I'm sharing a hard lesson I learned about expensive mistakes. I spent $150 on clothing that simply wasn't worth the price. I kept convincing myself I was getting great deals, lured by sales and attractive product photos. My biggest error? Purchasing cheap women's suede blazer styles that either fell apart quickly or fit poorly.
I wasted not just money, but also time and energy trying to make inferior clothing work. Had I done proper research beforehand, I could have saved significantly. My perspective changed when I discovered the 2025 Summer Small Fresh Floral V Neck Short Sleeved Chiffon Dress. This dress completely transformed my approach to shopping and highlighted all my previous mistakes.
Here's what I lost and what I learned:

My first regret came when I spotted an incredibly cheap women's suede blazer online and thought, "What a steal!" The price was so low I felt I couldn't afford to pass it up. I was mistaken. Extremely low prices almost always indicate poor quality.
When the blazer arrived, the suede felt thin and artificial. The stitching was loose and uneven. After just one wear, a seam near the shoulder began to unravel. This is similar to cheap jewelry with thin plating—it quickly loses its appearance and breaks within days. I learned that saving $20 initially can cost you $50 later when you need to replace the item.
You can't rely on vague descriptions. You need to understand exactly what materials compose the garment. For quality clothing, look for durable fabrics and sturdy lining. If the description only says "polyester blend," assume it will appear cheap quickly. Reliable products specify the exact material percentages used.
Verdict: Always verify the material grade and examine detailed stitching photos. If they don't provide close-up shots of the seams, don't make the purchase.
My second mistake with the women's suede blazer was trusting the size guide without question. I ordered my usual "Medium" size. The online image displayed a sharp, tailored fit, but what I received looked boxy and ill-fitting. The sleeves were too long, and the shoulders drooped uncomfortably.
Sizing represents the most common deception in online shopping. Every brand follows different standards. You assume a large is universally large, but that's not the case. Without checking precise measurements, you're essentially guessing. This resembles buying a necklace without knowing its exact millimeter width—you can't predict whether it will appear chunky or delicate until it arrives.
Don't depend on S, M, L labels. You need to find the actual measurements. For dresses or blazers, verify: