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The
Clothing Chronicles ================================================
In This Issue: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It's that time of year again: the new season and holiday catalogs are starting to clog mailboxes with offerings that both dazzle and delight. While you may find treasurers aplenty, you may also find yourself with some expensive mistakes - like pieces that are too big, too small, or too unlike the picture. But how can you avoid them? How can you order so that pieces fit correctly the first time? Is there any way you can guarantee success so that you don't findyourself shipping everything right back from where it came from? Today's article answers that question. Enjoy!
Diana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How to Read a Clothing Catalog How can you order from a clothing catalog or website and get it right the first time? Is it really possible to order something you can't see, touch, or inspect and have it meet your expectations when it hits on your doorstep? Absolutely! All you have to do is read the description carefully and you'll be well on your way to ordering success. While you may not be 100% satisfied 100% of the time, you WILL cut way down on dashed hopes - and ultimately, returns - by knowing what to look for. Having said that, let's dissect a typical product offering from a catalog I recently received. Here's the description:
So what does this mean? Let's look at this point-by-point:
If you don't know a lot about fabrics, click around Fabric Link University: http://fabriclink.com/University.html to educate yourself.
So let's say you've decided to get this garment. What's your next step? CHECK THE SIZING! Remember, since there are no standard sizes, sizes are NOT absolute. If you typically wear a size 10, for example, check out the catalog or website size chart to see what constitutes a size 10 for that company. If you have no idea what your measurements are, pull out a tape measure and find out. It's the only way to get a close fit. For example, I'm 5'5" with a 29" inseam (measurement from crotch to bottom of ankle). While my height puts me in the "average" range of 5'4" to 5'8", my inseam is more typical of petite sizes (women under 5'4"). Knowing this and buying petites instead has saved me from alterations countless times. So don't get hung up on sizes or labels (petite, tall, women's) or take a wild shot in the dark when it comes time to place the order; know your measurements, compare them to the company's size chart, and go from there. If you could fit two different sizes, order both if you can, try them on, and send one back. Now let's say you're ready to place the order. What's the next step? CHECK THE RETURN POLICY! Yep, make sure you can return it BEFORE you place the order. Otherwise, you may be stuck with something you don't want. See how long you have to return it (typically 30, 60 or 90 days), if there are any special circumstances (like sale items can be returned for credit or exchange only), and who pays for the return. This is your "Plan B" in the event you don't love it and want to keep it. Finally, check the shipping charges. You'll pay more for rush shipping and for items ordered across country or internationally. As with everything, "the early bird gets the worm," so if you're going to order something, order it as soon as possible for highest selection and lowest shipping charges. If you wait until the last minute, it may be out of stock or cost a fortune to send to you. Ordering through clothing catalogs and websites should be easy and convenient. If you've had only minor success ordering from them in the past, it's probably because you impulse-bought from the picture instead of reading through the description carefully. Don't do it again. Instead, read the descriptions carefully, decide if the style, fabric, and care requirements meet your needs, check and double-check the sizes and return policy, and THEN place your order. Taking the little extra time to get it right while substantially improve your chances of success.
************** Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com ------------------------ Published by:
Top Drawer
Publications, LLC Copyright © Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved. |
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