What To Do With a No Refunds Or Exchanges Purchase

I love wearing dresses. It’s my signature style and I will always get drawn to a frock before a pant and top ensemble. Or even a skirt and top ensemble.

Back in November, I took a risk in purchasing a pair of Gorman pants, which I had had my eye since their release. I was waiting for a sale to purchase my size.

When the sale happened, I purchased the biggest size and waited for 3 weeks for delivery. In that time, the pants sold out.

I received the pants, put them on and felt they were on the roomy side, but I’d make them work.

And I did. I wore them with an orange top for Christmas Day and a chambray top when going to the cinemas.

Gorman Coral Pants

Gorman Coral Pants with Organic Orange Cropped Tee

But they were a really oversized fit and when I caught myself side on in the mirror… they made my butt look like a shelf. The pleats were doing no favours for my figure. I regretted the purchase and had wished I’d bought the smaller size – or the dress instead. But this too had sold out.

I was now in the position where I had worn the pants and couldn’t exchange or refund them.

pants with a chambray top

With a Chambray Top

I did a quick scan on eBay and found the dress was on sale with tags still attached. Possibly a regrettable purchase from the seller or one where no exchange could be given? I was in luck.

I bid on the dress and watched it like a hawk. I also sold my pants to a friend who loved them and the money I got from that sale was used to pay for the dress – if I won it.

I was surprised to see I was the highest bidder and I received my dress a week later. I love it and know it’s going to get more wear than the pants.

Gorman Dress bought on eBay

Yay. I won my dress on eBay.

What to do with a no Refunds or Exchanges purchase

It can be disappointing to purchase a piece of clothing online and not be able to exchange it for a different size or get a refund. But all is not lost. Here are some options to consider:

Resell the item via Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups or on eBay.

If it’s a designer piece, you can definitely try and sell it in a Facebook Group. Just ensure you have great pics of the item and include postage in your price. I find these posts sell quickly as opposed to ones where postage is extra. Opt for eBay if the item was popular and sold out and you’d like to get your money back. It won’t always work… but I have seen some over retail prices paid for pieces which were highly sought for.

If selling on a Facebook Marketplace, also ensure it’s listed in a Facebook Group. To find the group, put the brand in the search and ask to join the groups. Some groups may be at capacity. Others will ask you questions to join to ensure you are a real person. You may also be asked to respect rules when making an offer and sharing a piece you wish to sell.

Try and swap the item for a different size in a Facebook group.

Someone may also be in a similar situation needing the size you have and they could have the size you want. Organise an exchange in a Facebook Group. You can also place a post in the group ‘Wanting to buy or swap…’

Get the item tailored.

If you love the piece, but it’s too big, why not get it tailored? Unfortunately, if the item is too small, this may not work. Think how the piece can be used to create something new if you absolutely LOVE the fabric.

I could have got my pants tailored… but I preferred the dress better and I took that risk. I’m glad it paid off.

Gorman dress in coral print

What have you done with a no refunds or exchanges purchase? Got a happy swap story to share? I’d love to hear it.

I Got Maseur Sandals For Christmas… And I’m Loving Them!

I got Maseur Sandals for Christmas from my husband and after wearing them around the house and even in public to do the odd top-up grocery shop, I’m loving them.

Maseur Sandals

I have started to experience heel pain in the last 6 months and I’ve noticed it flare when I wear high heels, or shoes with little support.

It’s my goal this year to slowly replace all my favourite shoes with Frankie4’s. I used to wear Airflex all the time… but the cushioning is not helping my foot.

While scrolling Facebook last year, I came across an article saying something like ‘grandma shoes are back on trend’.

Intrigued, I of course clicked on the link and found Maseur Sandals were being worn by fashion influencers on Instagram. Mamamia didn’t know what to make of it.

I thought the sandals would be a good investment to wear around the house, in the hope the spikey footbed would relieve my heel pain.

Jacob got me a pair for Christmas and it was the best present because I had forgotten I’d wanted a pair. The poor guy had to ring around a few chemists to score the last size 10 pair in Brisbane! They are apparently quite popular now.

maseur tan sandals

It took me a week to break them in. But now, they are my go to sandal to wear around the house and to wear when I need to go out and do minor errands.

Where to get Maseur Sandals

You can purchase your own pair of Maseur Sandals online. I’ve found them true to size. Alternatively, your local chemist may have them instore to try on. Terry White Chemist was where Jacob bought mine.

About Maseur Sandals

Maseur Sandals are said to give your feet a massage while you wear them. I got this excerpt direct from their website:

Maseur Sandals informationI remember my grandma wearing a pair of these around her house, and she suffered from heel spurs.

You can get them in black or tan. I did originally want black. but have found the tan are more versatile.

I will use these for day trips to the beach. Love that they are easy to slide on too.

Do you own a pair of Maseur Sandals? Remember your mum or grandma wearing them when you were younger?

 

 

If You Love Gorman, You will Love These Alternative Clothing Designs

If you love Gorman you will love these alternative clothing designs that offer a bright print and could almost be mistaken to be Gorman design. My love for Gorman won’t wane, but I do like to have variety in my wardrobe.

I’ve found most of these brands are Australian owned and some are also made in Australia too. This will be reflected in the price as they aren’t mass produced like fast fashion is.

As you know I own a few Gorman pieces. I love their colourful designs and their dresses can hide a mummy tummy.

But there are times when particular Gorman collaborations don’t entice me. Here are some brands you can check out that offer bright and colourful designs. The prices will vary for all budgets.

 Variety Hour

A friend told me about this brand and their stunning designs. They are similar pricing to Gorman. Created by textile designer Cassie Byrnes, Variety Hour is based in Melbourne and only small batches of pieces are released, ensuring you wear a piece of art that won’t be seen commonly on the street.

Jericho Road Clothing

As seen on Nikki from Styling You and modelled by Brooke from What Brooke Wore, Jericho Road offers a delightful range of clothes to suit those who love to embrace colour and quirky patterns. While the clothes are made in China, the pieces are made using high quality fabrics and natural fibres, which are perfect for an Australian climate.

 

Strebor Clothing

This brand launched in November 2019 and offers a array of dresses and tops designed and made in Australia. Their sizing ranges from size 8 to 20. Strebor Clothing was created by and founded by Fiona Roberts in response to the demand for ethically made, limited release, original, quirky and colourful fashion. The dresses are practical with pockets and have a 4cm extendable hem. Right not they have 20% of their range.

Doops Designs

This dress was LOVE at first sight.  I just love the print, the colours and the style. The designs are hand drawn and then screen printed by the designer, Jane Newham. I love the prints and so do a lot of others, as they seem to sell out quite quickly.

KarlaCola

KarlaCola makes gorgeous, handmade dresses and tees from organic cotton and jersey. This brand was originally on etsy and now they have their own site. Many of the prints remind me of Gorman. This store is definitely one to add to your favourites.

Little Party Dress

Little Party Dress offers affordable dresses in a variety of prints. I’ve owned a few Little Party Dresses and they’ve washed and kept well. They offer super fast delivery and their designs have a relaxed fit, which I love.

Obus

I came across Obus from those within the Gorman loving community. This brand is designed and made in Melbourne. The pricing point is reflective of this. I’ve never purchased from here, but it’s definitely a store on my radar to keep in mind for my intentional 2020 purchases.

 

Do you love Gorman too? Are you a fan of bright and colourful patterns when it comes to clothes? Know of some other brands I might love too? Please do share them in the comments.

 

Stylish Raincoats To Layer When You’re On The Go

If you’re looking for stylish raincoats to layer over your outfit while you’re on the go, I’ve found some for your consideration to suit all budgets.

Living in Brisbane, depending on the season, the rain events can be few and far between. But we can experience heavy downpours when there’s a cyclone or low off the coast giving us a dowsing which can cause devastating floods.

I have been caught out during the school run when I’ve been drenched due to a random sun shower or the early onset of a storm. It was these experiences that prompted me to get a raincoat and have it in my wardrobe, ready to grab when needed.

I prefer a raincoat than an umbrella because I often need my arms and hands to carry bags and laptops.

I also like having my hands free.

This past weekend we had heavy downpours, which have been much needed… although too much in one event can cause flooding.

Whenever it rains, I reach for my trusty Lands End raincoat, which will last me for years.

stylish raincoats for on the go

It’s one of those coats you buy once and don’t have to buy again. I like to have a hood on my raincoat. It adds extra protection and a preventative measure to prevent my hair frizzing up!

Stylish rain coat leopard print

It can be hard to find stylish raincoats, but there are brands like Gorman, Boden, Paqme, Rainbird and even Birdsnest that offer a variety of colours and styles.

Here are some I’ve found online in a range of price points. Some are on sale.

Stylish Raincoats

 

stylish raincoats to layer when on the go

  1. Paqme Women’s 3/4 Raincoat Jacket in Stripe $159.95
  2. Gorman Dot Dot Dash Raincoat $99
  3. Rainbird Luna Women’s Jacket in Wild Berry $90.99 (on sale)
  4. Gorman 27 Years Cropped Raincoat $49.50 (on sale)
  5. Gorman Zebra Cropped Raincoat $59 (on sale)
  6. Rainbird Collaboration Luna Women’s Rain Jacket $118.99 (on sale)
  7. Paqme Women’s 3/4 Raincoat Jacket in Geo Leopard $159.95
  8. The Iconic W Coat in Black $170

Do you own a stylish raincoat? Ever been caught out in the rain and wished you were more prepared?

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy. 

 

The Year of Spending More But Buying Less

I love the thrill of wearing something new. I’m sure we all do.

But the cost of maintaining this can overfill our wardrobes and drain our wallets.

Over the last few years, I’ve become more conscious of the pieces I select for my wardrobe.

I’m after well made pieces, Australian owned and Australian made.

I want pieces to last so I can get maximum wear out of them. I also want to create a vintage wardrobe my girls can raid when they’re older.

A new tradition Esther and I have each time we go to Carindale Shopping Centre is buying a new pair of Gorman socks.

Esther’s fashion taste runs similar to her mother’s. Bright, bold – and sometimes a little quirky.

While I browse the racks for anything new that might take my fancy, my Esther heads straight to the back wall to show me the latest pair of socks. At times, that is the only thing that will fit her, and sometimes the only item I can afford after perusing the racks.

My mindset has shifted in the last few years about clothes. I prefer quality than quantity.

Although quantity ensures I have good fodder for this blog and my Instagram account. But on reflection, that account has not grown for a few years now, so I’ve released myself from the pressure of sharing my daily outfits.

Fashion Resolution for 2020: Spending more buy buying less

For 2020, my goal is to spend more, but buy less and shop more from my wardrobe.

spend more but buy less

I’m not crazy to deny myself from purchasing new, but it’s going to be intentional purchasing. So far this year I’ve bought a new pair of sandals and I won a dress on eBay. There is a story behind that purchase, which I will share with you soon.

Online Purchase Regrets (and what I’d doing to avoid making the same mistakes this year)

In 2019, I had a few online buying regrets. Inconsistent sizing was the biggest issue, and a terrible refund or exchange experience. The best experiences for refunds I’ve had for online retailers over the years have been Birdsnest and ASOS. The process was smooth and money was returned to my Paypal account, not kept as a credit note ransom to purchase again.

While the options of selling on Facebook marketplace or eBay can help get claw back some of the costs lost on a regrettable purchase, it’s still an inconvenience.

So shopping from my own wardrobe will save me money and time.

shop from your wardrobe

I’ve also had to be wise about new purchases as well. I now go and try on in a store and will make a list of pieces I wish to purchase. While there is negativity around this practice, some retailers offer you no choice.

Trying on before I buy

Often I’ve got a credit note or discount code that can’t be used in store, but can only be used online. I always let the store know in case it can be redeemed in store, but alas, online stores are different to the physical store (even though they’re the same brand!) and I’m told I have to purchase online.

I’ve personally had to do this with Frankie 4 Footwear and Gorman after ordering my normal size online and finding it too small or too big. I’m not confident purchasing online anymore unless I have tried the size instore.

While there is negativity about this – trying instore and then purchasing online, some retailers give you no choice. I’ve learned my lesson with this and now try on in store before making new purchases. I also check the refund policy before I part with my money.

Before Christmas, I went to Frankie 4 and bought 1 pair of sandals full price, but made a list of sandals and my size to purchase in the future (some were sold out in the colour I wanted).

For Gorman, if there is a dress I like, I will go try in store and purchase there and then if it fits. If it doesn’t, I haven’t lost money to a potential credit note on buying something new that may or may not fit me in the future.

With those lessons learnt, there are still other online stores that can do with our support. I will share about these in a separate post in case they offer items you’ve been searching for. I don’t know about their returns policy so you will need to check this for yourself.

So 2020 is the year of less. Hopefully you will follow my journey this year as I imperfectly put it into practice. I’m still prone to the impulse purchase… but I have learned to sit on it for a while. If it sells out, rather than have regret about the lost purchase, I remind myself someone may resell it on Facebook Marketplace. If I’m meant to get it, I will.

Do you have a fashion resolution this year? Are you good at sticking to them?

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