YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Recent Returns

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Recent Returns https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:23:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2231085 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:34:36 +0000 Jenn 2231085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firecracker, I can see being torn about an item like that.  Sometimes, something that doesn't quite fit in can be the catalyst for a needed style change, but other times, they're just not right for you. It can be hard to tell the difference. suntiger, more or less everything's been open here since June 15, so that's not an issue. I haven't been doing much shopping just for fun, though, for lots of reasons not just limited to COVID. JAileen on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230927 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:59:08 +0000 JAileen 2230927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re Amazon no package returns:  they were things that would be okay in a big box or bin, such as books.  I think that’s what they do - put everything in a big box, and it gets picked up daily.  I bought some insulated gloves last year that were too small, and the returns were no packaging.  <div> </div> Stagiaire Fash on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230919 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:41:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2230919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Firecracker, I’m curious what the NAS price of the boots was. Right now they are marked down from 400€ to 160. Anonymous on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230916 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:37:15 +0000 Anonymous 2230916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I returned a bunch of shoes this summer, and at least 1 pair of pants and a coat. Most of my shopping has been local though lately, consignment and boutique. TBH some of the things don't fit well RN since being back at the office derailed my good habits :( I think things have been a lot more opened up here than CA though. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230910 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:18:51 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2230910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Your returns make a lot of sense; your discernment in shopping is something I admire. </div><div>This week I finally decided to return the AGL boots I bought at NAS. It was a hard decision, because I really liked them and they were comfortable. I kept debating whether to wear them, and I didn't really have an outfit I was dying to wear them with. Instead, I found myself wanting to search out and buy other pieces to go with them, so I realized they weren't that integral to the wardrobe I have at the moment. And meanwhile, this weekend, I broke out the other pair of boots I bought at NAS, the La Canadiennes, and wore them twice.  </div> Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230889 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 21:55:05 +0000 Jenn 2230889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni, it was even worse than cancelling orders! They refused to accept/pay for orders that had already been produced! Really terrible behavior on the part of those companies, and I'm glad there was a public campaign to shame them into paying up. Jenni NZ on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1/page/2#post-2230887 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 21:40:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2230887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I feel overproduction is the biggest issue with all of this. I would have hoped a worldwide pandemic might slow the overproduction down but it would seem perhaps not? I also realise that some of the poorest people in the world actually have some income thanks to it as well- wasn’t it workers in Bangladesh who suffered with Western companies cancelling orders early on? So it would have to be slowed kind of slowly itself? I have no answers at all, just doing my best to be responsible. It’s too big a problem for me! Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230882 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 20:59:29 +0000 Jenn 2230882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, I am envious of your COVID situation. California is in better shape than much of the US right now, but we have a long way to go before life approaches normal. That being said, retail here is open and has been for a while, I'm just squirrely about spending much time indoors in public places.  SF, oh don't even get me started on space given over to pavement/parking/logistics for cars. It's appalling. Angie, your returns, like mine, all look on paper like things that would fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. Sometimes, we really can't know until we try them in person. JAileen, that's interesting about the returns you can drop off without packaging! We have an Amazon Fresh store a few blocks away that I'm fairly certain accepts Amazon items the same way--just like returning in a brick and mortar.  I've never tried it, though, as I don't order much from Amazon that's not straightforward/practical. Irina, the outfit creation step is a valid point, and that's resulted in my returning even items purchased in brick and mortar stores. slim cat, definitely wouldn't want to keep slippers that hurt your feet!  Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230873 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 20:33:20 +0000 Jenn 2230873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aquamarine, always by mail for me, too! lozz_oz, it's always a balancing act trying to choose the most sustainable options, and I don't think it's as simple as online vs. brick and mortar, especially when you start taking into account overproduction, distribution, packaging, and the thorny "last-mile" issue (whether that last mile is a FedEx truck or a personal vehicle). There are no right answers, but I hope that as a society, we can move towards whatever set of solutions is better than others. cat2, I've run into that issue of trusted brands disappearing, as well. It's frustrating and sad. You've probably seen in my responses here and in previous threads that I agree with you about the issue of overproduction for retail. It's a real problem that's much harder to solve for clothing than for things like groceries or office supplies. Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230867 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 20:16:20 +0000 Jenn 2230867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I do have a good amount more luck when I order from familiar brands or am really careful about checking size charts.  Sometimes (and this was the case with Quince), I find myself on the edge of a size range and unable to size up, so I take a chance. Often, it works out, but sometimes it doesn't.  Live and learn. And, of course, sometimes size charts are just flat-out wrong! Tanya, those all seem like perfectly reasonable returns, and those sorts of issues are ones that you just couldn't have guessed without trying the items in person! Style Fan, that's fantastic! Sloper, that dress looks gorgeous. I bet it was bittersweet returning it, even knowing the multiple reasons why it didn't work. Sal, recirculating secondhand items is a great solution because, if they were nice enough for you to buy, chances are good someone else will find them appealing too.  My in-laws do the same with books, purchasing them at Goodwill for fifty cents or a dollar, and donating them back when finished. Diana, interesting that both items had similar issues! The Cat, I'd thought that striped shell might be a gateway for adding some color variety to my summer wardrobe, but it didn't work out, which is fine. Congrats on your good purchase luck this year! shevia, that article looks great! I've bookmarked it to go back to. Stagiaire Fash on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230837 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 18:05:17 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2230837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy hosting! How nice to have houseguests :) Also, i forgot a couple returns in my first post—workout bikinis. I ordered several pieces to my parents’ house, intended to keep one top and one bottom, was stuck with more because only 1 of 5 pieces was returnable; the others were close outs. I may be mistaken, but I think that EU laws permit even close out items to be returned within 2 weeks. Jenn on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230817 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:51:12 +0000 Jenn 2230817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting discussion. I don't at all think that it's unethical to order online and return items that don't work, but I'm wary, in general, of the potential for harm when consumer behaviors are done in excess.  Online shopping is a given for me right now. Many of the small brands I shop sell direct and don't produce enough to stock retail stores or maintain their own storefronts, and many larger retail stores only carry my size online, anyway. Add in having an immunosuppressed household member and not wanting to spend a lot of time in crowded places, and it just makes sense. And, as many of you pointed out, when you shop online, returns just come with the territory. Runcarla, I remember that feeling of returns seeming like a big lift. I was cured of that by running a business that required me to send packages regularly. Now, we have a mailing center across the street that accepts packages from all carriers, so it's super easy. That makes a big difference! JenniNZ, I so sympathize with the hunt to replace a beloved piece that's wearing out.  As Bijou cleverly recalled, the Quince top was meant to be a replacement for the Eileen Fisher one below, and it definitely didn't live up to the original. Like you, I knew I'd never really be happy with the "just okay" version. JAileen, your balloon jeans story made me laugh. It's still worthwhile to try new things on occasion. You never know! (I'll be back later with more...my houseguests are awake!) slim cat on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230805 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 15:45:53 +0000 slim cat 2230805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had a couple returns to Rack and Macys - done to the stores.  The items were for the current needs - nothing for the start of colder weather which we are getting just now. Slippers ( huge velcro part hurt my feet ), soft bomber jacket in washed black from BLANKNYC - too washed up in person, tank top that was way too long. Irina on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230795 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:59:40 +0000 Irina 2230795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sad that the kimono jacket didn’t worked out for you. I liked it a lot. I returned: - shoes that I ordered from Nordstrom  online due to poor fit. - EF wool dress from Nordstrom Rack store. It fits well but after outfit creation sessions, I felt it worked only with one coat that I have. - Rag & Bone jacket from Winners. Found a small hole on the inside. Although it wasn’t visible from outside, I don’t want to keep a damaged item. - COS jeans. I knew they were a bit too big and thought I’d be OK with it but seeing it styled with outwear, I decided that they don’t work. With a rare exception, I return rejected items to B&M stores where I’m sure they are re-sold. For me, returns are unavoidable, I need to see how a potential item works with others garments, need better light and in a case of shoes, walk around a house for some time to assess the fit. JAileen on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230791 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:52:12 +0000 JAileen 2230791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Packaging differences:  Nordstrom sending a scarf in a cardboard box, Macy’s sending everything in a plastic bag, Eileen Fisher sending a dress in a paper bag. <div>We have a box at a UPS store, so we don’t worry about our packages being stolen.  They also accept returns for Amazon.  I’ve had returns not require any packaging at all.  I just need a code for them to scan.  All kinds of things have been accepted without being repacked.  </div> cat2 on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230770 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:20:41 +0000 cat2 2230770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF: Exactly. The other thing I forgot was the packaging. Every one of those items in a B and M store came in a giant heavy duty shipping box with tons of packing protection. Most stuff that show up at my house is in a single bag in an easily recyclable box, and more and more of it is showing up in reusable bags. Angie: Too bad, those skirts looked amazing. Angie on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230764 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:06:17 +0000 Angie 2230764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's GOOD to know when something isn't right! Fab returns.  I have returned a lot. Mostly too big and can't size down, wrong fabric, or bad design detail I could not detect in the photo. Here are some of the items: Stagiaire Fash on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230762 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 14:04:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2230762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cat2, the expenses of keeping large retail spaces with lots of inventory on hand are what I was thinking of when I asked what the comparison was between. My assumption (though of course I’d love confirmation or correction from the person citing numbers) is that the unspecified half of that equation was for an item in a B&M store, externalizing all costs of that store, the mall, and parking that are bound to be associated with it if it’s in the US. I don’t have the stats at my fingertips to back it up, but my very strong suspicion is that very small B&M showrooms and online purchasing, returns and all, would be the most environmentally friendly way to shop. We just got back from a trip to the part of the US that supposedly has the best public transit and smartest higher density urban planning, and our heads are still agog at, my son still ranting at the inefficiency of, the acres of pavement for parking, the amount of space taken up by roadways, the noise of cars throughout cities, the store aisles literally wide enough to drive a car through, the light pollution, and so on. I think living in the USA inures people to these things, so they don’t even recognize the damage they do. If the “6x” figure takes these costs of supporting US B&M stores into account, then I’m impressed, but I highly doubt that it does. But as far as “shaming the shoppers” goes, I don’t feel shamed by anyone wagging their finger at returns, even living where we do, but I absolutely wouldn’t be ashamed of staying away from the way physical retail stores are set up in the US if we lived there. I’d far prefer to contribute to a new way of doing things, stepping away from the current model. I buy my things at sites that have very little retail space—Zalando has an outlet for returns & seconds in a very old literal brick & morter warehouse with no off-street parking,, and I’m not aware of any physical Yoox retail space. . Jenn, if this discussion of the ethics of different ways of shopping is off the track you intended for this post, then I apologize for participating in the detour. Bijou on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230753 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 13:36:13 +0000 Bijou 2230753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, I am really sad to hear that the silk shirt did not work out. I know that your EF silk shirt was such a workhorse, it is sad that a replacement is not so easy to come by. I admire your resolve not to settle. I love to read your posts as inspiration for ethical and restrained shopping and how you combine this with great personal style - these things are not mutually exclusive. I don't have any recent returns because without Covid in my local community (yet), I have been buying from local shops, so minimal online purchases makes for less returns for me. cat2 on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230745 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 13:18:04 +0000 cat2 2230745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, this thread seems to have gone in a weird shame-the-online shoppers direction. I can remember frantically driving from retailer to retailer to try to find what we needed, and I don’t get glorifying IRL shopping as a eco-friendly alternative, given the vast resources consumed by a zillion well-lit and thoroughly merchandised storefronts. I worked the retail floor and we had a lot of excess stock because customers expect every size to be available at every store, and because a surprising number of customers would damage store stock with makeup, perfume, etc. Now, on topic, we had several trusted brands disappear during the pandemic, so this year I have on a rolling basis tried several new brands for my husband and a few for me, and updated my notes about which brands worked and which didn’t, so I don’t waste time in the future ordering from brands that don’t have a flattering cut or didn’t feel well made. From trusted brands, about 1/3 of what I order still goes back, mostly due to sizing variation. Stagiaire Fash on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230734 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:53:50 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2230734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lozz_oz, 6x the cost of what? lozz_oz on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230713 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 06:44:37 +0000 lozz_oz 2230713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting to read this post. Online ordering certainly can be challenging on many levels. We have been in strict lockdown for 15 weeks (thankfully easing starts tomorrow with retail etc reopening), and I have a number of items that I will be returning in store - shoes that won’t accommodate custom orthotics (I’m at the beginning of this learning curve, so just bad timing) I’ve just read a somewhat sobering and disturbing article on the costly headache parcel returns are for retailers. Amongst the costs of the extra transport miles, disposal and replacement of packaging, there is the possibility a product will become redundant and be dumped :( The article also noted that it’s about 6 x the cost to take a product back, induct it back into the inventory, check for quality or faults, repackage and put away, and then re-pick it again to sell it. And unfortunately fashion tops the returns list. There’s something to be said for bricks and mortar shopping. Sorry for the rant! Aquamarine on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230644 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 01:02:25 +0000 Aquamarine 2230644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m between sizes as I am losing weight. So whatever I have ordered, I’ve ordered in two sizes to compare and try to judge/guess what will fit best in the near future. I dislike the return process but I’ve gotten good/efficient at it…and always by mail. Jaime on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230642 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:59:02 +0000 Jaime 2230642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting. My closet is actually in constant low level churn because my "return" process is really two stages - out of the closet and into the archives and then at some later point, consigned or otherwise sold. Or reintegrated. I took a risk with online second hand (but new condition) shoes, which would have been a hassle to return, but luckily they worked out.  eta: Topic reminded me of this article I recently read:<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/11/free-returns-online-shopping/620169/">https://www.theatlantic.com/ma.....ng/620169/</a> The Cat on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230633 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:58:58 +0000 The Cat 2230633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So far, in 2021 I haven't ordered anything online--so no returns. My "fashion" purchases (long-sleeved blouse; 2 tees; 2 tank tops; cotton socks; sun hat; reading glasses; underwear) have been made in person in local shops--very quickly, but with no regrets. The Cat on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230632 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:57:16 +0000 The Cat 2230632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the look of the striped top--what a pity that the fit was bad! Diana on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230631 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:15:30 +0000 Diana 2230631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I returned both items I tried from the target designer collabs, even though I thought they were both extremely well made for the price. the Nili Logan trench was too long and overwhelming, and sizing down would only have helped a little.  I also didn’t realize when I ordered that it had dropped shoulders which almost always look sloppy and ill fitting on me. Similarly, the Rachel Comey dress was too long and I found the big puff sleeves to be overwhelming.  Sal on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230628 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:00:43 +0000 Sal 2230628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is part of it sometimes with online shopping and you have made the right calls.  There is no way around it even with careful planning. I have only returned one pair of cream cords - I kept the rust ones as the cut was much better on me.  They were both Ezibuy purchases. This black linen skirt with buttoms was bought for $20 second hand and I have worn it twice and am redonating it.  It is a lovely skirt but doesn't spark joy in me.  Too much black, a little bit big, and I like my older A line one (12 years old now) better.....  Sloper on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230626 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 22:53:10 +0000 Sloper 2230626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I returned a knit dress that I had pre-ordered way back in March.  Beautiful thick knit, very soft, but absolutely straight up and down, and I am not.  Not flattering.  And itchy. Style Fan on "Recent Returns" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recent-returns-1#post-2230602 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 21:49:34 +0000 Style Fan 2230602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All of those pieces look like they would work for you but don't IRL.  I have bought minimal this year and returned nothing, and I found online shopping challenging.