My First Shein Purchase & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #239
I first came to learn of Shein through this blogging community and over the past 6 years, I have browsed the site countless times and always loved all the fun styles offered at super affordable prices. However, I am not much for online shopping from brands that I am not familiar with their sizing or their quality. While I try to avoid fast fashion as much as I can, I am just a girl with a passion for cute clothes and sometimes my craving for something new (and cheap) wins out over my desire for sustainable shopping. This is one of those times when authenticity can be really challenging. I talk a lot about changing my lifestyle habits to become more environmentally kind, but there are times when I falter (as all humans do) and I give in to modern conveniences that are not necessarily so great for our environment.
Also I am generally not tempted by online ads or blogger lists of must-haves unless it is a retailer that I already shop with and know the quality and the fit of their styles. But every once in a while, something grabs my attention and won’t let go which leads to me indulging in impulse purchases online. A few months ago, Jill of Doused in Pink shared a post, 10 Summer Sandals Under $50, where she featured these adorable minty green braided sandals from Shein. I have completely embraced the braided sandal trend this summer and I simply couldn’t resist this soft shade of green. At a price of $16, I figured what the heck, I’ll get the shoes.
But then I realized that I don’t own very much that would match the minty green color so I went and added this green floral kimono and pants set to my cart as well and crossed my fingers that the greens would match well enough to wear together.
Turns out the greens matched just perfectly, but the pants and kimono together put me squarely in the middle of the frump zone so I decided to style them separately. I haven’t yet worn the kimono because after wearing the pants on a humid summer day, I realized just how disgusting the cheap polyester blend fabric feels against my hot and sweaty skin. There is no moisture wicking at all in those gross unnatural, unbreathable fabrics. Perhaps the kimono will be better styled over long sleeves anyway so the garment doesn’t actually touch my skin.
The wide legged trousers required something more form fitting on top so I added a white cropped top from Charlotte Russe. I recently bought this tee in black and white and am finding that they are a wonderful staple for all of my wide legged summer trousers. However, they too are very cheaply made and the hems have started coming out of both tees after just a few wears and washes. I guess this is where one of my sister’s favorite saying comes from…Buy cheap, buy twice. Isn’t that the truth?!
Well, that should let you know how I feel about the quality of my new Shein products! Also the shoes were so wide that they wouldn’t stay on my feet and made the loudest smacking sound with every step that I took. And the right shoe had a noticeably wider fit than the left. I was able to adhere 3 layers of moleskin to the underside of the braided bands to make them more secure on my feet and minimize the clapping sound that came with every step. Even after fixing them, they are definitely not the most comfortable shoes I own.
The outfit as a whole was comfortable enough for a hot summer day minus the sweating in polyester factor and I was really pleased with how it looks in the photographs. However, I will be hesitant to purchase from Shein again given the shoddy quality and cheap fabrics. But I also don’t like to pass too harsh judgment from one purchase. Perhaps something will catch my eye again that will lead me to purchase something else and give Shein a second chance at making my money their money. But until that special something really grabs my sartorial attention, I’ll just keep my money in my own bank account, thank you very much.
Have you shopped at Shein? What is your experience with their products?
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Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Jennifer of Curated by Jennifer shared her post, Degrowth in Fashion, which addresses some of the sustainability issues that I just mentioned in this post. Jennifer is my go-to source for information on ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. She shares a wealth of knowledge that can help us all to implement better shopping strategies for protecting our environment.
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Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace shared her post, The Perfect White Summer Dress for the Girly Girl. I am always a sucker for a gorgeous white girly dress and Lizzie wears it better than anyone I know!
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Claire of Claire Justine shared her post, 25th Anniversary and Swan Street Art. Claire has had a rough year so it was nice to see her celebrating the joyful occasion of 25 years of marriage. I always enjoy seeing my blogger friends’ spouses making appearances. Claire and her husband always look like they are having the best time together and what a lovely couple they are! Cheers to 25 more years, Claire!
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Moumous of LaMoumous shared her post, Letter to My Homeland-Une Lettre À Ma Patrie. Moumous’s homeland of Haiti has also had a really tough year between political unrest and multiple natural disasters that have been pummeling her tiny island country. This is a beautiful post with gorgeous imagery as Moumous expresses her feelings and love for her country.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Pants and Sandals-Shein / Tee-Charlotte Russe / Bralette-Torrid / Hat-Linda Gibbs Handmade / Necklace and Earrings-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
68 Comments
Claire
Aww, thank you so much for the feature and lovely words Shelbee. It has been such a tough year and I am hoping things start to go right now. Such a lovely surprise.
The first thing I noticed was trousers and thought how beautiful they are.
Thank you for this honest review. My daughter has brought a few bits from them like fashion earrings and bags but I did wonder about how comfortable the footwear would be.
I am allergic to polyester and can only wear it for a while (if I love something or need it to run in) so they wouldn’t be too good for me. I try to go for cotton now if I can. But I still buy a bargain if I love it and then realize after it’s home that it is polyester.
Thanks so much for hosting too. Have a great Tuesday
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Claire, thank you so much! I do so hope things start to turn around for you as well. Sometimes we get stuck in these negative energy vortexes and it feels like we can’t get out. I usually smudge my house after long spells of bad things and at the very least it makes me feel better.
I was never sensitive to fabrics when I was younger but now my skin is overly sensitive and I cannot tolerate the feel of a lot of fabrics anymore. The natural fibers are so much better. If something doesn’t feel good on my skin, I don’t want it near me!
I hope your week is off to a great start, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I have made 2 purchases from Shein this summer and have vowed that I will not be sucked in by great prices anymore! (I hope that sticks!). While I do have one or two items from them that I really ended up loving and wear often, most of the items have an odd fit and I completely agree that the materials aren’t the most desired either.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Joanne, thanks so much for sharing your experience with their products as well. I see a lot of positive reviews of some of their things, too. So it depends…I may be tempted again and give it a second try but I haven’t really been in a shopping mood lately so I am going to just stick with that! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Well, at least you look cute in the outfit you built! 😄
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, thanks, Michele! I felt cute in it, too. Just a little scratchy from the icky polyester!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
I see adds for Shein all the time – you found such a cute pair of shoes.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! They really do advertise everywhere! And they roped me in! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I haven’t purchased from Shein in quite a while but have found some goodies in the past. Love these pants and the chic braided sandals. Thansk for the link up Shelbee!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I will probably give Shein another try in the future. But I will check the fabric content next time!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
I’ts a shame you didn’t like any of the pieces you bought! I have a couple things from shein – I definitely stay away from polyester, linen and viscose are the go-tos for me (I have a couple kimonos in those fabrics from them). But I haven’t bought in years – I prefer opshopping now! 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope your week is off to a great start 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Mica! I should have read the fabric content on that one, but I was so taken in by the color and the print that I didn’t even bother! Now I know for next time. I tried the kimono again today and I think I really just don’t like it on me. But I am going to keep trying before I give up!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Aww I love that I’m your go to source!! I really love those pants!! Super cute. I want to get some more high waisted trousers. There’s a beige pair from Sèzane that I’ve been eyeing.
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ha, thanks, Jennifer! You really are my go-to on matters of sustainability and ethical practices! I know you have done the thorough research and I so appreciate it. There is something really special about beige wide legged trousers and I hope you get them for yourself because I can picture you rocking them in the most brilliant way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
Shein is definitely hit or miss. I have some pieces that I regret wasting my money on and some that have been more well-made than things I’ve bought at Nordstrom. I love how this outfit came together. While those pants are not great for a hot summer day, I love the print and flow factor!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! It is definitely hit or miss with a lot of the online retailers and I will likely be enticed to purchase from them again and see if I get something better! I do love the style and the prints, just the fabric is really icky. I tried to style the kimono today and it didn’t work again! I think the shape of it just may not work for me. Oh well. Not much money was wasted and I will wear the pants and sandals again. Thanks for sharing the recommendation on the cute sandals though!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela Graham
I have to admit that I am OFTEN sucked in by the photos on fashion sites. If the shape looks a possibility I will chance my arm in thinking that I might look the same as the model!!!! Foolish woman! I too bought from Shein this year for the first time after cruising for years and seeing others look wonderful. I was of course disappointed but what the heck – it’s cheap, what did I expect!! The choice is vast so no doubt I’ll be persuaded again and I have to say wide loose trousers are my kind of thing so I’ll be on the lookout for them. Think your pants are a great testimony as long as it’s not too hot, and that’s rarely a problem on this side of the world!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Pamela, thanks so much for sharing your Shein shopping experiences! Now I don’t feel so bad for indulging my whim on this one! I tried to style the matching kimono today and I think I really just don’t like the shape of the piece on my body. And I so wanted to love it! Oh well. It was super cheap so not too much lost on that bad purchase. But like you, I will probably be enticed to buy again in the future!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I’ve bought from SheIn just once and 3 things out of 4 worked out for me. I bought all skirts and I still wear them. However like you I have a hard time shopping when it is hard to figure out which size to buy and I am trying to buy less from those types of stores. Been kind of on a shopping spree lately and I keep telling myself they are birthday presents to myself. I really want to focus more on thrifting but haven’t done a great job of it lately.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your Shein experience, Mireille. I likely will order again but I will pay closer attention to the fabric content and such. I actually have not had the desire to shop recently which is a very good thing so I am going to just keep riding this wave for as long as I can!
xoxo
Shelbee
Bojana Krienke
Your outfit looks so cute, but as we know looks can be decieving. Uncomfortable shoes are the worst. I have to say, I stick with good shoes for the most part and brands that I am familiar with and trust and can return without too much hassle. My girls love Shein and this year we’ve had great luck, but they are kids and they don’t hold on to anything too long so if it falls apart within 3 – 6 months they are a-okay with that. It’s kind of perfect for teens, in terms of trendy items. Less so for us that want to hang on to things. Although, I purchased my bikini from them and for the price it’s pretty good.
Have a great week & shine on.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Bo! I guess Shein really is hit or miss because all the reviews are completely mixed! I agree with you that these cheaper fast fashion sites are great for kids and teens but not so much for women who know their style and want pieces that last. Although it is great for trying a new trend for cheap before investing in it. Thanks for sharing your Shein experience! Have a magnificent day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
I can see how you were drawn to these pants and the pretty colored sandals, they do look nice on you but it’s understandable that you aren’t happy with the purchase since both turned out not to be too comfy and practical.
I’ve never purchased from the Shein site, but a few months go I found a cute layered slightly above knee-lenghts skirt at Goodwill which turned out to be from Shein, thought my daughter would like it but she didn’t want it, so now it’s in my closet because I do really like the print and style of it, but it’s very thin fabric. I want to try styling it before it gets too cold, have a feeling it might be a bit see-through…. Problem is I’ve not worn a skirt like this in many many years and now I have no idea how to style it!!!
Whishing you good luck with the Kimono, hope you find it to be a good purchase!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I would love to see that skirt styled over leggings for the fall!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
I love the sage green of the trousers and the high waisted style. I have never ordered from Shein either as I am weary about the sizing as well. I love the look of the slides, but too bad they aren’t quite what you anticipated- the smacking sound when you walk would drive me nuts! They look cute though! Love hthe pink necklace, and how it is such a pretty soft look with the color of the pants.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Have a great week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I love the way it all looks and how it came together as well! But yes, that shoe slapping sound is obnoxious and totally embarrassing when you come smacking your way down the sidewalk. Haha. I do love to wear pastels every once in while for a bit of change from normal darker, more saturated colors. I hope your week is going well, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
By coincidence I have 14 pieces in my cart at the moment. Never ordered either, accept from some earrings. But I will be very careful now to see if I will order and what. Thanks for the informative post!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! Check the fabric content on all the items in your cart before purchasing! Haha. They do have lots of cute things and I bet you picked some adorable pieces, too. If you do end up purchasing, I look forward to seeing what you get and how you like it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah L Stinedurf
You look summer beautiful my friend…it’s not at all apparent that you’re wearing sweaty polyester…lol! I am totally not a fan of Shein. I know a whole lot of bloggers work with them, but when I worked with them for a period of time back in the day I found them to be VERY demanding & difficult to work with. There were one or two pieces that I liked, but for the most part the pieces were super cheaply made. xo
Debbie
http://www.yourstyledstory.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! I do love the way the outfit looks and it wasn’t entirely uncomfortable despite the icky polyester. I will try the pants again so as not to immediately turn them into waste! I have worked with lots of similar companies as well over the years and it is always hit or miss. Many of them stopped working with me after the first not-so-positive reviews that I wrote. Oh well. If I am nothing else in this world, I will be honest!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
I can totally understand your hesitation in buying online without prior experience with the brand. Everything looks nice and I do love that color! It was also refreshing to hear your complaints. Have a great week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tina, thanks so much! I love the way it looks, too, but we all know that images can be deceiving! And I have to be honest in all things or I would never sleep at night. I hope you have a lovely week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
My daughter loves SheIn! She found out about it from some friends. She really likes to order rings and necklcaes to match with her friends. However, we ordered a few swimsuits for her before a trip and they did not fit how we thought they would. Maybe they will fit next year! Oops! Lol! I love those pants, the pattern and color are nice and subdued and just lovely!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! I am thinking some of these online retailers are better suited for younger people. Not in style because you know I am an advocate for wearing whatever makes us happy at any age! More that the quality is more acceptable for the fickleness of teen style! I hope your daughter’s swim suits fit next year so they aren’t a total waste!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nora Minassian
I like this look on you Shelbee, cute pants and the colors are soft and pretty.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nora! It’s a bit out of my norm, but I really like it, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
What a fun and pretty outfit Shelbee! The green pants are stunning and I love that it pairs well with those braided sandals. That’s a bummer though that it didn’t quite fit and made smacking noises. I am glad you made it worked. I have also shopped at Shein but it’s been a hit or a miss. I love that their prices are affordable but it is quite disappointing when you order something and it just doesn’t work. I do adore that their selection is vast and that they offer kids clothes as well. So far my son hasn’t complained about them but then again, he would rather play than get dressed! Ha! I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Tuesday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Maureen, thanks so much for sharing your Shein experience. I bet they are a great place for kids’ clothes! I always go the bargain route for the kid’s clothes because they wear it until it is destroyed which to me is still sustainable in a way! I love the way pants fit and look so I am going to try them again on less humid day to see if I can tolerate the feel of the fabric. I hope you are having a fabulous week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Yeah, this is why I will not shop online – I have to feel the fabric. I will not buy that cheap polyester – it’s just gross to wear (especially with hot flashes!). You look great, but that feeling is so ugh. I have never been of a fan of those slap-slap shoes – they also tend to fly off the foot!
Well, I’m just a freakin’ ball of sunshine, aren’t I? Ha! Seriously, you look amazing in these pastel colours, Shelbee, and sending good vibes that your next palazzo pants are 100% silk and feel wonderful on.
Thank you so much for the link-up! I’m sharing a dress I painted myself (yes!) and the finished panel on my “tattoo” snake leather jacket.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
OMG, Sheila, I just laughed out loud at your “slap-slap shoes” comment! So ball of sunshine or not, you did make me laugh and that’s all I really need to make my day spectacular! I really love the way this outfit turned out and I feel really pretty in these soft pastels but when the fabric makes me cringey, what’s the point?! I’ll try them again on a not so humid day and see if they are tolerable. But the next ones must be silk (or linen or cotton would do)! I apologize that I have not been around commenting these past few weeks. I am hoping to get back on track now that the kids have returned to school!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Ooh, I love those mint green sandals and the pants really are a must-have! Lol! I try to buy things that are made by companies focused on recycling and sustainability, but it’s challenging. Many items are a higher price point, but I’m sure it’s worth it to do your bit for the earth. Ugh. I’ve bought a few pieces from Shein and had mixed results. Cute, but oftentimes not very well made. That was some time ago, however, so it may have changed, judging from those darling pants, my friend!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Darlene! I am still in the learning process with sustainability and things like that in fashion. As I am learning, I am trying to implement better practices and habits into my life that are more aligned with my beliefs and lifestyle. But sometimes you see something that is just too cute to resist and off your wagon you go! Haha. These pants were irresistible. But if I could have felt them first, I would have changed my mind immediately! But they are adorable and I will wear them again since I have them now. For waste is not waste until we waste it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looks very nice on you. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
I think it’s hard to be completely sustainable. There is a time and place for fast fashion especially if you want to dabble in a trend without completely investing in it. Then if you truly decide to invest you can be certain that trend fits into your personality and lifestyle. Shein can definitely be tricky when trying to find good quality items, but I can’t resist their fun dresses! Those pants look fabulous on you! Hope you can find a use for the kimono!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laura, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic of sustainability. I do appreciate fast fashion for those exact reasons which is why I haven’t been able to quit it completely! And I can’t resist the cute things at super cheap prices either. Bargain shopping has always been my jam! I have been trying to shift over to more thrift shopping though to try trends rather than going straight to the fast fashion route. We aren’t going to eliminate fast fashion completely, but I just want to be a little more aware of the effects of my purchases on the world around me. Also, I think I have an idea that might work for this kimono so stayed tuned!
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
Love your honesty with this revue, Shelbee.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ratnamurti! Honesty is my only way of doing things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ga5
Admire your honesty Shelbee in admitting that while your intention is always to shop sustainably, sometimes your need for a quick fashion hit takes over. I have been boycotting a few brands for a while but like you I still sometimes need something nice!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thanks so much! I suppose it’s similar to falling off my intended healthy diet when someone dangles a donut in front of my face! If there is anything that I could possibly love more than fashion, it’s donuts! Haha. So I do need to grant myself some grace for falling prey to cute fast fashion every once in a while. Guilty pleasures, for sure.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Sorry to read these didn’t work out for you, they do look really nice on you though! But your sister’s words about “buy cheap buy twice” have proven true for me on several occasions too! And yes, we definitely all make that mistake repeatedly!
I’ve not purchased anything from the Shein site, but did find a cute tiered skirt at Goodwill which turned out to be from Shein (the tag was on the side so I didn’t see it at time of purchase) but really love the style and print. It’s really thin though, I’m affraid it may be see- through and I have yet to style it!!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Ellie! I am really happy with how the pants look and fit and I love the overall overall despite the yucky fabric. I will wear them again so they won’t be a total waste! At least your Goodwill Shein skirt is now considered a sustainable purchase! Try it over leggings if it is too sheer. I hope you share it on your blog because I would love to see it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Goodness, I didn’t mean to comment twice on your post! The first time I never got a comment confirmation that I usually get, so went back later to check it if posted. Still wasn’t there so I figured it was my computer. It does this silly thing of disconnecting from the wifi randomly, so I figured that’s what had happened. Sorry!! Blaming my amost 10 year old computer for it 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, no worries! I saw it and responded and then I responded to a bunch more and I’m really tired. So when I saw the second one I wasn’t sure if I had not published the response so I just did it again but in a shorter version because I am just that out of it right now! LOL. Not your computer’s fault at all! I set my comments for mediation so that I make sure to respond to them all that why they don’t appear immediately. But thanks for commenting…both times!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
Ahh thank you for the feature, Shelbee!! Made my day 🙂 “Buy cheap, buy twice” is not a saying I’ve heard before but I like it! It’s so true! As I’ve gotten older and especially as I’ve gotten deeper into my blogging journey, I’ve really seen the light on cheaper items. And that’s not to say that “cheap” items are always bad. I love a good deal BUT on higher quality pieces. And I tend to promote items that are higher quality because I would hate for one of my reader’s to spend their hard earned money on something that falls apart after one wash. But some people like that and that’s totally okay!! We all bring something different to the table 🙂 I’ve shopped at Shein before and I found the quality to be hit or miss. I liked their sweaters but some of the materials were questionable for dresses. And the sizing was inconsistent but boy, do they have some cute designs! I LOVEEE thos pants on you though. So flattering and the color is amazing!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lizzie, thank you so much for sharing your Shein experience as well as your thoughts on cheaper fast fashion items. I have always enjoyed a combination of super budget friendly pieces with higher quality basics but the older I get the more environmentally conscious I am becoming. That is probably the majority of my struggle with buying cheap right now! But I still struggle with resisting a good bargain, too! This is why thrift shopping has become so much more part of my shopping routine than strictly new purchases. Supporting small designers and brands that are sustainable is where I really should focus my attention if I want to buy new. I have lots of work to do still to get where I’d like to be!
And I really do love this outfit. It was comfortable enough despite the gross fabric. I will definitely try to style them a few other ways for as long as the fabric remains tolerable!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I totally adore this look and will be pinning it. I’m sorry your first experience with Shein was so shitty. I’ve not purchased shoes from them before. But I have found that with clothes there’s a 50% chance the quality will be crap. I do have some nice enough things from them, but I’d prefer better odds.
Michelle
bijoubeadboutique@gmail.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michelle! I may or may not try them again. The more comments I am responding to, I am realizing that I have so much stuff that I shouldn’t be purchasing anything new unless it really, really, really grabs my attention as absolutely spectacular! I do love how this outfit turned it and it was comfortable enough despite the icky fabric. I will likely wear the pants a few more times. But I’m with you…50/50 odds on quality is not the greatest!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee,
I was glad to read that you weren’t singing praises to the heavens about Shein. For all the reasons you mentioned, I’ve not bought anything from this company, nor do I plan to. And from what I’ve seen of Shein’s clothing from others’ posts, I’ve never been impressed. I’m not a huge fan of online shopping to begin with, but I’m comfortable making exceptions for companies with local brick-n-mortar stores and/or brand lines that I know. You do look cute in this look and I appreciate your honest product review.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Rena, my friend, thank you so much for this comment. I sometimes feel bad giving a less than glowing review but then again I can’t lie either because that’s just not my jam. And while the pants are really cute and I was super happy with how the outfit looked and photographed, it really is garbage clothing and not at all in line with my efforts to be more environmentally conscious and more sustainable. I like your approach to online shopping in focusing on brick and mortar stores that have an online presence instead of the strictly warehouse style online shops. In all honesty, I have so much stuff that I should never need to buy another article of clothing again in my entire life. But that’s not a realistic goal for someone like me! But I certainly have room to improve my shopping habits and choices!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
You look fabulous, Shelbee, but I can totally understand cheap fabrics can be horrible when it’s hot. I’ve made two Shein purchases—the first one was absolutely amazing, a stunning sequin dress that looks like it was made for me. The only downside is it sheds sequins every time I walk lol! At the same time, I ordered a very pretty off the shoulder long dress in pink, which fits beautifully. My second purchase was mainly for my photography—an 80s style gold dress that I thought would look amazing in photos. The fit is ok, it’s a little smaller than the other dresses (even though they’re supposed to be the same size), a long Victorian style plaid skirt for the winter which looks fabulous but feels horrendous! It’s a bit too tight at the waist though. I also got a pair of knickers which I haven’t tried yet because they need cold weather lol. And an oversized hair scrunchie which is actually quite fabulous! It’s really difficult to know what you’re going to get with these online shops. But I am also with you on the dilemma of being sustainable. I felt guilty when I made both purchases, to be honest.
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Suzy, thank you for sharing your Shein experiences and for understanding the guilt factor. I will likely see something in the future that will tempt me to give it another try. But the guilt grows stronger the older I get when it comes to sustainability and making changes all around that are better for the environment. On that topic, I have been feeling guilty using my dryer when I can hang things to dry! I do hang them outside when the weather permits. I could hang wet clothing all over the house on rainy days, but that’s when the convenience of the dryer wins out over my desire to be more environmentally conscious. The struggle is real!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
My daughter used to love that site. And those pants are adorable.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lauren! I love the designs offered from Shein, but I think the quality is much better suited for the fickleness of youth! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
There is nothing wrong with shopping some fast fashion once in awhile! Especially if you do it with good intention. If you think about it, even those garments, someone had to make and make a living from creating them. I strongly believe that it’s the way we care for and really enjoy the clothes we purchase that matters- and even more so the length of life we give them. What makes fast fashion horrible is the way we readily dispose of our clothes without really getting much use of them. And knowing you and your creativity, these gorgeous pants will be with you for awhile – at least until you decide to pass them on for someone else to love. So you should not worry- and enjoy them! They are gorgeous!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lucy, thanks so much for this comment. I really do struggle sometimes with guilt when I overindulge in fast fashion purchases! But you are so right, I don’t dispose of my old and unwanted clothing in an irresponsible way so that should minimize my guilt! I shared this quote on IG for this outfit and it really rings true for me…”Waste isn’t waste until we waste it.” (Will.I.Am.) So I will not waste these pretty pants for a good long while yet!
xoxo
Shelbee
Niki
Thanks for sharing on Traffic Jam Weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Niki!
xoxo
Shelbee