Fashion // The Beginner’s Guide to Shopping Online

Online shopping: a blessing, an addiction, maybe something your just a little bit scared of or overwhelmed by? Well, if you feel the latter describes you – you are certainly not alone. Online shopping is all about the approach you take. With everything out there online these days online shopping can definitely seem very daunting.  Here we have for you, a beginners guide to online shopping, from someone who knows it way too well.

Basic Steps

Your first step should be to make sure you know your size and if there are certain brands that fit your body well. It’s an awful feeling when you open he package that you were go excited for and its too big or too small.

Second Step: think if you are shopping for anything in particular. If you go in knowing what you are looking for you will be able to navigate websites more effectively, which will save you time and frustration. *This will also keep you from spending money on items that you don’t need

Third Step: think about the brands that you know, love and are most loyal to. As I mentioned before, if you are nervous about fit, this will make you feel more comfortable with your purchase. However, always sticking to the same companies could possibly limit your wardrobe.

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Down to Business

Whenever I shop online, I always look at the sites that I know and trust. Like most of you, I love a good deal. Typically, the first sites I check out are the sites that I get daily emails from, which frequently happen to be flash sale sites. Here are some of my faves:

• Gilt Groupe
• Ideeli
• Hautelook
• Ruelala
• The Online Clothing Boutique
• Open Sky
• Fab

These sites are also great if you are just looking for an amazing deal. Another amazing site to check out for great and fashionable deals is Little Black Bag. Check out our full article about Little Black Bag!

Next I’ll check out sites that I know have the brands I like. These tend to be department stores, or general full-price e-commerce shops. Here are a few more of my personal picks:

• Singer22
• Planet Blue
• Shop Bop
• Messes of Dresses
• Intermix
• H&M
• Urban Outfitters
• Free people
• Anthropologie
• Nordstrom

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Wrapping it up

A few extra tips:

• Even though sites like Etsy and Wanelo have a plethora of brands/items, they can have some amazing finds. Don’t forget that you can also use Stumble Upon as a tool to discover new sites.
• If you’re looking for basic pieces check out StyleMint, and other stores that are known for their great basics – like Madewell, J. Crew and Gap.
• If you are looking for a dress for a special occasion, don’t forget about Rent The Runway. RTR allows you to rent designer dresses so that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on something you may only wear once.

Good luck with your shopping! If you find a great site that you want to share, just post a link in the comments sections below!