CurvyPlusStyle

Category: Product Review

  • Uber Connect Review

    Uber Connect Review

    I’m car-free. Since I don’t have a car, it’s difficult to run errands such as returning packages when I have multiple places to go. It can also be expensive. Recently I had to return a package to the postal office and the trip to the post office and back home cost me $25-$30 including the tip. Imagine having to spend that kind of money when you have 3 or 4 or more places to go. As I was scheduling a ride recently, I discovered a new to me service called Uber Connect. Basically you can pay an Uber driver to pick up your package and deliver it to UPS, USPS or FedEx. You can even pay them to go and pick something up for you. For example, I picked up my dry cleaning last week, but forgot to get my coat from the dry cleaner. I could pay Uber to go and pick up my coat from the dry cleaner and bring it to me.

    I tested out Uber Connect today. I had eight packages that I needed to return, two to FedEx, two to UPS, and four to the post office. According to Uber app, the service should cost $3-$5. I started with the two packages that needed to go to FedEx. I scheduled the pickup and the cost was $3. I wanted a no-contact pick up and left the packages on my doorstep. The driver arrived within eight or nine minutes, picked up my package, dropped it off at FedEx and sent me a picture once it was delivered. At the time that the pick up is scheduled, Uber does not allow tipping. However, once the delivery has been made, it does give me the opportunity to tip. I proceeded to schedule my UPS pick up, as well as my USPS pick up. There is a maximum of five packages that a driver can pick up. All packages have to have a prepaid label attached or you can send the QR code to the driver. In total, I spent $28 returning the eight packages to the three delivery services. That’s $14 for the service and $14 in tip. This service saved me $75-$90 because I didn’t have to take Uber or Lyft to each location and back home which would have been $25-$30 for each trip.

    Prior to setting up the service I tried to do some research on Uber Connect. As someone who uses other delivery services such as DoorDash and Instacart, I was concerned about what would happen or who would be liable if my package did not make it to the delivery service or back to the retailer. It’s very easy to walk into a UPS, FedEx or USPS location, snap a photo of a package on the table, and walk out with the package. I’ve seen instances of that with food deliveries. So if I’m returning a pair of shoes to DSW via USPS, but the package never arrived at USPS or DSW who’s liable? I wasn’t able to find that information, but Uber does advise to limit this service to packages with a value less than $200. There are also restrictions about the types of packages that can be delivered similar to what you might see in a post office where they list prohibited items like alcohol weapons, etc. I am going to do some additional research on this because I plan to continue to use the service and I wanna make sure that I understand my options if a package is lost.

    The only thing that I did not love about the service was that there were predetermined UPS, USPS, FedEx locations, and in some cases they were far away. I have often used the drop off locations such as Walgreens for FedEx and CVS for UPS. I didn’t have the option to select those locations and actual FedEx and UPS stores are far from where I live. The driver had to go to the other side of town to deliver those packages. I could actually see why a driver would not want to take a pickup/delivery job because of that and that could affect effectiveness/efficiency of Uber Connect.

    Although UPS, FedEx, as well as USPS offer pick up services at my home, there are certain instances where prepaid labels from retailers are not honored for those services. Also, the post office has flat out said that they picked up an item that they did not attempt to pick up. So Uber Connect offers me an alternative to those services if they do not work as well as allowing me not to have to rely on finicky services.

    Uber connect is a really good service for people who do not have a vehicle. It’s convenient and affordable. I doubt that I will be visiting FedEx, UPS or USPS anytime in the near future.

    Note: This was my first time using the service. As I continue to use it, I will continue to update this review so that it is well-rounded.

  • Printed Pants for Spring

    Printed Pants for Spring

    It’s my understanding that New York & Company has carried plus size for a few year now, but I’ve only recently learned of it. Back when I was straight and mid-sized, New York & Company was my jam, especially when they were Lerner’s. As I gained weight, I was no longer able to shop with them, but at the same time the quality of their clothing changed for the worse. So when I saw the ad on Instagram, I immediately checked it out. Frankly, I wasn’t impressed with what I saw, but I loved these pants. In the Spring, I searched for printed wide-leg pants, but never found a pair that I loved. Then I saw these. They are polyester instead of the jersey material I wanted, but I love the design. They are not the typical pull-on. They are designed like a trouser with slant pockets and a hook and bar closure. I really love the bright color. I don’t normally gravitate towards florals, but this comes across as subtle which I like. I sized down to a 2X because lately when I purchase wide-leg pants in my size they are too big. In this case they are a little too tight in the hip and thigh. I would be able to sit comfortably without worrying about splitting them so I repurchased them in a 3X. Unfortunately, you can only return, not exchange. When I return the first pair, I’ll have to pay a restock fee. Luckily, when I repurchased they were cheaper and I got a discount on top of the lower price so as they say ‘a win is a win’

    I love when I find a great buy out of season.

    I’m looking forward to seeing what else this retailer will drop.

  • Voluminous Sleeves

    Voluminous Sleeves

    I loved the original Eloquii, owned by Limited Brands. I learned to like the second rendition of the brand, but I always felt it catered to younger and more trendy dressers. Today, the brand is own by the same company that own’s Catherine’s among other brands. When I learned of the merger, I thought it was odd. These are two totally different populations. I immediately noticed the differences in the clothing, the price (or promotions) as well as the logistics (shipping). Going forward, I don’t anticipate buying much from them, but had a few things I already wanted to try. This is a mini shirtdress. I have never been a mini-dress girl, not even when I was thin. I love the sleeve. My intention was to wear this as a shirt. Since I’ve tried it on, I think that I’m willing to try it as a dress with leggings and booties. I accidentally bought the green and decided to keep it also. What I don’t like about this dress is the weird button seam. For some reason they designed it off center. From the model in the photo, I couldn’t tell if it was on purpose or the way she was posing. It’s weird, but I can live with it.

  • Perfect Chino

    Perfect Chino

    I have been searching for a chino pant since 2019! Let that be a lesson in how long it can take to find a basic item in plus size.

    I’ve tried really hard to stay away from Kardashian brands. I decided that I wanted to test out the fit and never expected that what I found. I love the material. It reminds me of Dickies. The material is nice and durable. I love the length. I used to be a 3.75″ heels kind of girl and loved a long pant that cover my entire show. These are those kind of pants. These days I’m a flats girl so I’ll have these tailored, but still to cover my entire shoe. I originally bought these in a size 26, my normal size, but they were too big. When I’m shopping brands that are new to plus size or new brands in general, I tend to size up or buy my size regardless of their size chart because newer brands tend to run smaller. I’m just realizing the description says loose, oversized wide leg fit so that explains my need to size down. I usually need to size down in wide leg pants. As a plus size person, I miss shopping at places like the Gap and these pants are the closest things to that Gap Chino that I’ve found that actually fit. These don’t really stretch, but I have a feeling that wearing them will “break them in” and they’ll loosen up in the thigh. I didn’t love the price of these pants either, but fortunately I caught a 30% off sale. And since I couldn’t do price adjustments, I had to return and repurchase these a few times. Beware that they do charge restock fee.

    I doubt that I will shop frequently with this brand, but I don’t want to try their blazers. The Kardashians were definitely the ones to put me on to blazers so I’ll try that next.