https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:16:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287824 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:21:37 +0000 Anonymous 2287824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have learned finally to be picky and patient and what I am looking for will turn up second hand. &nbsp;Good for you for pointing that out. &nbsp; </p> <p>I keep too much instead of returning, especially things bought on line.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287654 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:34:14 +0000 Barbara Diane 2287654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I changed sizes and I ordered one item in 4 sizes, including a tall, as I did not know my size and the reviews said it ran short. Now I know the sizing, but it won't transfer exactly to other items from the same line.<br />I used to order one size, then return it and order another, but now I find it easier to just order the items and return the ones that don't work. Usually it's only 2 per order. </p> <p>I purchase online from stores that I can return to in person, although one is further away than I prefer, as it left my local mall.</p> <p>I usually look at an item in store, then order it in my size. Seeing items in person allows me to check the color, material, etc. before I order, which significantly cuts down on returns.</p> <p>There is very little in person in second hand stores in my size around here, so when I'm with friends I shop wineglasses, bowls, serving platters, etc. Fit is way too hard to figure out, so I don't shop second hand clothing online.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287634 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:23:21 +0000 Nomad 2287634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating thread!</p> <p>I'm an online-only shopper, full stop. Even before the pandemic, I didn't love going into B&amp;M stores, and I haven't stepped in one at all since. I just get overwhelmed by all the things on shelves and hangers in person, which usually means I turn around and walk out without seriously looking at anything. I also just haven't bought very much over the last two years; I sold my last home and bought a new one in the spring, and have been consumed with surprise (and not fun) house projects since. But thanks to a few extra pounds, I'm in the process of retiring a few things that don't fit quite right anymore, and bringing in some new (or new-to-me) things that fit my today-body.</p> <p>I've bought 13.5 things this year, including gear &amp; pajamas (10.5 items of "real" clothes and 3 gear/pajama purchases). I haven't been perfect by any stretch, but when I buy new I'm trying to prioritize more sustainable fabrics and vendors who are trying to do good in ways that matter to me. If I buy secondhand, then I'm less choosy. So far that's 12 items new, and 1.5 items secondhand from Poshmark (the "0.5" is secondhand Express pants that are a duplicate for a pair I already have, but a size up... the old ones are my absolute favorites and get worn about once a week, but are a bit snug at the waist and starting to stretch out at the knees after about 5 years of hard use). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287617 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 17:37:43 +0000 SarahD8 2287617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this, but wanted to say this is a very interesting thread!</p> <p>As you know, my strategy is definitely secondhand first. In your collections of purchases up thread I can definitely see how effective your strategy of retail for essentials and secondhand for statements and offbeat/interesting pieces is for you, Runcarla. </p> <p>Others have suggested a similar strategy for me from time to time (especially when I lament lacking essentials) and it is definitely a sensible approach. I feel like I just don’t have the bandwidth to figure it out! Especially because then inevitably retailers change their cuts/fabrications and what was once a reliable source of essentials is no longer.</p> <p>I share the frustration with the buy-online-and-return cycle. Intellectually I can see the comparison to taking 10 things into the dressing room and purchasing 1, but emotionally it’s just a lot more frustrating to handle all those voluminous returns!</p> <p>That said, most of what I buy retail is indeed online. Mostly underpinnings and footwear at this point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287311 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 01:54:40 +0000 JAileen 2287311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not shopped B&amp;M since the beginning of the pandemic. &nbsp;I have made returns in person, though. &nbsp;I’m not sure how my return rate has been. &nbsp;I returned things for fit, quality, color. &nbsp;Most of my purchases have been from Macy’s. &nbsp;I joke that I kept Macy’s afloat during the pandemic. &nbsp;I gained weight at the beginning of the pandemic and needed everything except shoes. &nbsp;:(<div><br /></div><div>I broke my personal rule of no cost returns when I ordered a jacket from 6pm. &nbsp;I had previously had very good success with 6pm. &nbsp;I’m sure the jacket was mismarked WRT to size. &nbsp;Anyway, it cost me $18 to mail back. &nbsp;I am very leery about shopping there again. &nbsp;I also had an issue with Eileen Fisher Renew. &nbsp;I bought a couple &nbsp;things that we described as “like new.” &nbsp;They most certainly were not like new. &nbsp;Anyway, I objected to paying for return postage when they had misled me. &nbsp;I was reimbursed for my postage, but I have not been back there, either.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287306 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 01:26:53 +0000 nemosmom 2287306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s been a low shop year for me, about half of which was secondhand. Everything was purchased online. </p> <p>I did have a few duds. One secondhand blazer that arrived stained (the dry cleaner later ripped), and a fake Burberry houndstooth jacket that I thought was vintage. Not a big monetary loss, but certainly a bummer. I did have a couple of big wins, like my secondhand peacoat and chocolate brown lug loafers. </p> <p>I have not been to B&amp;M since 2020. Our mall is a ghost town; even H&amp;M closed. I have a few favorite online retailers, two sell secondhand stuff and one of those two take returns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287258 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:42:59 +0000 Style Fan 2287258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So far, I have added sixteen pieces to my wardrobe in 2022.&nbsp; I purchased two of them in B &amp; M in Toronto in January, and all the rest have been online.<br />Online shopping is new for me.&nbsp; I prefer to shop where I can see the item, but that is becoming more difficult.&nbsp; We have not travelled to shopping centres as much since Covid and the two independent boutiques in town have closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287230 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:11:24 +0000 Sal 2287230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Carla for this thread. I have found it interesting.</p> <p>With the cost of living rising here- food, petrol, interest rates - fashion is having a hard time. I suspect there will be some boutiques and chain stores that don’t make it- I often wonder which ones. There are a couple of low- med price Aussie brands focussing on office wear that I think are vulnerable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287144 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:49:50 +0000 Bijou 2287144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Increasingly I am buying items online rather than in-store. I have also been less concerned with buying new stock, preferring to get better quality through buying from outlets and items on sale.</p> <p>These purchases are representative of my 2022 shopping strategies:</p> </p> <ul> <li>Silk Dress - second-hand from local consignment store</li> <li>Vuitton bag - second-hand from local consignment store (same as dress)</li> <li>Anorak - online - Outnet purchase (on sale)</li> <li>Radley bag - online (full price)</li> <li>Peacoat - online (on sale)</li> <li>Boots - local store (full price)</li> <li>Dress - local store (on sale)</li> </ul> <p>This has been a very interesting task, as I realise that I generally pay full price for shoes, to get my size, but unless I am totally in love with something, I have increasingly been waiting for discounts or sales before buying, especially when it comes to online purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287143 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:45:12 +0000 Jenni NZ 2287143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a very successful online shopper but I do heaps of *research* online. I know the sort of things I like and might be after so I often browse previously successful sites for similar styles. I then might use a wishlist never intending to purchase everything on the list. As I live in our largest city and in a very fashion conscious part of that city as far as upper middle class goes ( not high end designer) then I have a large number of B&amp;M stores available to me. Also some excellent outlet stores at very reasonable prices. So on the whole I have the most success with online research but then B&amp;M buying.<br /> 13 items this year: 2 were gifts, 2 thrifted, 4 from outlet store, 5 new from retail stores all on sale. 4 of those 5 were chosen after research and thinking about colours I was interested in. There was a degree of serendipity about it too though.<br /> I guess I must spend a lot of time thinking about it. I also spend plenty of time reading novels, doing family history, watching House of the Dragon and minding my baby granddaughter as well as working! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287129 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 06:55:06 +0000 Sally 2287129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't shop much this year. I have had a lot of other stuff on.&nbsp; I did no online shopping for myself this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />In person new shopping was mainly shoes<br />1 pair of white sneakers<br />1 pair of birkenstocks<br />2 pairs of jeans.&nbsp; It was a deal with 2 pairs nearly the same price as one.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />1 fleece at kathmandu</p> <p>Thrift shopping is usually random for me unless I am looking for something and spot it in a thrift shop<br />1 jacket (as seen in my last WIW)<br />1 pair of cropped pants<br />2 sweat shirts at recycled boutique<br />3 t shirts at various shops<br />1 cardigan<br />1 summer dress brought in Autumn so I haven't worn it yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with Angie's point about new fashion being an important source of income and thrift shopping being good for sustainability.&nbsp; My goal is to buy new clothes that wear well and last so are sustainable and use thrift shopping as a complement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287102 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 02:43:00 +0000 JAileen 2287102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not bought any clothes in person since the start of the pandemic. &nbsp;I do return things in person, though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287095 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:16:07 +0000 Jaime 2287095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is really interesting to me, a die hard second hand first shopper. I do buy a few things retail - underwear, socks, and lately some layering t-shirts. Most of my shoes are second hand, but I will buy first hand occasionally, especially if it is dupe of something I know works. My favorite thing is to browse a chaotic thrift store to find the one treasure, but I understand that is not realistic or appealing for most people. But when I am after something specific, I can almost always find it on an online consignment shop, and even more so if I have it shipped to my sister in Florida. I do not often have the luxury of returning my orders, so am careful - but I also take into account resale value in case the order doesn't work out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287073 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 22:56:01 +0000 Sloper 2287073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally online. &nbsp;Even if Covid hadn’t happened, I’d probably be doing 80/20 online/in-store. &nbsp;I certainly miss the visual stimulation of mall and shop wandering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2287049 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:08:36 +0000 Jules 2287049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop mostly online. I get periodically sick of order-and-return churn but also can’t quite get myself into stores and dressing rooms, partly a post Covid readjustment thing (reacting differently to public places, overstimulation, people). It’s probably a sign I need to take a shopping break </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287042 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:51:43 +0000 Cardiff girl 2287042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh boy do l hate on line shopping.l would much rather see things in person to assess fit,quality etc without having to pay for the privilege and then some companies here in the uk are very good at holding onto your money for weeks on end &nbsp;,despite receiving the garment back,before refunding which if you have had to order several sizes can be quite an amount.I find it all quite stressful.I would rather go into a shop but retailers love on line so don’t keep all their stock in shops these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287041 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:48:58 +0000 salt-sea 2287041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly shop online; I feel as though I never have time to shop in person when I need things, and I often take advantage of sales online as well. The 'good shopping' is a 40 minute drive away, so it feels like it takes a whole evening or half of a weekend day.&nbsp;</p> <p>Half of what I've bought this year has filled a wardrobe gap or to replace worn items (ancient running shorts and shoes that needed to be retired). The areas I focused on were shoes, hot weather tops, running stuff and pajamas.</p> <p>I bought a lot of shoes this year - all my summer shoes were looking pretty ratty. I added several pair of sandals (Tevas in two colors, Mephistos, Vionics, Duckfeet fishermans), two pair of slip on canvas shoes from Vionic that are incredibly comfortable, allbirds flats, and white leather sneakers. All casual shoes with the slight exception of the flats. Of all those I would say I returned a total of five pair that were different styles or sizes. I did go in person to a running shoe store to try on a new model of running shoe in a brand I already know - I wouldn't do that online unless it were a dire need. Pajamas I bought from Printfresh; I like their cotton fabric and their prints.</p> <p>I was really hopeful about getting a HEWI earlier this year and ordered several leather jackets during sales, but none of them fit quite right so I returned them all.</p> <p>I like to buy directly from the manufacturer when I can, so this year that was Vionic, Patagonia, Duckfeet, Oiselle, Printfresh, Athleta, etc) Outdoor brands and retailers tend to have generous return policies - I also replaced a backpack and hiking boots, and bought a couple of layering fleeces early in the year.</p> <p>I'll probably wait to replace boots or loafers until I have a specific work travel need, based on what suits the location, formality and duration of the trip. I'm still looking for wide leg black jeans and pants; you'd think this would be easy enough but my size and length are never available when I take the time to look for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287024 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:41:19 +0000 cat2 2287024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep seeing articles about how online shopping has a bad footprint, but clothing is also shipped to B and M stores, the stores use tons of energy keeping the lights on, we use tons of energy driving to malls, and tried on but not bought clothing still goes to a murky aftermarket. I don’t really see a material benefit from favoring B and M. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287021 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:23:14 +0000 BlueJay 2287021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Peri</b> said!! I feel the same way. Especially shopping for my DD when I know what she likes and wears and I can order multiples of them in her size and colour preferences.</p> <p>I have bought more online this year, but my online purchases have been on recommendations from others for the brands (so thank YOU Angie and the YLF community)! Also, I'm buying more Canadian-based.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Etsy </b>purchases: polka dot vintage dress, black leather obi belt.&nbsp;</p> <p>Things that I <b>ordered online</b> and <b>returned</b>&nbsp;were to the following places because I didn't like the material, fit and/or colour: Simons, The Bay, Banana Republic, Aritzia, Costco, Amazon, Joe Fresh.</p> <p><b><u>Bought online and kept</u></b><br />Power of my People (white cotton, navy linen shirts);<br />Club Monaco (skirt, ordered duplicates for sizing returned one);<br />Bella Vita sandals via Amazon (tan and white) (took <i>three</i> tries though!);<br />Brave Leather (black Lura Nappa belt);<br />Kate Hewko (black tulle skirt);<br />Aritzia (tennis skirt);<br />Adidas (tennis skirt);<br />Athleta (2 shorts);<br />Old Navy (2 t-shirts).</p> <p><b>Bought at B&amp;M:</b><br />Lululemon (bra, tank);</p> <p>Costco (bathingsuit, 2 shorts, leggings).</p> <p>As others have noted, I haven't found anything at The Bay or Nordstrom this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287020 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:54:47 +0000 Angie 2287020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had a great shopping year,<i><b><u></u></b></i><b><u></u> Carla<u></u></b>! Your additions look cohesive and thoughtful. Fits seamlessly into your style. Well done!&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, my thoughts on firsthand versus secondhand shopping. I think of them as related and complementary. Each have their advantages. Most importantly, the secondhand shopping depends on the firsthand shopping market for its stock. Firsthand shopping keeps the world economy going. It gives people jobs, and puts food on the table. Secondhand shopping reduces waste. The two work together.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>To answer your question:&nbsp;</u></p> <p>Apart from my birthday shopping, shopping when I travel, and the NAS, which are done in brick 'm mortar stores - EVERYTHING else in done online. Shopping online is the only way I can get exactly what I need and want, in the right look, fit, colour, size, price, and from my preferred retailers.</p> <p>I've gotten good at online shopping for my style. I try not to pay for shipping, and return in stores when it makes sense.&nbsp; </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287016 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:33:34 +0000 Helena 2287016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent question and thoughtful assessment as always Carla - I can't wait to see what you find at Yorkdale. I'm going next weekend, but anticipate doing more window-shopping than actual shopping I've done more in person shopping this year and interestingly, pretty much all my duds (which in fairness there haven't been that many) were in person ... the bigger driver of duds for me is when "should" comes into play (i.e. I should have a gray sweater ... even though I don't like gray sweaters lol) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287014 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:24:27 +0000 cat2 2287014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy online, mostly from RueLaLa or Nordstrom Rack, and mostly brands I already know are likely to fit. I occasionally take a flyer on a new brand if they are the only company offering what I want, but I don’t have high expectations for those purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287013 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:24:24 +0000 LaPed 2287013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I'm with you. My online success rate is much higher than when I try to stick to local options. I used to make bad impulse purchases at thrift and consignment stores because I'd get sucked into the FOMO mentality of, "This is my only chance! if I don't buy it, someone else will." And a try-on in a dressing room doesn't tell me nearly as much as a styling session at home, where I can assess how something will work in many different outfits.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2287004 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:55:38 +0000 kkards 2287004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>unfortunately, i'm finding i need to do more and more on line shopping as i'm finding less and less of my size in B&amp;M stores. as someone who's involved in retail i understand it, but as a consumer its kind of annoying.<br />i am doing more and more second hand/pre loved shopping and estimate that it represented roughly 20% of my purchases this year. but again, most of that was on line, and i made a couple of mistakes, but that they were offset by a couple of really good buy.<br />i'm pretty much done for this year on the fashion side. there are a couple of basics that i need, trouser socks and gloves are high on the list. and i'm trying to decide if i should replace one of my skorts now, or wait for spring&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286998 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:08:47 +0000 Suz 2286998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating. I haven't read the comments yet, but these are my 2022 purchases (aside from undies etc.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Of these, only the Talbots shorts, the consignment lace skirt and leopard print sweater, and the kimono were bought in person. Everything else was an online purchase. So 18 out of 22 online.&nbsp;</p> <p>My least successful purchase was one of the in person items -- the kimono. I never really wore it, it's too slippy, and too...I don't know what...for my current lifestyle. So I will probably donate. Admittedly, I bought it on impulse because I had a store credit and wanted a new statement item. Fail.&nbsp;</p> <p>My most successful and most worn purchases were all online. Admittedly, quite a few were replacement essentials and some even the same items as in the past, or at least from the same makers.&nbsp;</p> <p>Online shopping works better for me than any other form of shopping. I'm not sure whether it's because I have done it for so long, or what. I do miss feeling items, for sure, and definitely require "scoping out" trips to feel most confident -- and for sure I send or take a lot back -- but that's ok. Just part of the process.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would like to try to buy most statement or wild card items using a consignment or second-hand first policy, if I can. I am sure I can't do this for my essentials, though of course I'll be on the lookout for good essentials at consignment as well.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286994 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:59:05 +0000 Janet 2286994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It occurs to me that the vast majority of my Nordstrom purchases are now online, since our nearest store closed two years ago. It’s a good thing we can do in person returns for online purchases at the nearby Rack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286992 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:52:44 +0000 Irina 2286992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have almost an event split between online and stores.&nbsp;<div>COS - in store only (not friendly for Canadian customers)<br />Winners &amp; Nordstrom Rack - in store only (not available online)<br />Nordstrom &nbsp;- both (a pair of jeans in person &amp; NAS online)<br />Massimo Dutti - online (tough one for me, they closed stores in my location, I have to go to another mall for B&amp;M store)<br />Uniqlo - both<br />Everlane and some others are online only.&nbsp;</div><div>Returns drive me mad but sometimes it’s the only option. I want, however to try to shop more in stores (she said, dragging 3 pair shoes to courier drop off point). &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286990 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:43:05 +0000 Peri 2286990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop 90% online and accept the hassle that comes with returns. First off, due to DH's health problem I have just been prohibited from in person shopping since this whole circus began and that is out of my control. That is starting to ease, but so far I haven't ventured back. But the guilt I would experience from all the packaging and "churn" I also just have to accept...and maybe I can also believe I offset just a little by driving so much less.&nbsp;</p> <p>As far as having "fails" with online shopping...true. But...when I used to go in stores I would bring say 10 things to the dressing room to try on and feel happy and successful if I liked 1 of them enough to buy. Did I cry that 9 things were fails? Nope. Maybe it's that factor that 1) we didn't buy those fails so no money was floating around and 2) someone else has to "return" them to the racks.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's also that in store I could compare sizes and maybe find that 1 thing immediately. But was it really immediate? I drove there and went in several stores and did the whole try on thing, and that's a few hours out of my day, for a person who doesn't like to shop. (Probably a fun few hours for many).&nbsp;</p> <p>What I'm saying in fewer words? It's a wash. Both ways have major hassles, so I choose my hassle based on what I enjoy and what my life can allow. There is no best way.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286984 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:10:40 +0000 Anonymous 2286984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have purchased mostly second hand and am much happier than with online shopping.  Carla, you have a very cohesive wardrobe and it all looks well thought out.    My new purchases are for grandchildren so I am slowing down on my own.  Anyone have any advice for clothes for a grandson in first grade that will be handed down to a little sister? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-line-returns-shopping-habits-and-%e2%80%98second-hand-first%e2%80%99#post-2286960 Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:04:07 +0000 LaPed 2286960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice additions! Interesting to me that your brand new purchases tend to be neutral (essentials), while the secondhand additions inject colour, pattern, texture (wildcard/statements?)...</p> <p>I don't have my Finds quite up to date, but I think I'm at 20 items, 8 of which were purchased brand new. The rest were purchased--or traded for--online through various resale sites or BST groups. The prices I pay for online secondhand are higher than local thrift, comparable to local consignment, and lower than retail. My focus is almost entirely on brands that are already familiar to me. I took advantage of Patagonia's Worn Wear program this year, trading in a bunch of outgrown kids gear for store credit which then used to purchase new-to-us outerwear. I am happy to buy things directly from Patagonia because I support their ethics, but the prices are often out of my comfort zone. Their secondhand prices are still high, but within my budget, and it's nice to be able to seek out replacement versions of styles that have been discontinued.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>No B&amp;M shopping for me, due to limited local options and lack of interest in driving around for the sake of shopping. I've given up on consigning at the nearest consignment shop due to their somewhat arcane definitions of what's seasonally appropriate. Easier to list the things I'm not wearing online and keep them in storage, since that's what I ended up doing for the consignment shop--storing things for half a year hoping they'd accept them next season.&nbsp; </p> <p>As far as brands go, the two I purchased the most from were Esby (two pairs of jeans and a linen topper, all secondhand) and Patagonia (a two-component coat and a fleece hoodie, again, all secondhand). Most other brands were one-offs.&nbsp;</p>