Thursday, March 29, 2012

Shopping Fail--in which I do battle with H & M and lose

I normally avoid shopping at all costs.  But we've got a little trip planned and I wanted something light and summery because we are going to a place that doesn't require the dreaded abaya!!!!
H&M was my friend in Sweden. I frequently found cute, inexpensive clothes there. I bought my FAVORITE coat there when we first moved to Sweden. It lasted me through 5 winters and then was stolen the last month of our time in Sweden. I'm still bitter.
So I thought I would be able to find some decent clothes. I was also confident in the sizing of the store as I used to buy most of my clothes there. The sizing thing is a real issue here as you can't try on clothes in the stores. So you have to buy, then try. There were loads of darling summer dresses. I bought WAY more than I needed, thinking I would find at least 2 or 3 that would work.
Total FAIL. Not one dress fit properly. I thought the sizing was a little off in the store and choose a couple of sizes larger than I would normally. I have put on a bit of weight since moving from Sweden, but this was ridiculous.
So now I have to return all the stuff and I just found out they don't give you money back (even though I paid in cash) but give you a store card. Normally, not a problem, but I really don't want to buy a lot of stuff here.
At least the hat and glasses fit and look fabulous.


(In case you were wondering about what this post teaches you about Saudi Arabia. . . you cannot try clothes on in the stores so shopping is a lot of guess work.)

5 comments:

  1. It sounds like it might be easier to buy on-line! At least then you *know* there's a refund possible.

    (I hate shopping, full stop. I'm impressed you gave it a whack.)

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  2. The postal service is a bit sketchy here. I'll have to ask around to see if people have good luck ordering clothes online.

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  3. Oh that would be awful to not be able to try on clothes before buying them. I always think things will be cute and then they turn out horrible on. You know, I use to love H&M when I was in college and then I went just a few months ago and I couldn't find a single thing I liked. It was one of those moments that made me feel old--I realized I just am not trendy anymore. Which might be a good thing. Thanks or sharing your adventures!

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  4. UGH! Ditto on the hating shopping, but SA sounds worse than Costco (they'd probably let me try on something in the bathroom if I asked nicely, but I never have yet). I am glad to keep up with your amazing adventures! Love and miss you guys!!!

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  5. I love H&M (at least I did a couple of years ago)! What a pain in the rear! I know exactly how you must feel to be excited, and then have nothing work out :(. And men wonder how we can get so excited about finding a pair of nice fitting pants??

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