Hello there, Happy Friday! We've been out of town this week and as much as I hoped to have a few posts ready for you before we left, that didn't happen. And, although I took my computer, I chose to enjoy the moment and not to open it to try to get a post up while we were gone. So, there's the reason it's been quiet here this week.
This is not turning into a fashion blog, but I share things here as they're happening and we've had several occasions lately that I've bought some new clothes for. With the busyness of the end of the school year, getting ready for our garage sale, and traveling, the projects have been a little slow lately but I'll have my new door and front porch makeover ready to show you next week!
(this post contains affiliate links)
I have a new website that I've been ordering some things from, and I wanted to share it with you all today.
I've actually been aware of it for well over a year, but have always
been hesitant to order because things obviously ship from overseas, I
wasn't sure how easy returns would be, and ordering clothes online
can be tricky for me if I don't know exactly what I'm getting or if
I'm not familiar with how a brand's sizing works. So, after seeing a few big fashion bloggers post something here and there from this site, I finally decided to throw caution to the wind and try it out! And, I'm pleased to
say, I'm happy with what I've found!
This clothing is not necessarily top
quality to purchase as an investment piece to last years and years,
but if you're wanting a trendy piece without spending a fortune, it
might be for you. For a large majority of the pieces, they are VERY
affordable and on trend. And surprisingly, I've been pleased with how
good the quality is on several of the pieces I've purchased,
especially on the ones with embroidered details. The pieces with extra details and embroidered stitching are well done.
We were in Phoenix last week and stopped by a big mall before heading out of town, and imagine my surprise when I popped into Zara (we don't have one in OKC) and saw several of the IDENTICAL pieces that I've seen on this website, and a few of the exact pieces that I had already ordered, at a price that was at least double of what I had paid. Score!
We were in Phoenix last week and stopped by a big mall before heading out of town, and imagine my surprise when I popped into Zara (we don't have one in OKC) and saw several of the IDENTICAL pieces that I've seen on this website, and a few of the exact pieces that I had already ordered, at a price that was at least double of what I had paid. Score!
Convinced to take a chance and give it
a try? Here are some tips I've learned for ordering from this website:
*Pay attention to the measurements and general customer reviews. When I found a piece I was interested in, I
compared the measurements to a similar item from my closet that I
knew fit. Sometimes a certain measurement (like waist) isn't
included, so you just have to take a chance and guess based on the
style of the garment you're ordering.
*Consider the fabric content. I
try to stick with cotton or cotton blends for the blouses I look at,
but it's totally personal preference. I got one blouse that was
polyester and I didn't really like the feel of the fabric, but then
again I got a polyester dress and it's fine.
*GET THE 1.99 RETURN INSURANCE. I
always add the extra fee on to be able to return what might not work.
You're not paying tax (or shipping in most cases), so it's well
worth it for peace of mind should your items not work. You can make
one round of returns from each order for no charge and free return
postage. If you decide later on to return something else from an order
you've already returned things from you'll have to pay an extra
charge.
*If you DO return something, your money will go into your "SheIn Wallet". You can use it to purchase something else or request that it be fully refunded back into your bank account. Not a big deal, but an extra step to be aware of if you make a return.
*If you DO return something, your money will go into your "SheIn Wallet". You can use it to purchase something else or request that it be fully refunded back into your bank account. Not a big deal, but an extra step to be aware of if you make a return.
*Don't be in a hurry to get your items.
Let's face it, these things are shipping from China most likely, and they're
usually on a slow boat. ;) I've waited as long as 3 weeks when my
order has been delayed for whatever reason. I think the quickest
I've ever received something was probably 10 days-2 weeks. Even if
you order enough to qualify for free expedited shipping, that doesn't
mean it's going to be fast (I think one of my “expedited” orders
took 3 weeks-probably customs delays or something).
*Your items will ship in a plastic bag
mailer, and each piece will be in a labeled plastic sleeve. I always
cut mine open carefully and keep it to send my items back in should I
need to return anything. In case of return, I slip it back in the
plastic sleeve it came in with the item # on it to make the process
easier, then put it all back in the original mailer. As long as the
original shipping information is covered up, you can tape it back up,
tape your return shipping label to it, and send it on it's way-no
need to go to the hassle of finding something to pack it back up in.
There are SO many selections to wade through on the site. Next week I'll show you some pieces that I've kept and how I styled them, but for now here are a few that I ordered that just came in yesterday. They're fresh out of the package so they're wrinkled and rumpled, but I wanted to tell you what I thought about them. In general, I think any of the more fitted type pieces tend to run a bit small. I have broad shoulders and long arms so I sized up in almost everything. For reference, I'm usually an 8/10 and M shirt (sometimes Large depending on style and brand). I'll make notations about sizing if needed.
I really like this blouse for a lightweight summer top that can carry over into Fall as well. The embroidered detail is very nicely done and I really like the bell sleeves and lace detail. I sized up one, but honestly it was a little tight in the upper arms and across the bust- and I NEVER have that problem! ;) I would recommend sizing up on this one, possible even 2 sizes especially if you would need a little more room in the chest.
Here's another top with very nicely done embroidered details. It's a simple cotton fabric and is lightweight without being too thin. The peplum waist is cute. Sizing up one was a good fit for me.
Another pinstripe with cute embroidered detail and ruffled 3/4 sleeves. The hem is rounded and I really liked this one when I tried it on. Sized up one for the shoulders and it was a good fit. It will be cute with jean shorts, white skinnies or slacks, or distressed denim in the Fall.
I had high hopes for this dress, but it was a big disappointment. I expected the white body to be a t-shirt knit type fabric, but it was a thin, sheer polyester type fabric. Love the style, but the fabric is bad.
This dress is quite cute. I love the puffed, ruffled sleeves and the elastic neckline can be worn on or off the shoulder. I sized up and it had a generous fit without feeling like there was too much fabric. My normal size might have worked, although with this style I don't think there would have been a big difference between sizes.
Note: On the "dresses", pay attention to the length in the measurements. I'm 5'7" and I would be uncomfortable wearing most of them without something on the bottom, so I treat most of the dresses like a tunic and wear them with skinny jeans or pencil cropped pants. They'll be great with leggings in the Fall, too.
This skirt is darling. The fabric is fairly thick (no slip needed) and it hits below the knee. I ordered a size up and the waist is still a little small, so I'm undecided if I'll keep it. It's a nice piece though and a great deal, so it might be worth keeping in anticipation of losing a few pounds (working on that!). ;) It would be cute with a button up white or chambray shirt- tucked in or tied at the waist, or even a casual t-shirt. It also comes in black and white!
This dress is super cute and the knit fabric is a nice weight. However, it only comes in one size fits all. I decided to try it anyway and ummm.... no. My daughter wears a 2 and it would have fit her. Cute if you're petite and thin (or for your tweenager!). Both of us also thought the two brass grommets in the front were a little strange.
I wanted to like this dress but the cut wasn't quite right for me. I sized up and the upper sleeve and back of shoulders were still a little tight on me. Love the ruffle sleeves and hem and the embroidery is really nice, though.
This red and black checked dress was one of my favorite things from my order! It's a steal and the fabric is a nice weight for Fall/Winter. It will be perfect to wear with leggings and tall boots or cuffed jeans and booties when it gets cooler. I sized up for my shoulders but it's a loose babydoll type fit, so I might have been able to get away with my regular size. It's not too big that it's worth returning, though. You'll be seeing this one again!
I have had hits and misses with Shein! The sizing can be tricky. It's a great price point so I've taken the risk a few times.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I think it takes a little experimenting to figure out what will work or not. I'm so happy with my pieces that have been a good fit, though!
DeleteNormally I don't like fashion posts on decor blogs but I always appreciate yours. Its like getting advice & tips from a girlfriend, not getting "sold" something because someone is being told to say good things. I'll definitely be spending some time on that site! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lauren, that's so good to hear! I don't want to "annoy" my home decor readers, but I know there are some that really enjoy this type of post too. Hope you find some good things!
DeleteI have also had pretty good luck with this site. Most of my problems have been with the website not letting me log in or something. I have only had to send back one item. I am short but chesty, and one really pretty top was too tight. I just order most things in Large since they are supposed to be a loose fit anyway.
ReplyDeleteI kind of worry a little about whether they are using nefarious labor to sell things so cheap, and I wish they used more all cotton as opposed to poly or rayon which is very hot here in Alabama in the summer. The label always says not to use fabric softener, so that leaves a lot of wrinkles which require some steaming or ironing (or I just ignore them!).
Oh, good points! I just throw mine in with the regular wash. I have a cotton top that I forgot was in a load so it got dried all the way through, and it was fine! I didn't notice any shrinkage thankfully. Thanks for the additional tips to consider!
DeleteThanks for the tip, I just ordered a few things to try!
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ReplyDeleteFor some better pieces you should look at Eshakti. You give them your measurements and you can change the neck line, sleeves and length of the piece to suit your needs. Comes from India and they are like custom garments for a fraction of what you would expect to pay.
ReplyDeleteI literally cannot wait for your follow up post on how you styled these pieces and a few shots of how they look on you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for that tea recipe too!
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