Life Lesson 101

The higher the expectations, the higher the disappointment.

And it sure happened.

After my sister bought a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes that were of the wrong size, I felt even more scared and even more careful about purchasing a pair of shoes online. This was my first time I've ever purchased a fashion item online and it sure taught me a lesson.

I chanced upon some of Jenn Im's youtube videos and saw that some of her shoes were from Solestruck. Hence, I decided to check out that website and turns out, there were many good-looking, awesome shoes but they were expensive!

I found a really nice pair of Superga shoes and they were of black floral design. It is really pretty and this is the first time I'd adored it a lot, longing for that pair of shoes. I must admit, Superga is also in trend and of course, peer pressure filled the tank. But to be honest, Superga shoes seems awesome to wear on and it looks good, no matter what. Hence, I trusted the brand and went for the design - 2750 Cotu Floral, black floral.

I did attempt searching for this design in other Superga websites but it appears that I could not find. And so, I thought, DIE DIE MUST GET THIS PAIR!! However, at that time, I did not own any credit/debit card and had to wait for my debit card to arrive.

Shortly after, my debit card arrived and I only had to activate it. I took about a day to get this pair of Suparga shoes ordered. I ordered last Friday, May 30th, 2014. I'd gotten the size wrong, it was way too big for my feet and I had to pay additional fees for shipping. AND NOW, ALSO THE RETURN SHIPPING FEE!! I doubt I will be buying from this web-store ever, again. I've made losses. Even if I get refund for the shoes, I will not get refund for both shipping fees to and fro. :( Plus, it was not what was shown on the website. Double OMG ok. I felt so disappointed even though it was a lesson learnt although the shipping was really fast and efficient.

I think I shall stick to buying things personally for maximum comfort and no trouble of returning, refund, etc.

As shown on Solestruck

Shipment records that got me really excited ^^

While unwrapping the package, these appeared. They got me really eager!

However, the shoes were disappointing. The canvas sides were really yellowish and the material of the shoes (floral part) was not canvas-ish/cloth-ish. It seemed fake, to be honest. Even the interiors were not proper. The photos can't show exactly what I'd described but I've tried. I tried my best to bring out what had disappointed me and here goes...

[Photos were not edited at all, I can guarantee.]

Reality (Please click to view!!) It looks weird, idk why. 

Now, let's compare to what was shown on the website:

Screenshot of of the picture that was shown on the website

A lot of difference, right? As we all can see, even the colouring and the designs were not exact. Perhaps the picture on the website was thoroughly edited? I don't know. 

Moving on...

Let's take a closer look.

In my opinion, the interior looks inferior...

I was really looking forward to wearing it for the rest of the week to school y'know... Sigh. 

And thus, the pros and cons of online purchasing I've got so far.

Pros:

• Faster to acquire the item
• Depending on the item, you may be ahead of trend. - e.g., purchasing Toms online before the brand arrives in Singapore.
• Don't have to head to the stores to find/buy the item, especially if you are busy. 

Cons:

• Item may not be what it was pictured on the website.
• Wrong sizing
• Shipping fees & taxes are charged too, separately. (Depends on the website & its charging policy)
• For first-timer, expectations of the product is a lot higher (well, for me, it was) and risk of getting the incorrect product is also higher.
• Check out the currency and the pricing. Prices are normally in USD and they do not emphasise that very much, except stating that the home base is in USA. So, be sure to confirm the currency before purchasing the product to watch your pocket! (Especially if you have a tight budget.
• The authenticity of the product is questionable.