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One task as a blogger is updating old content. When you've been writing for a few years, old blog posts need to be cleaned up every so often. Remove inaccurate information, update links to products in stock, clean up formatting, add some more information or newer photos. I was working on updating a post for summer work dresses because almost every single link goes to an item out of stock or a 404 message.
I went through the links of items I featured in the post; if the link was made with a URL shortener (tinyURL, bit.ly) I ignored them because it's a good chance I feature that brand regularly. I'd already be heading there to look for worthy replacements. The ones that showed the retailer's URL, I clicked because this means it's a retailer that does not have an affiliate program, which usually means it's a smaller company or a company with a very interesting/unique business model.
Monsoon Dresses
One of the retailers I originally linked to was Monsoon. Monsoon is a London-based ethical and sustainable fashion brand. Shipping to the U.S. is $6.95; free if you spend $100+. Returns are within 30 days, 14 if it's a sale item. Monsoon says the price of return shipping is deducted from the value of your returned purchase but I don't know what that price may be. Monsoon uses a return portal (Happy Returns, Narvar).
The link gave me a 404 message so I went to the menu and clicked Dresses. I started scrolling, not seeing many that looked like a good option for the blog post I was writing, but each dress I saw was more and more gorgeous and wearable and pretty and unique and I could see myself wearing possibly. The prices were reasonable for the style (think pricing like Anthropologie brands). And then I saw Monsoon carries US sizes 2-20/UK 6-24. And I kept scrolling because dude. These dresses are gorgeous.
1st row: red with embellishment | blue with hot pink shirtdress | palm print | navy halter
2nd row: blue with white print | black with colorful embroidered overlay | orange print caftan | hot pink
3rd row: navy lace overlay | yellow and orange wrap | black embroidered chiffon overlay | light blue embellished
Don't let the number of stars dissuade you from making a purchase until you read the reviews. It's clear Monsoon does not filter them, so you'll find 2 stars because it is a beautiful dress but didn't suit that specific person's body type. And as for their body type, that is unknown.
I was inspired to make a purchase so stay tuned, I'll let you know how the process is for shipping to the United States, how the items fit, quality, and if it so happens, the return policy and price.
Ah I used to shop Monsoon back when I lived in the UK – sadly my lifestyle is too casual these days to require clothing from them too often anymore!
But I do love picking up some of their basic clothes in natural fibres when I can (I have some cotton tank tops from them that are still going strong, months later – thick enough to be opaque but they still mould to the body).
Wow — haven’t heard of Monsoon before but I adore these jaw-dropping dresses. I’ll be spending some time on their site very soon! Thanks for this great rec.
I started buying Monsoon for my daughters when they were little, and then for myself. So many lovely things. Now my granddaughter wears a few of the dresses I saved since her mother was small. I was never interested in the party clothes, but the cotton items are great.
I still think about a gorgeous green velvet swing coat I spotted in Monsoon in the mid-nineties. I was on a working holiday, saving my pennies for my next backpacking adventure in Europe, so couldn’t buy it and it would have been so impractical for my life at the time. They do make gorgeous clothes. Thanks for the memory!
The sale section of the website has some excellent option, if you’re a lucky size. Thanks for the recommendation!
I used to shop at Monsoon when I lived in Austria and LOVED it. So many pretty, unique things. And gorgeous party dresses for kids, as well. Quality was very very good. Thanks for reminding me of them!
Well fortunately I’m not a dress person, and I have no where to wear these dresses to, because I do agree, these are gorgeous. Eagerly awaiting your review, I hope they are as good IRL as they are online.
Allie,
I love the dresses but the reason I’m making a comment is because you constantly inspire me. I worked the polls this week in a primary election for the first time. I enjoyed talking to other poll workers and voters. The satisfaction I gained for service to my community is heartwarming. I’m actually looking forward to the run-off election later this month and the final election in November. Thanks for sharing real life experiences with your followers. It’s truly inspiring.
Blessings!
Well, there goes my next paycheck.