And I've not been as active on the blog this year - probably something to do with my rate of returns? Or maybe I'm not that impressed with what's in the shops this year so far.
DeleteAnd pray do stand up - I'm happy to share the title :o)
Thanks for being so willing to share the title! I do think the only reason I haven't been returning as much lately is that I just haven't been in the shops much. One other factor that I think makes it hard to evaluate in the dressing room (other than everything you listed) is that you're usually so damn close to the mirror! Oh those tiny rooms....
DeleteAs for my sister-in-law, yes, it actually happened. Probably more often than I know about. But we're talking about someone who will by a digital camera, use it for her son's birthday party, transfer the photos to her computer, erase them, and put it back in the box to return it. True story.
I do think I might able to take the title in the category of cosmetic returns at Sephora. Here in Spain they won't take anything back, but in the US they will, even if you're half-way through the product. I honestly am so grateful they haven't banned me yet, but I suppose I'm still spending more there than I return, so they come out on top in the end regardless.
I used to be a prolific returner and in a way I think the easy returns policy online especially make it worse. It's something I hate to do, such a waste of time and sometimes a bit more money. Since last year I've been a lot better because I know better what I need, I can better read how items would work on me or not and plain curiosity is reigned in most of the time. So you keep your title dear Queen :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're very right - the easier it is with the returns policy, the more likely I am to buy and then probably return. But it probably is still worth it to them as somewhere along the way I buy something which I probably wouldn't do if a store's return policy is too costly and fiddly.
DeleteI agree that the returns policy in the UK is good and I thought I bought and returned my fair share but you are definitely the Queen of Returns! Those espadrilles remind me of my first pair bought at a French village store when I was fourteen visiting my pen friend. They were black and so cheap!
ReplyDeleteI've seen lots of cheap and expensive espadrilles. So far, my cheap ones have worn better and fitted better than the expensive ones which I am pleased about. Why spend more than you need to sometimes.
DeleteI was able to get the Porsellis in damson at 50% off at the A.P.C store in London. There was no online sale, but if you have the to chance of visit their stores at the end of the season you might get lucky! I was so happy to get mine. I had been dreaming of them for months:)
ReplyDeletePs. I returned the exact same white Zara sandals for the exact same reasons!
The first pair of the leather white sandals with the gap or the second pair which were too synthetic looking? I am still gutted about the first pair.
DeleteIn addition, you had me ringing APC on Sunday morning to see if there sale was still on whilst I was down in London - so thank you for the headsup. Unfortunately, sale time is over. If you see them again, will you bear me in mind and drop me a note?
The Zara ones with the gap in the back.
DeleteThere is a pair of Porselli in Damson in the size UK5 for sale on Ebay right now for 60 GBP. Not sure if that is your size though:( They are gently used. I compared to my own, and it lookes like they have only been worn once.
The link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOAST-PORSELLI-FLATS-SIZE-38-FABULOUS-CONDITION-/141217794556?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item20e13c89fc
Sorry for the double post, but I just wanted to add that Porsellis really are the nices, most comfortable flats. I now own two pairs, and they are the only ballet flats that don't give me blisters or other friction damage.
ReplyDeletehaha this is kind of funny, the way you've narrated it! for espadrilles i cannot get past kaanas or soludos, they are incredibly comfy! the soludos might seem tight at first go but stretch out half a size when you wear them in. i even chuck them in the washer and leave them in the sun to dry when they get dirty, they've lasted a few years now (five pairs - lol). i wish zara did online shopping here, i shop on the US site so it's a pain to return anything so i'm pretty much commited if i buy something, or hope to sell it on ebay to someone in nz who has no access to zara.. lol! totally with you on dusty pink and voile, that chinti and parker shirt is gorg, sorry to hear they didn't fit properly!
ReplyDeletesteph / absolutely-fuzzy.com
I always thought you had a Zara there as you seem to have a few pieces but now I understand. Gosh that must be hard. But hey - you have H&M now :o)
DeleteAnd the Chinti and Parker shirt was lovely. The fabric was soft but not too sheer and they even had little details like their initial embroidered discreetly on the back which you wouldn't know about if you weren't paying attention. Just the fit. Drat!
we do have a few zara stores here but the sizes go really fast, and often none of the 'new' stuff comes in until much later since we have opposite hemisphere problems :o) i seldom go instore though, and it's great on sale as a lot of the sold out everywhere stuff is sometimes still available here (like my pony sneakers!)
Deletesteph / absolutely-fuzzy.com