Not a good review…
I don’t know about all of you, but I shop online a lot. And, reviews are invaluable to me. But, those need to be good reviews. Raise your hand if you’ve toyed with a purchase and thought, “I’ll just check the reviews.” Raise your hand if those reviews consist of things like: “Great fabric;” “Love the color;” or, my personal favorite, “So cute!” Now, I want this blog to be a place of positivity, but those kinds of reviews just make me want to tear what little hair I have out! They give me no information, and I am no closer to making a decision than I was before reading them.
A little more…
I understand some people write reviews as a way to enter a giveaway. I do that for Gap brand clothing all the time. They have no requirements like number of words or photos required. That means, many times, you get those golden (insert eye roll) reviews mentioned above. The dream of that $1,000 probably garners these useless reviews. Not sure how to write a review, this promises to deliver several “cut & paste” reviews. In my humble opinion, this is a perfect example of saying a lot but not saying anything pertinent to the item. I don’t care if you find the sweater cozy. I want to know the important details.
A good review…
So, what makes a good review? When I’m shopping online, I’m looking for something I intend to keep. I’m not buying something just to be spending money. I also hate the hassle of returning things, especially if I have to pay return shipping. I need information relevant to the item. Even if I’m writing a review for a pair of jeans that has more than 1000 reviews, I’m going to include important details. Here are the things I think you should include in a good review.
- Include your height. With today’s different jeans/pant silhouettes, your height is important to someone considering those particular bottoms. If I’m looking at full length jeans, and someone is my height, I pay more attention to their review.
- Include your weight. OK, I admit it. I don’t do this. My weight is an uncomfortably personal thing. I also know people wouldn’t believe how much I weigh given the size I wear. I’ve always been told I “carry my weight well.” I think that’s code for “You sure don’t look like you weigh that much.” Even though my reviews are usually anonymous, I just don’t include my weight.
- Include your body type. It’s important to know this because an apple shape is vastly different from a pear shape. For example, if you’re an apple, are 5’8, and weigh 155 pounds, an item will fit you completely unlike that of someone who is a pear and has the same statistics.
- Include things like being long/short waisted, thin/thick thighs, and bust size. These are just a skosh different than body type. In my case, I’m short waisted and have thick thighs. These are why weight isn’t always a good indicator of fit for me.
- Include the size you bought. It’s funny to me how people will include their height and weight and leave off the size they bought. Again, most people who write reviews are doing so because they are entering a sweepstakes, or maybe they have brand loyalty and always write reviews. They just forget to mention the size, or maybe they think that will automatically appear in their review. Don’t make that assumption. Give the size you bought.
- Include how you think it fits. This is a little subjective. But, if you give all the other information, I think you can then state whether or not something fits true to size (tts). This would also be when you would write about how it fits through the shoulders, the bust, etc. as opposed to other parts of the body. For example, if you’ve bought a dress, you might say the fit through the shoulders is a bit snug, but the rest of the dress is oversized. Or, you might say, the hips and legs of a pair of pants fit well, but the waist is way too big.
- Include the color. If you include comments about the color, make sure you say which color you’re reviewing. I hate reading reviews saying the color is saturated, and there are 12 color choices. Also talk about how the color differs from the online version (if it does). Try to describe the color if possible.
- Include other details like how the item wears, washes, and dries. You may also want to write about styling difficulties. This could include if the item is sheer, wrinkles easily, or pills quickly.
My outfit…
I’m extremely proud to be able to say I’m an April Cornell brand ambassador for another season, and this outfit (minus the Talbots tank) was gifted. I also now have a code for 10% off your purchase of $75 or more! I’m wearing the Jane Cropped Sweater in ecru. I would say, given my experience with April Cornell sweaters, this sweater runs a wee bit small. I’m wearing a medium. Nigel actually told me I need to get the blue color, too! I really like where it hits me because I am so short waisted. The Sunday Rose Jersey skirt is a swirly, swoopy delight! I’m wearing a medium in this also. Although you can’t see it much, I’m wearing a linen blend tank from Talbots. I’m subtly print mixing with this outfit.
A little more…
This skirt is 36 inches long which means it’s 2/3 of my 5’1″ height. That would be a perfect proportion except it’s a skirt. But, because I’m short waisted, the waistband of the skirt ends up right under my bosoms. I can pull it down, but it would eventually end right back up there! As it happens, that makes this beautiful skirt a maxi which is just fine with me. If you’ve been around for very long, you’ll have noticed the waistbands of my skirts almost always travel the same route…north! I can fight it or embrace it. With this cute cropped sweater, it works perfectly.
My review…
The Sunday Rose Jersey skirt is a beautiful combination of several colors, ranging from the ecru background to varying shades of greens, pinks, and golds. The colors are true to what appears on my computer screen. I’m 5’1″ and carry my weight from the waist down. I am also short waisted and consider myself more a zucchini shape than the traditional apple or pear. Due to being short waisted, this skirt rides much higher on me than it may on others. Because I am short, this skirt, at 36″, is a maxi on me. I purchased a Medium and have plenty of room as this skirt has a full elastic waist. It also has pockets!
The Lewk!
It feels like we skipped spring and summer and traveled directly to November here! I pulled out my beloved brown Born boots (also seen here) for this look. The necklace and both bracelets (cuff) are from J Jill. The earrings are over 40 years old and from Avon!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Oh, as I read over this, I come across very preachy, don’t I? I’m sorry. That isn’t my intent. I honestly dislike returning items. I rarely buy from a retailer not local to me as I hate to pay that return shipping, too. Honest and complete reviews are becoming more and more important as brick and mortar stores disappear. I also know some people are loyal to a brand and just want to extol the virtue of a beloved item (for example, Talbots charming card), but those reviews do little to help me make a decision. So, can we talk? How important are reviews for you? Do you write reviews? What’s an example of the worst review you’ve ever read? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as possible.
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am now an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post. I am now so very happy to tell you I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off any order over $75.
Thank you!
Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Michelle every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
This was very helpful Marsha as I usually write a brief review but don’t often include the other important details as you mention. The things I review usually have the colour and size purchased as part of the review so that makes it a bit easier. I will endeavour to write more fulsome reviews in future given your not-so preachy post 🙂 I do like the short cardigan and as a short waister myself often have tops that are far too long and make me look bigger than I am. I also like the mention of your zucchini shape! Very useful and informative post, thanks 🙂
Thank you, Debbie! I just know I depend a lot on good reviews in making decisions about online purchases. I’m glad you didn’t think the post was too preachy! I really like this cardigan, but it will take some time to get used to where it falls on my body!
Very helpful tips! I do get annoyed at some reviews that comment on the delivery or the some other aspect of the company and don’t even mention the item of clothing at all too. Your outfit is adorable. I honestly thought you were wearing the sweater over a dress.
Oh, I hate those reviews…or, the ones where the item is sold out! The reviewer didn’t even get it but they’re giving it a negative review? Crazy! I thought it looked a lot like a sweater over a dress, too. That’s why I held it up in that oh-so-lovely photo!
Thanks, Joanne!
Well,, Roger, that was an excellent review and tutorial! And super helpful all around, both as a reader of your posts and as a reviewer of items.
I do read reviews all the time before purchasing things on line, and you’re completely correct about the way many ppl write them. The kind of detail you advise would really make a difference!
I give this post ????. ?
Hahaha!!! Thanks so much for the two thumbs up! I depend on those reviews especially if it’s a place I’ve never shopped.
I never read reviews as they are often like you described. But I don’t write them either. Perhaps I should start with these great tips.
Thanks, Nancy! I really hate reading the reviews that tell you absolutely nothing!
I’m with you about reviews that are meaningless. And appreciate the examples you provided for a helpful review. On the rare reviews I write, I always try to mention whether the item is tts, and the quality of the fabric which is really important to me. I never thought about mentioning my own dimensions.
Thanks, Michelle! I’ve found the height to be very important for me. Weight isn’t as important as when the reviewer mentions their shape. But, I seem to be the odd duck because I’m kinda like an apple and a pear had a baby then added piano legs!
What a lovely skirt, you look fabulous!
https://www.mariannyc.com/halo-bassinest-swivel-sleeper/
Thanks so much, Mariann
It’s funny because I will write reviews but rarely include much of what you said. It’s a great lesson, and maybe one we should all learn.
I read reviews quite a bit, and it can be helpful for ordering the right size or color. In fact, there’s been many times, I don’t order something because of reviews.
Love the top and the fact that it’s perfect for your body that way. Seriously, you should get the blue one,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I think I will order the blue one though I have absolutely no need for another blue cardigan! But, the cut is just perfect for my short waisted body.
I used to write reviews that weren’t very informative, and then I read something, either a blog post or on Facebook, about how important good reviews are.
Thanks, Jodie!
These are great ideas about what to include in a review! Thanks for sharing. I love your skirt on you. It’s such a pretty print.
Thanks, Laura! They’re really just things I want to see in a review!
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Very pretty combo, love the delicate print. I don’t tend to leave reviews on clothing sites but I do a lot of book, holiday and restaurant reviews, plus electrical items, Fitbits etc. I try to be positive;. I cant stand reviews where people throw their toys out of the pram just because they weren’t seated immediately.
Thanks, Gail! Oh, that’s a good point. I really dislike it when reviews are more about the service or the lack of the size they want rather than a review of the specific item.
I love this combination on you – the cropped sweater is a wonderful length, and I just assumed you were wearing a dress rather than a skirt. Useless reviews, ugh, yes I’m glad that the item is “super cute” but come on! I almost never write reviews, though, so I shouldn’t complain too much (although maybe that’s better than cluttering up the review section with information-free comments).
Thanks, Sally! I know…it looks exactly like I’m wearing a dress! I was very happy to receive this (though now I think I need the blue one, too). Oh, the “super cute” reviews are the worst, and I think no review is better than that one!
Love the pretty skirt Marsha! The reason why I don’t do reviews very much is because I am lazy. I do enough reviewing on my blog! Which is probably not right so maybe I need to start doing more. Lol!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I don’t do a lot of reviews anymore, but when I do, I make sure to include as much information as I can!
These are all the things I want to know about something before I buy it – especially if it’s from a brand that I haven’t bought from before. I do sometimes leave reviews, but maybe not as detailed as they could be. I love your outfit – the skirt is so pretty…and it has pockets! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you, Emma! I rely on good reviews if I’m shopping online and know it will be a real bother to return something. I love this skirt…comfortable, cute, and pockets…wins all around!
Super pretty skirt and wonderful outfit, Marsha! Congratulations on your continued brand ambassadorship as well! I look to reviews almost every time I purchase something online and I get so frustrated with those meaningless reviews that provide no helpful information. Although I admit that I am probably guilty of leaving useless reviews like that as well. I need to be more diligent about leaving reviews in the future though. I have slacked in so many things lately!
Shelbee
Thank you so much, Shelbee! This skirt is so comfy and swishy! And, the cropped sweater is so different. I reach up to tug it down all the time! I have been guilty of a few meaningless reviews as I just want to get them done sometimes!