When I ordered my sweater just over a week ago, I expected Bluefly to have it in my possession within 5 to 7 days, as I actually paid for 5 to 7 day shipping. But the shipping gods were, apparently, not on my side. While DHL did manage to move the package from Bluefly's Virginia shipping facility to my friendly neighborhood post office in a timely fashion, the United States Postal Service failed to deliver my package until today.

However, when my friendly neighborhood post person delivered the small brown box this afternoon, I realized that it was well worth the wait.

Bluefly, in addition to providing a great sweater at an even more unbelievable price, did an impeccable job of packing and presenting my sweater and the other items in the box. The sweater itself came in an easy-to-open poly bag, which the packers had mercifully sealed shut with regular Scotch tape, making the sweater extraction process far less painful than the usual pseudo wresting match one must endure. A marvelous layer of royal blue tissue paper covered the poly bag, adorned with a lovely (somewhat Apple-esque) "Enjoy" sticker.

To make the experience complete, Bluefly even included an empty Bluefly shopping bag to mimic that of a traditional retail outlet. Though, I suppose that, without the bag, the package would weigh less, thus marginally reducing the shipping cost and, more importantly, reducing the nation's consumption of fossil fuels. But detrimental side effects aside, the bag was a nice touch.

Nothing, however, not even the included cashmere care guide, can begin to compare to the brilliance of the included return envelope. Never before have I ordered something online with such a sublimely simple method of product return. Bluefly included a giant DHL mailing pouch and label to facilitate the easy, postage paid return of any unsatisfactory items.

But Bluefly CEO Melissa Payner need not worry; I intend to keep the sweater.