I’ve got a love hate relationship with online shopping. Whilst it’s great to be able to shop at my fingertips, sometimes it can be a bit tricky when it comes to shopping for clothes. Having gotten used to trying out clothes and seeing how they fit properly before we decide to buy, it would definitely need a little getting used to when it comes to doing it online. Some basics I keep to when shopping online for clothes are:
- Check the size guide
- Having a measuring tape handy
- Seeing if the site indicates how tall the model is to see what the length would be on myself
- Knowing your body shape and what suits you
So far I have bought a few clothing items online and touch wood, so far so good. While they all fit right when they arrive, there have been once instance where something I bought didn’t look right on me. Even though shipping to me was free, I would have to pay for shipping for items I need to return and for something that cost me GBP7, I thought I’d rather fix the dress than send it back. And I did!
Here are some more tips to look out for when shopping online, to make it worth your while:
- Free shipping – most stores overseas provide this if you spend a certain amount and in most cases you end up getting more stuff at a lesser price than when you do shop at a bricks and mortar store.
- Returns Policy – Read their returns policy before shopping with them, especially if you are unsure if something might actually suit you.
- Secure shopping – I normally shop at reputable online stores, and in most cases they are secure online, but if it’s a store that you haven’t heard of, then make sure you can easily contact them, that they have the https address on the web address bar on top.
- Shop small amounts first – If you are unsure of the quality of the product, then I would suggest buying something cheap, a price that you can part with if say they are not what they seem. That way you only loose say $20. I did this when I first hear of ASOS a while back. I bought a dress that was on sale, that was only for $20. While I paid for shipping, it still didn’t burn my pocket. Thankfully the quality and style of the dress was pretty good.
Finally, some stores I frequent online:
Dorothy Perkins – I’ve bought jackets, dresses and belts from here, and so far, prompt service, good quality and most of the time – pretty reasonable prices. I only ever shop when they’re having specials though and usually, because the seasons are different from ours, I would purchase clothes when they are having their end of season sales. What I also like about this site the fact that it also gives you the length if you’re looking at buying a dress.
ASOS – I think this store is now on everyone’s lips, with its awesome designs, pretty prompt service and affordable prices. A good point that I do have to share is the fact that they actually tell you the size the model is wearing and the height of the model, just so you can gauge what the sizing really is like. Plus, they’ve got free shipping to Australia on all orders.
Macy’s – I’ve never bought from Macy’s before, but Mr. C is an avid shopper there. Online of course. So far he’s bought himself some shirts that were on sale and even with postage costs he still saved. Shipping took about 2 weeks, which is pretty good.
Benefit Cosmetics – I know they’ve now got stores here in Australia, but honestly, when you calculate the price difference, you know you’re saving more when you purchase them online. For instance their They’re Real Mascara retails for AUD$38 but only for USD$22 on their online store. They also offer free shipping for orders above USD$125, which means you spend about AUD$118 and you get about 4 to 5 items or even more if they’re on special plus 2 samples that you can choose with your order. It takes approximately 2 weeks for your order to arrive (mine took that long at least).
And my recent bargain buys from Dorothy Perkins:
L-R: Beige & Orange print dress GBP25 (AUD$37 approx), Long sleeved Spotted Dress with lining for the skirt bit GBP$20 (AUD$30 approx), Floral Print Dress (fully lined) GBP7 (AUD$11 approx).
I also bought 2 belts for GBP 7 each, which I thought was pretty cheap. The dress I was talking about earlier is the last one in the photo. The elastic on the waist made the dress look funny on me – too puffy at the bottom, so I took the elastic off and wore it with a waist belt to give it some shape. Saved me some money from shipping it back to them.
Have you shopped online recently? What are the stores you normally shop at and what were your experiences like?
Baubles, Bubbles & Bags
12 comments
Nikki @ Styling You
February 4, 2012 at 7:04 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I love that orange dress, Norlin. Stunning! But I am obsessed by orange
I’ve had a great experience this week with Style Thread!
Nikki @ Styling You recently posted..What if you logged on one night and your blog just wasn’t there?
baublesb
February 5, 2012 at 9:51 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I’m not one to buy prints, but that colour combo just caught my eye. Loved the orange with the beige together. I have to check out Style Thread! Or did you mean Styletread?
Kate @ Puddles and Gumboots
February 4, 2012 at 8:38 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I have never really been game enough. I bought one dress once off eBay from an Australian designer that I liked and had bought before from a normal store and it was horrible. Fitted dreadfully and made me look about the size of a house. I really like that first orange dress though
Kate @ Puddles and Gumboots recently posted..Sensory Play – Rainbow Water Beads
baublesb
February 5, 2012 at 9:52 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Do you still have the dress? Do you know if you can fix it somehow? Maybe taking it in? You might be able to still save the dress.
Yolanda
February 4, 2012 at 10:01 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Orange dress FTW! I’ve had good luck with Benefit – shipping took exactly a week and yes the price difference is just enormous. Stores are just so blah with them all buying from the same supplier it depresses me more than it excites me.
Yolanda recently posted..Review: SAX Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner & Creme Eye Definer
baublesb
February 5, 2012 at 9:55 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Wonder why mine always takes almost 2 weeks with Benefit. Maybe different areas of Australia? But yes, HUGE price difference. Plus the exchange rate, oh my even more savings.
Tine
February 4, 2012 at 10:31 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Gorgeous frocks, Norlin! And good value too, during sales. Just wondering, did you have to get a mail forwarding service for Dorothy Perkins and Macy’s to ship here?
Tine recently posted..Are You A Made-In-China Snob?
baublesb
February 5, 2012 at 9:54 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks Tine. No need for mail forwarding service they both send to you directly. Good right…well not so good on the credit card though.
Trish
February 4, 2012 at 11:30 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I think I will be doing more online shopping now in Dubbo – great finds Norlin.
baublesb
February 5, 2012 at 9:53 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks Trish. I have to pace myself when it comes to shopping online…can get pretty ugly with the credit card!
Alyce {Blossom Heart}
February 6, 2012 at 12:26 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I love the orange dress too!!
Alyce {Blossom Heart} recently posted..Where Did Time Go?!
Susie
February 8, 2012 at 11:23 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Just thought I would mention that with ASOS, Dorothy Perkins & Macys that you have listed along with many other fashion retailers you can save lots of their online price by using cash back sites. We use cashrewards.com.au in Australia which pays up to 25% back in cash on each purchase you make, for the US fat wallet has great cash back offers.