Striking out and revolving returns - YouLookFab Forum

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Striking out and revolving returns

Mo

(website)

Veteran

but it's okay because that means I'm being more discerning and not letting into my closet future purge magnets lol. In the meanwhile, it means doing more with less, which is a good lesson in itself anyway.

Strike outs:
True Religion BF jeans in 2 sizes
fedora (and asst stuff to make ship min.)
linen white jacket
Ash gladiator sandals

But on the other hand I've had a few good buys as well, so I guess it equals out. Just feels like all I'm doing is returning!

Scores:
blush leather jacket
python sandals
blue dress
wine skinny cords at NAS
belts and metal cuff bracelet

I *am* in major purge mode, and that has affected my total number of items. Logically, of course, if I rarely wore them, I shouldn't miss them anyway, right? Some things I do wear pretty often, full well knowing they are not 'up to snuff', and I might miss them when I go to grab some 'grubbies'. Guess I'm upgrading my lounge attire by default.

All the returns have me thinking some time spent on brick and mortar shopping next Tampa trip might be a good idea!

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from Meredith1953

christieanne

Veteran

Change of location might be leading to the purge inspiration? You are on a journey it seems. Good to return things that don't work 100%. I have three returns ready to go back - teal jeans that are not right, and the ponte skirts from costco that are a size up. Better to hassle with a return than regret a closet orphan later!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

You may be right about the location. I mean, if I'm not reaching for these summer staples in July in FL, when will I *ever* wear them in Tahoe?
I'm also trying very hard to not get carried away with where I am living at the moment, as far as my wardrobe is concerned. I have enough to wear here through the year as it stands. All intentions are to not do FL again. Of course the best laid plans of mice and men . . .

rae

(website)

Veteran

Great job not settling, mo! Yes, returns area pain, but not as much a purging something you kept even though you knew it wasn't 100%. A b&m trip may be just the thing. Or if you are like me, you'll remember why you started shopping online to start.;) either way, good experiment. Hang in there till u can get back to tahoe!

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Ever since I have joined YLF, I return a lot of stuff too and even though it is annoying, it is worth the end result of not having less than perfect items in my closet. I really admire your resolve to build the perfect wardrobe and I think you are pretty close to having the wardrobe of your dreams

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

I'm about to go return some things myself (my LOFT jeans with the mis-aligned pockets). Kinda bummed, but it means I get to go shopping again! I do enjoy the thrill of the hunt...

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Shoppingisfun - it's more fun when returns does not mean a walk to the post office in 90 degree heat. Going to the mall sounds grand! Just the postage fees alone are starting to scare me.

Jem

Veteran

I'm getting tired of returns, too, although I don't have to mail them, so that would definitely be worse!

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Mo, could you schedule a pickup, instead of having to schlepp to the post office several times a day?

I think it's great that you're not settling. PPP!

Jjsloane

Veteran

I pretty much have returns in my car at any given moment. I generally do not order from somewhere that only allows returns by mail but it is better that than to keep items around that you won't wear.

Good for you in sticking to your guns for only the best for you. It annoys me to find unworn (still with tags) items in DH's closet that have past their return date and his excuse for keeping is that I gave it to him. Really? If you won't wear it let me get my $ back and get something you will wear. Rant over.

Anonymous

I keep only about 10% - 20% of what I buy so I can completely relate. Trust me, I did a calculation based on dollar amount (about 23%) and number of items (about 10%).

I started tracking as of January of this year.

Hehe, the accountant in me...

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I think it's a good thing that you're being extra-picky and returning things that don't work out, and I do know what it's like when you're ordering stuff online (I do a lot of that too). Thing is? My new goal is to reduce or even eliminate the number of returns I need to make. I *hate* returning things, and I have a whole bunch of stuff cluttering up my closet that I should have returned, but didn't. You are doing a whole lot better than I am on this front because you're getting the stuff returned.

That said, I have returned more items since joining YLF than I ever have, and you know what? I don't like it! I have somehow managed to not get several things returned in time, so I actually have a bunch of 'new' stuff here in my closet that I don't wear and can't use. Not good.

I've decided that I want to become even pickier about things and would prefer not to have to return things at all. I realize this isn't going to be the case if I order something online, but I *am* going to be even more careful about what I order - selecting items where I know how the brand fits and so on.

I think I have to remind myself that it's not a "deal" if I have to order, wait for it to be shipped, find out it doesn't work, then re-package it, and ship it back. My time and my mental energy are worth something too, and I think I'm *done* with this business of always trying to find a deal on something. It's not a deal if I have to wait for it to arrive, find out it doesn't fit properly, then send it back.

Hmm...

Sorry to go so off-topic and on a bit of a rant, but I want off this merry-go-round.

In the meantime though, I have a feeling that you are getting *really good* at this. You seem to have gotten very good at researching stuff a great deal before buying things, and I think this has served you well.

DonnaF

Veteran

On Monday, I am returning a blazer to Talbots that is a beautiful color, fits well, is well made for the price I paid, but I regretfully concluded that the many buttons and details are OTT for me so it just didn't *feel* right. But I'm keeping a Rack Vince Camuto jacket of about the same price but not made nearly as well but feels more like my style -- whatever that is. I've started to feel a bit self-conscious about my many, many returns, esp. at Talbots, but I would rather return than have closet orphans.

If I don't wear something within a month or so of purchase despite appropriate weather, I am starting to question my purchase. The item is trying to tell me that I need to return it.

That being said, this summer I am wearing green sandals that I hardly wore after I bought them last summer. Maybe I didn't have anything to go with them at that time?

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

I know it's not possible everywhere, but personally I never pay shipping to order anything, and never order anything that can't be returned to a local store. I return probably 75% of what I order online!!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I internet shop mostly out of necessity, not convenience or choice. Although, I do find the occasional ebay score of a long sold out item, like my Willow & Clay riding jacket. There is a silver lining if I look hard ha ha!
The walking 1.5 mi round trip in FL in July just sucks no matter how you slice that, though!
Jaguar, I didn't know the Post Office would come to you? Don't understand the logistics of charging me for the shipping if picking up at my house.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Mo, if you're returning items with a pre-paid label, it's extra easy. If not, you can pay for shipping online and print out your own label. The only downside is that you need to know the weight of the package, but if you have a small scale, it's not an issue.

I schedule pickups all the time for store returns, or my eBay sales. You leave the item by your front door and the mail person picks it up when they deliver the mail. Easy-peasy!

Here's the USPS page for scheduling a pickup.
https://tools.usps.com/go/Sche.....put.action

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, cool! Thanks. If I ever get a printer I'll have to look into that! (I'm so behind the times)

Glory

Veteran

This is a great thread. I feel so guilty about several not great fitting items that I didn't return in time, tags on, in the closet. I didnt' return them on time because they were a great price, and I kept waffling on whether they looked ok. Since finding YLF I am beginning to get a better understanding of fit etc. Now to work on those guilty feelings.

Deborah

Veteran

Mo I think the return process is part of creating the perfect for you closet. I return heaps! I lovebeing able to try on at home, with my existing clothes, in my mirror, take photos etc. it really stops me keeping things that are not great. And clearly that's what you are doing too. It's worth the effort.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Like DonnaF I have been doing a LOT of returns to Talbots. They are probably sick of seeing me but are very polite! I actually prefer online shopping in some ways. I think your being picky is absolutely the right way to get your wardrobe exactly as you want and need it to be.