My biggest shopping deterrent these days.... - YouLookFab Forum

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My biggest shopping deterrent these days....

jackiec

Veteran

Is the terrible Cdn/US exchange rate!!! Agh! To be honest, I do like to pick up bargains in January, and historically pick up quite a few little steals and deals locally. And I'm often tempted by items shared by fabbers here. However, the exchange rate is so dismal right now (for Cdn to US) that it usually stops me in my tracks before I check out. Guess it's a good thing for the credit card. Anyone else noticing the same thing?

(note - I still shop local and love to support the local businesses. I just get tempted here and there by Nordies & JCrew online....)

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I completely agree Jackie! And then when you add in the shipping and duties, it's just not worth it

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yup. I am not US shopping at all now. (Well....I did order the BlackFive skirted leggings but other than that.)

In fact, I'm just not shopping period. I have decided that the rest of January and February is the season to wear the heck out of what I've got and enjoy it. I will start looking for my statement items and footwear for spring in March. Truly, I have more than enough clothes and unless I discover a glaring wardrobe hole I don't need to be looking right now.

merwoman

Veteran

Nodding my head in commiseration with you! I am rarely ordering from the US - and the odd time that I do, I have it sent to my step daughter in Brooklyn, and wait patiently for the pony express.

Anonymous

I so agree. I finally did my first Nordie's order ever the other day - and I had to turn my head away from the screen when I saw the real total - the duties are what kills it!! I picked the absolutely worst time in history to buy from the US with the dollar being at what it is. Here is some twisted validation if you need some: gas is SO cheap right now - I'm saving money there. Oh my god, did I just say that? That was a one-time buy I did and unless I win the lottery, it aint' happenin' again.

Everything that's posted or suggested on this forum is now so out of reach I feel so frustrated. There aren't the options in Canada that there are in the US. Mind you , before I joined this forum, I never paid much attention to US retailers online and what they offered. Better left in ignorance , I guess.

Roxanna

Veteran

You are all singing my song! I want a pair of Frye boots. Frye boots are on super sale on 6pm.com. But with exchange and duties, it's not worth it! And don't even get me started on J Crew and Nordstrom. Actually, I might do a post on this topic, asking how other non-US residents shop when US online is out of reach and in-store shopping time is limited...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's too bad.

*sad face*

jackiec

Veteran

Hah!!! Lisap that's a good point about the low gas prices.... Seriously lol

And Suz, yes, good time to enjoy the closet.

Glad I'm not the only one

Tina

Veteran

In a way it's a good thing, now the answer is just 'no' when I see something I really like. I simply disregard items that are not available via Canadian retailers. Like you, I just get stressed with all the extra charges. I find the basics are easily covered by Canadian stores. I live in a very remote area and would love to have more online retailers. Then again, I seem to find enough just looking at BR and Gap:-/

shedev

Veteran

If it makes any of you guys feel better, I have serious Danier envy. Also not really shopping.

Gaylene

Veteran

US shopping is off my radar now. It just doesn't seem like a good use for my fashion budget when it is actually LESS expensive to order from the UK and EU in many cases--weird, but true.

I'm actually finding it easier these days to find what I want from Canadian sources, but I've had to change my shopping habits. These days, I use US sites like YLF as an inspiration rather than a source. More and more Canadian retailers have an on-line presence--Hudson's Bay, Simons, Fluevog, Danier, Matt and Nat, m051 to name just a few. We also have some amazing fast fashion retailers like Aritzia and Le Chateau that are heads and shoulders above F21 and that ilk, in my opinion. My favorite party dress over the Christmas season was from a Vancouver company, Gilmour, which I found in a local boutique.

https://www.facebook.com/GilmourClothing

I adore YLF and Angie's Picks and suggestions, but it makes more sense for me these days to find my own sources instead of relying on what is talked about here.

Anonymous

You're so right, Gaylene. I keep forgetting about Le Chateau - and you're right , it is better than F21. They have the worst return policy though, which is one reason I stopped given them my money. I keep meaning to check out Simon's too.

Marilyn

Veteran

Another frustrated Canadian. And, being petite makes it extra hard because there is so little available here. It really limits my choices. Although, I suppose limited options maybe helps keep me focused. But, sometimes it feels like hunting down things that fit is a full time job. I might shrivel up and die without Banana Republic. I do order from J Crew occasionally. It's mailing back the returns that kills me. We have a JC in my city now but Canadians can't return in store.

Astrid

Veteran

I'm with Gaylene, I use YLF as an inspiration only and shop in the stores I have available here. And I actually rather like that because I think it has kept me from buying things that I don't really need or that aren't quite right for me just because I've seen them on the forum and they looked fantastic on someone else. I know I would be tempted.

jackiec

Veteran

Lots of us in the same boat (or maybe that should be )

Gaylene - great points about Canadian retailers. I agree about many of the retailers, and am happy that The Bay is carrying more and more good stuff. I haven't heard of Simons....off to google....That Gilmour company looks great - I bet it's comfy stuff.

In a way it's good because it's slowed down my click-happy fingers.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Marilyn, if you are lucky enough to have JCrew store in your city you can order things through the store (need to do this in person) and then they will wave the shipping and return fees.
I have not been shopping much (although I succumbed to those Maddie pants from JCrew this week) and I so hear you on the expense! Gaylene, you should start a thread on Canadian online resources and we can all add there.
I have an extra isue with the length: even if stores carry tall sizes they are usually available online only. Gotta love Banana and especially Gap for helping tall Canadian ladies to dress!
Oh, and don't forget Club Monaco! Although their shipping and return is not completely free it is not expensive either - and Canadian prices are the same as prices in US stores which means they are cheaper!

Jennifer

Another frustrated Canadian here.
I agree it is often so much cheaper to order from the UK. Occasionally I will still order from the US if I'm certain I can't find a similar item here. But even so I had better be certain I really want the item and am sure it will fit, because don't get me started on shipping returns back to the US.
I am thinking of going to Seattle in May and am currently saving up all my shopping "wants" for a trip to Nordstrom!

Marilyn

Veteran

Sveta......Thank you!! I had no idea I could order through the store. JC just opened in the last few months and this is a revelation.

And yes, Club Monaco is great. Things run small there so sometimes I find things that work on my petite frame.

Dimity

I commiserate. We don't have the options here in Australia that are available in the US. Australia is widely regarded among retailers as 'treasure island', because of the prices they can charge for things here that they wouldn't get away with anywhere else, for things like software, music, DVDs, clothes. Standard prices where I am include $5 for a cup of coffee, $20+ for a restaurant meal, $100 for a wool cardigan. Good quality is hard to find at good prices and in current styles. My city doesn't have Zara, Gap, BR, H&M or pretty much any of the brands people here regularly discuss. Yes, we have good local designers, but they are expensive, $300 a dress stores. I can sympathise!

Thistle

Veteran

That is sad and frustrating.