Question about Citiknits

[MareKitty]

Question for the girls -- what do you think of Citiknits?

The lady who presents them, Renee, is a real class act. I'm intrigued by the way the clothes can be rolled up into a tiny ball, then unrolled without getting any wrinkles. A traveller's dream.

Thing is, I've never really cared for non-natural fibers. I'll take some spandex, polyester, etc., if the fabric is predominantly cotton (or other natural fiber). For some reason, the synthetic fabrics have never felt right next to my skin. But technology has come a long way -- maybe there are good, breathable synthetics on the market today.

What do you think?

[yankee]

last fall, i was staying with a friend in NC. she ordered three citiknits outfits which arrived while i was there. she returned all three. they're very light, slinky - almost silk nightgown-like. susan graver would say they "drape on your body". (i hate the way she says that!) non-supportive clothing is what i'd call it. i imagine it's all very comfortable, but not very covering.

i also don't know how well it would wash up, but it feels like some pieces may shrivel a bit--lose their shape. i think it's well-made, but the fabric just doesn't feel very durable.

to each her own. depending on your personal taste, you may like it. if not, there's always that return policy.

[Denim&Co.]

I love citiknits! I have twenty pieces altogether. Most are from TSVs because I got the past four citiknits TSVs. The rest are items I bought that go with the TSVs. The fabric is great, you can't see through it, and I put it in the gentile hand wash cycle on my washing machine. Then it just dries overnight when I hang it up. I usuall put a bucket underneath to catch the water. Renee Greenstein is such a hoot. I like watching her much better than that Jackie girl of Slinky Brand on HSN. Jackie talks wierd, has anyone noticed that she says "buddin" for "button." Citiknits has better prices usually than Slinky Brand, especially for a TSV. Slinky Brand is supposedly the original since Jackie keeps saying her father-in-law invented it ten years ago(blah blah blah). I think citiknits has better designs and colors than Slinky. I also like the tummy control in one item of mine.

[MareKitty]

Thanks, Yankee. It helps to hear from people that have actually seen, touched, or wore the garments.

Would you say the Citiknits were in any way "see through"? By your description it seems as though you wouldn't feel completely dressed wearing them -- fabric not substantial enough.

It's so hard to tell from the T.V. -- the styles seem to flatter even the fuller figures. But, the lighting is set up by experts to be the most complimentary possible.

[MareKitty]

Looks like Denim has answered the "see through" question.

So, people are having different experiences with Citiknits. Some good, some bad.

Thanks for responding -- if anyone else has tried this line, feel free to post.

[yankee]

definitely NOT see-thru. and i haven't seen the tummy control pieces that denim is talking about. the fabric is just very forgiving, if you need it to be. while i may need forgiveness in places, i don't want it. i don't want to sit at my makeup table and see that i shouldn't have eaten dessert last night, because it's popping over my waistband and through my tunic, just to remind me that i haven't been to the gym in three days.

[SnowTiger]

Ok here is my experience.
I ordered a simple dress from citiknits about 4 years ago. It is lovely, pretty color, and flattering BUT it is MAGOR SEE THROUGH! I discovered this when I walked out on my bright sunny porch on my way to work! Needless to say I had to do a quick change although my honey thought it was pretty great for INDOORS. You should have the look on his face as we were standing on the porch!!! I guess he thought I was trying to start a new trend at work!!
ANyway, this is the only piece I bought and it was a bit ago so I don't know if this is the exception or the rule.

Oh interesting side note here. I didn't send it back. I like it and hoped I could find a way to wear it. Alas, I haven't because a slip underneath would reveal itself too!!! Any suggestions?

[yankee]

i think hubby has the right idea, snow tiger. wear if for him, unless you're looking for a big raise at work!

[MareKitty]

Snow Tiger - could you wear the Citiknits dress as a beach coverup?

[Denim&Co.]

I only have darker citiknits colors, and when I put my hand behind the fabric it isn't see through. Snowtiger, mayybe you got a lighter color that is see through.

[carly04]

I have three Citiknits outfits... I have worn one two piece to the office.. it is a light taupe skirt and top.. I liked it and it was comfortable... the other two, I have still hanging in my closet....and the black two piece has the tummy-control piece in it. Citiknits are ok..... they probably travel well.. but I am not planning on buying any other pieces.. I have had good luck w/ Dialouge..... for the most part....

[poodle]

I was WAY sceptical about the line .....I imagined it clinging for dear life to places that I dont care to mention.....but I was proved wrong! It does as Susan says "drape "over all of the places it needs to....gratefuly.
Does any one know if the fabric can be hemmed?

[nolari]

Put me in the "love it" column! I'm in a wheelchair, so the comfort is paramount. Citiknits pack and wash like a dream, and I have indeed had pants shortened and hemmed. The colors are gorgeous and look great with jewelry -- pretty important if you're seen from the waist up!

[Denim&Co.]

I'm so happy nolari that you found something that works good for you. Yes, citiknits is the miracle fabric as Renee Greenstein says. I am petite and have not hemmed the garment yet, but I might need to try that. I am expecting a citiknits TSV in a month for Fashion Day! Lets hope for something good.

[Silverlady]

You all had me pulling my one Citiknits outfit of the closet and holding it up to the light! I bought the TSV skirt set (with tummy-control) with scarf a few months ago. They were all dark colors. The one I have doesn't seem see through and I don't think it clings at all. I only wore it once. I bought one other pants set from them about a year ago and returned it. I'm with you, carly, I don't think I'll be buying anymore and I prefer Dialogue. No big complaints, just personal preference. The fit and style of the Citiknits are nice. I just don't feel comfortable running around town in clothes that "feel like you're wearing pajamas" (as Susan Graver likes to say). Question: Susan Graver came out with a line of Lustra (sp?) knits. Stretchy fabric. Is that along the same lines as the citiknits fabric?

[shopreturn]

Citiknits is one of the few clothing lines I've wanted to try. I've not done so because of two thing:
1. Care. I'm not into hand-washing. I'm barely into doing laundry.
2. Fit. The measurements in the outfits do not fit my figure type. Their chest measurements are a good bit smaller than the hip measurements in the same size. I'm balanced. This is probably the only aspect of me or my life that IS in balance. : )
I'd have to buy for the chest measurements, and then have baggy pants. Not a flattering look!

what do y'all think?

[Curvigirl]

I tried it and returned it. I didn't like the feel of the fabric. And, it did seem a tad bit snug for the size. I figured it would probably just hang in the closet so back it went.

Does anyone know what happens to the clothes that are returned? I've always assumed they're repackaged and resold (if they haven't been worn or washed), but one of the hosts recently implied they're not. Maybe they go to QVC outlets?

[Denim&Co.]

Silverlady, I have the same citiknits outfit as you! I bought the black with tan on the scarf.

Curvigirl, I think that probably some clothes are repacked and resold. I'm sure undergarments go to the outlets( but who would want them there!) and beauty probably goes there. Either that or the samples and the garments the models wear have been returned.

Post Script(PS): Once I ordered a black sskirt and got a dark hunter green one in the mail, I only sent back that one thing.

[carly04]

There is a QVC Outlet store in my area.. I was there two times.... most of the clothes are so wrinkled, that I would never buy them... the only thing that was a good deal.. ( and not wrinkled) was some summer Dooney & Bourke from two years ago..... def. not a good deal for anything else.....

[toninutt]

I am a 2x and was shopping at the QVC outlet and found a citiknits 2-piece in black for an outstanding price-but it was a 1x. Tried it on anyway and it fit like a dream! Everytime I wear it I feel tall and thin, I love it, love it, love it!!!

[southrngal]

I can also give the thumbs-up for Citiknits. They're very comfortable and you can wash them on the gentle cycle and then just lay flat to dry and you don't even have to iron them! I can also answer the question about the returned clothes. I had ordered a sweater from the Lunchtime Special and it never showed up. I checked my Order Status and saw that it had been returned that very day. When I talked to Customer Service, I found out that the Post Office (for whatever reason) had sent it back without explanation. I asked if they could just send it back out to me and the rep said that they don't resell any returned clothes. Needless to say, I lost out on a good deal. She didn't say what they did with the items, though. I'd like to think that they donate them to a charity and get the write-off.

[Denim&Co.]

Looking at the program guide, I believe May 2, Fashion Day, will have a citiknits Today's Special Value. They have not had one since late fall last year.

[toninutt]

I think what they meant when they said they don't resell clothes is that they don't put returned items back into inventory to re-sell on air or iqvc. That's what they send to the outlets along with over-stocks or limited quantity items. I ordered one of those lunchtime special sweaters for $11. and though it was beautiful, it grew and stretched out in one wearing. Not a bargain at all!

[southrngal]

Thanks Toninutt for the info. Now I don't feel so bad that it got returned.

[toninutt]

Nope southrngal don't feel bad - one woman's return is another woman's outlet bargain! LOL

[shopreturn]

Denim
Hey there. I can now edit my posts. Still, don't expect perfection. : )

[shopreturn]

In addition to selling to outlets, QVC and HSN must also sell to companies/individuals who turn around and sell on ebay. Lots of sellers there offering Denim & Co. , Dialogue, Quacker,
etc.

Not a bad business, I'd think.

[toninutt]

Yes, I notice a lot of sales of QVC mdse on e-bay and I thought those people just scarfed everything up in the outlets and the lunchtime specials. I did get scammed once on e-bay, I did an instant purchase on a Dennis Basso faux fur for an unbelievable price and you know what they say...if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I never received the coat.

[shopreturn]

toninutt.
I do hope you filed complaint on that and got money back...from paypal. You have to be careful and look at seller's ratings. Even then, it's always a chance. I've only been lightly scalded in the past, nothing serious. And it was partially my own bad judgment.
and hi, nice to meet you! : )

[toninutt]

Filed many complaints, did not get money back as PayPal said there was no money in sellers account to refund to me (and MANY others as well). Seller later sent an e-mail saying she will refund the money, but that was months ago and ancient history by now. Pleased to meet you too, shopreturn!

[Denim&Co.]

I am looking foward to see if the Fashion Day TSV is citiknits, because right now I am unsure (Program Guide is vague!) if if it is citiknits or Denim&Co. Hey, now I think my user name should've been "citiknits." ;^)

[silvernut]

I love citiknits. The pieces are sooooo comfortable, and really do wash up well...I put them in one of those mesh lingere laundry bags (so they don't snag on anything else) and run them through the washer and hang dry. I have never had a problem.

The only thing that I don't like is that most of the time they only sell sets. How many pairs of the same black pants do you need??? I would like to see more tops that I can mix and match with the other pieces I already have.

[yankee]

GREAT IDEA, silvernut! i think i'd love love love the tops, but i'm not comfortable with the bottoms. (i like the support of my regular dress pants.) have you considered e-mailing them and asking for just tops?

[SBTZMom]

Value City here sells many QVC items...Quacker, Denim & Co, Citi-Knits etc. I bought 2 chenille Denim & Co sweaters, that I thought were an incredible buy ($12.99 each), and ended up returning them both. I wore the first one to school, and I was leaving a trail of shredded chenille. My students pointed it out to me. Needless to say I was surprised (given QVC quality control promises, and the fact that I have many Denim & Co chenille sweaters that do not shed)....soooooooooooo....I returned them to Value City, and spoke with the manager there. She said they get not only surplus to sell from QVC, but also batch items that have failed there quality control. Needless to say...no more Q purchases from Value City for me.

As for Citi-Knits, I do like their tops, and have 2 tunic tops, and they have held up great.