SHOPPERS at a major fashion brand have been left fuming after being banned from the site for “excessive” returns.

PrettyLittleThing has deactivated a number of customers’ online accounts because of the number of times they have returned orders.

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Baffled customers have insisted they haven’t returned enough to justify a ban from the retail giant.

Some of those affected have taken to social media to criticise the new policy, with many claiming they would return fewer items if the sizing of PLT clothes was more consistent.

One TikTok user vented her ban on the platform while demanding an explanation for the bizarre sanction.

Faye said on the social media: “The only reason I return clothes is because it’s poor quality, it’s not as described on the website, the sizing standards are awful – yet PrettyLittleThing still think it’s a clever move to ban people from shopping from them because they can’t stick to their descriptions of clothes.

She backed her claim by displaying an email that confirmed she had been banned “in accordance with terms and conditions” after reviewing her “account activity”.

This apparently revealed “unusually high returns activity” – disallowing her from placing “any further orders”.

Seeing both sides, Faye said she understood why they may have wanted to clamp down on “girls spending hundreds of pounds for content making PrettyLittleThing hauls”.

This is because some purchasers then go and return everything, but the TikToker remained confused over the decision to ban her given they’re an “online website”.

She added: “And if you say something’s a size 10 and it turns up fitting a size 6 girl instead, what do you expect?”

The most disgruntled customers are those who have paid £9.99 for PLT’s Royalty scheme, which offers free next day delivery and free returns to members. 

Fellow fuming customers took to Faye’s comments to express their frustration on the bizarre banning.

One user said: “I have an online account with them but I’ve never actually ordered anything, I got an email today. I think it’s a glitch.”

Another commented: “Very real. I’m FUMING; I’ve literally sent 3 orders back this year out of about 20 orders and it’s the sizing issues.”

And: “I’m the type of person to order loads of dresses for an occasion and then I’ll return what I won’t wear!”

Other users revealed how they had previously been sent the wrong order by PLT, and therefore don’t understand how the retailer could put such a ban on returns.

A disgruntled shopper said: “One time they sent me THE WRONG DRESS.”

Another added: “I got this, fuming. It’s okay though when they send the wrong items in an order, send orders out late, and take my royalty fee for the year that I paid for.”

PLT is part of the Boohoo Group and was founded by Mahmud Kamani in 2006 as an accessories-only brand that focused on selling trendy gear for cheap. 

It was co-founded and headed up by Umar Kamani, one of Mahmud Kamani’s sons, who was the catalyst in the brand’s celebrity appeal .

Despite the cheap price point of its items, PLT has executed a number of star-studded collaborations.

These include with the likes of supermodel Naomi Campbell and a number of sell-out collections with influencer Molly-May Hague.

PrettyLittleThing have been approached for comment.

Gold Prices Are Nearing the $2,800 Mark: Is It a Good Time to Invest?

The gold market has seen remarkable growth throughout 2024, with prices reaching new heights and breaking multiple records. The bull market for gold began in early March when prices soared to $2,160 per ounce, marking an 8% increase from the previous record set in December 2023. This upward trend has continued, with gold prices consistently breaking records as they climb. Currently, prices are approaching $2,800 per ounce. This rapid increase has led to substantial gains for investors who entered the market earlier this year. For instance, those who bought gold in March at $2,160 per ounce have experienced a nearly 27% rise in value since then. This is a significant increase in just a few months, especially for an asset typically associated with long-term growth. However, while early investors have reaped the benefits of this price surge, potential newcomers may be questioning whether now is the right moment to invest. The idea of purchasing at such high prices seems to contradict the fundamental investment principle of buying low and selling high. So, is it wise to invest in gold at this premium price?

Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Gold?

When considering your investment strategy, it’s essential to align it with your personal goals. That said, there are several compelling reasons to consider adding gold to your portfolio at this moment, despite its elevated price.

Potential for Further Price Appreciation

Although gold is currently trading near $2,800 per ounce, many analysts believe there is still potential for prices to rise even more. Some forecasts suggest that gold could hit $3,000 per ounce by the end of the year or shortly thereafter. This optimistic outlook is supported by several factors:

• Institutional Demand: Central banks worldwide are increasingly purchasing gold, which strengthens demand and supports higher prices. In 2023, they acquired over 1,136 metric tons, the highest in over five decades.
• Limited Supply: The finite nature of gold means that as demand increases, prices are likely to rise due to scarcity. Many major gold mines are approaching depletion, adding pressure to the supply chain.
• Industrial Applications: Gold is increasingly utilized in various industries, including electronics and healthcare. This growing industrial demand further enhances its value, as new applications create additional reasons for businesses to seek gold.

By investing now, you may be setting yourself up to take advantage of potential price increases in the future, even if the current price seems steep. Delaying your purchase might result in missing out on a more favorable entry point.

Safeguarding Against Economic Uncertainty

While inflation has eased considerably in recent months, it’s not the only economic factor that could affect your investment strategy. The global economy is still grappling with various challenges, such as persistent geopolitical tensions and economic instability. Historically, gold has been viewed as a dependable safeguard against these uncertainties, making it a wise choice to invest in now. Here’s how it can shield you in a volatile economic landscape:

• Preserving Purchasing Power: Gold has historically maintained its value over time, helping investors protect their purchasing power in the face of inflation and currency fluctuations.
• Safe-Haven Asset: During periods of economic distress or geopolitical tensions, gold often sees a surge in demand, serving as a reliable store of value when other investments falter.
• High Liquidity: Gold is easily convertible to cash, offering financial flexibility. Whether through physical gold or gold ETFs, investors can liquidate their holdings quickly during economic downturns, ensuring access to necessary funds.

The Importance of Portfolio Diversification

One of the key reasons investors include gold in their portfolios is its unique relationship with other assets. Gold has historically demonstrated a low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds, meaning that when the stock market faces downturns, as it has recently, gold often remains stable. By adding gold to your portfolio now, even at current elevated prices, you’re incorporating an asset that doesn’t move in tandem with traditional investments. This helps to lower the overall risk and volatility of your portfolio, ensuring that even if other investments are underperforming, a portion of your wealth stays safeguarded.

The Key Takeaway

The recent rise in gold prices has led some investors to wonder if it’s the right moment to make a purchase. Although investing in any asset at its peak can feel risky, there are compelling reasons to consider adding gold to your portfolio, even at these higher prices. The possibility of further price increases, the necessity for a dependable safeguard against persistent economic instability, and the diversification advantages that gold offers all highlight its lasting worth as an investment.

Related: Should I invest in Gold?

THE UK’s largest parcel delivery firm have announced their final send dates to ensure Christmas gifts arrive in time.

Evri has warned to send Christmas gifts as early as possible and not leave it to the last minute.

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As the festive season approaches, Evri has announced its final send dates to ensure Christmas gifts reach loved ones in time.

With the busy Christmas period ahead, Evri is encouraging customers to send their parcels as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rush.

Thursday 19 December will be your last chance for courier collections.

The deadline for sending standard delivery parcels from ParcelShops will be on Friday 20 December by 11am.

And the final cut-off point for next-day parcels being drop off at a ParcelShop will be 11am on 21 December.

Additionally, in preparation for the busy Christmas season, Evri has extended its successful partnership with the Post Office.

Starting in November 2023, this partnership allowed customers to send Evri parcels from 2,000 branches for the first time in the Post Office’s long history.

By the end of October 2024, more than 3,200 Post Office branches will offer Evri parcel drop-off services – significantly expanding Evri’s network to over 16,800 locations across the UK.

This includes Post Offices, Tesco Express stores, lockers, and many independent convenience stores.

Depending on the weight and size of your parcel, you could send your parcels from as little as £2.62 with Evri.

Find your nearest Evri ParcelShop here.

It comes as Royal Mail is set to make a major change to second class postal services as part of a new shake-up.

Under an overhaul being considered by the industry watchdog, the postal service could be allowed to ditch Saturday deliveries for second class letters.

Regulator Ofcom, which has been consulting on the future of the universal postal service since January, said it is now focusing efforts on changes to the second class service while keeping first class deliveries six days a week.

Under the plans being considered, second class deliveries would not be made on Saturdays and would only be on alternate weekdays, but delivery times would remain unchanged at up to three working days.

Ofcom said no decision had been made and it continues to review the changes, with aims to publish a consultation in early 2025 and make a decision in the summer of next year.

Royal Mail has urged the Government and Ofcom to review its obligations, arguing that it is no longer workable or cost-effective, given the decline in addressed letter post.

In its submission to Ofcom in April, it proposed ditching Saturday deliveries for second class post and cutting the service to every other weekday.

Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said: “If we decide to propose changes to the universal service next year, we want to make sure we achieve the best outcome for consumers.

“So we’re now looking at whether we can get the universal service back on an even keel in a way that meets people’s needs.

“But this won’t be a free pass for Royal Mail – under any scenario, it must invest in its network, become more efficient and improve its service levels.”

Larissa Dos Santos Lima’s Transformative Plastic Surgery Journey: Empowerment or Excess?

Larissa Dos Santos Lima, known for her captivating presence on 90 Day Fiancé, has made headlines for her extensive plastic surgery journey, investing over $72,000 in various procedures to transform her look. As a social media personality constantly in the spotlight, Larissa takes pride in sharing her experiences with fans, showcasing her quest for beauty and self-improvement.

In a revealing interview with Life & Style in September 2020, Larissa opened up about her motivations for these transformations. “I have family in Brazil and a younger boyfriend who is 28,” she explained. “Being in the public eye can be challenging. While I do face criticism, many of my supporters are genuinely curious about my procedures and fashion choices. I want to feel good about myself, support my family back home, and build a life for myself here.”

Courtesy of Larissa Dos Santos Lima/Instagram

The Belly Button Mishap

However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Larissa faced a distressing setback when she revealed that her belly button was “removed” during what she described as a “botched procedure.” In an emotional update, she disclosed that she underwent “three very painful revisions to create a belly button,” but unfortunately, it was never successfully fixed.

During a candid Instagram Story Q&A in September 2022, Larissa shared her thoughts on her body image post-surgery. Despite the hardships, she expressed that she is “pretty happy” with her current appearance and has decided to halt further cosmetic procedures. When a fan asked about the possibility of future surgeries, Larissa thoughtfully replied, “Sometimes I think about how my waist looks when I pose, but honestly, it’s a bit crazy to consider going under the knife just to have a smaller waist. At what point do you stop? I want to enjoy my life now … without worrying about my appearance.”

Larissa’s journey serves as a reminder that beauty is subjective and that the pursuit of self-love and acceptance often comes with its own unique challenges. As she moves forward, fans are eager to see how she continues to embrace her evolving identity in the public eye.

Courtesy of Larissa Dos Santos Lima/Instagram

The Hidden Dangers of Plastic Surgery Addiction: What You Need to Know

Plastic surgery can be a powerful tool for enhancing one’s appearance and boosting self-confidence, but it’s important to recognize the potential risks involved—both medical and psychological. The pursuit of beauty can sometimes lead to unhealthy obsessions, fueled by societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards that the industry perpetuates.

When celebrities like the Kardashians share their experiences with procedures like lip fillers or breast augmentations, it can spark a trend among fans and followers. This phenomenon helps explain the rising popularity of procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) and buccal fat removal. The desire to alter one’s body often stems from an aspiration to mirror the looks of beloved movie stars. However, a study published in the 2024 Journal of Media Psychology emphasizes the importance of managing expectations. It highlights the vast difference between the polished images we see on screen and the everyday realities of life.

Courtesy of Larissa Dos Santos Lima/Instagram

While cosmetic procedures can produce satisfying results, it’s essential to remember that they aren’t miraculous solutions. Celebrities benefit from a team of professionals, including makeup artists, nutritionists, publicists, and stylists, all contributing to the flawless images we admire. Unfortunately, these depictions can distort our perception of beauty, leading many to believe they need drastic changes to feel worthy or attractive.

The journey can become even more complicated when individuals find themselves unhappy with their results, often leading to additional surgeries in a quest for their ideal appearance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a consistent rise in cosmetic procedures in 2022, raising concerns about the potential for addiction to aesthetic changes. This underscores the necessity for thorough psychological assessments by medical professionals before agreeing to multiple or repeated surgeries.

Courtesy of Larissa Dos Santos Lima/Instagram

Empower Yourself with Thoughtful Choices

Cosmetic surgery can be transformative when approached with care and mindfulness. To minimize the psychological risks associated with surgery, here are some practical tips to consider:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Aim for achievable results rather than striving for perfection. Recognize that every individual’s experience is unique, and it’s unrealistic to expect drastic changes.
2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Keep communication lines open with your plastic surgeon and your loved ones. Discuss your motivations, concerns, and emotional well-being throughout the process.
3. Seek Professional Support: If you find yourself struggling with your emotions post-surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from mental health professionals.
4. Cultivate Media Awareness: Develop critical thinking skills when engaging with media portrayals of beauty and surgical outcomes. Understand that the notion of a “perfect look” is often a fantasy.

The relationship between plastic surgery and mental health is intricate and varies from person to person. Plastic surgeons play a vital role that extends beyond the operating room. By being aware of potential challenges and promoting informed decision-making, cosmetic surgery can become a source of empowerment rather than insecurity or disappointment. Remember, true beauty comes from within, and making thoughtful choices can help you feel confident in your skin, no matter what.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of plastic surgery requires careful consideration and self-reflection. It’s vital to prioritize your mental health while exploring ways to enhance your appearance. By fostering a healthy relationship with beauty standards and seeking the right support, you can embark on a journey that truly celebrates you.

A BIG change is coming to Premium Bonds next month and it could affect your chances of winning. 

NS&I has announced that it will slash Premium Bonds prizes from the December draw onwards.

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The Treasury-backed savings provider has revealed that prize fund rates will be reduced to 4.15% from 4.40% currently – weakening the chances of you winning big.

Back in March, the NS&I prize fund rate was cut from 4.65% to 4.40%.

Chances of winning will fall from 22,000 to 1 from where it was 21,000 to 1 previously.

There will still be an estimated two prizes of £1million in the December draw, the same as in October.

But in total there will be an estimated 5,726,438 prizes worth £435,686,300 in December, down from 5,991,306 prizes worth £461,330,525 this month.

It comes after the Bank of England cut base rates for the first time in a year in August, and further reductions are expected over the coming months.

NS&I, which is backed by the Treasury, has a duty to balance the needs of savers, taxpayers and the wider financial market.

Andrew Westhead, NS&I retail director, said: “As the savings market continues to change, we need to lower the rates on some of our products to help us meet our net financing target, while also ensuring we continue to balance the interests of our savers, taxpayers and the broader financial services sector.

“Even with the changes, we’re still expecting to pay out over 5.7million prizes worth over £435million in the December Premium Bonds draw.”

Not only that but for the first time since November 2020, NS&I will cut interest rates for Direct Saver and Income Bonds.

From November 20, the variable interest rate for Direct Saver and Income Bonds will change to 3.75% AER (annual equivalent rate), from 4% at the moment.

A new two-year issue of British Savings Bonds has also gone on sale offering 4.10% AER for the Guaranteed Growth Bond option and 4.09% AER for the Guaranteed Income option, both down from previously offered rates of 4.25%.

What do the experts say?

And finance experts at AJ Bell revealed that most Premium Bond holders will never win a prize.

Recent figures from an FOI obtained by AJ Bell showing two-thirds of those holding the bonds have never won.

Laura Suter, director of personal finance at AJ Bell, said: “Premium Bonds will see their ‘effective prize rate’ drop to 4.15% and their odds reduced to 22,000 to 1 from the December draw, something which may prompt some of the around 22.5million bond holders to reconsider their position.

“The prize rate only accounts for the average rate paid out on prizes, but in reality there is no guarantee of receiving any return as many bond holders will never win a prize, particularly those with smaller amounts of cash saved in the bonds.”

When you factor in that many people will have been holding Premium Bonds for decades, perhaps receiving them as gifts when they were young, that means they may have missed out on significant returns in a higher paying cash account or by investing.”

She also said the change is a sign that the savings market is preparing for more interest rate cuts from the Bank of England.

She said: “Despite the interest rate cuts, these accounts are still likely to continue to be very popular as they are backed by NS&I and many savers have huge brand loyalty to the organisation.

“But with another interest rate cut now expected at the next Bank of England monetary policy meeting in November, as well as potentially a further cut in December, savers should remain alert to the changes in the savings market and explore the best rates where they can.”

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance, Hargreaves Lansdown, agree that the news reflects the market and that the Premium Bond prize rate has “finally been hit with the business end of the savings rate scythe”.

She explained: “This was always going to happen eventually. NS&I has a duty not to overpay for the money it raises for the Treasury, which means the prize rate needs to be middle of the pack within the easy access savings market.

“After the Bank of England rate cut, these have been heading downhill, albeit impressively slowly. Moneyfacts figures show the average easy access account is currently offering 3.04% – compared to 3.13% two months ago, and Premium Bonds have finally succumbed.”

Ms Coles did point out that the prize rate doesn’t reflect what you’ll make in these bonds, and because of the “lumpy” way that prizes are awarded, the average person with £1,000 in bonds will still win nothing in the average month.

“The lengthening of the odds of a win should be food for thought for anyone who is holding money in these accounts and losing money after inflation,” she added.

Referring to the rate reductions on the new launch of British Savings Bonds, Ms Coles added: “You can do far better elsewhere, with the best on the market offering 4.6%.

“And while the Treasury guarantee of your savings and the attraction of the brand will go a long way, for plenty of people it’s not going to make up enough ground. These bonds look unlikely to shake or stir anyone.”

What are Premium Bonds?

Premium Bonds are a type of savings account that don’t offer interest payments like conventional accounts.

Instead, you’re given the chance to win a prize worth up to a whopping £1million every month.

Premium Bonds can be bought from the government-backed National Savings and Investments (NS&I) which also offers a variety of other savings products too.

Because Premium Bonds are government-backed, your money is safe and there’s no risk of losing your cash.

You can put money in and take it out whenever you want but need to put in a minimum of £25 to get started and you can invest up to £50,000.

Each £1 you put in Premium Bonds is an entry into the monthly prize draw.

What are the Premium Bond prizes?

The draw is held each month and the winning number is picked by a computer called ERNIE (which stands for electronic random indicator equipment).

There are three kinds of prizes:

• Higher value prizes of £5,000, £10,000, £25,000, £50,000, £100,000 and £1million
• Medium value prizes of £500 and £1,000
• Lower value prizes of £25, £50 and £100

How likely am I to be a winner?

The chance of winning a prize with an individual bond right now is 21,000 to one.

Each bond has an equal chance of winning and the more you buy, the more your chances improve.

You can check your odds depending on how many bonds you have and how long you’ll keep them using MoneySavingExpert.com’s helpful calculator.

This makes it easier to see if Premium Bonds are right for you, or if you’d be better off with another savings account.

It’s also worth noting that Premium Bond winnings are tax-free.

Anyone who has used up their annual ISA limit or personal savings allowance could benefit by saving into Premium Bonds.

How do I check if I have won?

You can use the NS&I Premium Bond prize checker online to see if your numbers have come up.

You’ll need to know the numbers of your Premium Bonds which you can find on your Bond record or online account.

If you’ve lost track of your numbers you can reach out to NS&I and ask for them.

There’s also an official app for iPhones and for Androids for checking prizes too, and even an App for Amazon Echo which means you can just ask Alexa.

For this, you will need to use your NS&I number rather than each Premium Bond number.

It’s 11 digits long and should be on any communication you’ve had with NS&I.

You don’t always need to check your numbers as you can get prizes under £5,000 paid straight into your bank account, or automatically buy more Premium Bonds.

For higher value prizes worth more than £5,000 NS&I will contact you by post and if you scoop the £1million jackpot, someone will pay you a visit to let you know!

Note that NS&I will no longer send out prize cheques in the post.

Before you sign up, it’s important to check how it compares to the rest of the market to make sure you get a good deal.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories