Fashion Find: Style Membership Clubs

Style membership clubs are all the rage these days.  You've got JustFabulous, ShoeDazzle, Send The Trend, Jewel Mint...possibly more.  I'm only going to tell you about those that I've dealt with - JustFabulous and ShoeDazzle - who deal mostly in shoes.

OK, I'll admit, I have a bit of a shoe problem.  An obsession.  My Mother refers to me as "Imelda", at times.  Here's my logic behind it: my body may get bigger or smaller (a girl can dream), but my shoes will always fit.

But, enough about me and my issues, let me tell you how these clubs work.
You take a "style profile" quiz so they (the Stylists) can get an idea of what you like.  (Now, I don't actually believe there are Stylists that choose my items specifically for me every month, it has to be computer-generated.)  In about a day or less, your styles are "chosen" and you receive an email.  (Note: You must enter a credit card to get your style profile, but you will not be charged until you decide to make a purchase.)  You can then log into your showroom/boutique where you can view your shoe choices and choose one or many for purchase.  Every item in your showroom/boutique is $39.95, no tax, no shipping fees.  If you decide to make a purchase, you will receive your item in about a week.  (This depends on the time of the month.  They are busiest in the beginning of the month, so it may take longer than a week, if you purchase then.)  If you decide you don't like the items in your showroom/boutique, you can request alternate items.  Or, you can get on the Facebook pages and browse others' showrooms/boutiques they've posted in the photos, and request that they are added to YOUR showroom/boutique through the "wall".  (This is easier done with Shoedazzle, an advantage they have on JustFabulous, in my opinion.)  If all else fails, and you're determined to make a purchase, give customer service a call and describe the type of shoe you're looking for.  Chances are, they have it and they want to sell it to you.  (It IS a business, they're looking to make $.)

Once you receive your shoes, you can either decide to keep them or send them back for a different size, different shoe, or a credit to be spent at a later date (within 30 days of receipt, FREE returns).  Here's where they get you -  1.  If you would like a refund, they charge a $5.95 restocking fee.  2.  Once you've made a purchase, you will be charged every month unless you opt out by the 5th of the month.  Personally, I've never had an issue with either of these "catches".  I've been "buying" and returning items for a couple months now, at this point I don't even remember when I spent the $40, much less miss it. And I ALWAYS remember to opt out by the 5th of the month.  Besides, if you don't opt out in time, you have a credit in your account to spend on any item you would like at any time (it never expires).  ** You are not charged a monthly "membership" fee.  Any charges processed go towards an item of your choice.**

What about the quality? Honestly, the quality is what you would expect of $40 shoes, but you might be surprised by some items.  ShoeDazzle has had Michael Antonio shoes and at least once, Dollhouse.  Michael Antonio retail for around $60 and the same goes for Dollhouse, so right there you are saving $20.  Other items are branded with the ShoeDazzle or JustFabulous name, so there's no way to tell what the actual brand is.  

ShoeDazzle also works with celebrities to create a "Charity Shoe", in which all the proceeds go towards whatever charity that celebrity has chosen.  Kristen Bell created “Midge” with proceeds going to the Art of Elysium’s programs, former Spice Girl, Melanie Brown created “Mel B.” for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Jenny McCarthy created "Fearless" (coming out 4/21) benefiting Generation Rescue.  JustFabulous followed suit and offered “Pam” with 100% of the proceeds donated to the American Red Cross to assist with relief in Japan. 

What's great about both clubs is that the choices are never boring.  You might be the only person you know with these shoes.  (I don't know about you, but originality is an important aspect to my style.)  And, unlike shopping on Endless, DSW, Shoes.com, etc., you know the price right upfront.  You won't give yourself the chance to fall in love with a shoe, only to find out it's $300.
 
 JustFabulous "Amalie" in Green

ShoeDazzle "Mina" in Cognac (these are actually Michael Antonio shoes)

Every pair of shoes, from either ShoeDazzle or JustFabulous, comes in a company-name-branded box with a dust bag (kind-of nice for $40 shoes!).  ShoeDazzle shoes come with a return label.  If you're not happy, for whatever reason, just fill out the return form, slap the return label on, and send them back.  In order to return to JustFabulous, you must call or chat online and request a return label via email.  If you're exchanging, JustFabulous sends your new shoes out right away, something ShoeDazzle does not do, and an advantage for JustFabulous.

Customer service with both companies is excellent.  Both JustFaulous and Shoedazzle also sell bags and Shoedazzle sells jewelry sets.  Have more questions?  Ask me.