Argh, Lisa, I am sorry. This is very frustrating.
If it is any comfort to you -- and it probably won't be -- my entire first year of ordering online (from Nordstrom's or anywhere else, for that matter) was pretty much a dud. Keep in mind that I was fashion ignorant in the extreme and really didn't have a clue about my body type or the kinds of patterns/ colours that tend to work for me, but even if I had been more savvy, I think it would have been difficult. I did get one belt from Nordstrom's that worked out brilliantly (and they didn't charge duty!!) and a couple of other successful items, including the Sam Edelman Pettys in python (courtesy a kind forum mate who mailed them to me.) But I sent back SO MUCH.
To Nordstrom's alone....let's see....several bags, two tops, a couple of skirts, some shoes....
Worst was the pair of tall boots that were a terrible fit for me (Borns) and that never made it to their return destination!! Thank goodness I had tracking and Nordstrom's saw that it was not my fault and refunded my money when I called about that.
In one case, I had a friend who was going to the US mail the parcel for me from there, so that at least I did not have to pay return postage. (I did get my duties returned -- but I bought everything on a Nordstrom's card, so this made it all easier.)
I have since become much more careful. Here are my tricks of the trade:
1. If planning to order, ask ask ask about the specific item here on the forum. Has anyone seen it, tried it on, touched it? What is this person's body type/ style? Similar to mine or not? What can they tell me? Read all reviews. Don't buy something that is too new to have been reviewed at all. Too risky. I agree that colours sometimes turn out quite different than on the monitor. Often they appear lighter and/or brighter than IRL.
It really, really helps to know the brand. If I know how the label tends to fit overall (whether we're talking clothing or shoes) that is a big help. So even if no one has seen that item, it can be useful to ask that more general question.
2. Order Angie picks. These generally work out really, really well for me, assuming I need/ want that type of item and I read and pay attention to all the fine print in her roundups. If she says it will work best on a busty apple, and I order it....well...let's just say, I have done this occasionally, and those are the mistakes that I live to rue. If she says it will work someone with my body type modifiers, I perk up.
3. Order to my US address and go pick it up. It takes a couple of hours of my time, but this saves duties, taxes, etc. Typically I try it on at the checkpoint and decide then and there whether I want to keep. If I want to return it, returns are free in the US. If I'm not sure, I bring it home to decide.
Yes, I declare at the border. Usually. Or partially. I do admit to tossing a few items in the checkpoint trash and wearing a new bra and some plaid jeans once.
But even if I pay duty there, and then decide to return the item later, I can get the duties back. It's a bit of a hassle, but there is a form for it. If worst comes to worse, and I can't be bothered with that hassle, I will lose around $15 (or whatever...it depends on the item's cost). That's better than the postage for return from Canada.
4. Group orders in seasonal batches. I tend to order twice or three times per year. Once or possibly twice for NAS. Once in mid-winter (sales etc. and often Mr. Suz wants things around this time, so we go down together.) Rarely, I will also order something in the spring.
5. Before ordering, check to see if the same item is available in Canada for a comparable price. Sometimes I get lucky. The Bay's website is a nightmare but you can turn up goodies there now and again with the search function. Especially if you wait for a few weeks after something first appears at Nordies.
6. Decide to do without the item. Put it in my Nordie's shopping basket and just...wait. Often the urge passes or I find something just as good here. If I don't, and I still want it two weeks later, well, there's information.
I am hopeful that their Customer Service is as great as usual and they help you out.
