November 5th, 2021
On My Mind
True Colors
My biggest bugaboo with online shopping is gauging the true color of an item. This was an issue when I bought a beige bag recently, and again with the Saint Laurent duffle coat above. Sizing, too. Sadly for the environment, I often buy two different sizes (just to be sure) then return the one that doesn’t fit. I purchased the coat thinking it would be the light beige on the left, and what arrived is closer to the beige (taupe, really) on the right. It’s a beautiful color, just not what I was expecting.
Saint Laurent beige duffle coat left MATCHESand right MYTHERESA
:
So true. Color, sizing and the feel or “hand” of the fabric.
That’s frustrating for sure! It’s a gorgeous coat. It’s helpful when online retailers allow reviews, so real people can account sizing quirks, color differences and any other notable issues.
I have been looking for a tan coat for 2 years with no success. I was going to buy this one and I’m glad I didn’t because it’s not even tan.
You make an excellent point. I also sew and the fabric site EmmaOneSock posts their fabrics along with a Pantone number. If you have a Pantone deck, this makes it easy to know the exact color of fabric received. I’ve often wished that fashion sites would follow this methodology – would greatly help.
Lisa F, that is a wonderful idea! I’d love it if that could be instituted in other areas as well. I would have made better choices about many lipsticks that were the wrong shade for me…but my friend who benefits from those mistakes would be sad!
WELCOME to my WORLD as a RETAILER
I see clothes/coats at market, buy in multiples & they show up NOT like the sample
It’s infuriating
How frustrating. While online shopping is easy (almost too easy), I ventured out to physical storefronts recently and had so much luck. I love when retailers offer the ‘in store availability’ options on their websites so that I know if my expected size/color is in stock before making the trip. I work in retail functionality and love hearing customer’s complaints and how to resolve them. Marcheline Isabelle
I agree with Lisa. The use of Pantone numbers would make life easier. I recently ordered a pair of beige boots and the color was much darker than I thought it would be, similar to your experience with the Saint Laurent coat, Preston. Shades of colors are often described or photographed inaccurately and sometimes the color is just given the wrong name, such as called brown when it is olive green. I hope that retailers can improve this.
Online shopping falls short in so many ways. It was never meant to substitute for the important life experience of shopping in person, but we all know how that turned out. When in France and Ireland earlier this fall, a highlight was window shopping and popping into browse, meet the shopkeeper, and enjoy the lovely experience of seeing their shop and their edited selection. At the very least, I call a store and have a conversation with someone. Not to mention, I fear all of the online browsing is killing our brain cells. 🙂
Dear Paula, I am checking out new posts on this blog for your comments only. I so agree with you! Warmest greetings from Vienna!
Well, Vienna is heaven on earth! Preston runs the best blog!