A few weeks ago, when I was researching Boho Maxi Dresses, I came across an overseas site that had a range of dresses available at incredibly cheap prices.

Now we’ve all seen the risks of buying from such sites. Where ladies have bought a dress and it’s 2 sizes too small or it looks nothing like the dress in the picture.

Buying local is best. I’ve always endorsed this way of shopping on my blog.

But sometimes the dollar signs overshadow our sense and we commit to the buy because we like what we see and it’s not a huge dent to the wallet.

Well, this dress I came across was gorgeous.

I had visions of wearing it with my boots and layered with a faux fur vest giving the dress a real 70’s vibe.

I used my Paypal account to buy the dress which cost me $50, including shipping.

And then I waited. Silly me read the reviews AFTER I made my purchase and the reviews were dire!

There were warnings not to buy from this company as the products looked nothing like what was advertised. Too small, not right, or no product arrived at all and money was lost.

I didn’t panic because whatever way it went, I’d be writing about my experience. And I used Paypal which provides buyer protection.

Thankfully, I received my dress a week ago.

I opened the satchel and was surprised by the colour… then I unfolded the dress and laughed.

There were similarities but it wasn’t the dress I expected to get. It was shorter, there was no shirred hem and front split (thank goodness as who knows where the split may have ended!). The dress was more blue than green and the bust was super open and super tight.

Thankfully it fits me, but I must wear a cami underneath or my bra and boobs will be on show for all to see.

I’ve layered it with a black cami, black tights and boots.

While it’s not what I expected, I can work with it. I emailed the company to say I was disappointed with the dress and wanted a refund. But there has been no response and I’m not interested in the rigmarole of posting something back to China. I have lodged a complaint through Paypal though.

So the lesson from this is buying local is best.

It’s just easier to deal with a return when the shop is located within Australia. Even if it doesn’t fit right, the return postage is cheaper and a credit note is still money you can use towards a new purchase. (even though it’s frustrating when stores refuse to refund your money).

I have had my fair share of online fashion woes with Australian stores, but at least I’ve been able to return it and get credit to choose something different. And for those pieces I couldn’t get a refund on, I sold them on Facebook Marketplace as the brand was known and I got my money back.

Have you ever bought something from overseas and it was nothing like what you thought? Do you agree buying local is best?