Courage to Return

Adelfa

Thank you, ylf people. I have never returned so many items as this Fall. Probably I've never tried so many either. Today I returned my second size of these beauties:

http://piperlime.gap.com/brows.....5250483370

I thought they would be perfect. I wear so much black and navy that the purple would be a welcome accent. The shape and color were as lovely as pictured. But the 8.5 (my size almost all of the time) cramped my toes and the 9 gapped oddly around my ankles.

Back they go! Ringing in my ears: "You can do better.... There is another pair of booties out there for you."

It is harder than I can imagine, but I am learning to spend money on what REALLY works. Thanks for the inspiration!

What have you returned lately? Even if it hurt?

13 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from Adelfa

DonnaF

Veteran

Today I returned plum and apple green VC skinnies and a Foxcroft shirt to Nordies. The VC skinnies were a lovely color and true to what was shown online, but I.just.cannot.wear.skinnies. They were the correct size, but that style makes me look at least ten pounds heavier. No more skinnies for me; straight legs work best. I ordered the shirt in two sizes, so I already knew I would be returning one or both of them. I still may return the one I still have; I like the color but it is boring but fairly practical.

I still have a white shirt and a gray tipped knit blazer with tags still on that I bought a few months ago and haven't worn. The white shirt is nicer than my other very new but worn shirt. I don't really have another blazer but I would have preferred a color other than gray. I don't think Macy's has a time limit on returns or else it is pretty generous. Oh, and I have a plum layering T from Nordies with tags still on; will probably keep.

The shirt and blazer were purchased at b&m; the rest were online. Ambivalence and returns for me can strike anywhere.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Well done. Sending perfect bootie thoughts:)

13 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Oooh - I haven't returned anything lately - but then, I haven't bought anything lately. However, I do still have painful memories about returning a pair of cream colored Frye knee-high boots several years ago. I loved them! But - they gapped too much around my calf and no matter how I tried to talk myself into thinking that they were OK, I finally faced reality that that were not, and never would be - and returned them. I still haven't found my perfect pair of cream knee-high boots - but, I have faith that they are out there and someday will be mine!

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

When I first joined YLF I did a LOT of purchasing and returning. It was almost embarrassing after a while. But now my shopping is much more streamlined and I rarely returned. My last return was a sweater that was a gift for someone. After some thought I realized another color would work better for them so I exchanged.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Good for you!

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Good job!!

I am returning a bunch of stuff next weekend - a sweater that isn't QUITE the right colour for me, another that isn't quite the right fit. I am grateful that we are able to do this.

I do return much more than I would have in the past, pre YLF.

13 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I returned three pairs of black knee-high boots this fall. I ordered four pairs knowing that at least three would be going back. I have thin calves and finding knee high boots was getting so frustrating that I just ordered a bunch so I could try them all on at one time instead of dragging the process out by buying one pair, sending it back, waiting for another pair, etc.

13 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Somehow I used to think of returns as tinged with failure. Your example helps me to see them as part of the process of building a great wardrobe. And Lisa, I'd love to think that after a while I'll need fewer of them!

13 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

In the run up to fall I have bought and returned two pairs of trousers, two pairs of boots, and a sweater. I have also bought a few things on eBay that have gone straight back into the resale pile. I'm trying to be pickier about what I buy, but also less shy about admitting a mistake and taking it back.

13 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Two of the bloggers I follow have been purging designer handbags recently. Admitting mistakes is definitely part of being well dressed!

13 years ago

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