https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:54:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216575 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:38:00 +0000 Laurinda 1216575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was size 18 my size was only available online. I got used to the convenience of online shopping, but only order if there are free returns or a B&amp;M store in my area. I group most purchases (once each for&nbsp;S/S and F/W), do a home try-out then return all in one swoop. I probably keep 20% of the items, considering I often get several colors or sizes to try. Without online shopping I would be in my pre-YLF wardrobe of clearance rack and thrift store "bargains" that were never quite right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216546 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:57:03 +0000 Anonymous 1216546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also am about ready to swear off online shopping. The hook is when you find a cool item but your size is not in the store or your local store does not have that item in stock to begin with. Not to mention not having certain stores like ZARA in the area. My online picks rarely work out. For me, it is best to try on in a store in real time so to speak! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216541 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:46:27 +0000 unfrumped 1216541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My beef is that I'll consider something but plan to order later at night, or the next day, and then it's gone. </p> <p>If I were in-store, I'd know right away whether it's great or a bust, but on-line I usually can't tell so I don't get so excited and then I always have to think, what size, 2 sizes? Plus, it would actually mean ordering every thing that "might" work as soon as it pops into view.</p> <p>Recent HEWI of a Talbot's covered buckle belt put in cart at lunch and planned to buy or add later that night--poof! "stolen" from cart, no more available.<br />Theory Keto blazer I was considering--on sale Nordie's and more discounted at NM--went to sleep, poof! sizes sold out NM and no sale Nordie's. Must have been a special promotion.</p> <p>I console myself that the color probably wasn't right and also that overall it just can't matter that much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216507 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 19:18:40 +0000 kavita 1216507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I first started online shopping a couple of years ago,&nbsp;I was&nbsp;ordering trends that I really didn't want,&nbsp;overordering to meet the free shipping minimum purchase, ordering when bored....to the point where the folks at UPS started recognizing me coming in regularly&nbsp;with my unprofessionally taped up return shipping&nbsp;boxes. :-)</p> <p>But now I'm much more informed and thoughtful about it&nbsp;so while I still enjoy the in-store experience of an Anthropologie, I have my favorite retailers that I know carry the right sizes and styles for me&nbsp;(and have liberal return policies) that I typically turn to online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216449 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:48:40 +0000 rachylou 1216449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, it's true. I can't do more than a couple of stores in a single day - a month. With the exception, haha, of Ross (because it's by the pet store) and Payless (by the drugstore and grocery). It's too much. There are things to be done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216408 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:21:08 +0000 Thistle 1216408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear ya!&nbsp; </p> <p>Still, there is just so many more options for me online than in the actual store. And the closest mall for me is a 30 minute drive one way. Between that and a rambunctious&nbsp;pre-schooler, online is the lesser of two evils.&nbsp;</p> <p>Honestly, shopping is just a pain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216376 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:56:58 +0000 rachylou 1216376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohmigosh, I have still not recovered from the re-packaging ordeal. It was really only but a few minutes of my day... although, of course, I have started the part now where I drag the package around hoping for a surprise post office to magically appear on my regular post-office free routes, HaHa Una!... But ohmigosh. It's the tension, the inability to get it done, this thing hanging over my head for weeks, the speculative gambling... &lt;primal scream here&gt; lol.</p> <p>I need some way to get used to this. Because as y'all have mentioned, there's wider choice with online shopping. In fact, I notice, there are a lot of online-only things now...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216180 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 12:59:08 +0000 chadya 1216180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only shop in store where I can try on,too many variables in sizing from brand to brand and item to item. Too cheap to pay shipping either way. </p> <p>I was never really a catalog shopper for the same reasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216106 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 11:14:19 +0000 viva 1216106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have returns to do today, and I always feel so great leaving the post office when they are done! But all the anticipation, and then waiting for the credits to make sure everthing went through. Ugh. Hate it, but it's a necessary evil. Like Mo, not enough good brick-and-mortar options close by.<br />Life would be perfect if I could meet Fabbers in Boston every time I wanted to shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1216102 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 11:11:38 +0000 kerry 1216102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do most of my shopping online now. Better selection and better deals. I started shopping online when my daughter was a baby - convenient, didn't have to shower first and could muster the energy to browse online but not schlepp around a mall!</p> <p>Online shopping definitely has its frustrations and, as Suz mentions, can be particularly painful for us north of the border.</p> <p>Still, I find I'm a more disciplined shopper online. I do shy away from ordering shoes online, however, so difficult to get the size and comfort right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215972 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 02:41:40 +0000 Glory 1215972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree it is so frustrating and challenging. I still do it though for "convenience" and sometimes because that is the only option. But it weighs on me, the returns stack up and I feel very relieved once I get them looked after. And then, I start the cycle again. Sigh! And like Suz mentioned, we won't start the rant about ordering into Canada </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215913 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:50:42 +0000 Makrame 1215913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on unpacking and repacking just to try things on one more time... &nbsp;And yet, I love online shopping and cannot remember last time I was in a bricks and mortar store (OK, I remember - I went to JCrew to return some things I bought online...). &nbsp;I try to only order from stores that have free shipping and easy free returns (Nordstrom, Gap/BR, Neiman Markus, Amazon, and stores that work with Shoprunner). &nbsp;I particularly like Shoprunner because it lets me easily keep track of orders and returns but I only rarely use it&nbsp;because of the narrow range of stores. &nbsp;I drop packages off at the UPS store on my way to work (they open early so it is easy) or leave them in my garage for the mailman to pick up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215896 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:28:19 +0000 catgirl 1215896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't forget the stress of carrying it around with you for two weeks waiting to get to the PO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215868 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:05:20 +0000 carolibra 1215868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love online shopping, even though I live within one mile of a Nordstrom, Macys, Neiman Marcus, and two malls that carry just about every other label I buy. &nbsp;The convenience of trying on in my home is just too good - I can take my time, have fun creating different outfits, and not have to deal with crowds or choking perfume! &nbsp;I'm pretty lucky with fit, so end up returning maybe 5-10% of purchases. &nbsp;Shoes make up the biggest number of returns, due to very fussy feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215840 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:35:23 +0000 Suz 1215840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer in-store for some stores. And prefer online for others.&nbsp;</p> <p>Often times, stores don't have my size in store. So it's better to try online. Then, some stores are so hectic that I far prefer the relaxed environment of home for trying on (Zara, I am looking at you). All in all, I think a combination is best. Go to the store. Try on, touch, look, compare colours. Then go home and order online afterwards.&nbsp;</p> <p>What's harder is ordering from the US and then chancing returns. Now that is a &nbsp;rant you have heard from us Canucks before. So I won't hijack your thread.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215835 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:28:09 +0000 deb 1215835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am picky and know the brands I order. Luckily I have very few returns. I will say that I am more liberal with my ordering if there is a b &amp; m store to return to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215825 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:17:18 +0000 Mo 1215825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's a necessary evil. &nbsp;No car, no good stores close by. &nbsp;I can bike 2.5 miles to Kmart or to Beall's Outlet. &nbsp;Discount spots like TJ Maxx or Ross are 30+ min drive away and real stores like Nordie's an hour and a half away. &nbsp;It is what it is.&nbsp;<br />Don't get me started on trying to carry a big box of boots on your back on your bike to the Pack 'n Ship store 2 miles away to make a return.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215820 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:09:40 +0000 Marmee 1215820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain. &nbsp;Really. &nbsp;Mostly I don't buy online, other than Nordstrom, for this reason. &nbsp;The only time I bought from Shopbop, I missed the detail about returning within 2 weeks if you want free return shipping, and had to pay $10. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215735 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 21:15:52 +0000 EveningMood 1215735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always wonder how you guys manage to shop on line so much. I only did it once, for a beautiful pair of boots that were half off: of course I am between sizes, so I took the size up and they're a little loose, but thankfully they work! My sizing is always all over the place and I can't bring myself to actually buy clothes I can't even touch. How does it save you time if you have to return 90% of your purchases, which would be the case with me, and I'm being optimistic? I am mulling over the whole idea because of the beauty of those All Saints tunics Angie recommended, I want them but there's too small a chance they would fit, and I know I will feel disappointed and helpless if I have to ship them back to the UK. Maybe I'm just not ready.<br /> I'm sorry for the rant, Rachylou, and wish you happier and more fruitful dress hunting </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215615 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:14:32 +0000 Vix 1215615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Rachylou --</p> <p>I can't identify with your issues, nope not at all. <br /><i><br /></i><i>[I think&nbsp;eBay shopping is the worst...too many of my&nbsp;buttons pushed before I even win the #$%# item!]</i></p> <p>Good luck with the hunt.</p> <p><i></i></p> <i><br /> </i> <p><i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215613 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:12:19 +0000 Peri 1215613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I pretty much think all shopping is pain! Just pick your chosen type. </p> <p>For me, store shopping is: drive somewhere that makes at minimum a 25 minute round trip, go in a store and hunt, take 10 things into a dressing room, like none of them or maybe one...if so, stand at the counter to pay for it. Go into the next store, later rinse repeat. Spend at least an hour, maybe more, drive back home with nothing or a few things, get home and try them on, only to find they don't work as well with fill in the blank as I was hoping. So then set aside more time to go make returns in person.</p> <p>Anyway, that's what store shopping is like for me. All told, the pain of online is generally less painful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215610 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:07:58 +0000 rabbit 1215610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying online shopping right now for some boots (which are discounted online and I've scoured B&amp;M for similar styles) and I'm feeling your pain.&nbsp; You discover you need a half size smaller or decide the color wasn't accurate in the online photo and you have to jump through all the hoops again, and usually that half size is sold out &nbsp; &nbsp;Plus I stack a lot of online coupons, and you can usually only use those for one shot, not for the reorder of the different sizes, and exchange doesn't seem to be a possibility, only return/reorder. &nbsp;</p> <p>I honestly prefer less choice in some ways, lol, in return for having all the options right in front of you (I usually carry A LOT into the dressing room so do all my hashing out there). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215573 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 16:15:37 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1215573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes let items I'm not sure about 'simmer' at the edge of my closet for a few days, assuming there's no tight deadline to return them. I will try them on when I'm getting dressed in the morning, wear them when I have a few minutes, etc. Usually after a day or two of that I have a pretty good idea of whether I'm keeping something or not.</p> <p>I've been doing more online shopping recently and I am just resigned to the returns when I reach out of my comfort zone. That, and I don't mind trying on a ton of stuff in stores, which I figure is the equivalent. The whole thing does make me a little nervous, though, that something will get lost in the mail and I won't get my refund. Hasn't happened to me yet, thankfully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215504 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 13:56:49 +0000 Nicole D 1215504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, you are funny. &nbsp;I am similar to Gryffin in that I try on, decide and don;t look back. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215478 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 13:12:02 +0000 Gennifyr 1215478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't how I happened upon such luck, but I have awesome luck with online shopping. &nbsp;I have better luck online than I do in actual stores. &nbsp;As a result I do 90% of my shopping online and have yet to return anything.</p> <p>I'll try and send you some of this magic online shopping dust for good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215462 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:40:29 +0000 gryffin 1215462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou - I so sympatize.&nbsp; I have no time to shop.&nbsp; I do all my clothes shopping and my family's (for the most part) online.&nbsp; We'd honestly be naked if I didn't.&nbsp; I have a rule, it comes in, that day it goes immediately out if it's not right.&nbsp; I am the east coast purchaser of packing tape.&nbsp; My son has an event coming up and I've tried on so many dresses that even I am getting dizzy. But I am not sure I'd do better&nbsp;at the mall.&nbsp; I get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of merchandise.&nbsp; I think it's a huge Catch-22.&nbsp; I still think it's worth it to me to try it on at home so I can see it with shoes, jacket etc.&nbsp; Plus my husband is a good critic.&nbsp; Honest and direct.&nbsp; When you're looking for 10's only, that's really helpful to have a totally honest opinion esp since I can put on proper articles with it so he can see it in context.&nbsp; So I eat the shpping if I have to.&nbsp; Worth it to me, but not, not, not fun!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215450 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:27:35 +0000 Jewell 1215450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, unfortunately, feel your pain right now. I've made two big returns in the past week and am currently sitting on two exchanges trying to decide if I should handle them by mail or search for my size in-store. I'm so tired of this vicious cycle that I've sworn off online shopping for the rest of the season. Amazon and eBay are my only exceptions and only as last resorts. I'm going to try to stick to brick &amp; mortar for a while. Hopefully, it will be less stressful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215428 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 10:33:44 +0000 Astrid 1215428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. I've returned so much that I'm truly wondering if I shouldn't stop the online shopping and just rely on what's available in the stores. But there's stuff online that I can't get anywhere IRL and and it's often marked down. Question is whether the few times I got lucky are really worth the trouble. The majority of my clothes was bought in store which you wouldn't guess considering how much I order online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215423 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 10:01:34 +0000 Lyn D. 1215423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain Rachylou!<br />I just get one buying/returning mess fixed, then launch myself into another- searching for THE perfect whatever.<br />I &nbsp;sell unwanted things on Ebay to cover internet purchase shipping costs. <br />It is kind-of fun ordering and waiting for the next package to arrive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/online-shopping-the-suffering#post-1215414 Sun, 06 Apr 2014 07:58:04 +0000 rachylou 1215414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know how all y'all regular online shoppers take the pain and torture of online shopping. I bought a dress, tried it on, decided it didn't work. Then I taped it all up to ship back. Then I thought to try it on again. Decided it would work, but it's got a hole , so taped it up again. Then thought they might sell out, ordered another one online, undid the package, crossed out all the exchange info, and taped it up hopefully for the last time.</p> <p>Of course the exchange label was already pasted on, so the whole thing has gotten very tiny and has a ton of packing tape.</p> <p>Sigh. And now I've just realised I've cost myself extra shipping by not playing return/exchange roulette. </p> <p>Argh!! </p>