https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 14:19:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844405 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:48:34 +0000 catgirl 844405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I think you are wise. I won't even pay exhorbitant shipping costs to Alaska - I don't bother looking at Ann Taylor, Anthro (unless they are running a special shipping offer) and lots of other companies. The additional taxes and fees you pay make the expenses of shopping almost like keeping a huge credit card balance, where a bargain turns out to be a rip-off in the end. </p> <p>I feel your pain, girlfriend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844376 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:53:01 +0000 Anonymous 844376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you need to deal in complete absolutes. I will support the occasional, completely irreplaceable purchase lol. And yes, those shipping costs are prohibitive. </p> <p>You have an amazing closet as is, you only need a few selective purchases here and there to maintain it. You are in the perfect place to do this. </p> <p>Hurrah for supporting your local economy:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844357 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:32:52 +0000 Transcona Shannon 844357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - thank you all SO MUCH for your overwhelming support!</p> <p>I've also decided I'm going to look at this like a "style challenge" - can I put together outfits with comparable items to copy looks l like?</p> <p>Of course, you will have to hold my hand when Angie posts something so perfect that I get weak in the knees (right Aida?)!</p> <p>Dianthus - I think you are truly on to something. And from now on, when I find something in a Canadian store that is comparable to an item we see on YLF that we love, I will be letting my Canadian YLF sisters know about it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844282 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:06:17 +0000 Hil 844282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love to be able to buy online from some of the US and other overseas stores, but shipping costs and such are really just too prohibitive. My current lust item is a pair of docs and at twice the price to ship them here, I just can't justify it. I am either going to have to get my sister in the UK to bring me a pair when she visits in a few months, or buy a pair when we go to the UK next year. Sometimes I think the entire interwebz is American! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844278 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:02:21 +0000 Thistle 844278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good idea! With how much I return, I couldn't even imagine the expenses!</p> <p>I know I would be A LOT more angry at retailers for not stocking my size, too, if I were in Canada. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844268 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:43:41 +0000 Tina.b 844268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon I can definitely empathize with you. It can be super frustrating and expensive, this online shopping business. I'm very picky about which US companies I order from, and have eliminated several sites due to poor service in the past. Though I do have a few that are tried and true. The good news is that there are more and more Canadian online options it seems, and I do really love to support those retailers.</p> <p>I live in a place that is notorious for its bad shopping, but I can honestly say there has been a drastic improvement within the last two years. There is now one boutique that carries several of my favourite brands. Definitely search all of the offerings in your city, especially anything new, and you may be surprised! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844252 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:23:59 +0000 Angie 844252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thumbs are up for your plan :). Shipping costs from the US to Canada and back are exorbitant to say the least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844240 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:05:26 +0000 Kim 844240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't order clothing or shoes online from the U.S *unless* I've already tried them on and know they fit. I'm so picky about fit and feel that I return a lot even if I've tried them on in the store, so I'd pay a fortune in shipping returns.</p> <p>I think it saves me a ton of money to *not* be able to order all the pretty things I see on YLF, I'm such a lemming sometimes! LOL</p> <p>Oh look at the lovely white sheath dress...Must have it it looks so good on them, even if it's $200.00 and I'm a known slob, and I run a home childcare...Sure I'll get lots of use out of it...(In my fantasy life! LOL)</p> <p>I do have a U.S. address if I want to use it about 45 minutes away and it's useful for non clothing items. I suppose I could try stuff on there, (in the hardware store bathroom??) and return it if needed, but where would I print out the return shipping label? LOL </p> <p>I save my hunting for my few trips a year to the U.S. (Syracuse with my girlfriends for a weekend, a weekend with hubby to Atlantic City...Tanger outlets, here I come! LOL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844170 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 10:45:04 +0000 krishnidoux 844170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smart move. And thanks for posting about it too. I like what Beth Ann said. And I feel too that I should encourage my local brick and mortar shops, because I have lived in places where no such thing was available and it was horrid on a fashion level. Smaller shops offer more than the clothes, they offer the talent of a stylist who's picked them out, and they take on risks associated with the unsold and returned merchandise. I don't mind paying a few dollars more for that. Especially when it's just a few dollars, as opposed to online international shopping. </p> <p>Yes, we are more constrained in our fashion choices in this country. But there is still plenty of options, and by encouraging your local boutiques, you are helping more choices come to Canada. Or at least preserving what we have. </p> <p>I am so sorry for your recent international shopping woes. But thank you for sharing them with us, because it is not just interesting, but educational too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844143 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 08:37:01 +0000 Ingunn 844143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very wise, Shannon. I'm in the same situation, and even farther from the temptations than you. For me, ordering from abroad always is a big risk, because the return expenses are horrid. The import taxes and VAT, too, for that matter! I ordered a cashmere sweater from Eric Bompard for my DH last Christmas. It is fortunately his favorite now, and the fit is perfect, but I had to pay about 60% more for it than I would have done if buying it in France. This is so not possible if I'm to save up a little and be more frugal. </p> <p>I'm with Day Vies here: Finding inspiration in what I see on the web, and then try to emulate it, interpret it into my own version, is actually the most satisfactory way to go about fashion. I also love the idea of a dedicated shopping trip! Why not? I'm saving up for my upcoming trip to Toronto in early May, and I'm hoping to find a lot of my spring/summer items there. I'm really looking forward to that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844124 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 07:27:53 +0000 Day Vies 844124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds good to me. Fashion is all about being inspired . Inspiration and duplication are two different things. I prefer inspired by looks and I can't wait to see yours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844095 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:47:46 +0000 Deborah 844095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I'm sure us Aussie ladies feel the same way. I just don't order from overseas. When I first joined YLF there were times when Angie would show us some wonderful pieces and I could have just cried not having access to them. But I quickly discovered that there were often versions of those items available here. And supporting our local economies is a good thing. I have no doubt with your style savvy that this is not going to be an issue. As an aside, I have recently discovered Complex Geometries in Canada and may have to break my no overseas ordering rule occasionally! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844089 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:33:13 +0000 Beth Ann 844089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Solidarity with our Canadian Sisters! </p> <p>Really? I thought we lived in a global marketplace? I mean, if they can outsource jobs to Asia, surely they can mail a package to Winnipeg for a few (Canadian) dollars!</p> <p>Shannon, you have a great eye and are much more secure in your style direction now, your fabness will be undimmed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844061 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 04:54:34 +0000 Ariadne 844061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you, Shannon. I can't bring myself to order from most US retailers, unless I'm confident my order total will be low enough to evade the notice of customs. I need to be able to return things cheaply (freely!) and easily.</p> <p>Dianthus--GREAT idea! I've noticed myself forgetting about lots of Canadian retailers because most of my style reads are American. We have great options here. We just need to search. I wish we could clone Angie and move the clone to Canada. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844055 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 04:42:23 +0000 lyn* 844055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh; dianthus, I think that would be fabulous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844043 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 04:15:48 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 844043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you are right in your decision. In order to get perfect fit, you either need to try on or really know the brand well. It just isn't worth the cost of the mistakes.</p> <p>Perhaps we Canadians should start cooperative searches for Canadian suppliers of comparable items to those we covet the most. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844038 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 04:11:21 +0000 CocoLion 844038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your decision to support your local economy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844033 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:58:17 +0000 Sveta 844033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I have also come to the same conclusion some time ago: it is just not worth it to shop from US online. Instead I am making the most out of my several trips over the border per year. I guess my yearly NAS trip is a tradition for me now and very much anticipated for this reason &lt;waving to Suz!&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-844002 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:16:37 +0000 Glory 844002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree. This is also my firm policy due to money but also my return rate is 50%. I try to take Angie's picks and find a local version - like the bellatrix chiffon blouse (sigh). You will have more money to put against some wonderful items, and won't have the wait. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843974 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:51:17 +0000 Caro in Oz 843974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I hear you Shannon. I can rarely justify overseas shopping. I would love to try more of Angie's super finds but the cost of duties &amp; returns usually makes it untenable. Having said that I have taken a chance on the SE booties in snake - I couldn't find anything similar here:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843960 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:30:55 +0000 lyn* 843960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You poor thing! Let me know if I can help you out in anyway - I have access to a zara and an H&amp;M here - although we don't get all the H&amp;M goodies often :(</p> <p>I feel that way about my last duty charge too - $64!!!! On an order of $150!!! I cried. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843931 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:49:27 +0000 Carla 843931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain!</p> <p>I live in a small northern community where a Winners is the closest thing to a designer boutique. Next is Sears and the Walmart (which I have never been to).</p> <p>A while ago I shopped my closet for half a year and set aside 3 percent of my earnings for each month I did not buy clothes. I kept a 'look book', cutting out pictures from the magazines and identifying items I loved. When DH had a January business trip to Toronto, we turned it into a winter break. 2 days of shopping netted black Chelsea boots, Frye riding boots (on sale)' and a Jones charcoal winter coat, as well as a Pucci-esque BCBG wrap top. 2 years later, these items are wardrobe workhorses and some of my faves.</p> <p>Why not plan a 'destination' vacation just for shopping? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843924 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:42:27 +0000 merwoman 843924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very wise post dear Shannon!<br /> Your 'epiphany' reminds me of an expression that Angie often uses in her ensemble posts - that she is "sowing the seeds of an idea" and it is up to us to make it our own. You have such a wonderful sense of your own style that I know you can use Angie's (and others) selections from Nordstroms and other US sites as a springboard to create your own unique "Shannon" look , that we all love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843921 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:39:06 +0000 rae 843921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good conclusion, Shannon! Those fees would do the same to me - after just a couple returns, it would have been a better deal to fly in for a US shopping spree. Then at least you'd also get a YLF meetup out of it. It is great to support local businesses, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843917 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:35:57 +0000 Suz 843917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I still think the NAS is a possibility if you can get a "my US address" post box across the border and go. Where IS the closest Nordstrom's? Look at it this way...for what you would pay for shipping and returns, you might get a fun trip out of it! </p> <p>I am planning an NAS trip with Sveta this summer. Maybe nothing will work out, but then again, maybe something will, and we will have had the fun of shopping for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843914 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:34:50 +0000 Raisin 843914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally understand Shannon. This is why I almost never return anything. And it's like it's made me lazy even locally, to return. The taxes, duties and shipping are horrendous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843902 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:29:36 +0000 Nicole D 843902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you ever have any luck with eluxe.ca? Also, I do order from Shopbop and they do charge the duties up front but also issue refunds if they overcharge, AND they ship superfast (like next day or so). Other Canadian sites are Simons (Quebec based) and Beyond the Rack. I have had good luck with Miss KL and Revolve as well. Just sayin'..... don't want to give up too soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843897 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:27:19 +0000 Aida 843897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds wise to me too, Shannon. We'll try to remind you of this when those pretties pop up! :)</p> <p>(Re NAS: Probably wisest, unless you can drive out over the border, actually try things on in person and drive them home yourself.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843889 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:22:58 +0000 qfbrenda 843889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds very wise to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/big-decision-made-aka-my-last-thread-im-starting-today#post-843886 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:19:27 +0000 Transcona Shannon 843886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I've been a big ol' forum hog the last few days - my apologies. But my various threads on moto jackets, oxford shoes, trench coats, etc. have made me come to a big decision - well, big for me.</p> <p>I'm done with international shopping. I am willing to order items online that I can return to a brick and mortar store here but I'm not going to order from the U.S. any more.</p> <p>I love Nordstrom and many other U.S. sites but I've decided that the exorbitant price of international shipping rates and duty, as well as pricey returns, just doesn't make sense when trying to stick to a budget. Plus it's frustrating to wait 2-4 weeks for something to find it doesn't fit and go through the hassle of returning. </p> <p>For example, when I was curious to see what the actual cost of the green leather moto would be, the price is $199, then when I add the shipping and duty, it becomes $284 and if it doesn't fit and I need to return, my refund is only $207. I'm just no longer willing to risk that kind of loss.</p> <p>I've also come to this conclusion because during these tough economic times, I really should be giving my hard earned dollars to local stores and support my own economy.</p> <p>Now this is going to hard - I love so, so many of Angie's picks and look forward to her lists like my kitty cats look forward to chicken. So what I'm going to try to do is find local versions of Angie recommended items. Obviously, I can get the "real deal" if it's Banana Republic, Gap, and Club Monaco. And the odd time, an item will show up in our Bay or Winner's stores. Other than that, I will try to find home grown "knock offs".</p> <p>I guess my first NAS is also my last! </p>