I have recently had a few bad experiences. Last Autumn I purchased two sweaters that were completely pilled in 2 hours. Even areas without friction.
I purchased an Aimee Kestenberg anniversary bag at around $300 (not inconsequential pricing but disappointing quality) and after light usage, the seaming was unraveling.
There were other smaller issues with purchases but move forward to this year … my anniversary ring (gift- purchased at Tippy Taste) arrived with a garnet that had scratches and a big inclusion (inclusions aren’t that common in red garnets) and after simply trying it on once, an accent diamond was gone. We sent it back and they used a garnet with a noticeable chip on a facet. They didn’t carefully choose another one or they use subpar stones and couldn’t choose a better one. The ring was roughly $1600 and currently that’s a lot for us with other expenses, so we are frustrated. They offered to put yet another garnet in but that starts to affect the integrity of the setting and there were problems with that from the get go.
I ordered a belt from Anthropologie and it was fulfilled by a store. The belt not only arrived with threads/seams popping everywhere but an anti theft tag attached. I have hardly ever returned anything but they wouldn’t send a new one or refund until receiving that one and offered no apology.
It’s all a definite deterrent for shopping atm. Am I unlucky or is this just more and more common?
Anyone else put off of shopping in general or regarding certain places or categories because of poor quality, quality control or service?
Bonus … I just turned a small spare room into a Kitty Corner. I wanted a lighthearted spot to read and be quirky. And to kinda pay homage to my beloved and missed black American short hair, Miss Kitty.
And embracing the abdomen! Instead of steadfastly covering the pooch, I let it be seen and survived, haha.
Liberating, for me.

This is the ring … how it should look.

Posting from phone, please overlook typos or grammatical issues, ty!