Fall Back In Love With Online Shopping

Living on an island in the beautiful Caribbean sea really is a blessing and something we all feel pretty darn grateful for each and every day.

But, and it's a big, bootylicious, Caribbean grown BUTT, there are some serious "island problems" that come with living in paradise. One of them being online shopping, or the lack thereof!

Since my University days and the boom in quick, accessible and reasonably priced online shopping, I have always enjoyed effortless shopping in your PJs from the comfort of your bed/sofa/back to bed (heck it's at least a two day affair to curate the perfect shopping cart) without having to drag yourself round a shopping mall tired and hungry looking for the perfectly cut pair of jeans. Does anyone else think jean shopping is the absolute worst?! 

What's even better, websites like ASOS and many more, offer free shipping if you order over a certain amount eg $100.  My tactic would be to load up on items, have them delivered to home for free, part take in a private fashion show from the comfort of home and send half the stuff back in the free returns package for a full refund. It was so simple. It also helped that we lived next door to a post office!

Since moving back home to Cayman however, my love of online shopping has completely vanished, along with the free delivery and free returns options I used to enjoy. The only online shopping that I attempt is the kind that involves panic shopping late at night a few days before a trip off island in the hopes your order arrives to your hotel in time and you're not charged extra for the storage of the excessive, often ridiculous, modern-day packaging!

More often than not, I find I shop online only to fill a few carts, reach some sort of endorphin high and quickly forget about the shopping altogether. Although this is a much better approach for our finances, it does feel like a royal waste of time! Needless to say my online success rate was at an all time low.

Introducing Palmer & Dean

This past December, I was approached by Palmer & Dean, a brand new Cayman company to see if I'd like to try out their new online shop and blog about the experience!

Of course it didn't need much thought, I LOVE supporting local brands and given my lack of love for online shopping I thought this might be just what I need....as well as some new outfits, obviously!

Once you visit the Palmer & Dean website you'll see it's clean, sophisticated and very user friendly which isn't always a given with a start up shop. The selection is split into collections as well as a general catalog to shop which includes brands like Seven Wonders and LJC Designs from places like Australia, Bali and the UK.  

Each outfit is deliberately limited in number so that styles are regularly refreshed and we're not all left wearing the same thing - something not to be overlooked on a small island! 

The ordering process is fast and simple with your Visa or Mastercard and the best part is delivery is FREE and TO YOUR DOOR. Yes, you heard. No more international shipping, no more drama over duties and no lost packages! And with that, I think I've got my shopping mojo back. *Insert husband's moan*

Beyond the amazing simplicity of the delivery, what I really like about this brand is its focus on what we need here in Cayman. Palmer & Dean is catering to the Cayman market: "The Palmer & Dean girl is a girl with a busy island lifestyle! Whether she's at work or going to Sunday brunch, she wants to look stylish yet comfortable and we'll make sure it's effortless!" 

Without further adieu, here's what I got:

Sienna Top $69

I am really pleased with this light-weight chiffon top, which is easy to wear and can be dressed up or dressed down for day or night time. This top comes lined, with stylish star design and metal ties detailing making it great quality for the price. This piece is very flattering with its 3/4 shoulder cuffs which are stretchy and very comfy alongside a fitted tie waist to cinch you in. The top is made by Australian brand Seven Wonders The Label and runs small - I ordered a US6.

Freya Wrap Dress $99

This uber on trend wrap mini dress is good quality and multi-functional for work or play. With long sleeves and beautiful flowy cuffs, the detailing on this dress is very pretty! I found this dress does run small so I had to exchange my small for a medium which I requested over email and which arrived at my door in less than 24 hours! With my somewhat limited bosom, I'd prefer to wear this dress with a slip or top underneath as it can be a little gapey.

White Boho Playsuit $65

Finally this floaty, light-weight romper designed by LJC Designs is the perfect beach number or brunch outfit. It's off the shoulder style is stylish and comfy to wear and the tied waist gives it a beautiful shape. Nude underwear is a must and it runs a little larger in size - I wore a Small.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PALMER & DEAN

Palmer & Dean was founded in early 2017 by a local businesswoman on a mission to bring quality clothes to Cayman at reasonable prices, allowing for customers to enjoy the delights of online shopping from our island. 

Palmer & Dean is a multi-brand concept that offers a curated selection of contemporary brands.

"Before we make a decision to bring a brand to Cayman we establish a close relationship with the brand first: order and closely inspect samples of their products, learn about their manufacturing process and marketing strategy. We give preference to smaller and independent brands that offer unique pieces - if we think that they would work for Cayman we bring them in. Australian brands work perfectly and we're very excited about fashion trends coming out of that part of the world hence you will notice a couple of Australian brands in our boutique". 

Their motto is simple - good service is good business - I can genuinely vouch for that! As a new business, Palmer & Dean do seem to really care about customer service, delivering on their promise of 48 hour delivery and exceptional responsiveness throughout!

As a gesture to you wonderful Lustic Life supporters, Palmer & Dean are offering a 10% discount on all orders made from now until February 28 2018! Simply use code "LusticLife10" at checkout!

Happy shopping!