I agree. And with N-M, sometimes I have gone online to order something I saw in a catalog and can't even find it! I thought, well, the catalog just arrived maybe it isn't in the system yet, so I waited a couple of days and still nothing. Never did show up, and this wasn't something unusual, it was a NYDJ shirt.

At least Nordstrom tells you, in the fine print, what size the model is wearing in their online ads.

That's probably why I don't shop online or from catalogs. I need to see it, touch it, smell it, try it on, analyze it, and I don't want to bother with shipping something back.

Speaking of not enough info, it took me a bit to figure out what NM means. ;-)

Non-informative photos & descriptions have always bothered me as well, but isn't that why they include a phone number to call for help? So we can pester the representative w/ (perhaps) annoying questions? That's what I do when I REALLY want or need something.

Also, many websites now include the option of instant online chat/messaging to get questions answered.

I know that the info can be found by either calling or using the website but really if a person is shopping via a catalog or even a website there should be enough info to make a qualified analysis without having to jump through hoops to get the info.

One of our businesses was heavy on catalog sales. I never had to pay extra to the printer to include more info in a blurb about a product. I spent a huge amount of time before our catalog went to print to ensure that there was adequate info on each product.

Linelle, sorry about that! I should have clarified rather than using initials.

I'm dense! I still don't know what NM is.

Here is what I have noticed too. They will have the model hold her arms up in a certain way so that it's difficult to see how the top fits. I ordered a top wound up looking ridiculous in the way it way shaped.

I think they knew if it was photographed with arms down, no one would even consider it.

Being petite, I am stuck with online shopping. Petite departments are the smallest section in all the stores.

NM = Neiman Marcus.

I think the people who produce catalogs these days assume that most people are actually shopping on the internet, so they provide more details on their web site. When I go through a catalog, I tend to flag what I might be interested in, and then look at the items online for a better description (and usually, more photos plus customer reviews). I agree that the NM catalog seems to be the worst in terms of lack of info!

On the improvement side ...I see more web sites using short video clips of the models.

Yeah, the videos are nice, because you can see the movement of the fabric.

Skirt length is something I definitely like to see (and for the most part, retailers do include this) because the models are often so tall that knee length on them is 3 inches below the knee on me.

I've been trying to find fleece pants for my daughter. But I want what I guess is called performance fleece, not sweatshirt fleece. You wouldn't believe (well maybe you would) how hard it is to figure out what's what. And this is shopping online, not via catalogs.

4boys, I like when there is a short video of the item. It's a huge help.

One thing that I often do when shopping for black shoes on line is to see if they carry it in lighter shades so I can click on it to see detail that is easier to see on a lighter version.

My biggest complaint with catalog and online clothes shopping is when they don't disclose the fabric content. Descriptors like "cotton-rich" and "cashmere and cotton blend" aren't helpful enough when you can't feel the garment.

I agree that video clips are a great help in determining fit and I like when they give the model's height & what size she's wearing. That has prevented me from ordering boots and handbags that wouldn't have suited my frame.

I would think they'd want to do everything to avoid customers being unhappy with fit or fabric and having to make a return. It's such a bother. I know I'm reluctant to order again when I've done my best to get it right and had a disappointing experience with a vendor.

Measurements, or accurate ones, are missing from any number of things nowdays online. I was trying to order rubber gaskets for my ball jars, most of them had no measurements and lots of review comments complaining they were the wrong size. Same with some boxes I was trying to order. Most stuff is cheaply made in China so I guess this is the "price" we pay.

On the recommendation of another thread, I ordered a few Eileen Fisher pieces from NM...sent them back the same day. The fabric was horribly cheap. They looked nothing IRL like the photos. I went to Old Navy and got cheap clothes at a cheap price....what happened to the beautiful EF knits??

I have to say I just noticed the other day that Old Navy (& presumably their affiliates like Banana Republic & Gap) lists not only the size the model is wearing, but also the model's height.

& I've also noticed that petites always seem to be more costly, which seems downright counterintuitive. I'm borderline petite - short waisted - more like a junior size, but who wants to wear junior fashions in their 50s?