Colombo's online retailers are ruling the roost now, and Royal and Regal appears to be on top of the accessory game, at least if Instagram is any indication. With loads of social media nangis flashing their oversize sunnies and perspex shoes online, we decided to try them out ourselves.
What They've Got
Accessories appear to be the main draw – mostly sunglasses and shoes. They've got a few clothing options as well, but the choices aren't extensive and don't really get updated frequently (as you'd expect from a fast fashion spot). We do like their cute pineapple tee though. Shoes are pricey and on-fashion, but sizes are limited. You can expect to pay about Rs. 4000 for block heels and Rs. 6000 upwards for perspex heels. Watch out for their rose gold perspex heels, they're a crowd fave.
How to Shop
They sometimes have pop ups around Colombo or stock in shops like Beverly Street, but your best bet is to head to their very easy to use website. You can pay either with card or cash, but cash is an additional 250 rupees within Colombo. Their card option is a fairly easy payment portal via PayPal that accepts either Paypal, credit card, or debit card. You pay, get a confirmation, and they'll coordinate with you about a delivery time (generally a day or two in Colombo city limits).
Be cautioned though, I paid in dollars (the default option) and only later I realised there was an option to change the currency to LKR, which would have been a few hundred rupees cheaper. That was a bit annoying.
The Experience & Service
The site itself is superbly easy to manoeuvre, and it won't take you more than a minute or two to figure out what you want and make your order and payment. The service was also seamless and very friendly. I got an immediate transaction email, and a text asking when delivery would be convenient for me. We set a time, they stuck to it, and I was happy. The product was also packed and signed off by hand, which was a nice touch.
The Product
I ordered a Reid Avenue pair of matte black sunnies at $16.99 (which charged my card Rs. 2703) – definitely pricey unless you're shelling out for branded eyewear. The glasses themselves are clearly a fast fashion product, with no self-branding or indication as to where they were manufactured/sourced.
They did look exactly like the photo, but there was a definite flimsiness to the feel of the material, and they didn't sit comfortably on me. I'd definitely rock these for a nice poolside cocktail or party, but not for extended periods of time or for heavy duty wear like taking a tuk every day to work or going on safari. As for their durability, time will tell.
Overall
Their stuff is cute, but limited, so hopefully they'll update their selection and stock soon. The quality is something you'd expect from asos or other online brands, but the price is a bit higher. However, you're paying for adorable packaging, friendly service, and very quick delivery.
