Store reviews question - YouLookFab Forum

I hope I don't start a lot of commentroversy here, but this has been on my mind for a while:

I often check up on the YLF store to see if any of the items I'm interested in have new reviews. Often, when I see a new review...it's not really a review. It's more like an endorsement of the style or "Hey those are cute!" or something along those lines. The information I'm typically looking for is in regards to size/fit, quality, color, etc. It's nice to know other people like the style, but it doesn't really answer any of my questions or help me make a choice or decision. I feel these other comments are more appropriate for the blog (when the store items are introduced) than the store itself.

I seem to know in advance that few people will agree with me. It's just a bit disappointing to see a new review appear only to realize it doesn't have the right information. I think of the reviews on YLF the same way as the reviews I'd read on a store website, like Nordstrom or Banana Republic. No one writes reviews for things they haven't tried or seen personally. Maybe there can be a separate section or something?

Again, I'm not trying to make people who have done this feel bad, and obviously if Angie and Greg don't mind and no one else minds, then nothing I say really matters. I'm just making a suggestion based on my own experience and impression of the store's purpose.

15 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

For the most part, I'm with you, Maya. I look to the reviews for feedback from people who have seen the item IRL (and ideally tried it on). But I noted from the beginning that the YLF store comments section is set up so that you can leave a comment without giving a rating, so it's set up in a way to allow people to comment without having seen, tried or bought the item. I do appreciate comments that are not from IRL experience but mention how a person would style the item. I need all the help I can get in that area. So ultimately I'm fine with it as is, but I do understand where you're coming from.

Maya

I wonder if there can be a "related posts' section or something similar to that where links to blog posts that explain how to wear an item can appear. That might help.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I see all the reviews as they automatically come into my inbox. I don't see *that* many of the type of "non-informative" review that you are speaking of actually, Maya. But they are there. An informative "tried and tested" review is hands down more useful. No denying that.

I guess people aren't as geared up to reviewing with as much fore thought as you are. In fact, many people buy items in the store, wear them and love them, but forget to go back and leave a review comment. There are also review comments that suggest buying the item somewhere else because it happens to be cheaper at the time.

It's hard to keep control over the review information, and it does get muddy - but it's certainly something to think about. So your concerns are noted, Maya

lynne

Good point, Maya. Perhaps simply bringing this to our attention as you've done will make people more aware.

shana

I saw this post the other day and had a question. I actually try many of them items that Angie recommends (especially shoes) when I can but my understanding was that the reviews were for people who actually bought the item? My list of needs these days is quite small so generally I'm not purchasing any of these items. Would a review still be helpful?

I also find that some items just don't work for me like they do for others (like the Fidji shoes which I found uncomfortable) but I feel bad leaving a negative review when the items in the store are income generating for ylf. I figure if people want independent/unbiased reviews they'll go to other sites.

RoseandJoan

I view constructive as being different than negative with regards to reviews. For example I would consider 'the Fidjis proved uncomfortable for me due to X issue with my feet' to be of merit unlike the rather vague 'the Fidjis were uncomfortable'. Do you agree?

I don't think Angie would ever ask us to be insincere or shy away from being honest. She herself writes very honest reviews.

I always try to include pros and cons in my reviews, knowing that everyone is different. There are plenty of things I liked about the Report Mai flats but the big toe bone rubbing was not so fab (though for the record it isn't bothering me today). Certainly not everyone has prominent bones like me, so for them, maybe its not an issue, but I feel it's my obligation to alert the fellow boney-of-foot. I also always try to follow up on my reviews if something has changed or if I discover something new.

I think you can and should review products you try, but perhaps mention that you don't actually own the item. With things like shoes, it helps to know if you really put them through their paces or if they just had potential. With clothes it sometimes helps to know how they hold up. But trying them on still provides valuable information about fit and quality.

FTR I found the Fidjis Angie has uncomfortable. That pesky big toe bone is the bane of my existence!

Lisa

I second the notion reviews with specific reasons why something is or is not liked are most helpful.

I'll third the notion. Isn't that part of the point of a review?

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