This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.
Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.
In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)
I was in the store last week and tried on and bought a few items. Pics here: http://1moreshoppingblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/more-j-crew-ii.html
ReplyDelete...just hoping I get the Mickey card/aka crewpon! I want something in cobblestone.
ReplyDeletecan somebody comment on the rimini sweater?how is the fit and the quality?
ReplyDeletei am considering the black and i am not sure if it is worth 59.99.
TIA
Subscribing. :)
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ReplyDeleteMy rimini, NWT in closet, will likely go back. I paid $78, and if I am not crazy, there is fuzz going up one side of the front. (shopworn?) If I could get it for $60 plus a promo, I would bite online. It fits TTS, arms are somewhat tight but manageable.
ReplyDeletesub
ReplyDeleteI picked up some sweaters during the recent promo. The arrow sweater/jacket, the plaid boyfriend and cashmere long cardi in heathered saddle. Love them all. Now I'm eyeing the black sequin sweater (ciel something) that is on sale in store for $69. I'm thinking B&M will do a % off soon to move that sale inventory. Overall - great sweaters!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone talk to the fit of the toothpick cords? TTS?
ReplyDeleteAfter receiving 2 Arrow sweaters with flaws (one with a noticeably skipped/frayed stitch on the front seam, then next with a chewed-up looking collar) I will probably not attempt to order another one.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I was impressed with the merino vest in charcoal and think it will look cute with a perfect shirt and last year's pearl grey schoolboy blazer. I can see why this item sold out - it's something a little bit different from the ruffles and sequins.
Also read in another thread that there's a bright pink pencil skirt in stores? I'd love to hear more about that (it's my "power color"! ;)
silver_lining, I think I saw the skirt you're referring to. If I'm thinking of the right one, it's a double-serge skirt, and the color code is something like "BDA" or "BDH" (bright dahlia?). The color is gorgeous; it's very similar to last year's double-serge skirt in fresh plum. HTH!
ReplyDeleteina-I have the rimini in the retail-only pinkish color and love the way it fits. I got the size I always wear, XS, but could have gone a size up if I was planning on layering it with something that has sleeves (I wore a tank under mine). The overall fit is VERY flattering. Worth $59.99 IMO. HTH.
ReplyDeleteThe Cascading always cardigan is simply fabulous! It's on sale on the website now for only $29.99. It's super soft and comfy like jammies & versatile in wear and colors. Don't sleep on the essentials, get it while you can!!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to mention my major bummer that arrived yesterday. :-/ I've been waiting ALL SUMMER for the pindot bikini separates to get down to $9.99 each and was over the moon to see that they shipped out the other day.
ReplyDeleteThey arrived yesterday and I have one skinny over-the-shoulder strap and one half of a halter tie strap for the underwire bikini top. It's supposed to come with 2 skinny over-the-shoulder straps. WTF!
The CS rep I talked to on the phone was very curt, and I could hear a LOT of other people talking in the background and they were all saying the same thing she kept repeating to me like a robot: "I CERTAINLY am very sorry that this happened...."
It was a very odd exchange. The long and short of it is that she said she would put in an 'accessory request' for the missing shoulder strap and that it could take up to 2 weeks to see if they had one. She made a big deal about letting me know JUST THIS ONCE even though it was a FINAL SALE ITEM she would approve it for a return, and I said 'I don't want to return it, I want to keep it!'
I felt like telling her to stuff that $9.99 up her butt! She was just this side of rude.
I did not like coming away from that call with a bad taste in my mouth. It isn't my fault the damn thing shipped without the right straps!
GRRRRRRRRRRR. Kinda glad fall is here, because my spend drops sharply when it gets colder. No point in buying sweaters every year, can only wear them 3 months out of the year.
Hmph.
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your experience. I experienced something similar a few years back but CS was super nice about my suit totally not having a strap at all when it was supposed to have one! (it was not final sale but that shouldn't matter) Anyway, they sent me a new suit and it did not have a strap AGAIN!!!!
My other swimsuit Final Sale story is that I waited like you forever for the butterfly print bikini to go on sale. I ordered the top and bottom and got two tops. The duplicate top said bottom on the outside wrapper~I got my money back and kept searching far and wide including popbacks and ebay but never found the bottom. So I bought a sold navy one to go with it.
I know the feeling....too bad CS was not nice! I hope you get your strap.
Yes, I too don't wear sweaters very much in the warm NC climate so will pass on the Arrow esp. since Silver Lining had quality issues. (So sorry to hear that again:( I had had that on my possible list.
@Ina: I have the Rimini in cobblestone, and it's is also shopworn straight from B&M. I think I may return it for the black or the forest green since I'm thinking the fuzzing/piling look will show *less* in a darker color. Maybe the 14 gauge is not holding up well, cause I wear my Michelle cardigans all the time and it's still holding up well.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the sleeves are really snug with my regular size but since I'll be wearing a tank under I didn't size up. HTH.
@Silver_lining: I'm sorry to hear the Arrow sweater didn't work out for you both times. I have to exchange mine since it has a knot on the outer sleeve along the stitch. It gets really tiring going for an exchange for a defective/damaged item when my closest store is 20 miles away one way.
ReplyDelete@Elaine: Don't you just hate bad CS? I'm crossing my fingers they can find you another strap, if not for a popback!
I received my first J. Crew package yesterday in ages since I'm prego and not shopping too much for moi.
ReplyDeleteI got the Dream draped-v sweater in wild plum. The color is way more purple in real life. But I love it.
I also received the marled Thandie blazer, which I tried on in-store when it first came out. I love it! Should work great once I get the bambino out of me. :)
Surely some (not all!) of the CS lack common sense. They're obviously trained how to handle routine situations, although some are not able to discern between customer issues such as wanting to return a FS item on a whim or actually having a legitimate issue. In the case of the latter, they need to loosen up and communicate like real people rather than programmed robots. I've been treated the way Elaine described and just want to say 'Helloooo! Did you hear the issue?? It's not me, it's the merchandise!!' (Really I want to reach through the phone, lightly grab them by the shoulders and shake them into reality! lol) Thankfully the good times outweigh the bad w/JC's cs!
ReplyDeleteI am wearing my Marled shawl cardi in the saddle color. I LOVE it! I'm wearing a short sleeve shirt under it and am not the least bit itchy and I am super sensitive. I got it for $70 less 20% and could not be happier.
ReplyDeleteO-M-G..I've also had that oddball experience where you aren't quite sure they are even hearing you. They just keep repeating whatever it is they were taught. I wonder how they train them..stepford program, maybe? The good thing, it has been very few and far between for me. Most of the CS reps I've had are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGigi, I want to be all over cobblestone too, but haven't found anything to love...
ReplyDeleteNo reviews, but I was leafing through the Garnet Hill catalog (only because it came with a $20 off $100+ coupon, as SOME catalogs used to...) and found a couple crew look-alikes:
Wool ribbon script coat - GH item 23159
Twisted-front jersey dress (can't remember the real name) - GH item 22545
Maya cardigan - GH item 22483
Ruffled wool jacket (can't remember the real name) - GH item 23169
Ina, there are several Rimini reviews on this blog (if you do a search) and some of the JCAs own blogs. I found it extremely tight in the arms (and I have skinny normal arms). People have reported it looking shopworn and pilly, although mine isn't (yet). Can't decide yet whether the rushing is flattering or adds bulk on me...
Elaine, that stinks. Maybe write Dear Leader a personal note/email about your experience. He needs a more realistic perspective, IMO.
Sorry, just wanted to clarify that I was not being snarky at all - I really think MD needs to hear more from those of us who love(d)? the brand and are not having the fairy-tale experience he's publicizing.
ReplyDeleteRe: remini, I am between 2 cardigan sizes and needed to take the larger of my 2 sizes in this sweater.
ReplyDeletemommydearest,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I am curious about those Garnet Hill items. I have never shopped there but my sister does all the time.
I did buy the JCrew ribbon script coat last year in red and love it:)but have not had a chance to wear it as I bought it off season and it is so warm still--90's all this week and into the weekend! Maybe in Nov. I will get a chance?
ina, the Rimini fits TTS (search on my blogs for pics of it). I lioved the cobblestone and the nutmeg colours.
ReplyDeleteOops! I meant LOVED. (Need that coffee).
ReplyDeleteGenny, I fussed to my husband on the phone last night about the missing strap and his response was, 'why don't you just wear it without a strap so it falls down?'
ReplyDeleteNICE. lol.
What I really felt like saying was "HELLO, look at my order history, I've spent thousands of dollars in 2010 and *maybe* returned 2 things, one of which was the wrong thing that was sent to me!"
ReplyDeleteWhich is sooooo b*tchy but it is true. I'm absolutely not a serial returner.
I tried on the Goldenrod jacquard mini at the B&M last week. Just about 99.9% of the time, a 0 works great for me. Not this time. The skirt is a bit tight on the tush, causing an unfortunate looking poof at the lower tummy area. I figured that since I do have a larger than average butt for my size, maybe this skirt just isn't meant for me. But then I looked at the website, the model wearing the skirt also had the very same unfortunate looking poof. Long story short, it was a pass for me.
ReplyDeleteSummer, no problem! I see JCrew everywhere :)
ReplyDeleteI KNOW! I was just going to put all my summer-y things away, but it's hot here too! Who knows when it will be time for coats and boots?
still tempted by the Arrow sweater jacket, if it drops in my price range. I saw the heather elm color in the store and on lots of blogs - anyone have the caramel? I don't have anything in that color (but perhaps that means I won't end up getting use out of it...)
ReplyDeleteJust purchased the Sofie ruffle cardigan (Item 28997 -- I had to type in the number to find it on the website) in black at my B&M yesterday. Does anyone else have this cardigan? I think it looks nice when I wear it open, but I am worried about the ruffles at the bottom making my hips look ginormous if I button the cardigan. Still trying to decide if I will keep it or not.
ReplyDeleteA couple of questions --
ReplyDelete1. Does anyone have the corduroy pencil skirt from this year? Is it TTS, and have you found that it has stretched? (I find that cord pants stretch even more than denim). I'm wondering if it's necessary to size down to account for future stretch.
2. When you purchase or return something at a B&M and they ask for your zip code (or in my case, postal code), are they able to track who you are and how much you spend/return? Obviously it's easy for them to track when you shop and return online, but are we being "rewarded" for purchases made in the store the same way? I wonder...
OT, do you think that there may be an online % off sale soon now that the red card is back? (Congrats to all who received it... *clinching teeth*) There are a couple of things on sale that I want to get but I've been waiting for additional % off before pulling the trigger. I'm not going to buy anything that is just going to be discounted further in a week or so.
ReplyDeleteDilemmas, dilemmas.
The Sophie is cute, but the last thing I need is padding right there. I ordered and returned the Traversa because it made me look heavier, so I am a bit wary of anything that addes bulk right there.
ReplyDeleteConfetti Ruffle Shirt on FINAL SALE: I bought it in "cobblestone" color and love it. It's slightly more gray than the pic on their website. It's runs true to size IMO and the fabric is nicer than appears in the photo. All around great purchase and highly recommend it to other JCA's!
ReplyDeleteHey all,
ReplyDeletedoes anyone have the Rhapsody Hobo? I've only been able to see the Alpine Moss color in the b&m stores, and I'm curious about the Nutmeg color - but obvi not going to take a chance on a $200 final sale bag. Reviews?
Thanks!
Carnivore Girl--I got a 20% discount coupon online only in the catalog yesterday. I had already placed an order earlier in the day. Oh well, now I am off to look at cardigans I may want.
ReplyDeleteSherbie: I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question but can you describe the alpine moss color and the quality of the leather? I'm fawning over the rhapsody chain handle bag but don't have a store near me to see it in person. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteUgh, J Crew has no love for me. I didn't get an online discount in my catalog and haven't received a red card. *tear*
ReplyDeleteI promise to spend some $$$ if I get a discount... please?
@Michelle: Sure!
ReplyDeleteI would say the Alpine Moss color is actually a bit lighter than it appears online. If you type "rhapsody" in the search bar, and all three Rhapsody bags come up, the satchel and the chain bag are a lighter mossy color that is more true to what I saw in the store, whereas when you're on the page with the hobo and you rollover the AM color, it appears to be more olive, imo. The leather on the chain bag was nice. It does seem to be the kind of vachetta leather that will show a scratch or two if rubbed the wrong way by different objects, but overall the quality seemed nice. There's definitely a bit of a yellow/mustard undertone to the AM color - muted, but there, and again, a bit of a lighter shade than I was expecting. I'll be in a b&m tomorrow to pick up some shoes. If you want me to take a pic and send it to you, let me know:)
sherbie210 at gmail dot com
Hi, all. I have a few reviews up at my blog...
ReplyDeleteIt includes the dolce tweed mini, the infinity cardi in paradise blue, the dream v-neck cardi in heathered nordic blue, the stretch double serge pencil skirt in mink, and Boden's upbeat wool mini (some of you like Boden).
I hope this helps some of you.
http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2010/09/long-and-short-of-it.html
P.S. One of my followers e-mailed me and said she was having issues with Disqus, so if you can't leave a comment, you can e-mail me ???s at dinagideon AT aim DOT com.
I want to try the cord atlee skirt, but can't decide between the brown and the alpine moss. I'm intrigued by the alpine moss, but not sure what the color is IRL. Has anyone tried it, and if so, is it a versatile color? TIA
ReplyDeleteDina I have had problems leaving comments on your blog a few times. :-/ Boooooooo.
ReplyDeleteIna, I loved the Rimini. I am curvy and big busted, so I don't always have an easy time finding a good fit. I have a pic on my blog. I haven't purchased it yet so I can't comment on quality, but it is definitely on my list.
ReplyDeleteJust posted some new fitting room pictures of some Crewlet tops and a blazer similar to the Lexington.
ReplyDeleteClick here for the photos and reviews. HTH someone who is looking to order from the new factory store site!
Ina, I would say the Rimini is definitely TTS. I for some reason ordered a size up (S) because I had read that the sleeves were a bit tight and I wanted to be able to layer. Big mistake. An XS would have been perfect. I think the style is really cute and unique and the black pine color is gorgeous (haven't seen it on the Rimini as my store does not carry them --sad-- but I saw it on the Infinity cardi). HTH!
ReplyDeleteOT, I sometimes think JC is off its rocker with certain designs, but I think Ann Taylor takes the cake this month. They're now selling stripper boots.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=27517&N=1200014&pCategoryId=3941&categoryId=1466&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1466&loc=TN&defaultColor=Black&defaultSizeType=Regular
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteLOL. Our husbands should get together. Sounds exactly like something mine would say!
I rarely returned anything I ordered from JCrew up until this past year myself. When I buy in store which is rare that I get there I keep it 100% of the time. When I have ordered online I return about 50% now.
savvyshopper - I got the brown skirt, which I thought was super dark green unless my PS informed me otherwise. The colors look different in real light than in store lighting. I love the skirt. A decent length. Alpine moss is nice, but I find that I don't wear green. Also would be hard for me to do w/tights as I lack creativity w/them & tend to stick to black.
ReplyDeleteCass -- Instead of office to cocktails, it's office to 2nd job. That's what those boots are for. I can't say I'd buy or wear them, but I sure would try them on out of curiosity. Now where'd I put my whip?
Ouch - I am not a fan of the external platform! I love high heels as much as the next girl but those are just... no.
ReplyDeleteI just got the Rimini on Friday night. I thought it ran TTS and my medium is very comfortable. I only wish that I could wear it, however the high here today was almost 100 degrees.
ReplyDeleteDream shawl-collar cable cardigan in nordic blue
ReplyDeleteFit: the body fit fine but the sleeves were just slightly tight for a cardigan. Tried it with LS perfect tee and perfect shirt and it was OK but a little snug for my claustrophobic self. The sleeves were overly long and I had to cuff them 3”, and I have long arms. The length fit the same as the model in the product shot and was comfortable.
Color: I really wanted to like this cardi as I have the heather Nordic blue pencil skirt and love the color. The sweater has a bit of a green undertone and is darker. I wasn’t crazy about it initially but thought it might grow on me since I could pair it with quite a few things in my wardrobe as I am almost always buying cool tones.
Fabric: Although I’ve read lots of comments about pilling issues with dream yarn and have been avoiding it for a few years, I took a chance on this sweater since I like cables and wanted a blue sweater. I have two dream sweaters and the newer one (HO 07) pills like mad while the older one (F/W 05?) has nary a pill on it. This sweater didn’t pill during the try on session but it did shed like crazy, leaving visible fuzz on every dark garment I tried with it and even on one dress that it merely hung next to on the costumer. It is very soft but I tried it with a cami underneath and the arms were itchy due to the wool. I think I’m more sensitive than most but that may be a factor for others too.
Styling features: I love cables and these are nicely done – subtle and almost flat, which is more flattering than raised cables that can appear uneven as the knit stretches or relaxes over body contours. The pockets were functional and laid nicely flat when not in use so they were hardly noticeable other than the contrasting rib-knit. The shawl collar is quite narrow but folded over it covers the seam where it is stitched to the body of the sweater. Collar appears to be securely knitted into the seam and overall this sweater is well-made.
In summary, I will reluctantly return the sweater because of the shedding, which will drive me crazy. Also the slightly snug arms will raise the itch factor for me and mine is already pretty high for anything wool. If this came in a cotton or cotton/cashmere blend I would definitely buy it.
Super 120’s pinstripe Banquette dress
ReplyDeleteFit: A super flattering dress! This year’s Banquette dress fits almost identical to last year’s. Hemline is office-appropriate and it has enough room for my bust yet is slim enough through the waist and skirt. The neckline is a smidge higher and narrower than last year’s, but not enough to allow me to wear it without a scarf or cami. I don’t mind adding a scarf because I have quite a few scarves and usually tie a large one in the ascot or slip knot style and tuck the ends into the neckline. It’s an easy way to change the look of the dress too, I choose the scarf based on seasonal colors.
Color: The navy is very dark, almost black and any color of shoes could go with this dress. You could easily pair with black hose and shoes in the winter rather than buying navy shoes if you don’t have them already. The pinstriping is subtle, but noticeable.
Fabric: The super 120’s fabric is my favourite J.Crew suiting fabric. It’s lightweight, barely wrinkles and drapes beautifully. If J.Crew offers this dress in another suit patterned super 120’s I will probably buy it too.
Styling features: The biggest drawback is the low neckline but I find it quite manageable with scarves. Haven’t tried it with a cami or shirt underneath but maybe will do that this winter. The side zip is really helpful to adjust the added scarf as I slip my hand in and pull the scarf into the neckline. The zip doesn’t pucker at all IME.
In summary, I’ll offer full disclosure here, this is my third Banquette dress as I bought the stretch flannel in black and heather graphite last winter. I love this dress and expect to get tons of wear from it, as I do with all my J.Crew suiting dresses. A real winner.
Sorry for the long, long reviews for those who are not interested. Please feel free to skip over my posts. ;^)
ReplyDeletesilver lining, they have it at the Eastview store (I think I remember you posting about visiting Carousel so maybe like me you're between the two?)... it is, in my opinion, identical to last year's fresh plum color, which I have. Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteCliquot, I remember last year when there was a
ReplyDeletesimilar debate over who was getting the perks someone saying that they are able to track your spendings through your email even if you pay cash. I started to give my email address each time I purchase something and I got the card this time around (but I also order much more frequently online so I don't know if it's a cause-effect). The postal code seems more of a security question to me (they always ask when I return something, not only jcrew). HTH
Cliquot I got the cord mini I feel it's tts! Sits a little higher on my waist which I liked and I feel like it's a little longer? I've worn it twice and no stretching yet! HTH
ReplyDeleteSavvy shopper- I saw the brown and the alpine green color skirt irl and I really felt like the green was way more brown than I thought it would be IRL. I actually thought the green was brown until i looked at the color actually (maybe i am color blind or something seriously!) IMO there are some prettier greens out there right now the navy though I loved! Just my .02
ReplyDeleteCarnivore Girl, I had the same question about whether we're going to get a 20% off private sale or similar. I know that I probably sound like a broken record here, but where the heck are the promised "cardmember-only invitations to private sales"?
ReplyDeleteThey send the Mickey cards to VIP customers (and 20% off coupons to lucky customers like Tien) but nothing for the CC customers to whom they've actually promised something. I don't get it.
On a brighter note, I just received a Talbots catalog with a reusable 20% off card that is good both online and in stores. I'm still trying to like Talbots as much as I do JC.
Hexicon's post reminds me: Did anyone else receive an e-mail from Talbot's last Friday regarding a code that was only valid for 4 hours? The e-mail was titled: "Got plans tonight? Take 20% off + Free Shipping 4pm- 8pm online only." I thought it was so odd. I had a $25 reward card, though, and I've been wanting the animal print merino cardi that's on backorder, so I used the code to order the cardi.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone didn't receive a catalog, I think I know where it went. I received two yesterday and another one today! Maybe all those catalog requests I submitted in the past were finally processed this month.
Jeanne -- I also received the Talbots 20% off from 4 to 8 last Friday. If you are signed up for their emails you may have gotten one for an instore event in your area last Thursday evening where they were offerring 20% off all purchases. They were nice enough to honor my 20% off by email on Friday in the store.
ReplyDeleteJeanne & jcrew1985 - I recvd emails from Talbot's about the hostess events & 4 hour sale much too close to the start times. There were complaints on their Facebook page about it. Talbot's seems to be responsive, so I hope they time the emails better in the future.
ReplyDeleteReceived my Merino Whisper Ruffle Sweater today in xs paradise blue. Uh, I could fit 2 people in there. Returning.
ReplyDeleteAlso received the Moto ruffle zip sweater. Fits a lot better, but the color isn't what I was expecting at all! I ordered the "Dark raisin," which appears red online. It's almost brown in person. Still haven't decided on this one. Very soft and comfortable, though.
I received my Factory pumpkin paisley scarf ($26) today.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I am quite pleased.
First, it got to me quickly. Usually if I order an item on a Thursday night, for example, it doesn't arrive until the Friday of the following week. This arrived two days "early."
Second, it is pretty and the quality is entirely acceptable. For reference, I compared it to this spring's watercolor pastiche and potpourri wool scarves from this spring (FP $59.50). The Factory scarf is a 50/50 wool-acrylic blend that is actually heavier and denser than the floral scarves, and some may prefer this, as a lot of JCAs were concerned about the snag-ability of the florals. Even so, it's sufficiently drape-y and not bulky. I didn't find it itchy.
The color is a rich fall mix--the plum is a little more brown than I expected from the photo so it is a better complement to maroon-y purples like my iris Eden jacket.
The Factory scarf does seem to pick up more static than the wool--I tossed it on top of poly slip and it acquired quite a charge. A wipe-down with a dryer sheet should take care of this.
Factory Professor Jacket
ReplyDeleteI ordered a Factory Professor Jacket from jcrew.com a few days ago; it arrived today and I have to say, I am really impressed by the quality. I was fearing the worst given how disappointed I was with the factory versions of the Bella jacket.
The Factory Professor Jacket is constructed really, really well (the wool is a little itchy, but not any more than the full-price tweed Bellas). The buttonholes on the sleeves even work!
It fits true to size.
Does anyone have any IRL pics of the exhibitor bags in the beechwood color? I don't trust the online/catalog pics---they vary too much as a result of the lighting used for photographing Thoughts on the quality? (ie, comparable to Cole Haan for the pricepoint?) Thx!
ReplyDeleteI looooove my Arrow sweater jacket! So cozy and thick. TTS but runs maybe just a touch big. Not big enough to size down though. Not a review, but an IRL pic on my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://karaleighsayspayattentiontome.blogspot.com/2010/09/outfit-of-day-curmudgeony-as-heck-and.html
^I'm wearing an xs, if anyone is looking for size info...
ReplyDeleteGet 50% Off On Best Selling Products
ReplyDeleteOnline Shopping in Pakistan