The Chatwalk - Off Topic Thread

The Cool · 05-10-2018 8:00pm

As a big Harry Potter fan, I have to say - I'm sick to death of it as well!! It was such a novelty when they first started stocking it but that must have been 2 years ago, it's so overdone now, hate it! At least with the Disney stuff, they do cycles of different movies, so it's not all the same, but everyone's well tired of the Harry Potter stuff now.

I've found the stores getting to be shocking with their stock, you'll see something nice on Instagram and be waiting for it in the store, it'll come into stock one week, get sold out and then you'll never see it in store again.
The latest thing I've noticed is, they pick random sizes of items to stock, and only those sizes. Don't know how many times I've seen something I liked, and on the rail there's 10 x size 10s and 10 x size 12s and nothing else, ever. Liffey Valley is terrible for it. Went to Blanch a month ago looking for PJs for the colder weather and I swear, every long PJ bottom in stock, there were 20 x size XS on the rail and nothing else.
I find their clothes have gone way downhill, and they don't make bigger sized clothing well at all. I would have only really gone in there for PJs but seems I'm wasting my time now going near the place!

Faith · 06-10-2018 11:09am

I’m have a sneaking suspicion that I’m starting to get too old for high street fashion, in some ways. I find myself seeing more and more items and thinking “Who would wear that” or “I’m definitely too old for that!”.

I have no interest in wearing clothing or accessories that are basically merchandise for something else, so I’d totally skip past any Disney or Harry Potter items. I’m now thinking more about clothes (and shoes) that are good quality and will last a long time, and ideally aren’t made by slave labour. But my budget only goes so far at the same time!

RhubarbCrumble · 06-10-2018 12:43pm

Faith wrote: »

I’m have a sneaking suspicion that I’m starting to get too old for high street fashion, in some ways. I find myself seeing more and more items and thinking “Who would wear that” or “I’m definitely too old for that!”.

Do you mind if I ask how old you are Faith? I'm late thirties, am wondering if it's just me!

Faith · 06-10-2018 3:58pm

RhubarbCrumble wrote: »

Do you mind if I ask how old you are Faith? I'm late thirties, am wondering if it's just me!

I’m 31, so it’s definitely not too early for you to be feeling it!

RhubarbCrumble · 06-10-2018 5:26pm

Faith wrote: »

I’m 31, so it’s definitely not too early for you to be feeling it!

Ah you're only a young one

Sunny Dayz · 06-10-2018 7:35pm

I’ve found that since Penney’s changed their sizing, their sizing has actually gotten worse. I’m a size 10 but I got a skirt recently in a 12-14 which fits just perfect. I had to size down in a top to a 6-8 and even at that there’s still room in it. I looked at running bottoms in 10-12 and the waistband was much bigger than that. Their sizing is all over the place and I seem to be between their sizes now.

RhubarbCrumble · 07-10-2018 11:56am

Oh their sizes are an absolute disaster now. I'm a size 6-8. I used to buy jumpers/tops in a size small in Penneys. Now that their sizes have changed, I have to buy a 2xs which is supposed to be a size 2-4. No way am I a size 2-4. The real pain in the ass then is that they only get a couple of 2xs in stock and they're gone straightaway, so I can't even get clothes there most of the time now. Realistically a 2xs is what their size s would have been before.
I took a top into the fitting room recently in a 6 and an 8 and both were HUGE. I ended up buying it in a 4, yet another top I couldn't get the 8 over my boobs and I'm only an a/b cup!

They really need to cop on with their sizing.

Addle · 07-10-2018 12:21pm

Where do you shop when you get too old for the 'high street'?

Twee. · 07-10-2018 12:34pm

Depends on your style and what your ideal everyday look is! I find Cos great for really nice structured tops that I can wear with jeans or with trousers for work.

Zara can be worth your time, if you just sort of ignore their styling online or on the mannequins. The looks can seems very out there I find but if you pare them back to individual pieces there's a lot of good in there.

I love the Sunday Times Style mag for a bit of inspo, and the Sunday Independent Life is good for featuring clothes you can actually buy easily in Ireland.

In Penney's I just glide by the character stuff, I can't believe they're shifting so much of it to warrant taking over so much of the shop! I don't mind a few bits for around the house, or on a notebook or two, but I do find it a bit odd for grown women to be so obsessed. In saying that I am the proud owner of Puma X Hello Kitty runners!

Faith · 07-10-2018 4:42pm

Addle wrote: »

Where do you shop when you get too old for the 'high street'?

I’m tending to stick to more high-end high street, if that makes sense. I’d say 75% of my dresses come from Closet London, and I tend to look more at places than Oasis and maybe Warehouse. Still high street, but a little more classic and less trendy than Topshop etc.

meeeeh · 07-10-2018 11:50pm

H&M empire except H&M brand. Most of my purchases are from Cos, Arket, Weekday, and Other Stories. I really like Mango, Zara for trousers and some work basics from Uniqlo. An odd purchase from Finery or Uterque and that is 90% of my wardrobe. I'm not overly into florals or boho style so a lot of British (unhealthy obsession with florals) or French ( boho) brands don't appeal to me at the moment.

I actually don't buy that many clothes and keep them for years, I have couple of tops that are about 20 years old.

Twee. · 08-10-2018 1:35pm

Oh I love Weekday! I practically fleeced the store in Copenhagen this time last year.

I've gotten a few expensive bits from Maje in the last year, certainly not in my everyday budget but their dresses are lovely, and lots of options come to below the knee which is always a positive in my books!

Faith · 13-10-2018 5:44pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

I’ve found that since Penney’s changed their sizing, their sizing has actually gotten worse. I’m a size 10 but I got a skirt recently in a 12-14 which fits just perfect. I had to size down in a top to a 6-8 and even at that there’s still room in it. I looked at running bottoms in 10-12 and the waistband was much bigger than that. Their sizing is all over the place and I seem to be between their sizes now.

I very rarely shop in Penneys but I got lured in today. I saw a lovely purple coat. I’m normally a size 12 and I always wear a 14 in coats because I need it across the shoulders.

I tried on the 14 in this coat and it was swimming on me.

I tried on the 12, and it was swimming on me.

I tried on the 10 and it was swimming on me and the arms were too short.

I get that the style is supposed to be roomy, but this was ridiculous! I also picked up a “medium” cardigan and could tell just by looking at it that I could fit two of me in it.

Is it an attempt at extreme vanity sizing or what? As if suddenly going from a 12 to an 8 in one shop is going to make you magically skinny in your head?!

RhubarbCrumble · 13-10-2018 7:36pm

Faith wrote: »

I tried on the 14 in this coat and it was swimming on me.

I tried on the 12, and it was swimming on me.

I tried on the 10 and it was swimming on me and the arms were too short.

Oh stop! I was in Penneys trying on coats too today. A black & white one in my case. I'd normally be a 6-8 in clothes, but would tend to go for an 8 in coats/jackets in case I have a bulky jumper underneath. Well I looked at them on the rail and didn't even bother trying on the 8. I put the 6 on and it's safe to say that it would probably have fitted Mr Crumble who weighs 12 stone +!

As you say, they are supposed to be a bit loose and not too fitted, but this was taking the Michael! :eek:

Addle · 13-10-2018 7:39pm

Sometimes I think the poor sweat shop workers who slave away making cheap clothes for us are just having a laugh at our expense when they add size tags to clothes.
Definitely no quality assurance when it comes to clothes sizes.

Deja Boo · 29-04-2019 8:08am

Hi all, may I ask a question of online shopping experiences? I am very inexperienced and leery of shopping online for clothes (for proper fit and quality) and would appreciate your advice.

I really like some of the fashions (and the discount prices) shown on a repetitive Boards banner Google advert from (a supposed UK site) called Noracora. Since I've never heard of this shop before, I googled reviews. All of the positive ones are suspiciously not well written: "The beauty of woman comes out only when she dressed with her body and in actual fact..." "It is very well taken on my body, I liked my boyfriend, I look more sexy to see..." and my favourite was "ethical business with pug to cuddle..." Sorry, but don't they sound fake?

I googled again and found a disconcerting listing on reddit warning of a scam alert and insisting Noracora is a fraudulent site using a known serial-cybercriminal address in the Uk for their Hong Kong based operation... but since I don't use reddit nor do any online buying, I am not quite sure who or what to believe. Would Boards actually list a scam site on their google banner adverts? (I seriously doubt it.)

So, guess my questions are, has anyone ordered from any of the banner adverts before? is it safe? or do you know of any reputable online shop that carries similar styles to Noracora?

Deja Boo · 29-04-2019 8:10am

(and thanks!)

Faith · 29-04-2019 8:11am

I’m not sure how banner adverts work, but it might be targeted advertising that boards doesn’t directly control. My experience is that hose websites are all fake, and pop up in various incarnations. Telltale signs are gorgeous dresses on beautiful models that are FAR cheaper than you know they should be.

I believe there’s a thread in Feedback or somewhere that you can report propblematic ads to boards.

Deja Boo · 29-04-2019 8:14am

Faith wrote: »

I’m not sure how banner adverts work, but it might be targeted advertising that boards doesn’t directly control. My experience is that hose websites are all fake, and pop up in various incarnations. Telltale signs are gorgeous dresses on beautiful models that are FAR cheaper than you know they should be.

I believe there’s a thread in Feedback or somewhere that you can report propblematic ads to boards.

Good to learn, will take heed! So appreciate it Faith!

(I had no idea )

Faith · 29-04-2019 8:20am

Deja Boo wrote: »

Good to learn, will take heed! So appreciate it Faith!
(I had no idea )

No problem! Other tell tale signs are shipping that takes more than 5 days. Even coming from the US, items will be with you in a week or so, generally speaking. Chinese knock-offs will have info under their “Delivery” section that may indicate time needed to “process” your order (I.e. make it to shoddy standards) and it’ll then take a long time to ship. You’ll often seem a quoted time frame of 10-30 working days.

How they generally work is they steal genuine pictures of clothing so it looks convincing. But then they just knock something together when you order it, using vastly inferior materials, that may or may not fit or even resemble the item you ordered.

The easiest rule of thumb is, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Also, read the delivery/return info pages and see if there’s a return address provided. Genuine retailers that sell at high volume and low price (e.g. boohoo, NastyGal) will have their address available. Knock off sites hide theirs to disguise the fact they’re in Hong Kong, so may only provide an email address.

Deja Boo · 29-04-2019 8:24am

Wow Faith, that really is something! :eek: (I am stunned!)

Excellent advice, thank you greatly!

meeeeh · 29-04-2019 9:29am

If it helps I got rid of most of this type advertising by clicking on the top right-hand corner and telling Google to stop showing me the ad from this type of websites. It's very easy to tell them apart, they more or less look the same, badly designed logo and ad, very skinny but proportionate models and extremely cheap prices. After blocking some of them I mostly just get the ads to the clothing websites I visit.

Deja Boo · 29-04-2019 10:10am

I do that clicky thing with ads I have no interest in, but the same ads come right back no matter which report I choose. But I shall keep trying, thanks!

and oh that is good to learn too - those ads from similar companies :eek: do look the same! I thought it was just a google ad format, but it can't be - ta (guess I have alot to learn!)

Kintarō Hattori · 28-05-2019 10:38am

Anyone know what's happened with Vila? I noticed their shops in both Balbriggan and Liffey Valley have been closed for about two weeks now.

Sunny Dayz · 28-05-2019 10:42am

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Anyone know what's happened with Vila? I noticed their shops in both Balbriggan and Liffey Valley have been closed for about two weeks now.

Some of their stores have closed down. But not all of them.

Faith · 07-06-2019 2:46pm

I didn't feel like starting a new thread, so I'll ask here. I'm going to a good friend's wedding in the summer. It's outdoors (weather obliging!) so I want a dress that's summery but dressy. Is this dress too bridesmaid-y? I've completely fallen in love with it but I'm not sure if it's too much.

For reference, the actual bridesmaids are wearing full-length convertible dresses that are kind of pastel blues and purples, so the only commonality would be length.

dee_mc · 07-06-2019 8:14pm

Faith wrote: »

I didn't feel like starting a new thread, so I'll ask here. I'm going to a good friend's wedding in the summer. It's outdoors (weather obliging!) so I want a dress that's summery but dressy. Is this dress too bridesmaid-y? I've completely fallen in love with it but I'm not sure if it's too much.

For reference, the actual bridesmaids are wearing full-length convertible dresses that are kind of pastel blues and purples, so the only commonality would be length.

So pretty! I wouldn't consider that too bridesmaidy at all, especially considering it's similar to the actual bridesmaid dresses in neither style nor colour.
I'd draw the line at carrying a bouquet though

SmallTeapot · 07-06-2019 9:07pm

Faith, that dress is gorgeous - very summery colour and not bridemaidsey at all.

My only fear would be the bardot, off-shoulder fit - would it keep slipping down or 'feel' like it's slipping down (given where the sleeves are positioned on the upper arms). Otherwise it is really stunning

Michellenman · 08-06-2019 11:53am

Fab dress! Will look beautiful on you! Ditch the bouquet and you’re sorted

Faith · 08-06-2019 2:26pm

Thank you! I'll definitely leave out the bouquet

.

While admiring it, I spotted this one as well, which hadn't come up on my search because my size was out of stock.

I'm a 12 and distinctly average height, but I thought I'd take a chance on ordering a 14 tall because it was massively discounted (£22.50, down from £75!). I figured at the very least it would give me a sense of fit and sizing before ordering a full price one. Also, I'm definitely closer to a 14 than a 10 at the moment

and I have a long torso so dresses often don't hit my natural waist properly. It arrived this morning and it's actually perfect! It's a little big on the chest, but I can easily tape it to myself under the arms, or get it taken in a fraction. It does hit my natural waist perfectly, and it also looks close to full length on me. Finally, it beautifully covers my racerback tan lines that I'm developing from cycling to work

.

The next question I have, though, is shoes. The dress lends itself to strappy sandals, but an outdoor wedding on grass requires something like a wedge. Has anyone seen anything that might work, or be able to visualise something I can look out for?

SmallTeapot · 10-06-2020 12:10pm

I didn't know where else to post this.... It seems that O' Neills GAA shorts are fast becoming the hottest piece of clothing this summer, thanks to Paul Mescal and the 'Normal People' series. GUCCI have made a high end version retailing for €550!

Link

Sunny Dayz · 10-06-2020 1:04pm

SmallTeapot wrote: »

I didn't know where else to post this.... It seems that O' Neills GAA shorts are fast becoming the hottest piece of clothing this summer, thanks to Paul Mescal and the 'Normal People' series. GUCCI have made a high end version retailing for €550!

Link

I've seen a big upsurge in teens and early 20's wearing GAA shorts the past few weeks! Who'd have thought?! Bring back the soft shell O'Neills tracksuit bottoms from the early 00's!

meeeeh · 10-06-2020 2:03pm

I think O'Neill shorts are the same shape for so long that they became fashionable again. Mescal will undoubtedly make them more popular but there were mentions of shorter shorts for men at least since Call Me by Your Name came out.

Aisling(",) · 10-06-2020 4:29pm

I'd see someone wearing those and would think Mayo long before I'd think Gucci.

Faith · 21-04-2021 12:27pm

Just wondering if anyone has actually gotten stung by customs yet since Brexit? I'd like to order some clothes from UK websites but don't want to be screwed by customs charges if I go over 150 quid.

All that fandango · 25-05-2021 11:17pm

Hey, just wondering how do people rate F&F (Tesco) clothing conpared to that of Penneys? A lot of nice stuff in my local Tesco but find their fit of their clothes a bit hit or miss..

waterfordgirl · 26-05-2021 7:36am

All that fandango wrote: »

Hey, just wondering how do people rate F&F (Tesco) clothing conpared to that of Penneys? A lot of nice stuff in my local Tesco but find their fit of their clothes a bit hit or miss..

I think the quality is quite good, but in a lot of the stores i ind myself in they dont have/allow trying on which is a pain. (This was prior to covid, obviously at the min i'm a bit more understanding!)

The Cool · 29-05-2021 4:40pm

All that fandango wrote: »

Hey, just wondering how do people rate F&F (Tesco) clothing conpared to that of Penneys? A lot of nice stuff in my local Tesco but find their fit of their clothes a bit hit or miss..

A lot better than Penneys tbh. I really rate their jeans, have a few nice jumpers and cardis from there that have lasted well, their leggings are nice, I almost always buy pyjamas from Tesco now because I just found Penneys PJs wash terribly, they're always out of shape in no time. Good tights too!

Faith · 01-06-2021 8:51am

Faith wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone has actually gotten stung by customs yet since Brexit? I'd like to order some clothes from UK websites but don't want to be screwed by customs charges if I go over 150 quid.

To answer my own question, yes, I've been stung :mad:. It turns out taxes are charged on the full price of the items, so I bought two dresses at 50% off, but was charged customs for them at full price. The dresses + extortionate shipping cost me just under €150 but I've just gotten a bill for another €50 in customs and an "administration fee".

Twee. · 01-06-2021 9:22am

Oh no

What site was it? That's so frustrating.

Addle · 01-06-2021 9:48am

I’ve only been caught when using the an post address pal.
It seems an post are working for revenue now...

I don’t mind paying. I’ve paid in advance with address pal and amazon.
I just don’t like being treated as an easy target!

Faith · 01-06-2021 9:58am

Twee. wrote: »

Oh no What site was it? That's so frustrating.

theprettydresscompany.co.uk

They only offered courier delivery with FedEx, which cost something like €18 :eek:. I hummed and hawed for ages whether to take the chance on ordering, because I've been eyeing up the dresses for ages but was put off by delivery charges and the risk of customs. I thought I had circumvented the charges by keeping the order under €150

Aisling(",) · 01-06-2021 12:04pm

Faith wrote: »

theprettydresscompany.co.uk

They only offered courier delivery with FedEx, which cost something like €18 :eek:. I hummed and hawed for ages whether to take the chance on ordering, because I've been eyeing up the dresses for ages but was put off by delivery charges and the risk of customs. I thought I had circumvented the charges by keeping the order under €150

Customs can be charged to any order valued over €22.

I got stung by an amazon nappy bag I got as a present for an expecting friend.
I was raging.

Faith · 01-06-2021 1:39pm

Aisling(",) wrote: »

Customs can be charged to any order valued over €22.

I got stung by an amazon nappy bag I got as a present for an expecting friend.
I was raging.

And actually I just read that that €22 exemption is being removed shortly too! :mad:

All that fandango · 03-07-2021 1:15pm

Anyone find since the reopening that Penneys' sizing is gone completely mental? I havent put on any weight, I have a couple of shorts from penneys I got a couple years ago in a size 12 that still fit like a dream on me. In need of new shorts for the summer and picked out a few the other day. Size 12s in denim shorts dont even come up past my hips, I actually cannot get them on. Tried a size 14 in denim mom shorts and they wouldnt even button. Bought a size 14 in a pair of blue linen shorts and a white pair too, fine around the waist, but really really puffy around the crotch area, and snug on the bum. Urgh. Also bought a pj top and shorts set, pj shorts are grand, but the matching pj tshirt is huge on me. I've said this before on a thread in the fashion forum, but penneys really need to consider opening up their changing rooms already to let people try before they buy. For some people its a huge hassle to go over to the next town to return stuff. As for New Look, a size 12 tshirt will now fit me, but very snugly which I hate, so Im now up to a 14.

ams · 06-07-2021 2:21pm

Faith wrote: »

And actually I just read that that €22 exemption is being removed shortly too! :mad:

You need to ensure that your retailer has taken off the UK vat and charged Irish Vat - retailers such as amazon are doing this so no nasty surprises!

Such a shame as it will rule out a lot!

Faith · 23-09-2021 10:30am

Can I seek opinions on River Island? I've never really shopped there but they're targetting me heavily on Instagram. What's their sizing and general quality like? Is it worth the price or just over priced fast fashion?

Aisling(",) · 23-09-2021 11:50am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117927969#Comment_117927969

I used to shop there quite a bit. I put it on par with Topshop.

I think its ok quality (on most items) but my issue with RI is that they throw all the trends onto one item and it can be too much. I like their jeans and coats.

I found sizing alright. Fairly true to size from my experience. You're best off looking around the shop and giving the clothes a feel if you can.

Aisling(",) · 27-09-2021 10:31am

Does anyone know where is letting people try on clothes?

I know Arnotts and New look are but just trying to broaden my scope. I need new jeans and I'm sick of returning items!

Addle · 27-09-2021 11:17am

Born allow access to changing rooms.

Clothes are steamed after being tried on.

The Chatwalk - Off Topic Thread

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