Soon after I posted about my problems with an order I'd made from Avenue.com, I was contacted by someone from the company. They really wanted to make things as right as they could and today I got my Yanuk jeans (they look and fit great!) and they threw in a top and some perfume for my troubles.
I'm glad they were so attentive and I appreciate everything they've done. I would advise them to be a bit more careful in the future about posting stuff for sale on the website when they don't have it in stock yet without saying so, but I do feel better about doing business with them in the future.
All's well that ends well.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Do we really have an easier time than plus-sized women?
I've heard it said that we "tweeners" don't have the same problems as the fuller-figured ladies because we have more choices than those who must exclusively shop for plus sizes. We can go into the same stores as the thinner chicks and pretty much wear the same things they do, while plus-sized women are trapped by limited choices in where to shop and the variety of clothing available.
Having seen what's available for the plus-sized set, it's definitely better than it was even 10 years ago but it is definitely true there is still not enough stylish and high-quality wear for these women, at least compared to the rest of the market. The higher the size number, the slimmer the pickings get and the yuckier the designs.
But is it really easy street if you're a "tweener?" Sure, we have more to pick from...in theory. Just because it's there doesn't mean you can wear it. Sometimes the larges and extra larges fit more like smalls and mediums. Sometimes the pants or skirts just aren't flattering on a woman with large legs or a wide posterior even though the number says it's supposed to fit. Sometimes the tops aren't meant for a woman with a large bust or a little bit of a tummy.
And in some ways, it's worse. It's like Tantalus who can see the water and the grapes but can't have any of it. At least if you're a size 28, you know nothing in the regular stores is going to fit you. But when you're just over the line, they wave at you, teasing you, taunting you because the world of Everybody Else is juuuust beyond your reach. And besides, who the heck designs something with size 14 as the median? When you look at something on a mannequin or in a magazine, you really have no idea how it would look on you. A dress might look sweet on a gal who's lithe but look frumpy on you. Believe me, I live it every day.
Having seen what's available for the plus-sized set, it's definitely better than it was even 10 years ago but it is definitely true there is still not enough stylish and high-quality wear for these women, at least compared to the rest of the market. The higher the size number, the slimmer the pickings get and the yuckier the designs.
But is it really easy street if you're a "tweener?" Sure, we have more to pick from...in theory. Just because it's there doesn't mean you can wear it. Sometimes the larges and extra larges fit more like smalls and mediums. Sometimes the pants or skirts just aren't flattering on a woman with large legs or a wide posterior even though the number says it's supposed to fit. Sometimes the tops aren't meant for a woman with a large bust or a little bit of a tummy.
And in some ways, it's worse. It's like Tantalus who can see the water and the grapes but can't have any of it. At least if you're a size 28, you know nothing in the regular stores is going to fit you. But when you're just over the line, they wave at you, teasing you, taunting you because the world of Everybody Else is juuuust beyond your reach. And besides, who the heck designs something with size 14 as the median? When you look at something on a mannequin or in a magazine, you really have no idea how it would look on you. A dress might look sweet on a gal who's lithe but look frumpy on you. Believe me, I live it every day.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Avenue.com Sucks!
Avenue.com is giving prominent billing to its line of premium/designer denim, which includes jeans by Seven7 (not 7 For All Mankind, different company), Jordache, Antik, and Yanuk. It started advertising the Yanuk and Antik lines about a month ago. I decided to give the Yanuks a try, since there was a sale running at that time.
I ordered the jeans and I get a note saying there was delay in getting the items from the manufacturer and that the jeans will be shipped December 12. Then I get another e-mail saying it will be shipped on December 14, with a promise of more notices if shipping is delayed any further. I didn't receive any more e-mails, so I assumed my order was shipped on December 14.
I waited 7 business days and when nothing came, I contacted Avenue.com's customer service. The reply I got said that shipping was delayed until January 4. I sent an e-mail back, pointing out the jeans were prominently featured on the website with no indication they were not yet available and that I didn't receive any notice about further delays in shipping. The reply I got was apologetic, saying there was no intent to deceive anyone.
Just now I read on the Curvy Chick board that someone else tried to order the jeans online and this time got a message that they won't ship now until January 16! Did I get notice of this? Nope! But Avenue keeps clogging my inbox with advertising and crap even though I left any requests for e-mails and promo stuff unchecked on my order form!
At least Avenue won't take any new orders until the items are in stock but I really wonder what the heck is going on. I understand that this is a common MO for them. Perhaps they advertised this in December to boost Christmas sales numbers (even though they do not charge you if they don't ship anything). Or perhaps they did get the items and they were subpar in quality, which would be bad because they are expensive. Whatever the case, a company that is so sloppy about keeping its customers informed and offers things for sale it doesn't have in stock sucks. They're lucky I haven't cancelled this order...yet. But it is definitely the last time I will order from them.
Beware!
I ordered the jeans and I get a note saying there was delay in getting the items from the manufacturer and that the jeans will be shipped December 12. Then I get another e-mail saying it will be shipped on December 14, with a promise of more notices if shipping is delayed any further. I didn't receive any more e-mails, so I assumed my order was shipped on December 14.
I waited 7 business days and when nothing came, I contacted Avenue.com's customer service. The reply I got said that shipping was delayed until January 4. I sent an e-mail back, pointing out the jeans were prominently featured on the website with no indication they were not yet available and that I didn't receive any notice about further delays in shipping. The reply I got was apologetic, saying there was no intent to deceive anyone.
Just now I read on the Curvy Chick board that someone else tried to order the jeans online and this time got a message that they won't ship now until January 16! Did I get notice of this? Nope! But Avenue keeps clogging my inbox with advertising and crap even though I left any requests for e-mails and promo stuff unchecked on my order form!
At least Avenue won't take any new orders until the items are in stock but I really wonder what the heck is going on. I understand that this is a common MO for them. Perhaps they advertised this in December to boost Christmas sales numbers (even though they do not charge you if they don't ship anything). Or perhaps they did get the items and they were subpar in quality, which would be bad because they are expensive. Whatever the case, a company that is so sloppy about keeping its customers informed and offers things for sale it doesn't have in stock sucks. They're lucky I haven't cancelled this order...yet. But it is definitely the last time I will order from them.
Beware!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Back Again With Amazing Bargains
It has been a while since I've posted...here's what I've been up to in my eternal quest to find something that fits me ;).
While Christmas shopping at Saks Off Fifth outlet, I came across some nice cashmere blend sweaters by 7 For All Mankind. As you know, you can't find their jeans above a 32" waist. So I wasn't hopeful the sweaters would run true to size. I picked out a short-sleeved, oatmeal colored sweater in L and when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. The sweater was $79.99 but with a discount coupon, I got it for $59.99.
I got an even better deal on a Tory Burch long-sleeved top at Nordstrom Rack. It was $39.99! And again, the L fit just fine. There was a cute TB dress in a size 14, but it looked like it was still a little too narrow for me.
Then today, while at Loehmann's, I saw that Paper Denim Cloth actually makes tops up to XL ("4"). I never knew that it did, since the biggest size I'd seen in any of their tops is L ("3"). How 'bout that?
Not everything I've acquired this yuletide season was discount. There was a way cute jacket from Anthropologie I initially tried to order from its website, but when it was backordered, I called the closest store (20 miles away) and it turned out there was one left in L and in the color I wanted. Woo hoo!
While Christmas shopping at Saks Off Fifth outlet, I came across some nice cashmere blend sweaters by 7 For All Mankind. As you know, you can't find their jeans above a 32" waist. So I wasn't hopeful the sweaters would run true to size. I picked out a short-sleeved, oatmeal colored sweater in L and when I tried it on, it fit perfectly. The sweater was $79.99 but with a discount coupon, I got it for $59.99.
I got an even better deal on a Tory Burch long-sleeved top at Nordstrom Rack. It was $39.99! And again, the L fit just fine. There was a cute TB dress in a size 14, but it looked like it was still a little too narrow for me.
Then today, while at Loehmann's, I saw that Paper Denim Cloth actually makes tops up to XL ("4"). I never knew that it did, since the biggest size I'd seen in any of their tops is L ("3"). How 'bout that?
Not everything I've acquired this yuletide season was discount. There was a way cute jacket from Anthropologie I initially tried to order from its website, but when it was backordered, I called the closest store (20 miles away) and it turned out there was one left in L and in the color I wanted. Woo hoo!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
IGIGI sizes down
IGIGI, the popular plus brand for the fashionable set, is now available in size 12:
http://www.igigi.com
http://www.igigi.com
Yet another premium denim brand sizes up
Avenue, the plus-sized national chain, has started selling premium brand Yanuk in two different styles starting at size 14, for $150. Let's hope it's not another ripoff like with the Seven7 line a couple of years ago:
http://www.avenue.com
Update: Avenue is also featuring an exclusive design from another premium brand, Antik, for $175.
http://www.avenue.com
Update: Avenue is also featuring an exclusive design from another premium brand, Antik, for $175.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Catching up
How has your holiday shopping gone? I went to Desert Hills Outlet Mall in Cabezon, CA on Black Friday. It was a madhouse. But I bought a pricey pair of shoes. Shoes are great on anyone of any size!
I've bought two items from Erin Fetherston's new line for Target. The line is girly-girlish and therefore not for everyone, but I found a couple of things that I liked. One is a red corduroy jumper/dress for $29.99. I'm a 14-16 and the large fit me just fine. I also bought a gray "oversized" cardigan with heart buttons. It's soft and comfy, even though some people online have sniffed at the fact it's acrylic. Acrylic isn't cashmere but really, what do people expect? I've ordered from Target.com the heart-shaped bags since none of my local stores carry much of the accessories.
I've bought two items from Erin Fetherston's new line for Target. The line is girly-girlish and therefore not for everyone, but I found a couple of things that I liked. One is a red corduroy jumper/dress for $29.99. I'm a 14-16 and the large fit me just fine. I also bought a gray "oversized" cardigan with heart buttons. It's soft and comfy, even though some people online have sniffed at the fact it's acrylic. Acrylic isn't cashmere but really, what do people expect? I've ordered from Target.com the heart-shaped bags since none of my local stores carry much of the accessories.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)