YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping style and personal history

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping style and personal history https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:10:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php puppycat on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1439214 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:01:05 +0000 puppycat 1439214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up never returning anything---it was considered "wrong" by my family to waste the store's time and inventory by buying/changing your mind/returning.  I don't really feel this is true any more---financial times are such that I have to take my own needs into consideration if something doesn't suit after bringing it home.  I do try to avoid returning but I still do it probably half-a-dozen times a year, both in person and online.  Some things just aren't as good as you thought when you bring them home and try them on in your own bedroom. The guilt of returning IS one reason I do not shop at small boutiques or independent stores....returning hurts their bottom line more than a big-box store or online store. But that's just one reason of several that I don't shop boutiques.  There is also the attention factor (I hate it) and the smaller stock at smaller shops.  I like choice and variety.  Carefully edited collections just don't appeal to me.  I want to narrow it down myself. I agree and totally relate to wanting anonymity.  I understand some people loooooove it when a store associate "knows" them or offers their expertise, but I hate it personally.  I'd like nothing better than for the clerk to ignore me until they take my money.  Shopping is my relaxation time and it makes it less fun for me if the clerk keeps invading my personal thoughts and decision-making.  Sveta on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1435751 Mon, 02 Feb 2015 03:22:56 +0000 Sveta 1435751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Where and when I grew up returns did not exist at all. Heck, shopping itself was virtually impossible as stores were either empty or filled with dreadful clothing and shoes. This is what it was like to live in a communist country :-( Interestingly enough I took to easy North American returns like a fish to water when we moved to Canada. I think the whole shopping experience was so new to me that returns just felt right. I do return a lot now when I shop online. I don't know how it can be otherwise if you cannot touch or try on the item before you buy it. I think frequent returns are inevitable and expected part of the online shopping and I don't feel bad about them. I don't shop that much in the B&M stores because there is a very limited selection in my city. Several times I saw something on Gap or BR websites which I wanted to try and went to the store only to find that they do not stock those items. Now I don't bother and just order online. When I do shop in person I still make returns. I am very selective about what goes into my closet and sometimes I just cannot decide on the spot if this particular item worth a spot in it. I need a calm environment of my bedroom  - and the help of my camera and often YLF advice - to decide. I prefer to go through the short hassle of a return process than live with something I ma not completely happy with and I don't feel any guilt about it. I admire those of you who can always make the right decision on the  spot and be happy with the purchase every single time - a talent I don't posses. This is why I seldom shop during trips - because I cannot return and the pressure to decide on the spot is too much. Those who saw me shopping know what an agonizing experience it is! Nikky Braddy on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1435599 Sun, 01 Feb 2015 18:39:43 +0000 Nikky Braddy 1435599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi! As for me, I think twice before buying anything so I have almost no returns at all. =)) I prefer unique clothes that's why I am looking for shops selling one-of-a-kind-designs by up-and-coming designers instead of well known brands - then you may be sure that you won't meet someone in pretty much the same dress one day. =))) fiatlux on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1434075 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:00:38 +0000 fiatlux 1434075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, the lure of shopping online, especially during sales season... It seems so much easier to have everything come to me, and all I have to do is accept or reject. Except every once in a while I overdose and then fail to process the returns on time. I really should stick with Zappos and Nordstroms, which have such generous return policies, but somehow I eventually forget, and the cycle starts again. Vicki on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1434052 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:29:39 +0000 Vicki 1434052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anna, your post reminds me that I wish I could have been in two places at once in Seattle, last autumn, as I would have loved to join you on your tour shopping in the city's smaller, independent boutiques.  Next time, for sure! As a teen, I didn't know enough to be a savvy shopper and did little in returns.  I now do more online shopping along with B & M and as I get to know myself and my sizes based on certain brands, I've seen my returns lessen.  Still, when  footwear must be ordered online, as I'm planning to do this week, returns could be part of it and I'm happy that adjustments can be made for the ease and benefit of the buyer. Classically Casual on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433473 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 02:09:48 +0000 Classically Casual 1433473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My shopping habits mirror Suz's history...brick and mortar a couple of times a year, and now mainly online for the convenience and variety and access to sales promotions. I did go through a period when I didn't shop at Zappos at all due to guilt from all my returns.  Now, I can usually order shoes that fit and I like. Like several others, I prefer to shop alone and have minimal influence from the sales associate. So much has changed over my lifetime of shopping that the periods aren't really comparable.  I love the Internet and at the same time still mourn the loss of some wonderful and classic department stores. Aziraphale on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433468 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 02:06:49 +0000 Aziraphale 1433468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anna, I feel exactly as you do. I shop very little online (for clothes for myself, anyway; I do buy books  and children's clothes online quite often), and when I do, it's something I'm very confident about. I think I've only returned an online purchase once. Like you, I prefer brick and mortar shops, and of those, I  gravitate towards smaller boutiques. I almost never return a purchase.  But I grew up in Vancouver. So go figure. Jaime on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433452 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:48:29 +0000 Jaime 1433452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting thread Anna. My shopping memories involve suburban malls and endless looking through Macy's racks of more and more of the same. I cannot tell you how much I hated shopping there with my mother. I only wanted to go to the bookstore. When, in college, I discovered thrift stores, my entire attitude change. Everything was different, some was good, some was awful. It was a treasure hunt! Fun! My real shopping personality did not develop in the US at all and in Israel there really is no returning (except for store credit). The boutique lines are very expensive and the regular chains are mostly not appealing. Thus my love of Zara. But now most of my shopping is in small thrift and second hand stores, and of course, all the owners know and love me by now (as a regular customer and seller, who never stirs up trouble or argues or makes a mess or asks for special favors I am quite unusual). They also know to leave me alone, I will find the good stuff with no help and decide without asking for their opinion. By now sometimes they ask me questions on how to price things and if this or that is any good. I think this is all more a reflection of my personality than my shopping history. DonnaF on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433447 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:29:30 +0000 DonnaF 1433447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't remember shopping as a kid but must have done so cuz I didn't go nekkid!  We probably shopped once or twice a year at the department store in our town; returns were never considered.  The town has grown and has become a regional shopping hub for mid-level and higher clothing chains, Nordstrom, Macy's, and N-M.  When I was childless, I did a lot of clothes shopping on my lunch hour.  I could hit three department stores in that time.  After DD was born, I stopped shopping for 16 or 17 years until I discovered online shopping.  Bricks'n'mortar shopping trips were reserved for her needs and having her try on stuff; no time for me. I don't like to take the time to go to bricks'n'mortar stores and try stuff on; it is more convenient to do so after my shower in the morning or in the evening before I change into my bed clothes.  Also, some places only carry Petites online.  Most of my shopping is online; I make many returns.  I do not find returns inconvenient as I do it in the suburbs on my weekly trip to see my mom, and suburban parking is relatively easy. I also prefer anonymity.  But I would shop boutiques if I were taller and more likely to get a fit and I had a larger budget.  Marlene on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433428 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:01:23 +0000 Marlene 1433428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up shopping seasonally and never returned anything.  I guess the concept didn't even exist as far as I remember!  My mom would buy me basic clothing items then I learned to sew and supplemented my wardrobe with my own creations.  I recall a lot of corduroy.   Now, I like to buy whatever strikes my fancy, bring it home and see if it works for me.  In B&M I do try on before I take it home to get a general idea of fit.  But I like to retry at home, with my own mirror and other clothing items & shoes to make sure it works.  I will often leave the tags on until the first time I actually wear it.  Then I return everything that doesn't work either doesn't fit, play nicely with my other clothes or I just do not reach for it for some abstract reason.  I think I return about 25% of what I buy B&M.  I think that amount is pretty low since I have a pretty good idea of what I am looking for.  I shop online frequently and plan on returning at least half of what I purchase.  Most of the time its fit issues.   I guess for the most part, I don't ponder or mull a clothing decision excessively.  If I like it, I buy it and work out if I will keep it later.   Suz on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433426 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:49:30 +0000 Suz 1433426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Everything kerry said. Grew up shopping seasonally in a nearby city twice a  year (if that); never returned stuff.  Now I shop online because it is more convenient. In fact, I wouldn't have a decent wardrobe at all without online shopping! I shudder to think.  I also shop bricks and mortar when I get to the city and almost never return stuff from those adventures; I do however return online purchases all the time if they don't work out for me. I  try to do it as promptly as I can, and it's not really a hassle; like Diana, I live close to the post office and sometimes they do pick-up anyway.  Like Angie, I FAR prefer an anonymous shopping experience and always have. I've been pressured far too many times in boutiques and come away with things that were not right for me. Plus, the local boutiques rarely stock my size, or my style. I like the idea of shopping bricks and mortar locally, but in my locality, it's simply not do-able.  As for K/R posts -- I enjoy these. I learn as much about others as about the item and myself. Plus, I don't have any real life friends who care about fashion or who know my developing style at all, so I typically get something out of the discussion.  If I'm completely in love with the item I won't call it K/R -- it will be more like a "fashion show" (look how many ways I can wear this great item.) But it's nice to take the photos and look at those anyway, simply because sometimes the mirror can deceive me.  Jeanie on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433421 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:31:19 +0000 Jeanie 1433421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up in a small town where there was 1 department store.   We went there for back to school clothes and that was about it.  Every once in a while we got to drive to the mall about 30 miles away.  I remember loving clothes but not really understanding fit or what looked good on me. Now that I am older it's really about finding the right fit.  I thought I would be a boutique person when I got older.  I like the places where they point out what works for my body type and then leave me alone to try everything.  I just that I kinda feel more obligated to buy when I go in the smaller places. I really like going somewhere I can try on the clothes but I will order online if the store doesn't have a size.  All this free shipping has changed our shopping experience.  For environmental reasons, though, I am vowing to shop more locally.  All this cardboard and jet fuel just doesn't feel right to me.   kerry on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433411 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:04:08 +0000 kerry 1433411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up in a small town but close to moderate-sized cities. Shopping with my mom was an occasion and we'd make an event of it. We never returned stuff. I now live in a big city with a mall very close by. Since having my daughter (5) I mostly prefer online shopping. It's a way to relax in the evening - we don't go out much because she's young and goes to bed early. I also like shopping online because I can think more rationally (usually) about the item. I also find better deals online and definitely more choice, like shorter inseams. If I'm unsure about a particular brand, I'll read the reviews meticulously. If I don't have that option, I might, if time, go try on in store (with a list in hand) and then go home and order online for more colour choices or a better deal. I find returns a pain but I do them. Nordstrom is the worst from Canada. I just bought some Boden pj pants online - wouldn't have had that choice at a B&M in Canada - and I love them! I, like Angie, prefer shopping anonymously. I used to frequent a smaller boutique in my neighbourhood. One of the SAs had a pretty pushy way. I once bought something I wasn't sure of and returned it later for a store credit. Well the store credit ran out after a year and I lost the money. I'll still shop in boutiques Sometimes - just not that one! I don't mind tire-kicking when online shopping (if fact I think it's fun - I guess I don't have better things to do ) I don't like it when I'm in B&M. There I'd just rather get the job done and get out! unfrumped on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history/page/2#post-1433406 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:44:04 +0000 unfrumped 1433406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree, Anna, it can be personality,  or maybe fashion personality or savvy? I admit that I don't have the "eye" you may have or Angie has,  and so am probably more likely to step into   some purchases that, upon reflection and trying on at home, I decide won't work or are not "me". The good thing about that is that I often learn something that goes into my pea brain such as, you know this type of hem just doesn't work, avoid that in the future, or the opposite, if you find something like this in the right color, grab it. Like others have noted, overall that doesn't happen as much with B&M shopping where I can try on multiple sizes, and even go get an item to try on with it.  Stil,l some returns occur because I'll find it doesn't go with as many things and so I'll decide I need to be more picky. That means a few more returns but fewer orphans. Online is hit or miss--I've gotten some of my very best, most fun items that way by trying something new or just because I would  not have the stores locally. Then as noted, size, comfort, fit just can't be judged if it's in a brand that's  new to you, or shoes--for shoes I wish everything were available at a DSW where you can put it on and in about a millisecond go, "next"!. Still, I don't like lots of churning online, so I've become better, I think, at imagining how some things will work or also just trying to resist sales pressure for things I don't really need or want. Anonymous on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433398 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:22:55 +0000 Anonymous 1433398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Marley, I'm with you on the K/R thing in that I'm not particularly interested in other people helping me make a decisions. Not sure why that is.  I don't mind it in the few stores I shop in where I know the staff and appreciate their opinion, but  not  a forum ...and that's truly only when I am choosing between two things and am interest in a particular thought on it by someone who dresses in a way I appreciate myself.   And regarding the anonymity issue again - one  thing I do appreciate about anonymity (which you get in bigger stores) is that there is no-one really caring nor observing if you buy anything at all.  I sometimes feel a bit awkward being the only one in small boutique and walking out without buying - so I always call out a "thank you!" to make myself feel better - lol.   Dimity on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433396 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:15:55 +0000 Dimity 1433396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I completely agree with Angie about anonymity when shopping. I hate to be pressured by people. When I had my first job, many years ago, and had to put together my first work wardrobe, I went to a local boutique and tried on some things. One was a jacket and skirt in an awful camel/beige colour that drained the colour from my face and totally overwhelmed my small, youthful and shy self. But the shop assistant was pushing it on me and said it was great. Even though I was inexperienced and uncomfortable, I could see it wasn't good on me. I left it behind, but decided then and there not to bother with places like that any more because it made shopping too unpleasant. I prefer to shop in big places that have generous return policies in case things don't work at home. I don't return much, but I like the option. rachylou on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433365 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:26:09 +0000 rachylou 1433365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel I understand about anonymity and that dread of knowing a shop's people. Only thing is, I notice I get help spending my money in boutiques even when I've never been before. Sometimes it's the type of shop - like the sort where you sit and drink tea and they have to bring out stuff (altho these are pretty rare now). Sometimes it's because, well, I guess I'm a character. But I feel I understand the dread because when I do the boutiques, I must first be mentally prepared for the invasion of emotional space. If I'm not up to it, I go to Ross. In the home 'hood, it's a little different. The Lilypup and I wander about in our spaced out way... and some of the shops are pretty spacey themselves. When the mood strikes, you buy the $500 yarn doll. The other times, you just let The Lilypup roll around in the $500 yarn dolls, thus cheering up the shop girl who's weepy because her boyfriend said he wants to leave her (which he never does, btw)... Marley on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433359 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:52:46 +0000 Marley 1433359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Growing up we shopped seasonally in B & M - but never returned anything.  I can also remember getting the J.C. Penney's catalogue and my mother letting my sisters and I each pick out one dress to order.  That was so much fun - and I don't remember ever returning any of those dresses.  In fact, at the time, I'm not sure that returning was even an option. Now-a-days, I live close enough to the B & M stores that I very rarely ever order anything on-line - and if I buy something in a store there is a 99.9% possibility that I am going to keep it!  I abhor returning items and have been known to give something away to somebody else, rather than returning the item to the store! In addition, I cannot afford the expense of serial shopping/returning - or ordering several sizes of the same item - I don't have the money for that and so I don't ever consider that as an option for me. And - like Angie - I much prefer to remain anonymous when shopping. I want that decision to be solely  mine to make with absolutely no interference from anyone else. Sometimes I will ask someone who I trust for their opinion - but I've been known to go against their feedback when making the final decision. I'm always amazed at the forum members who do the K/Rs - because it just never dawns on me to ask others about an item that I have purchased or am considering purchasing.  Perhaps that is a sign of how stubborn I am???   shoppingisfun on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433339 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:32:31 +0000 shoppingisfun 1433339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I shop online a lot, mainly due to being an unusual size. I tend to stick to retailers where I know my size, but still make a fair amount of returns. Sometimes I do keep thinks I'm just so-so on because I don't want to take the time to make the return! Also I think it is kinda embarassing when I have to return a lot of items due to fit....like my body is not good enough for their clothes. Angie said: "I need anonymity when I shop - good customer service - but complete anonymity. I wonder if that makes sense to anyone else?" I feel the same way! I hate it when salespeople recognize me and say things like "you come here a lot" or even try to guess my size. I usually shop alone and for some reason the familiarity just makes me uncomfortable. I like to feel invisible while I shop, unless I need a size! Clueless in canada on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433324 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:45:11 +0000 Clueless in canada 1433324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I return frequently, so i am very careful ordering online. Gap has a great return system where you turn the original wrapper inside out and use their mailing label and throw in a mailbox. El Cee on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433317 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:25:54 +0000 El Cee 1433317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting thread, Anna! I have been an online shopper (and prior to that a specialty store and catalog shopper) for most of my life by necessity. As a very tall, larger framed woman with size 12 (narrow) feet, I am rarely able to shop B&M, with the occasional exception being the Nordstrom shoe department (Yippee!). Even so, I rarely need to return as I have a keen sense of what brands work for my body. Like you, I am quick to decide what works and what does not. I am an emotional shopper but am not prone to buying "mistakes". I know what I like and what will work with my wardrobe. The occasional return (especially when trying a new brand or retailer) is inevitable, but I usually purchase from sellers with zero shipping and return charges. I also think that being as tall as I am (6 feet) limits my ability to be extremely picky about what I wear. If I were to be that way, I might find myself naked. shipskitty on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433314 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:10:49 +0000 shipskitty 1433314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here in Australia brick and mortar shop returns are not an option in most places unless the item in question is faulty. Some will exchange for another size or similar item if the item is has tags on but many smaller shops don't even do that. So I want to be very sure before I buy an item and always try it on in the store. As a result I rarely buy clothes or shoes online unless I know the brand sizing very well because I am uncomfortable with the returns process. If I lived in a more remote area it might be different but I live in the suburbs and work in the city so I haven't needed to. Bags and accessories I have bought online but have not needed to return them. From my history - I grew up with a mother who always 'settled' for ok clothes because she hated the shopping process so much and I absorbed that from her. So I can be impulsive as a buyer and I need to question whether I really love that item, on me ,or is it just because it is the first that fit at all or is the first version of a HEWI I have seen. Ruth M on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433313 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:08:39 +0000 Ruth M 1433313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great topic! Until recently, I bought, wore, and moved on. It's how I was brought up, and how my mother shopped before me. I can remember special trips as a child to the nearest city to buy a new winter coat or school uniform.  Bought, worn - end of story. Growing older, I was always interested in clothes and loved shopping for them, but didn't know enough about figure flattery, fit, etc to consider whether I was making good choices or not. And even if I had known enough to regret a purchase, here in the UK we didn't have a widely available no-questions-asked option of changing your mind and getting your money back - at least not until a couple of decades ago (yes, I have decades of shopping history to draw on!) It's only in the last couple of years that I've become a returner. It's because I'm trying to up my game clotheswise, but still not always getting it right - though I'm improving, thanks to YLF.  In addition, there's the situation Ann in New England describes - the item may be gone next day, so I'd better grab it when I see it, and analyse at home. And return if it wasn't right after all. That said, I agree with those who say there are better things to do with one's time, so I'm trying to hone my in-store selection skills in order to minimise the returns. I aspire to be like those in the forum who know what their wardrobe holes are, and are confident in their choices when shopping (and have achieved that magical organized emotional shopping nirvana described by Angie today in her blog post). Angie, I understand what you mean about shopping anonymously.  I prefer it too, but for different reasons (obviously) - I'd feel pressure to purchase when shopping in a more personal context.  But this may change if my confidence in my own choices grows. Gaylene on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433310 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:59:00 +0000 Gaylene 1433310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is so interesting, Angie, about wanting anonymity when it comes to your decision to purchase. For me, it almost the exact opposite. I feel less pressure to buy from stores where I'm recognized because the staff know that I'll be back to buy in the future. On the rare time that I have changed my mind after buying something, I also find that returns are easy because the owner truly wants me to be happy with my purchases. And I always receive a complementary 10-15% discount, as well as an advance sale price if the owner knows she will be doing a markdown in the near future. To me, that is smart retailing. it's fascinating to read how differently we all approach our clothes buying. retailgirl on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433305 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:49:09 +0000 retailgirl 1433305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was growing up, trips downtown were a big deal and usually only happened seasonally, back to school, Easter, etc. we never returned anything. All my years of working in retail make me loath to return things. ( especially after working on commission...returns are deducted from your sales.) however, on line shopping means I usually order two sizes so there are returns! Just recently I ordered some snow boots and had to return the sizes that didn't work. There was free shipping for the sale but not the return and it cost me $33 to ship by UPS! Yikes. ($55 by the post office.) an expensive lesson, I'll check to see if there are free returns next time. Thistle on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433288 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:13:34 +0000 Thistle 1433288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, I simply don't have a lot of time to get to a B&M store. And really, who wants me there if I have to bring 2 small children? I am a heavy internet shopper. I feel like at this point in my life, I need to be. I sneak trying on clothes after I have put DD1 to bed while DH rocks DD2. As such, returns are part and parcel of the process (like Amazon sending me a size 7 when I ordered a size 9, *sigh*).  I had to come to terms with it, and this is why there are only a handful of stores with excellent return policies I shop at. I honestly wish I could shop more B&M stores. But I don't see that happening for a long time. Anonymous on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433287 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:13:09 +0000 Anonymous 1433287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I grew up outside of a large city in NJ. Our only options to shop were in that large city. My mom shopped at Bambergers (Macy's), Hahnes, Lord and Taylors, Canadians, etc. She would shop the bargain basements at Bamberger's and always came home with a huge haul (she used to work for a large insurance company where all these stores were located so she would stop in frequently). But she also liked to splurge on stuff that she never wore and I remember her crying about wanting the nice expensive clothes when money was tight, but seldom wore them. They just hung in the closet for her to admire. As I got older I too shopped at Bambergers/Macy's, Hahnes, Lord and Taylors, Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdales, SAKS, etc., but when I bought my splurges, I always wore them, unlike my mother. Then in the early to mid 1980s I discovered true "factory outlet" stores that were a hidden secret in Secaucus, NJ. I bought the most gorgeous clothing and accessories at the most unbelievable prices back then. I still look for quality pieces that I know I will wear over and over again. (I like to wear out my clothes instead of giving them away at some point). I rarely shop the department stores nowadays and never buy online unless  I can try it on beforehand, and if I recall correctly, almost never returned anything. I have never regretted a purchase, but sometimes have regretted not purchasing something when I had the opportunity. rachylou on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433276 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:55:25 +0000 rachylou 1433276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I basically grew up in the ol' metropolis, and we definitely did returns. On the other hand, it was strictly defective merchandise. On the third hand, maybe we were super picky compared to others because the stores were nearby. My personality is such that I loathe returns. I can visit the same shop every week, but if I have to go back to return something, it will feel like an excruciating chore. I do prefer brick-and-mortar so I can try things on and make final decisions. If I want something to go with a specific item, I wear that item to the store. When I'm done, I really want to be done. Funny tho, I'll bet someone could sell me a try-on service. Like if you're at a hotel and need something, and they send up things for you to try on and choose from. I don't much like online shopping, also, because I hate ordering and waiting, having to watch out for a package that might get stolen or sent back because no one was home. Also pure torture. Angie on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433273 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:49:43 +0000 Angie 1433273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisap, let me try to make it clearer - I understand that this comes as a surprise. I am very loyal to a brand or store if they have treated me well in the past - as long as I can stay anonymous when it comes to the sales of the items. I appreciate great sales assistants who help me and my clients flawlessly while we shop, fit things on in the dressing room, and return items. But I need anonymity when it comes to the decision to purchase and prefer no interference. Although not impossible, I find that the anonymity I am after is harder to achieve in small boutiques - especially when I am with clients.  Anonymous on "Shopping style and personal history" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-style-and-personal-history#post-1433271 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:37:00 +0000 Anonymous 1433271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting commentary here.   Angie - I'm surprised that you prefer anonymity and no personal connection to the owner or the store when you shop.  I am completely the other way.  I am very loyal to those stores who recognize me and who offer a more personal shopping experience. I look to connect with a salesperson "I get" who I feel "gets me too". Anyways, I nodded along with your comments, Anna, re the agonizing and going back to stores repeatedly and fretting over the purchase of something.  I think the only time I would allow that much mental and emotional energy to be spent on clothing shopping would be if it were something utterly expensive and very valuable.  Other wise, I don't want clothing shopping to take up that much of my time and energy - emotional and physical.  I figure if I have to deliberate that much over something, I either can't afford it and should forget it, or I'm trying to convince myself to buy something  that isn't right for me, and again should forget it.  It's not a valuable and productive use of my time and brainpower. Re: returning?  I seem to get into spurts of it, especially when I'm rushed while shopping (which is often) and am not trying on. Other than that, I try to commit and move on with life.  I don't do a whole lot of on-line shopping, even though the returning process is built into it, as Angie says. It doesn't work that way in Canada. Which reminds me I have to make a return request  (wtf?) of Nordstrom for a pair of shoes .  Never again.  Does this have anything to do with how things were while growing up?  Probably. Clothing was bought and worn - no farting around trying to decide on things.  We all had better things to do I think - and thankfully so.