Dear Friends,
Let’s talk it over together. You have seen a beautiful linen dress online and your heart races just thinking about it. Then it comes in the mail and feels much more like a potato sack than a dream garment. You are not alone. As the owner of Lex Looks (and a proud small business owner) for five years, I’ve heard it all. Leaving the tactile, personal experience of in-store shopping for a bulletin board in your living room has been a learning experience for all of us.
However, here’s the advice I have gained: it shouldn’t be a roll of the dice, but rather a one-of-a-kind, confident and curated experience.
The trick is not just to find your size on a size chart, but to learn to read between the lines of each product listing. After helping thousands of ladies find a look they love, both in-person and virtually, I have boiled it down to a few sure-fire rules.
First, Know Thy Measurements (And Ours!)
Put that generic size chart from a big box store down. Every boutique designer can cut differently. A ‘Medium’ in one brand can in fact be a ‘Large’ in another, and this is just fine. Everything has a different fit. The most powerful thing you can do is grab yourself a soft measuring tape, and know the measurements for your bust, waist, and hips. Then check our specific size chart for each item. I spend the time to add these charts, and I also provide very specific garment measurements in mind (including dress length, sleeve inseam, etc) because I want you to feel as confident and as if you are standing in the dressing room with me.
Second, Become a Fabric Detective
A picture provides color and shape but cannot communicate a feel. This is when your intuition and our descriptions come into play. Dig into the product description. I always highlight the fabric composition, as it will tell you everything.
Is it a stiff structured cotton twill? It will hold its shape and work well for more structured looks.
Is it a softer, flowing viscose or rayon? It will drape beautifully, and usually always has a beautiful flow and forgiving fit.
Does it have spandex or elastane? Even 2% gives you welcome stretch and comfort.
Consider your closet. If you wear soft, draping fabrics, you’ll probably register soft, drapey styles online as well.
Lastly, Tap into our Humanity (We’re Here for You!)
This is what separates the small boutique from the big e-commerce companies. You can actually communicate with us! Is there a dress you like but are not sure about the neckline? Shoot us an email. Will the skirt actually be knee-length on you at the height you are? DM us on Instagram. I encourage my team to do virtual styling sessions because us being successful is how you can be successful. We have touched and tried on every single piece of our inventory. We know which dress runs large, which top fits a pear shape, and which jacket is surprisingly light. That first-hand experience is your most valuable, untapped asset.
Finally, Context is King
Don’t just look at the model picture – look at how she’s been styled. Are the sleeves cooling off her shoulders? That indicates a looser more voluminous cut. Is she wearing a belt with the garment? That gives you the smartness of the garment that it is meant to be cinched for a fit. Read the description for cues like “relaxed fit” , “slim tailoring” or “oversized”. These are our intentional hints for your brain to visualize the fit beyond the generic stock image.
Shopping online with a boutique is a collaboration. It’s my job to offer a great amount of detail, honest descriptions of the fit, and steady communication. It’s your job to bring your measurements, and style questions, and trust. Together will find create a little surprise each time you open an unboxing.
Shall we give it a try? I would love to help you find your next favorite piece.
Yours with love,
Devanandhu
Owning and Chief Curator, Lex Looks