Summary:
The quality is similar to a department store while slightly cheaper. Clothing does look like the photographs, though of course they fit me slightly different than on the models. Sizing was good. I did not try to return anything. Overall: satisfied and will probably order again.
Details: After reading so many bad reviews I was kinda scared, but there were good reviews too so I decided to try it out. First of all, I don't usually order from catalogs (that's how I found out about Venus), and second I'm a hard person to size in general. Relevant info about myself: 5'4'', 105lbs, size somewhere between 0 and 2. I usually buy all my clothes from department stores and even with them, spending $50 - $80 per dress, it's hit and miss. I ordered two dresses from Venus and a pair of shoes. The dresses are great! Of course I can nitpick, but considering they were $30 and $40, they were about the same quality I'd get at the department store. My nitpicking: the coat dress I bought is too large in the chest area. It looks fine but I'd have to wear a cami or an undershirt if I don't want to show my bra off to everyone. The rest of the dress, however, is amazing. My figure looks great! The second dress - sparkle mini lace dress - I'd say it'd look more flattering if the skirt started lower (but if you're tummy isn't perfectly flat like mine the higher waist line is probably beneficial), and the dress just lacks an overall wow factor. That being said it does make my breasts look amazing! I'm not sure how it would look for those more endowed than I (I am a solid A cup), but for those like myself I would seriously recommend it. Finally, the shoes were fine. I did expect better on them and the ankle straps are way too big (I'll have to make my own hole to fasten the shoes safely), but I have no doubt that I'll be wearing them soon. As I've said, overall I'm satisfied.