5 tips for ordering clothes off amazon

dress | shoes | similar bag | earrings

hair & makeup: Rivki Makeup Artistry

photos: Dede Raad Photography

I'll admit it: I'm an Amazon Prime addict. If Zach and I go more than a week or two without ordering something off Amazon, I start having withdrawals and rack my brain for anything we might need that can magically arrive on our doorstep in two days. We're out of paper towels? Put some in the cart. Bear needs new non-skid mark underwear? Put those in, too. But my absolute favorite guilty Amazon pleasure is clothing. I could (and do) look through clothes on Amazon for hours at a time, often falling in love with $7 sweaters from a supplier in China that I can't pronounce. After much trial and error, I've found some tips to help even the most gullible buyer score cute, reasonable clothing on America's favorite place to shop. 

Don't get me wrong, I still receive packages occasionally that are full of ill-fitting clothing (most of which I'm too lazy to return). But for the most part, I've figured out a system and am happy with my clothing purchases. The dress pictured above is $15 on Amazon, for example, and it's one of my favorites. Here are some of the ways I ensure a stress-free purchase from Amazon:

1. Read reviews. This is obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many friends tell me they don't read any reviews before ordering clothing online. On Amazon, it's a must. If an item doesn't have any reviews yet, absolutely do not order it. If reviewers have posted pictures, even better. Take into account everything these people are saying, especially when it comes to fit. If the general consensus is that an item runs small, order a size up.

2. Markdowns are best. When it comes to pricing of clothing on Amazon, the numbers are all over the place. If you see a skirt that is priced at $8 and hasn't been marked down, it's a risk. Your better bet is finding a skirt that is regularly $30, but has been marked down to $8. Usually it will only be available in one or two sizes so if a size happens to be yours, snatch it up! The higher the original price, the better the quality. I've scored designer shoes before for 90% off! Look for deals and try not to settle for regular priced items.

3. Have your measurements professionally done. This one is really important. We all check the sizing charts, but if you're taking your own measurements at home, they probably aren't accurate. Stop by a neighborhood tailor or seamstress and ask them to take your proper measurements. They likely won't charge you and will be happy to have them on file if you're a regular customer. When you're checking size charts online, you should have better luck with fitting this way.

4. Take notes of brands you've had good luck with. The amount of retailers and clothing items on Amazon can definitely be overwhelming. When you walk into the mall, you don't stop in every single store to look at clothing. You know your favorite stores and head straight for those. Use the same method on Amazon: have a list of brands that you know are good quality and search for those first. Some of my common searches are "Choies", "Zattcas", and "Shein". These companies are all hit or miss, so I definitely have to refer to the previous three steps when ordering from them.

5. Get Amazon Prime for free returns. Aside from the obvious two day shipping that we all love, Amazon Prime is the best option for returns. They're really easy and most importantly, free. 

I hope you are all having a safe and special Labor Day weekend! We've been birthday party hopping and getting things done around the house, which has been nice. We had plans of heading to the pool this afternoon but in typical Houston fashion, it started raining before we could get there. I can't believe this is our last weekend to hit the pool before next year; this summer has flown by. I've been so ready for fall lately but now I'm getting all emotional about the end of summer. I'm such a woman.
Thanks for stopping by!
xo, Britt